The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking to update its handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard.
The proposed update will clarify language regarding handrails and stair rail systems that was finalized in 2016.
“From the number of questions and requests, OSHA believes there is confusion in the stakeholder community regarding when handrails are required on stairs, as well as what the height requirements are for handrails on stairs and for stair rail systems, depending on date of installation,” OSHA stated.
Proposed changes include clarifying that a stair rail system with a handrail is required on the open side of certain stairways, and easing a restriction on previously installed stair rail systems by allowing the top rail of those systems to serve as a handrail when it is as low as 30 inches.
OSHA is not reopening discussion for the regulatory decisions made in the original 2016 rulemaking but is inviting comments to the proposed language changes regarding the handrails and stair rail systems requirements.
Comments on the proposed updates, due by July 19, can be submitted here.
