STAIRWAYS
The following general requirements apply to all stairways used during the process of construction, as indicated:
Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is performed
must have landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or
less of vertical rise.
Stairways must be installed at least 30 degrees, and no more than 50 degrees, from the horizontal.
Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed 1/4 inch in any stairway system,
including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.
Where doors or gates open directly onto a stairway, a platform must be provided that is at least 20
inches (51 cm) in width beyond the swing of the door.
Metal pan landings and metal pan treads must be secured in place before filling.
All stairway parts must be free of dangerous projections such as protruding nails.
Slippery conditions on stairways must be corrected.
Spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure may not be used by workers.
The following requirements apply to stairs in temporary service during construction:
Except during construction of the actual stairway, stairways with metal pan landings and treads must
not be used where the treads and/or landings have not been filled in with concrete or other material,
unless the pans of the stairs and/or landings are temporarily filled in with wood or other material. All
treads and landings must be replaced when worn below the top edge of the pan.
Except during construction of the actual stairway, skeleton metal frame structures and steps must not
be used (where treads and/or landings are to be installed at a later date) unless the stairs are fitted with
secured temporary treads and landings.
Temporary treads must be made of wood or other solid material and installed the full width and depth
of the stair.
STAIRRAILS AND HANDRAILS
The following general requirements apply to all stairrails and handrails:
Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height, whichever is
less, must have at least one handrail. A stairrail also must be installed along each unprotected side or
edge. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must
not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the
stairrail to the surface of the tread.
Winding or spiral stairways must be equipped with a handrail to prevent using areas where the tread
width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
Stairrails installed after March 15, 1991, must not be less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height.
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members
must be provided between the top rail and stairway steps of the stairrail system.