How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
(OP)
I have been searching for the maximum clearance above the finished floor which a platform may be before it requires handrails. I have found several references to a 30" maximum height, on various websites. Most of them purport to be reporting OSHA regulations. But I have been entirely unsuccessful in finding the actual code citation to justify the 30". Does anyone know where, in OSHA Code, that 30" appears?






RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
OSHA
1926.501(b)(1)
"Unprotected sides and edges." Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Sonoma County, CA rules for _stair_ handrails, in part:
Stairways shall have handrails on each side unless specifically exempted by one or more of the following exceptions.
EXCEPTIONS:
...
4.
Changes in room elevations of only one riser within dwelling units and sleeping units in group R-2 occupancies do not require handrails.
I read "changes in room elevation" as not substantially different from "platform", so two steps up would require a handrail, at least next to the steps.
I have seen people fall off stage risers, only one step up, and not be real happy about the results. I have fallen off "changes in room elevation" and into "conversation pits" in fashionable homes and not been real happy about it. Even if the only injury is spilled beer (horrors!) and a soiled carpet, somebody will curse the architect/engineer.
</pet peeve>
So it depends on where you are, and what type of building you're in, and how the local AHJ rules, but I'd want a written dispensation from the cognizant insurance carrier before doing without handrails anywhere, even for just one step up.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
I can't find my references, but it might derive from ADA. Not sure about that, though. I don't think it's OSHA.
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
My question and I have NEVER seen a good answer to this - what about stages???
We have all read about famous stars or seen YouTube videos of people falling off of stages.
What about those?????
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
In case you're wondering about the permissibility of it, stages are specifically excluded from the requirement in the same IBC section JAE referred to.
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Having an actual code citation makes the discussions far more fruitful. Thanks again.
If anyone has a citation for the 4' height, could you shoot that long as well? That would be mostly for interest rather than need, as my application is industrial. Thanks
Vernon
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Life does have some risk and we acknowledge it and live with it.
I think if you read OSHA 1926.452 Part L - I think it is 10' - might be 8'
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
-- (General Duty Clause)
OSH Act of 1970, SEC. 5. Duties
(a) Each employer --
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
--
1910.22(c)
"Covers and guardrails." Covers and/or guardrails shall be provided to protect personnel from the hazards of open pits, tanks, vats, ditches, etc.
--
1910.23(c)(1)
Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides,
(i) Persons can pass,
(ii)There is moving machinery, or
(iii)There is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard.
--
But the rule for stairs and along exit ways is more restrictive, and there is not minimum height before they are required:
1910.24(h)
"Railings and handrails." Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 1910.23.
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
Someone here has to be crazy...
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: How high must a platform be to require a handrail?
BTW OSHA 1926.501(2) Subpart M says 6 feet. So why do roofers NEVER use fall protection??