* * * Paragraph (c)(7) allows any stairrail system between 36 and 37 inches in height to double as a handrail. Paragraph (c)(6) requires that handrails be between 30 inches and 37 inches in height throughout the length of the stairway.

3-6:43) indicates that 33 inches is the optimum height for handrails, and that a variance from this height of plus-or-minus 3 inches is appropriate. 25, 1986, page 42754), in setting the height limit for stair rails, OSHA relied on a study by the University of Michigan. As explained in the preamble to the proposed standard (Volume 51 of the Federal Register, Nov. If the stair rail is too high, a worker is less likely to be able to reach and grab it if he/she begins to trip. The purpose of the stair rail is to provide a hand-hold for workers to use if they trip on the stair. The purpose of the top rail is to prevent workers from falling off the stairway. The different height requirements reflect different purposes. Since the top rail you refer to is 42 inches, a separate stair rail would be required. Under these provisions, while construction work is being performed, a separate handrail must be provided if the top rail of a stairway system exceeds 37 inches. (7) When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. * * * (6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

Outdoor step rails