OSHA Specifications

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (c) Protection of open sided floors, platforms, and runways. (1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or equivalent as specified in paragraph (e) (3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides, (i) persons can pass, (ii) there is moving machinery, or (iii) there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard. (e) Railing, toeboards, and cover specifications. (3) [Reserved] (v) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of 42 inches nominal; (b) A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure; (c) Protection between top rail and floor, platform, runway, ramp, or stair treads, equivalent at least to that afforded by a standard intermediate rail.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (c) Protection of open sided floors, platforms, and runways. (2) Every runway shall be guarded by a standard railing (or equivalent as specified in paragraph (e) (3) of this section) on all open sides 4 feet or more above floor or ground level. Wherever tools, machine parts, or materials are likely to be used on the runway, a toeboard shall also be provided on each exposed side. Runways used exclusively for special purposes (such as oiling, shafting, or filling tank cars) may have the railing on one side omitted where operating conditions necessitate such omission, providing the falling hazard is minimized by using a runway of not less than 18 inches wide. Where persons entering upon runways become thereby exposed to machinery, electrical equipment, or other danger not a falling hazard, additional guarding than is here specified may be essential for protection. (3) Regardless of height, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, and similar hazards shall be guarded with a standard railing and toe board.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (a) Protection for floor openings. (9) Every floor hole into which persons cannot accidentally walk (on account of fixed machinery, equipment, or walls) shall be protected by a cover that leaves no openings more than 1 inch wide. The cover shall be securely held in place to prevent tools or materials from falling through.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. (4) A standard toeboard shall be 4 inches nominal in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It shall be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4 inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or with openings not over 1 inch in greatest dimension.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (a) Protection for floor openings. (10) Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width to less than 20 inches.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (c) Protection of open sided floors, platforms, and runways. (1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or equivalent as specified in paragraph (e) (3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides, (i) persons can pass, (ii) there is moving machinery, or (iii) there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard. (3) Regardless of height, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, and similar hazards shall be guarded with a standard railing and toeboard.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. (1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runways or ramp level. The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The intermediate rail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. (2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. (3) [Reserved] (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. (iii) For structural steel railings, posts and top and intermediate rails shall be of 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. (iv) The anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail. (v) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of 42 inches nominal; (b) A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure; (c) Protection between top rail and floor, platform, runway, ramp, or stair treads, equivalent at least to that afforded by a standard intermediate rail. (4) A standard toeboard shall be 4 inches nominal in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It shall be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4 inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or with openings not over 1 inch in greatest dimension. (5)(i) A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard. (ii) The height of handrails shall be not more than 34 inches no less than 30 inches from upper surface of handrail to surface of tread in line with face of riser or to surface of ramp. (iii) The size of handrails shall be: When of metal pipe, at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. The spacing of brackets shall not exceed 8 feet. (iv) The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the rail. (6) All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object. (7) Floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the following strength requirements: (i) Trench or conduit covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds. (ii) Manhole covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall comply with local standard highway requirements if any; otherwise, they shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds. (iii) The construction of floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the strength requirements. Covers projecting not more than 1 inch above the floor level may be used providing all edges are chamfered to an angle with the horizontal of not over 30 degrees. All hinges, handles, bolts, or other parts shall set flush with the floor or cover surface. (8) Skylight screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied perpendicularly at any one area on the screen. They shall also be of such construction and mounting that under ordinary loads or impacts, they will not deflect downward sufficiently to break the glass below them The construction shall be of grillwork with openings not more than 4 inches long or of slatwork with openings not more than 2 inches wide with length unrestricted. (9) Wall opening barriers (rails, rollers, picket fences, and half doors) shall be of such construction and mounting that, when in place at the opening, the barrier is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction (except upward) at any point on the top rail or corresponding member. (10) Wall opening grab handles shall be not less than 12 inches in length and shall be so mounted as to give 3 inches clearance from the side framing or the wall opening. The size, material, and anchoring of the grab handle shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point of the handle. (11) Wall opening screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied horizontally at any point on the near side of the screen. They may be of solid construction, of grill work with openings not more than 8 inches long, or of slat work with openings not more than 4 inches wide with length unrestricted.