In 1976, falls from stairs claimed a reported 4,000 lives. Despite new regulations and improvements, it is estimated that nearly one million people received hospital care for injuries associated with stairs in 1990. With numbers like these, it should come as no surprise that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established strict and specific regulations for stairway safety.
Overall Stairway Strength and Construction
Fixed stairways are required to carry five times the anticipated load to be placed on them. The absolute minimum strength required, regardless of the anticipated load, is 1,000 pounds. Any platform should be a minimum of 30 inches in depth, and all stairs should be made of or covered with a slip-resistant material. The height of the stair riser and the width of the stairs should remain constant for the entire stairway. A stairway also should not exceed a 30-degree angle, to prevent an unreasonable angle for a safe decent.
Railings
A leading cause of injury on stairs is a lack of railings or damaged railings. Enclosed stairways are required to have a handrail on at least one side, preferably the right side when descending. Open stairways are required to have a stair railing. These railings cannot be more than 34 inches high but not less than 30 inches. A platform railing should be slightly higher, at 42 inches, and have an intermediate rail located halfway between the top rail and the floor.
Stair Safety in the Home
Falls and trips on stairways occur not only in the workplace but also in homes. With a little preparation and attention, you can prevent most falls. Make certain that all railings are secure and that all stairways are well lit and free of obstacles such as toys. If there are small children in the house, use safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. When carrying a load on the stairs, always hold the handrail. If you have a landing and intend to use a small area rug, secure it with a nonslip pad.
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