Search

OSHA Proposes 2 Revisions to Walking Working Surfaces Standard

Posted on 6/23/2021 by Roger Marks

In May 2021, OSHA proposed two revisions to the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard at 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D, to clarify new requirements added when the Standard was overhauled in 2016.  

The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails are required on stairs, as well as handrail height.

With its most recent announcement, OSHA proposes to clarify the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard requirements without changing the intent of the 2016 Final Rule. Public comments on OSHA’s proposed clarifications are due by July 19, 2021.

Narrow Stairs, Open on Both Sides

The proposed rule would amend 29 CFR 1910.28(b) to clarify that a stair rail system with the handrail is required on the open side of certain stairways.

This change concerns stairs less than 44 inches (1.1 m) wide that are open on both sides. OSHA will correct a formatting error in Table D-2, which shows requirements for these types of stairs (see 29 CFR 1910.28).

The current text reads, “One stair rail system on each open side.”
The proposed update would read, “One stair rail system with handrail on each open side” (emphasis added).

OSHA will not require employers to modify existing stair rail systems that comply with the requirements of the 2016 Final Rule.  The revised language will apply to new handrails and stair rail systems.

Handrail Height Confusion

The proposed rule would amend 29 CFR 1910.29(f) to ease a restriction on stair rail systems installed before the 2016 Final Rule took effect.

The 2016 Final Rule of the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard set a new height requirement of at least 42 inches for top stair rails. For systems installed before the 2016 Final Rule took effect, OSHA had allowed the top rail of a stair rail system to serve as the handrail when it is “not less than 36 inches and not more than 38 inches” high. * 

Here’s the problem: Before 2016, the Standard required the top rail of a stair rail system to be between 30 and 34 inches. In other words, handrails installed to meet the Standard before the 2016 Final Rule were made non-compliant as a result of the updated requirements.

Under the most recent proposed revision, the top rail of a previously installed system (i.e., installation before the effective date of a new final rule) can serve as a handrail if that top rail is 30 to 38 inches in height and meets all other requirements of paragraph (f).

* See 29 CFR 1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B) and (f)(1)(iii)(A).

Online OSHA 10 Hour Training 

Be confident your personnel are prepared to protect themselves from the hazards in your workplace. The 10-Hour OSHA General Industry Online Course is a convenient, effective way to get your team the training they need.

The course covers critical safety topics for general industry workers: PPE use and maintenance, Hazard Communication, electrical safety, materials handling, hearing protection, and more.

Which OSHA workplace health and safety Standards require employee training?

Tags: 29 CFR 1910, fall hazards, OSHA compliance, walking working surfaces, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.