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toeboards, and cover specifications. (3) [Reserved] (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toeboards, and cover specifications. (6) All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (3) Ladder extensions. The side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 1/2 feet above parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, the rungs shall be omitted from the extension and shall have not less than 18 nor more than 24 inches clearance between rails. For side-step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs shall be carried to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3 1/2 feet minimum.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (a) Protection for floor openings. (2) Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. (1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runways or ramp level. The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The intermediate rail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. (3) [Reserved] (ii) For pipe railings, posts, and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. (3) [Reserved] (iv) The anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. (2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (d) Stair width. Fixed stairways shall have a minimum width of 22 inches.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (g) Stairway platforms. Stairway platforms shall be no less than the width of a stairway and a minimum of 30 inches in length measured in the direction of travel.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (c) Stair strength. Fixed stairways shall be designed and constructed to carry a load of five times the normal live load anticipated but never of less strength than to carry safely a moving concentrated load of 1,000 pounds.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (f) Stair treads. All treads shall be reasonable slip-resistant and the nosing shall be of nonslip finish. Welded bar grating treads without nosings are acceptable providing the leading edge can be readily identified by personnel descending the stairway and provided the tread is serrated or is of definite nonslip design. Rise height and tread width shall be uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (c) Protection of open sided floors, platforms, and runways. (1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or equivalent as specified in paragraph (e) (3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides, (i) persons can pass, (ii) there is moving machinery, or (iii) there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (d) Stairway railings and guards. (1) Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending. (ii) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having one side open, at least one stair railing on open side. (iii) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides open, one stair railing on each side. (iv) On stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side. (v) On stairways 88 or more inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (e) Angle of stairway rise. Fixed stairs shall be installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. Any uniform combination of rise/tread dimensions may be used that will result in a stairway at an angle to the horizontal within the permissible range. Table D-1 gives rise/tread dimensions which will produce a stairway within the permissible range, stating the angle to the horizontal produced by each combination. However, the rise/tread combinations are not limited to those given in table D-1. Table D-1 can be found on page 102 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (d) Stairway railings and guards. (1) Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, The width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending. (ii) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having one side open, at least one stair railing on open side. (iii) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides open, one stair railing on each side. (iv) On stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side. (v) On stairways 88 or more inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (a) Protection for floor openings. (1) Every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by a standard railing constructed in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section. The railing shall be provided on all exposed sides (except at entrance to stairway). For infrequently used stairways where traffic across the opening prevents the use of fixed standard railing (as when located in aisle spaces, etc.), the guard shall consist of a hinged floor opening cover of standard strength and construction and removable standard railings on all exposed sides (except at entrance to stairway). (2) Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the opening. (3) Every hatchway and chute floor opening shall be guarded by one of the following: (i) Hinged floor opening cover of standard strength and construction equipped with standard railings or permanently attached thereto so as to leave only one exposed side. When the opening is not in use, the cover shall be closed or the exposed side shall be guarded at both top and intermediate positions by removable standard railings. (ii) A removable railing with toeboard on not more than two sides of the opening and fixed standard railings with toeboards on all other exposed sides. The removable railings shall be kept in place when the opening is not in use, where operating conditions necessitate the feeding of material into any hatchway or chute opening, protection shall be provided to prevent a person from falling through the opening. (4) Every skylight floor opening and hole shall be guarded by a standard skylight screen or a fixed standard railing on all exposed sides. (5) Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings. (6) Every manhole floor opening shall be guarded by a standard manhole cover which need not be hinged in place. While the cover is not in place, the manhole opening shall be protected by removable standard railings. (7) Every temporary floor opening shall have standard railings, or shall be constantly attended by someone. (8) Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk shall be guarded by either: (i) A standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides, or (ii) A floor hole cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the floor hole shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected by a removable standard railing. (9) Every floor hole into which persons cannot accidentally walk (on account of fixed machinery, equipment, or walls) shall be protected by a cover that leaves no openings more than 1 inch wide. The cover shall be securely held in place to prevent tools or materials from falling through. (e) Railing, toe board, and cover specifications. (7) Floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the following strength requirements: (i) Trench or conduit covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds. (ii) Manhole covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall comply with local standard highway requirements if any; otherwise, they shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds. (iii) The construction of floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the strength requirements. Covers projecting not more than 1 inch above the floor level may be used providing all edges are chamfered to an angle with the horizontal of not over 30 degrees. All hinges, handles, bolts, or other parts shall set flush with the floor or cover surface.

