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OSHA Handrail Height
2

OSHA Handrail Height

OSHA Handrail Height

(OP)
Per OSHA 1910.23(e)(1)
A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.

My question is has OSHA ever defined "nominal" for a range when dealing with the top handrail. I am currently working on a job to make some hand rail meet OSHA. The current hand rails vary from approx. 41 1/2" to 42". The customer needs something stated nominal means it can be slightly lower so I am looking of something from OSHA already released while I pose the question on the OSHA website. Any help is appreciated.

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

SRE...is this a recent amendment by OSHA?

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

No, that +/- 3 inches has been around for at least 5 years.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

OSHA 1926....is for fall protection/construction......I usually refer to 1910.23(e)(1) when designing permanent handrail....

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

I have always insisted on the 42" in design.....from a practical and engineering perspective a 1/2" variance in this case makes no differnce at all...but that is not the issue here...I have always tried to eliminate the possibility of encountering an inspector down the road who would insist on the 42"...if it is in the design stage, I would go with the 42"..if already fabricated, then check with the local code enforcement for a pass/waiver....
SRE...you may be correct in it being legal...but how would one go about confirming that?

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

SAIL3, every physical measurement must have a tolerance.

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

I wonder whether 42" was derived from some calculations or empirical study of the Cg heights of the majority of Americans, or if it's somewhat arbitrary.

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

As an aside, you can't rely on AISC tolerances on handrails because they are specifically excluded under the definition of "Structural Steel".

RE: OSHA Handrail Height

I am also got clear idea about that 42 inch clarification on this discussion

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