Stairs, fixed industrial

Thank you for your December 28, 1999 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration s (OSHA s) Directorate of Compliance Programs. Please be aware that this response may not be applicable to any scenario not delineated within your original correspondence. You had specific questions regarding Fixed Industrial Stairs, 29 CFR 1910.24, and the redesignation of the Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1020. Your questions and our reply follow. 

The 22 inch stair width requirement applies to both interior and exterior, fixed industrial stairs (i.e., around machinery, tanks, and other equipment to and from floors, platforms, or pits) when they are used as described in the application paragraphs 1910.24(a) and (b). Where these requirements overlap, the [Exit Routes] requirements would apply. 

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 1910.24. Walking-Working Surfaces. Fixed Industrial Stairs... 

Ladders, and temporary, movable, spiral, or articulated stairs will usually be considered a limited or restricted means of egress. Fixed industrial stairs that meet OSHA standards will be considered a limited or restricted means of egress when the conditions or physical characteristics of the space, in light of the hazards present in it, would interfere with the entrant s abihty to exit or be rescued in a hazardous situation. 

Fixed ladders are widely used in the process industries. General guidance to do with their design is provided below (portable ladders, wooden ladders, and elevators are not discussed). The regulations and standards to do with ladders are listed in the section to do with stairs they provide detailed guidance on measurements. Ladders are typically used in the following applications ... 

OSHA s ladder regulations apply to any general industry workplace that uses ladders to perform duties (other than construction work) at high elevations. OSHA s 1910.24 regulation on stairs contains specifications for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial... 

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