Stairways Used During Construction

Stairways used during construction must conform to certain fixed stairway requirements. For example, the stairways must be installed from 30 degrees to 50 degrees from the horizontal surface, have platforms of at least 30 inches deep and 23 inches wide at every 12 feet or less of vertical rise, and have a tread variation not exceeding a quarter of an inch. Construction stairways must also follow additional safety requirements, including the following:

• If a door or gate opens directly onto a stairway, the stairway must have a platform that extends at least 20 inches from the swing of the door or gate.
• Stairways must be free of any dangerous projections, such as protruding nails.
• Any slippery conditions must be corrected by utilizing appropriate slip-resistant materials and cleaning up any spills. Keep the stairs free of water, mud, ice, snow, grease, oil, and other slippery materials.
• Metal pan landings and treads must be secured in place.
• Spiral stairways that will not be part of the permanent structure are prohibited.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.