1910.37 Means of egress, general (f) Access to exits. (6) The minimum width of any way of exit access shall in no case be less than 28 inches. Where a single way of exit access leads to an exit, its capacity in terms of width shall be at least equal to the required capacity of the exit to which it leads. Where more than one way of exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for the number of persons it must accommodate.

1910.37 Means of egress, general (a) Permissible exit components. An exit shall consist only of the approved components. Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or shall be permanently affixed thereto. (b) Protective enclosure of exits. When an exit is protected by separation from other parts of the building the separating construction shall meet the following requirements. (1) The separation shall have at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating when the exit connects three stories or less. This applies whether the stories connected are above or below the story at which exit discharge begins. (2) The separation shall have at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating when the exit connects four or more stories, whether above or below the floor of discharge. It shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, and shall be supported by construction having at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating. (3) Any opening therein shall be protected by an approved self-closing fire door. (4) Openings in exit enclosures shall be confined to those necessary for access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure. (c) Width and capacity of means of egress. (1) The capacity in number of persons per unit of exit width for approved components of means of egress shall be as follows: (i) Level Egress Components (including Class A Ramps) 100 persons. (ii) Inclined Egress

Components (including Class B Ramps) 60 persons. (iii) A ramp shall be designated as Class A or Class B in accordance with the following Table E-1 (see page 132). (2) Means of egress shall be measured in units of exit width of 22 inches. Fractions of a unit shall not be counted, except that 12 inches added to one or more full units shall be counted as one-half a unit of exit width. (3) Units of exit width shall be measured in the clear at the narrowest point of the means of egress except that a handrail may project inside the measured width on each side not more than 5 inches and a stringer may project inside the measured width not more than 1 1/2 inches. An exit or exit access door swinging into an aisle or passageway shall not restrict the effective width thereof at any point during its swing to less than the minimum widths hereafter specified. (d) Egress capacity and occupancy load. (1) The capacity of means of egress for any floor, balcony, tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. The occupancy load shall be the maximum number of persons that may be in the space at any time. (2) Where exits serve more than one floor, only the occupancy load of each floor considered individually need be used in computing the capacity of the exits at that floor, provided that exit capacity shall not be decreased in the direction of exit travel. (e) Arrangement of exits. When more than one exit is required from a story, at least two of the exits shall be remote from each other and so arranged as to minimize any possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition. (f) Access to exits. (1) Exits shall be so located and exit access shall be so arranged that exits are readily accessible at all times. Where exits are not immediately accessible from an open floor area, safe and continuous passageways, aisles, or corridors leading directly to every exit and so arranged as to provide convenient access for each occupant to at least two exits by separate ways of travel, except as a single exit or limited dead ends are permitted by other provisions of this subpart, shall be maintained. (2) A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access shall be of the side-hinged, swinging type. It shall swing with exit travel when the room is occupied by more than 50 persons or used for a high hazard occupancy. (3) In no case shall access to an exit be through a bathroom, or other room subject to locking, except where the exit is required to serve only the room subject to locking. (4) Ways of exit access and the doors to exits to which they lead shall be so designed and arranged as to be clearly recognizable as such. Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or otherwise so located as to conceal or obscure any exit. Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit. (5) Exit access shall be so arranged that it will not be necessary to travel toward any area of high hazard occupancy in order to reach the nearest exit, unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high hazard location by suitable partitions or other physical barriers. (6) The minimum width of any way of exit access shall in no case be less than 28 inches. Where a single way of exit access leads to an exit, its capacity in terms of width shall be at least equal to the required capacity of the exit to which it leads. Where more than one way of exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for the number of persons it must accommodate. (g) Exterior ways of exit access. (1) Access to an exit may be by means of any exterior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the requirements of this section. (2) Exterior ways of exit access shall have smooth, solid floors, substantially level, and shall have guards on the unenclosed sides. (3) Where accumulation of snow or ice is likely because of the climate, the exterior way of exit access shall be protected by a roof, unless it