1910.25(b)(2): Overhead Clearance Above Stair Treads
Employers must keep a vertical clearance of at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm) from any stair tread to any overhead obstruction, measured from the leading edge of the tread. Spiral stairs must meet the clearance rules in paragraph (d)(3).
Key takeaways
- 1910.25(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $25,633 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (4), PR (2), OH (1).
- Related part: 1910.25(b) General requirements (207 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.25(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.25 Stairways, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.25.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OR (4), PR (2), OH (1), MA (1), MI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| CASA JUPITER INC | BAYAMON, PR | $3,547 |
| INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY LLC | ELKHART, IN | $2,100 |
| BLUE HILLS RECOVERY, LLC | LEOMINSTER, MA | $1,936 |
| SO HEAVY, LLC | CONDADO, PR | $1,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.25(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.25(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.25(b) General requirements 207 citations
- 1910.25(b)(3) 93 citations
- 1910.25(b)(1) 48 citations
- 1910.25(b)(7) 19 citations
- 1910.25(b)(5) 15 citations
- 1910.25(b)(5)(i) 12 citations
- 1910.25(b)(4) 11 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much headroom is required above stairs?
At least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm) from the stair tread to any overhead obstruction.
Where is the clearance measured from?
From the leading edge of the tread.
Do spiral stairs follow this rule?
Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements in paragraph (d)(3) of 1910.25.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.25 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.