Stairway Safety on Construction Sites

Stairway Requirements

General Requirements

• Stairways with 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must have handrails
• Keep all stairways free of dangerous objects, debris, and materials
• Slippery conditions must be corrected immediately
• Metal pan stairs shall not be used unless filled with concrete, wood, or other solid material
• Provide proper lighting for all stairways

Temporary Stairways

• Must be installed between 30°-50° from horizontal
• Minimum width of 22 inches
• Uniform riser height and tread depth throughout
• Landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide at every 12 feet of vertical rise
• Where doors or gates open directly onto a stairway, provide a platform that extends at least 20 inches beyond the swing of the door

Stair Rails and Handrails

• Stair rails must be at least 36 inches tall from the upper surface of the rail to the surface of the tread
• Handrails must provide a firm handhold
• Height of handrails must be between 30-37 inches from upper surface to tread surface
• Ends of stair rails and handrails must be built to prevent catching clothing
• Intermediate vertical members must be spaced less than 19 inches apart
• Inspect regularly for damage or loose components

Common Stairway Hazards

Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Wet or icy stairs
• Debris or materials on steps
• Poor lighting
• Missing or damaged treads
• Uneven riser heights
• Objects protruding into stairway
• Inadequate handrails

Struck-By Hazards

• Tools or materials stored on stairs
• Items falling from above
• Materials being carried blocking view
• Other workers using stairs at same time
• Low headroom causing head strikes

Stair Collapse

• Overloaded stairs
• Improper installation
• Damaged components
• Inadequate support structure
• Using stairs before concrete has cured

Safe Stairway Practices

When Using Stairways

• Always use the handrail
• Take one step at a time
• Face the stairs when going up or down
• Keep your hands free when possible (use tool belts or bags)
• Watch your footing, not your phone
• Don't run or hurry on stairs
• Ensure adequate lighting
• Report any hazards immediately

Carrying Items on Stairs

• Use a tool belt, backpack, or carrying case when possible
• Keep one hand free to hold the handrail
• Maintain visibility of the steps
• Ask for help with awkward or heavy loads
• Consider using a material hoist instead of carrying by hand
• Take smaller loads and make multiple trips if necessary

Working on Stairways

• Barricade stairways when performing work on them
• Post warning signs
• Provide alternative routes
• Secure tools to prevent drops
• Clean up all debris when work is complete
• Inspect stairway before reopening for use

Temporary Stairway Construction

Building Temporary Stairs

• Follow manufacturer instructions for prefabricated stairs
• Ensure proper angle (30°-50° from horizontal)
• Secure top and bottom of stairway
• Use proper fasteners and materials
• Provide full thread support
• Install handrails before use
• Test stability before allowing traffic

Inspecting Temporary Stairways

• Check daily before use
• Look for loose steps or handrails
• Verify secure connections to floors
• Check for damaged components
• Ensure proper illumination
• Confirm landings are clear and unobstructed
• Look for any deformation or movement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using makeshift stairs made of stacked materials
• Installing stairs at too steep an angle
• Failing to provide handrails
• Allowing use before fully secured
• Using damaged components
• Neglecting regular inspections
• Overloading beyond design capacity

Permanent Stairway Safety During Construction

Installation Phase

• Install permanent stairs as early as possible in construction
• Protect finished stairs with temporary treads
• Mark incomplete stairs as "No Access"
• Keep newly poured concrete stairs off-limits until cured
• Install temporary handrails even if permanent ones will come later

Temporary Use of Permanent Stairs

• Protect finished surfaces from damage
• Install temporary treads over metal pan stairs
• Cover finished stairs with protective material
• Maintain cleanliness to prevent slips
• Post load limits
• Restrict certain activities (like material hoisting)

Final Installation

• Verify all components are installed correctly
• Confirm uniform rise and run throughout
• Ensure proper handrail height and stability
• Check for any damaged areas that need repair
• Conduct final inspection before turnover

Stairway Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

• Remove all debris at end of shift
• Clean up spills immediately
• Clear ice or snow promptly
• Check for loose components
• Verify lighting is working

Weekly Inspections

• Check stair rails and handrails for stability
• Look for damaged treads or risers
• Verify landings are clear and undamaged
• Test lighting systems
• Ensure warning signs are in place where needed

Corrective Actions

• Tag defective stairs as "Do Not Use" until repaired
• Report damage to supervisor immediately
• Document inspection findings
• Follow up to ensure repairs are completed
• Keep records of all inspections and repairs

Emergency Considerations

Fire Safety

• Keep stairways clear as emergency exit routes
• Never store flammable materials in stairwells
• Know which stairways are designated for emergency evacuation
• Post evacuation route maps showing stairways
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills using stairways

Multiple User Safety

• Establish right-of-way protocols (e.g., descending workers yield to ascending)
• Limit number of workers on stairs at once
• Consider one-way traffic during busy periods
• Communicate when carrying large objects on stairs
• Be aware of others using the stairs simultaneously