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OSHA Stair Regulations in Texas

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for administering and enforcing workplace conditions and establishing guidelines for state laws to prevent employee injuries and illnesses. One aspect of OSHA regulations regards how a building or other job site is constructed related to stairways in permanent settings and temporary situations as well. OSHA stair regulations in Texas establish federal mandates that are complemented by Texas state requirements.

  1. Fixed Stair Regulations

    • The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the body of laws that includes all aspects of OSHA standards for workplace safety. Title 29, Section 1910 is the portion of these federal laws that cover OSHA regulations. Subsection 1910.24(b) includes language for fixed stairs in industrial settings for both interior and exterior stair systems, not including fire exit stairs. This includes stairs around machinery and equipment as well as between floors or leading to platforms or pits, especially where hazardous chemicals are transported or tools and other equipment is carried by hand. Spiral stairways are not allowed in OSHA stair regulations in Texas (or any other state) except if it is for a temporary usage or if no other practical access is possible, such as checking gauges or accessing mixing and holding tanks of a circular shape where the diameter of the object is not less than 5 feet.

    OSHA Guardrail Regulations

    • Subsection 1926, Title 29 of the CFR relates to railing systems used either in buildings or those that are newly-constructed or remodeled as part of a job site project. 1926.502 provides OSHA stair regulations in Texas for guardrails and handrails on stairways between floors in buildings or in instances such as mall construction projects. The top edge of a railing must be 42 inches (plus or minus 3 inches) above the floor or walking area. Intermediate supports, mesh screens, or mid-rails must be included where there is no wall of at least 21 inches in height near the stairway to prevent workers falling through rails or dropping materials down to the areas below. Top rails must be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of weight within 2 inches of the top edge of the railing in an outward or downward direction. Downward stress on the top rail of at least 200 pounds cannot be deflected lower than 39 inches from the top rail. These stresses must be consistent and be able to meet stress tests that OSHA or building code inspectors in Texas are required to conduct at random intervals.

    Tread and Riser Regulations

    • The tread (surface of the step) and riser (height of the step) factors are also covered under OSHA stair regulations in Texas. Stair widths are a minimum of 44 inches, and must be able to withstand up to five times the average "live load" (human weight plus carried load) and never less than 1,000 pounds at any time. Table D-1 of subsection 1910.24(e) provides the accepted ratio of angle-to-width/height dimensions for treads and risers. For instance, a 30-degree angle for a stairway that is 35 feet in total length (including railings) requires at least 6.5 inches in riser height and 11 inches in tread depth. Additionally, overhead clearance from any point of a stairway must be a minimum of 7 feet, including any protruding object or obstruction in the ceiling above a set of stairs.

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