WAC 296-307-25018:

WACs > Title 296 > Chapter 296-307 > Section 296-307-25018

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296-307-25015 << 296-307-25018 >> 296-307-25021

PDFWAC 296-307-25018

Requirements that apply to stairway railings and guards.

(1) Every flight of stairs having four or more risers must have standard stair railings or standard handrails as follows (stairway widths measured clear of all obstructions except handrails):

(a) Stairways less than 44 inches wide with both sides enclosed must have at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending.

(b) Stairways less than 44 inches wide with one side open must have at least one stair railing on the open side.

(d) Stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide must have one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side.

(e) Stairways 88 or more inches wide must have one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing at the approximate middle.

Exception:

Vehicle service pit stairways are exempt from this requirement if hand or stair rails would prevent vehicle movement into position over the pit.

(2) Winding stairs must have a handrail that prevents walking on all portions of the treads that are less than 6 inches wide.

(3) Nonindustrial and "monumental" steps are exempt from the requirements of this section. However, public and private building steps at loading or receiving docks, in maintenance areas, etc., and stairs used exclusively by employees, must meet the requirements of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.060. WSR 21-04-128, § 296-307-25018, filed 2/2/21, effective 3/8/21. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-25018, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-25018, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]