zhongxinladder

Handrails
Requirements for handrails are as follows:
 Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.
 Handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.
 Handrails must provide an adequate handhold for employees to grasp to prevent falls.
 Temporary handrails must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stair rail systems and other objects.
 Stairways with four or more risers, or that rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must have at least one handrail.
 Winding or spiral stairways must have a handrail to prevent use of areas where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).

Midrails
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members or equivalent intermediate structural members must be provided between the top rail and stairway steps to the stair rail system. When midrails are used, they must be located midway between the top of the stair rail system and the household step ladders .

Employers must train all employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and instruct them to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable:
 Nature of fall hazards in the work area;
 Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used;
 Proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all stairways and household ladders ; and
 Maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used.
Note: Employers must retrain each employee as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use and construction of ladders and stairs.

cleat —A ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon which a person may step while ascending or descending a ladder.
double-cleat ladder —A ladder with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending.
failure — Load refusal, breakage or separation of components.
fixed ladder — A aluminium step ladder that cannot be readily moved or carried because it is an integral part of a building or structure.
handrail — A rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support.
job-made ladder — A ladder that is fabricated by employees, typically at the construction site; noncommercially manufactured.
load refusal — The point where the structural members lose their ability to carry the load.
point of access — All areas used by employees for work-related passage from one area or level to another.

portable ladder — A ladder that can be readily moved or carried.
riser height — The vertical distance from the top of a tread or platform/landing to the top of the next higher tread or platform/landing.
side-step fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that requires a person to get off at the top to step to the side of the ladder side rails to reach the landing.
single-cleat ladder — A step ladder consisting of a pair of side rails connected together by cleats, rungs or steps.
stair rail system — A vertical barrier erected along the unprotected sides and edges of a stairway to prevent employees from falling to lower levels.
temporary service stairway — A stairway where permanent treads and/or landings are to be filled in at a later date.
through fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that requires a person getting off at the top to step between the side rails of the ladder to reach the landing.
tread depth — The horizontal distance from front to back of a tread, excluding nosing, if any.

from:osha.gov