Question

When fixed industrial stairs have 4 or more risers, they must be equipped with stair railings or handrails that meet the following criteria:

a. stairs that are at LESS than 44 inches wide and are enclosed on both sides require at least one handrail, preferable on the right side descending
b. stairs that are LESS than 44 inches wide and are open on one side require at least one stair railing on the open side
c. stairs that are LESS than 44 inches wide and are open on both sides require one stair railing on each open side
d. stairs that are MORE than 44 but LESS than 88 inches wide require one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side
e. stairs that are 88 inches or more wide require one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width

Answer 1

Fixed industrial stairs with 4 or more risers require specific railings depending on their width and whether they are enclosed or open. Stairs under 44 inches wide require different railing configurations based on being open or enclosed, whereas wider stairs have additional requirements for intermediate railings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The requirement for stair railings or handrails on fixed industrial stairs with 4 or more risers falls under occupational safety and health standards. Here are the criteria based on the width of the stairs and their enclosure status:

• Stairs less than 44 inches wide and enclosed on both sides require at least one handrail, preferably on the right side when descending.
• Stairs less than 44 inches wide and open on one side require at least one stair railing on the open side.
• Stairs less than 44 inches wide and open on both sides require one stair railing on each open side.
• Stairs more than 44 inches but less than 88 inches wide require one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side.
• Stairs 88 inches or more in width require one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width.