serves as the sole normal means of access to the rooms or spaces served, in which case it may be assumed that snow and ice will be regularly removed in the course of normal occupancy. (4) A permanent, reasonably straight path of travel shall be maintained over the required exterior way of exit access. There shall be no obstruction by railings, barriers, or gates that divide the open space into sections appurtenant to individual rooms, apartments, or other uses. Where the Assistant Secretary of Labor or his duly authorized representative finds the required path of travel to be obstructed by furniture or other movable objects, he may require that they be fastened out of the way or he may require that railings or other permanent barriers be installed to protect the path of travel against encroachment. (5) An exterior way of exit access shall be so arranged that there are no dead ends in excess of 20 feet. Any unenclosed exit served by an exterior way of exit access shall be so located that no part of the exit extends past a vertical plane 20 feet and one-half the required width of the exit from the end of and at right angles to the way of exit access. (6) Any gallery, balcony, bridge, porch, or other exterior exit access that projects beyond the outside wall of the building shall comply with the requirements of this section as to width and arrangement. (h) Discharge for exits. (1) All exits shall discharge directly to the street, or to a yard, court, or other open space that gives safe access to a public way. The streets to which the exits discharge shall be of width adequate to accommodate all persons leaving the building. Yards, courts, or other open spaces to which exits discharge shall also be of adequate width and size to provide all persons leaving the building with ready access to the street. (2) Stairs and other exits shall be so arranged as to make clear the direction of egress to the street. Exit stairs That continue beyond the floor of discharge shall be interrupted at the floor of discharge by partitions, doors, or other effective means. (i) Headroom. Means of egress shall be so designed and maintained as to provide adequate headroom, but in no case shall the ceiling height be less than 7 feet 6 inches nor any projection from the ceiling be less than 6 feet 8 inches from the floor. (j) Changes in elevation. Where a means of egress is not substantially level, such differences in elevation shall be negotiated by stairs or ramps. (k) Maintenance and workmanship. (1) Doors, stairs, ramps, passages, signs, and all other components of means of egress shall be of substantial, reliable construction and shall be built or installed in a workmanlike manner. (2) Means of egress shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency. (3) Any device or alarm installed to restrict the improper use of an exit shall be so designed and installed that it cannot, even in cases of failure, impede or prevent emergency use of such exit. (l) Furnishings and decorations. (1) No furnishings, decoration, or other objects shall be so placed as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof. (2) No furnishings or decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character shall be used in any occupancy. (m) Automatic sprinkler systems. All automatic sprinkler systems shall be continuously maintained in reliable operating condition at all times, and such periodic inspections and tests shall be made as are necessary to assure proper maintenance. (n) Fire alarm signaling systems. The employer shall assure that fire alarm signaling systems are maintained and tested in accordance with the requirements of Section 1910.165(d). (o) Fire retardant paints. Fire retardant paints or solutions shall be renewed at such intervals as necessary to maintain the necessary flame retardant properties. (p) [Reserved] (q) Exit marking. (1) Exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not immediately visible to the occupants. (2) Any door, passage, or stairway which is neither an exit nor a way of exit access, and which is so located or arranged as to be likely to be mistaken for an exit, shall be identified by a sign reading "Not an Exit" or similar designation, or shall be identified by a sign indicating its actual character, such as "To Basement", "Storeroom", "Linen Closet", or the like. (3) Every required sign designating an exit or way of exit access shall be so located and of such size, color, and design as to be readily visible. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment which impair visibility of an exit sign shall be permitted, nor shall there be any brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision to the required exit sign of such a character as to so detract attention from the exit sign that it may not be noticed. (4) Every exit sign shall be distinctive in color and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. (5) A sign reading "Exit", or similar designation, with an arrow indicating directions, shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent. (6) Every exit sign shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source giving a value of not less than 5 foot-candles on the illuminated surface. Artificial lights giving illumination to exit signs other than the internally illuminated types shall have screens, discs, or lenses of not less than 25 square inches area made of translucent material to show red or other specified designating color on the side of the approach. (7) Each internally illuminated exit sign shall be provided in all occupancies where reduction of normal illumination is permitted. (8) Every exit sign shall have the word "Exit" in plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high, with the principal strokes of letters not less than three-fourths-inch wide.

