1910.24: Step Bolts and Manhole Steps
Employers must make sure step bolts are corrosion-resistant where needed (if installed on or after January 17, 2017), prevent the foot from slipping off, are spaced 12 to 18 inches apart, are at least 4.5 inches wide, have proper clearance behind, are strong enough, are inspected at the start of each workshift, and are replaced if bent more than 15 degrees. Manhole steps must support their maximum intended load.
Key takeaways
- 1910.24 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most-cited part: 1910.24(b) Manhole steps (1 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.24, "Step bolts and manhole steps", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It has 20 numbered paragraphs. 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
Show the full text of 1910.24 (20 paragraphs)
(a) Step bolts. The employer must ensure:
(1) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 in an environment where corrosion may occur is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion;
(2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot from slipping off the end of the step bolt;
(3) Step bolts are uniformly spaced at a vertical distance of not less than 12 inches (30 cm) and not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured center to center (see Figure D-6 of this section). The spacing from the entry and exit surface to the first step bolt may differ from the spacing between the other step bolts;
(4) Each step bolt has a minimum clear width of 4.5 inches (11 cm);
(5) The minimum perpendicular distance between the centerline of each step bolt to the nearest permanent object in back of the step bolt is 7 inches (18 cm). When the employer demonstrates that an obstruction cannot be avoided, the distance must be at least 4.5 inches (11 cm);
(6) Each step bolt installed before January 17, 2017 is capable of supporting its maximum intended load;
(7) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 is capable of supporting at least four times its maximum intended load;
(8) Each step bolt is inspected at the start of the workshift and maintained in accordance with § 1910.22; and
(9) Any step bolt that is bent more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular in any direction is removed and replaced with a step bolt that meets the requirements of this section before an employee uses it.
(b) Manhole steps. Open (b) 1 citations
(1) The employer must ensure that each manhole step is capable of supporting its maximum intended load.
(2) The employer must ensure that each manhole step installed on or after January 17, 2017: 1 citations
(i) Has a corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or other surface that minimizes the possibility of an employee slipping;
(ii) Is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion if the manhole step is located in an environment where corrosion may occur;
(iii) Has a minimum clear step width of 10 inches (25 cm);
(iv) Is uniformly spaced at a vertical distance not more than 16 inches (41 cm) apart, measured center to center between steps. The spacing from the entry and exit surface to the first manhole step may differ from the spacing between the other steps. 1 citations
(v) Has a minimum perpendicular distance between the centerline of the manhole step to the nearest permanent object in back of the step of at least 4.5 inches (11 cm); and
(vi) Is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot from slipping or sliding off the end.
(3) The employer must ensure that each manhole step is inspected at the start of the work shift and maintained in accordance with § 1910.22.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for Rails and Steps for Access to Semi-Trailers (Walking and working surfaces, motor vehicles, stairs) (2015-02-13)
- Step Sizes and Angles of Fixed Industrial Stairs (2012-06-06)
- Clarification of OSHA requirements pertaining to winding stairway systems. (2010-06-15)
- Circumstances under which installation of fixed industrial stairs with a slope between 50 degrees and 70 degrees from the horizontal would be considered a de minimis violation. (2006-02-10)
- Fixed industrial stair requirements for access to secondary containment structures surrounding bulk chemical storage tanks. (2003-12-10)
- Use of toeboards to protect a floor hole and variations in riser heights for stairs. (1996-07-12)
- Width of Manhole Covers (1991-10-03)
- Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.24(b). (1978-11-17)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1910.24(b) Manhole steps 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How far apart must step bolts be?
Not less than 12 inches (30 cm) and not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured center to center.
When must step bolts be inspected?
At the start of the workshift, and maintained in accordance with 1910.22.
What happens to a bent step bolt?
Any step bolt bent more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular must be removed and replaced before an employee uses it.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.24 (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 2026-10-19
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.