When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". 2Height. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrail s on both sides. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 5. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the heights of handrail and top rail of stair rail systems, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. Handrails and guardrails. 5″. L. 28(c)(2)(ii. 851 (b) All stairs, passageways, ladders and incidental equipment thereto, which are covered by this section, shall be periodically inspected and maintained in a clean safe condition. Requirements for barriers and handrails. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. OSHA requires stair landings to be at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches in depth, measured in the direction of travel [OSHA 1910. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. The OSHA catwalk handrail request are found in OSHA sections 1910. 21 (b) as: OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. (1910. Beginning with the general requirements: All stairways constructed in the State of California must be at least 24 inches in width and must be fortified with appropriate stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. A (half-tread width) B. 1. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. §ïßMfk ±¢l ¶DôŸ9 r FÄÚy° i]0 é1,¸ ò·X¿ ?ré,‚Å & 6 A+V V× ô÷†ä—‡ «¾l &¯†i“ r€ïÍ ÐÅ á}§¥@Ú ¿³j‡lôHUSf^ —ÚÇ3Bgû Räo¨ç yߨœA+¨nEÀ. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. Handrails must be between 30–38 inches high from the leading stair edge. Rise. As a means of egress, exterior exit stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IBC section 1011. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. The employer must ensure: (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. The gripping surface on top of the handrail should be mounted between 34. OSHA 1910. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Stairways . Compliance. (4) Standard guardrails shall be installed on stairway platforms. This section covers the general requirements for installing, using, and maintaining handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems on all stairways, except for some exceptions. Exterior stair width code. 5 and 107 cm* +. You should consider whether they: are well lit; have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings; have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;Further, OSHA standard 1910. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. S. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. 2. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Plastic ladders: ANSI A14. 8. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one. §3214. The railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. Means of Egress. - 08/30/1999. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. Handrail design 26 14. Ramp design 29 16. 5-35. The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. 5. (ii) When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. Other stair requirements of 7. S. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. It stands to reason that stairways must be safe. For these stair rail systems, the top rail may serve as a handrail, provided the top rail is 36 to 38 inches in height (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail) and meets all other handrail requirements in §1910. Standard height requirements for each are stated in (f)(1). The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width. If you are using a circular. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. 2. Stairwells and Stairs. 5 cm. 25″ and 2″. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. Enforcement. 25 inches and 1. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. The basics of handrail standards and when they apply. 2). - 10/01/2012. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. 1 This standard deals with the safety requirements to be provided in buildings where there is danger of persons or materials falling through floor or wall openings, or from stairways, or catwalks. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal. Safety Requirements. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards. Stair Rails and Handrails. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Vertical clearance. g. Stairwells and Stairs. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. See all powder-coated color options. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. 7. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. WIDTH ≥ 22” between railings. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Stair Rails and Handrails. (c) Stair rails and handrails. The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. 3. A walkway handrail instead guardrail system is requested to anything catwalks height than 4' above ampere lower level. 1050(a) Scope and application. Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. g. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Guard Height Requirements: The absolute minimum height requirement for residential guard railing is 36” in some states, although states (like California) have a minimum of a 42” handrail height. 7. You can make your trip up or down a flight of stairs much safer if you remember to use the handrail. 6] OSHA uses the terms ship stair and ship ladder interchangeably while IBC uses the term ships ladder. 5. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. Railing spaced from. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. The Acceptable Solution F4/AS1 (Table 1) requires barrier heights in buildings other than housing to be 900mm on stairs and ramps, and 1100mm elsewhere. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 2). To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must: Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. 1910. Must have an outside diameter of at least 1 ¼” but no greater than 2”. (2) Trim shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 1/2 inches. Stair Rails and Handrails. The required number of handrails is 2. __. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. Height. The U. 502(a)(1) Fall protection systems required by this part shall comply with the applicable provisions of this sectionThese requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Not only are the treads generally deeper, but also there are usually more treads required. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. Code compliant products. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. 144(a)(3) was not meant to state directly or by implication that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right side descending. Then OSHA requires guards at 42". 1014. 13 Stair Rails. "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when:Reply #2: Yes. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. ☐ Are stairway handrails 30-38 inches above the leading edge of stair treads? ☐ Are stair rail systems 30 or 42 inches* inches above the leading edge of stair treads? * Stair rail systems minimum height: installed before Jan. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Be alert and keep focus on your safety. 2. 10, 1999)), OSHA offered the following explanation: . *. See 55 Federal Register 13396 (April 10, 1990). However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. new stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 6 feet 6. Stair Rails and Handrails. References. Distance. The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. The minimum run is nine inches. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). It focuses entirely on clarifying and allowing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s stricter rules for handrails and stair rail systems, which were completed in 2016. Subchapter 7. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. Stair railings. Stair Handrail requirements: Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches (2235 mm) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches (2235 mm) or required width. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. 1910. 1(b)Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). Landings and platforms. Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. These. 1926. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Stair Rails as Handrails. