Stairways Used During Construction

Stairways used during construction must conform to certain fixed stairway requirements. For example, the stairways must be installed from 30-50 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 .25 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.

Temporary Stairs

In construction, sometimes temporary stairs are built for workers to use until the permanent fixture is constructed. The following additional regulations apply to temporary stairways:

• Except during stairway construction, use of temporary stairways with metal pan landings and treads is prohibited, unless it has been filled in with concrete or other materials. All of the treads and landings must be replaced when they are worn below the top edge of the pan.
• Use of skeleton metal frame structures and steps is prohibited, unless the stairs are fitted with secured temporary treads and landings.
• Temporary treads must be constructed of wood or other solid materials, and they must be installed to the full width and depth of the stair.

To learn more about Ladder & Stairway Safety visit our Ladder & Stairway Safety Online Training web page.