1910.37 Means of egress, general (q) Exit markings. (1) Exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not immediately visible to the occupants. (2) Any door, passage, or stairway which is neither an exit nor a way of exit access, and which is so located or arranged as to be likely to be mistaken for an exit, shall be identified by a sign reading "Not an Exit" or similar designation, or shall be identified by a sign indicating its actual character, such as "To Basement", "Storeroom", "Linen Closet", or the like. (3) Every required sign designating an exit or way of exit access shall be so located and of such size, color, and design as to be readily visible. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment which impair visibility of an exit sign shall be permitted, nor shall there be any brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision to the required exit sign of such a character as to so detract attention from the exit sign that it may not be noticed. (4) Every exit sign shall be distinctive in color and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. (5) A sign reading "Exit", or similar designation, with an arrow indicating directions, shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent. (6) Every exit sign shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source giving a value of not less than 5 foot-candles on the illuminated surface. Artificial lights giving illumination to exit signs other than the internally illuminated types shall have screens, discs, or lenses of not less than 25 square inches area made of translucent material to show red or other specified designating color on the side of the approach. (7) Each internally illuminated exit sign shall be provided in all occupancies where reduction of normal illumination is permitted. (8) Every exit sign shall have the word "Exit" in plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high, with the principal strokes of letters not less than three-fourths-inch wide.

1910.37 Means of egress, general (i) Headroom. Means of egress shall be so designed and maintained as to provide adequate headroom, but in no case shall the ceiling height be less than 7 feet 6 inches nor any projection from the ceiling be less than 6 feet 8 inches from the floor.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe board, and cover specifications. (5)(i) A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard. (iv) The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the rail.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe board, and cover specifications. (5)(i) A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard. (ii) The height of handrails shall be not more than 34 inches no less than 30 inches from upper surface of handrail to surface of tread in line with face of riser or to surface of ramp.

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes (e) Railing, toe board, and cover specifications. (5)(iii) The size of handrails shall be: When of metal pipe, at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. The spacing of brackets shall not exceed 8 feet. (6) All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object.

1910.24 Fixed industrial stairs (i) Vertical clearance. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (2) Landing platforms. (iii) One rung of any section of ladder shall be located at the level of the landing laterally served by the ladder. Where access to the landing is through the ladder, the same rung spacing as used on the ladder shall be used from the landing platform to the first rung below the landing.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (2) Landing platforms. (i) Where a man has to step a distance greater than 12 inches from the centerline of the rung of a ladder to the nearest edge of structure of equipment, a landing platform shall be provided. The minimum step-across distance shall be 2 1/2 inches. (c) Clearance. (6) Step-across distance. The step-across distance from the nearest edge of ladder to the nearest edge of equipment or structure shall be not more than 12 inches, or less than 2 1/2 inches.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (1) Cages or wells. (iii) Cages shall extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of landing, unless other acceptable protection is provided. (3) Ladder extensions. The side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 1/2 feet above parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, the rungs shall be omitted from the extension and shall have not less than 18 nor more than 24 inches clearance between rails. For side-step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs shall be carried to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3 1/2 feet minimum. (4) Grab bars. Grab bars shall be spaced by a continuation of the rung spacing when they are located in the horizontal position. Vertical grab bars shall have the same spacing as the ladder side rails. Grab-bar diameters shall be the equivalent of the round-rung diameters.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (2) Landing platforms. (i) Where a man has to step a distance greater than 12 inches from the centerline of the rung of a ladder to the nearest edge of structure of equipment, a landing platform shall be provided. The minimum step-across distance shall be 2 1/2 inches. (ii) All landing platforms shall be equipped with standard railings and toeboards, so arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. Platforms shall be not less than 24 inches in width and 30 inches in length.