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New Walking-Working Surfaces (Subpart D) Standard Updates: When can Alternating Tread-Type, Spiral or Ship Stairs be used?

The new Subpart D standard defines when Alternating Tread-Type, Spiral or Ship Stairs can be used in the workplace in 29 CFR 1910.25 (b) (8): “Spiral, ship or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs”. If a spiral, ship or alternating tread-type stairs is allowed by this section, they must be installed, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions (29 CFR 2910.25 (b)(9).

  1. Spiral Stairs
  • 29 CFR 1910.25 (d)
  • Must have a clear width of 26 inches.
  • Must have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches.
  • Must have a minimum headroom above spiral stair treads of at least 6 feet, 6 inches (measured from the leading edge of the tread).
  • Must have a minimum tread depth of 7.5 inches, measured at a point 12 inches from the narrower edge.
  • Must have a uniform tread size.
  1. Ship Stairs
  • 29 CFR 1910.25 (e)
  • Are installed at a slope between 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal.
  • Must have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches.
  • Must have a minimum tread depth of 4 inches.
  • Must have a minimum tread width of 18 inches.
  1. Alternating tread-type stairs
  • 29 CFR 1910.25 (f)
  • Must have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal.
  • Must have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches.
  • Must have a minimum tread depth of 8.5 inches.
  • Must have open risers if the tread depth is less than 9.5 inches.
  • Must have a minimum tread width of 7 inches, measured at the leading edge of the tread (i.e. nosing).

Listed below is Figure D-10 “Angles for Stairs, Ramps and Ladders” that is a good reference for determining which walking-working surface standards apply to your ladders and stairs based on their slope angle.