Industrial Stairs

[ATSE]

IBC addresses stairs in chapter 10. Limits on rise and run are strict.

For industrial and non-building structures, such as an observation tower, I do not believe IBC chapter 10 applies. Industrial plants have narrow and steep stairs at locations where access is rare or limited to non-public (such as operators). Even where fire exit and means of egress are required, if the occupant load is less than 5, 7:11 stairs seem a bit overkill.

However, I don't have much code backing for this position.
I believe OSHA 1910 covers industrial stairs, but not sure if there is another reference document.

What national code defines industrial stair parameters (rise, run, width, risers, handrail...)?

 

[ToadJones]

I recently ran into this same problem where I had an industrial stair with a rise around 9". I do not believe IBC applies. I asked on this forum so maybe you could search but I am pretty sure the frequency of use has a lot to do with it.

 

[SAIL3]

OSHA 1910 covers industrial stairs. In addition to this, some local codes(state/county) often have their own additional requirements. Some customers have their own in-house specs on industrial stairs toobtain uniformity thu-out their plants.
I belieIf,for the most part, IBC applies to access where public
use is a design condition. Also NAMM has a metal stair manual.
Frequent issues are the summation of rise and run which, if I
remember correctly, should equal 17"to 18". Ofcourse, min. tread width should accomodate a human foot. OSHA used to have a requirement that treads less than 9" should be open risers, but
can not find it now in the their most recent revisions.
If the access is for infrequent use(maintenance) and not for
egress, then some leeway in interpretating the codes may be possible.
In the past, I have designed maintenance platforms that were 18"
wide due to space restrictions with the approval of the customer,
ofcourse.