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. 1926. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, which must meet the 42-inch height standard. The provision refers to existing Table D–2, Stairway Handrail. reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. 6. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. May 26, 2021 OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. - 08/30/1999. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. 1060) are explained in this discussion. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. Strength. (d) Designated areas. Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing , or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). 31-1/2 inches. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), asThe standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. OSHA Handrail Standards. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure:. Our ladders use heavy-duty aluminum alloy, so you can rest assured that they can handle your load requirements without. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. The questions below have been restated for clarity. (1) A stairway shall be equipped with a stair railing or handrail as follows: (a) A stairway which is not more than 44 inches wide and which has enclosed sides shall have a handrail on the right descending side. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. Basement entry stairs, steps, handrails: this document describes details for constructing, repairing, or inspecting basement stairs, railings, landings, treads, exterior entries to basements, basement stairwell covers & drains, and related conditions for safety and proper construction. Decorative Materials. Under OSHA Section 1910. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. However, it is still recommended to install handrails for safety purposes, especially if there are elderly individuals, children, or individuals with mobility limitations in the building. The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread. (b) General requirements. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. This is consistent. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. Rod Smith, P. 28(b)(11)(ii) states that a flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must be equipped with stair rail system. Stairs. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. 1910. O. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. It also specifies the dimensions,. Handrail must be continuous. 1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 3. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. SCOPE AND APPLICATION The OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. 21(b)(5). Stair railings shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any direction, and shall not be more than 36 inches (0. 2. 2. Handrails OSHA Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. 1 scope. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. The riser height and tread depth must be the same within each flight of stairs, and should not exceed 1/4 inch (0. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. Pursuant to §1910. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements: 1917. This is more than the 1. 23. Stair railing. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. 2. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. OSHA requires stair landings to be at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches in depth, measured in the direction of travel [OSHA 1910. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. 4. IMDG, TDG, MSHA, OSHA, and Canada OHS Regulations and Safety Online Training Since 2008 This document is provided as a training aid and may not reflect current laws and regulations. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Exceptions: 1. In the U. Handrails not shown for clarity. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. 1915. 21(b)(1) and 1910. With its most recent announcement, OSHA proposes to clarify the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard requirements without changing the intent of the. Handrail height shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches and not more than 34 inches. A. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. The Agency has determined that such deviation will not compromise employee safety, so long as the stair tower otherwise complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(4). Railings in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier along steps or stairs. That is why every flight of stairs having four. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. 1910. and alternating tread stairs are not subject to these requirements. SPS 321. Stair Rails and Handrails. 10. It’s also crucial to ensure your workers follow effective general stair safety protocols while at work, as doing so will limit the chances. A proposed rule announced by OSHA on May 20 would update certain handrail and stair rail system requirements for the agency’s general industry walking-working surfaces standard. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. All workers in the United States must abide by the occupational safety and health regulations set forth by Federal OSHA. This sheet is designed to provide information to enhance the public safety of all Vermonters. 24 (a) (2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot. Height. Stairways typically consist of: Landing Platform; Handrail or Stair Rail System; Steps (Risers)A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. Handrails shall not project more than 4. The run (tread length) should be a minimum of 223mm and a maximum of 320mm. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. 5 inches and if a handrail is provided on both sides, the minimum clear width is 27 inches. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. We hope you find this information helpful. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. A handrail and a wall or OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. Stair Rails and Handrails. • There must be a stair rail at each open side. Box 483 Thonotosassa, FL 33592. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. Stair Rails and Handrails. OSHA REGULATIONS for TEMPORARY STAIRS & RAILINGS; OSHA REGULATIONS for STAIR RAILINGS & GUARDRAILS; OSHA 1926. There are a number of regulations related to the design and placement of handrails in permanent structures, and those rules vary based on the intended use of this safety system. 75(f) Access to wing walls from floors of dry docks shall be by ramps, permanent stairways or ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915. This specially designed Stair /. General requirements. S. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2015 Division 3 437-003-0001 X - 1 437-003-0001 437-003-0001 Adoption by Reference In addition to, and not in lieu of, any other safety and health codes contained in OAR Chapter 437, the Department adopts by reference the following federal regulationsIn addition, OSHA is considering if the unprotected sides and edges of landings for scaffold stairways covered by subpart L need to be provided with guardrail systems that meet the requirements of proposed subpart L alone, or whether those guardrails must also satisfy the criteria of proposed subpart M (51 FR 42718, November. OSHA is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. §3214. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 4-1979 - Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders. REDD Team Flex-Step OSHA Stair – This Flex-Step OSHA Stair is an adjustable 28″or 35″ threshold stair designed for modular buildings, construction trailers and field offices that need to meet OSHA regulations. 1. A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the 2 rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. U. 1) 1. where total occupant load of all. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. ( 1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a maximum riser height of 9. [ §504] Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. However, OSHA would consider the 36- to 37-inch height of the railing in the first drawing as a de minimis violation of the standard. Since many employers installed new railings at that height, OSHA is proposing to expand the height range by allowing a railing of 30 to 38 inches. Subchapter 4.