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (1) Cages or wells. (i) Cages or wells (except on chimney ladders) shall be built, as shown on the applicable drawings, covered in detail in figures D-7, D-8, and D-9, or of equivalent construction. (iii) Cages shall extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of landing, unless other acceptable protection is provided. (v) Cages shall not extend less than 27 nor more than 28 inches from the centerline of the rungs of the ladder. Cage shall not be less than 27 inches in width. The inside shall be clear of projections. Vertical bars shall be located at a maximum spacing of 40 degrees around the circumference of the cage; this will give a maximum spacing of approximately 9 1/2 inches, center to center. (c) Clearance. (3) Ladders with cages or baskets. Ladders equipped with cage or basket are excepted from the provisions of subparagraph (1) and (2) of this paragraph, but shall conform to the provisions of paragraph (d)(1)(v) of this section. Fixed ladders in smooth-walled well are excepted from the provisions of paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section. (5) Clearance in back of grab bar. The distance from the centerline of the grab bar to the nearest permanent object in back of the grab bars shall be not less than 4 inches. Grab bars shall not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder which they serve. (7) Hatch cover. Counterweighted hatch covers shall open a minimum of 60 degrees from the horizontal. The distance from the centerline of rungs or cleats to the edge of the hatch opening on the climbing side shall be not less than 24 inches for offset wells or 30 inches for straight wells. There shall be not protruding potential hazards within 24 inches of the centerline within 30 inches of the centerline of the rungs or cleats shall be fitted with deflector plates placed at an angle of 60 degrees from the horizontal as indicated in figure D-5. The relationship of a fixed ladder to an acceptable counterweighted hatch cover is illustrated in figure D-6.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (1) Cages or wells. (ii) Cages or wells (except as provided in subparagraph (5) of this paragraph) conforming the dimensions shown in figures D-7, D-8, and D-9 shall be provided on ladders of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (d) Special requirements. (1) Cages or wells. (iv) Cages shall extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder, with bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or portion of cage opposite ladder shall be carried to the base.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (b) Specific features. (3) Fastenings. Fastenings shall be an integral part of fixed ladder design. (4) Splices. All splices made by whatever means shall meet design requirements as noted in paragraph (a) of his section. All splices and connections shall have smooth transition with original members and with no sharp or extensive projections.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (b) Specific features. (1) Rungs and cleats. (i) All rungs shall have a minimum diameter of three-fourths inch for metal ladders, except as covered in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section. (iv) Rungs, cleats, and steps shall be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (a) Design requirements. (1) Design considerations. All ladders, appurtenances, and fastenings shall be designed to meet the following load requirements: (i) The minimum design live load shall be a single concentrated load of 200 pounds. (ii) The number and position of additional concentrated live-load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated usage of the ladder shall be considered in the design. (iii) The live loads imposed by persons occupying the ladder shall be considered to be concentrated at such points as will cause the maximum stress in the structural member being considered. (iv) The weight of the ladder and attached appurenances together with the live load shall be considered in the design of rails and fastenings.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (a) Design requirements. (1) Design considerations. All ladders, appurtenances, and fastenings shall be designed to meet the following load requirements: (ii) The number and position of additional concentrated live-load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated usage of the ladder shall be considered in the design.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (c) Clearance. (4) Clearance in back of ladder. The distance from the centerline of rungs, cleats, or steps to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder shall be not less than 7 inches, except that when unavoidable obstructions are encountered, minimum clearances as shown in figure D-3 shall be provided.

1910.28 Safety requirements for scaffolding (e) Outrigger scaffolds. (1) Outrigger beams shall extend not more than 6 feet beyond the face of the building. The inboard end of outrigger beams, measured from the fulcrum point of the beam shall rest on edge, the sides shall be plumb, and the edges shall be horizontal. The fulcrum point of the beam shall rest on secure bearing at least 6 inches in each horizontal dimension. The beam shall be secured in place against movements and shall be securely braced at the fulcrum point against tipping, (2) The inboard ends of outrigger beams shall be securely supported either by means of struts bearing against sills in contact with the overhead beams or ceiling, or by means of tension members secured to the floor joists underfoot, or by both if necessary. The inboard ends of outrigger beams shall be secured against tipping and the entire supporting structure shall be securely braced in both directions to prevent any horizontal movement. (4) Planking shall be laid tight and shall extend to within 3 inches of the building wall. Planking shall be nailed or bolted to outriggers.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (b) Specific features. (1) Rungs and cleats. (i) All rungs shall have a minimum diameter of three-fourths inch for metal ladders, except as covered in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section. (ii) The number and position of additional concentrated live-load units of 200 pounds each as determined from anticipated usage of the ladder shall be considered in the design.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (c) Clearance. (2) Ladders without cages or wells. A clear width of at least 15 inches shall be provided each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary.

1910.27 Fixed ladders (c) Clearance. (1) Climbing side. On fixed ladders, the perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees, and 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees (fig. D-2 of this section), with minimum clearances for intermediate pitches varying between these two limits in proportion to the slope, except as provided in subparagraph (3) and (5) of this paragraph.