OSHA rules for stairs and stairs

Working on and around stairs and stairs is dangerous. Stairs and stairs are important sources of injuries and deaths among construction workers, for example, and many of the injuries are serious enough to require time off work. OSHA rules apply to all stairs and stairs used in the construction, alteration, repair, painting, decoration and demolition of work sites covered by OSHA construction safety and health standards.

General requirements : scaffolding accessories

These rules specify when employers must provide stairs and stairs. In general, the standards require the following:

When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more and there is no ramp, track, embankment or personnel lift available, employers must provide a ladder or ladder at all worker access points.

When there is only one access point between levels, employers must keep it clear of obstacles to allow the free passage of workers. If free passage is restricted, employers must provide a second access point and ensure that workers use it.

When there are more than two access points between levels, employers must ensure that at least one access point remains clear.

Rules for stairs

All the stairs : stair scaffolding system

The following rules apply to all stairs:

Keep the stairs free of oil, grease and other slip hazards.

Do not load ladders beyond their expected maximum load or beyond the nominal capacity of their manufacturer.

Use the stairs only for your intended purpose.

Use the stairs only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured to prevent accidental movements.

Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless they are secured or provided with non-slip feet to prevent accidental movements. Do not use non-slip feet as a substitute to be careful when placing, tying or supporting a ladder on slippery surfaces.

Secure stairs located in areas such as hallways, doors or vehicle entrances, or where they can be displaced by activities in the workplace or traffic to avoid accidental movements. Or use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder.

Keep the areas clear around the top and bottom of the stairs.

Do not move, move or extend the stairs while in use.

Use ladders equipped with non-conductive side rails if the worker or ladder can come into contact with exposed energized electrical equipment.

Look towards the stairs when you go up or down.

Use at least one hand to grab the ladder when climbing.

Do not carry objects or loads that can cause loss of balance and falls.

In addition, the following general requirements apply to all stairs, including those built in the workplace:

Double-block ladders or two or more stairs should be provided when stairs are the only way to enter or exit a work area where 25 or more employees work or when a ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic.

The steps, slats and steps of the ladder must be parallel, level and evenly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.

The steps, the coves and the steps of the portable and fixed ladders (except as indicated below) must not be separated less than 10 inches (25 cm) away, or more than 14 inches (36 cm) away , along the side rails of the stairs.

The steps, the coves and the steps of the stools must not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) away, or more than 12 inches (31 cm) away, between the center lines of the steps, coves and steps .

The steps, coves and steps in the base section of the extension stand ladders must not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) or more than 18 inches (46 cm) away, between the center lines of the steps, coves and steps. The space between steps in the extension section must not be less than 6 inches (15 cm) or more than 12 inches (31 cm).

Stairs should not be tied or joined to create longer sections unless specifically designed for such use.

When splicing the side rails, the resulting side rail must be equivalent in resistance to a side rail of a piece made of the same material.