1. (1) You must provide a stair rail that meets all of the following on each side of a scaffold stairway:

   1. (a) Has a toprail and midrail;
   2. (b) Has a toprail that can serve as a handrail if a separate handrail is not provided;

   3. (c) Is at least twenty-eight inches (71 cm) but not more than thirty-seven inches (94 cm) high.

      Note:

      Stair rail height is measured from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

2. (2) You must make sure stair rail systems and handrails have:

   1. (a) A surface that prevents employees from:

      1. (i) Being injured by punctures or lacerations; or
      2. (ii) Snagging their clothing.
   2. (b) Ends that do not create a projection hazard.

3. (3) You must make sure handrails, and top rails that are used as handrails:

   1. (a) Provide an adequate handhold for employees to grasp to avoid falling; and
   2. (b) Are at least three inches (7.6 cm) from other objects.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-874-20028, filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-054, § 296-874-20028, filed 12/7/04, effective 3/1/05.]