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Difference Between ADA and OSHA

We use the terms “ADA” and “OSHA” so often when referring to our access products, and sometimes we forget that people might not know the difference.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, and retail locations. There is a set of regulations that public buildings must follow. Below are the key ADA-compliant regulations for steps:

  • All steps should have uniform riser heights and tread widths
  • Stair treads should be no less than 11″ wide (measured from riser to riser)
    • Open risers are not permitted
  • Handrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34” and 38” with railing height above stair nosings
  • The ends of the handrails should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. These regulations apply to steps that are used by employees only, not steps that are open to the public.

  • The minimum dimension for landings is 22” wide x 30” deep
  • All stairs with four or more risers are required to have handrails and guardrails
  • Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed .25″ in any stairway
  • Stairways must be installed between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal

Whether you need ADA steps for public access or OSHA steps for workplace safety, Upside has the solution.

OSHA Dual-Step
OSHA Crossover Stairs