1910.25(b)(7): When Standard Stairs Are Required
Standard stairs must be used to provide access between walking-working surfaces when operations require regular and routine travel between levels, including access to equipment operating platforms. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter is at least 5 feet.
Key takeaways
- 1910.25(b)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $28,002 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (7), WI (3), OR (2).
- 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)(7) 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
(7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m). 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.25.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MI (7), WI (3), OR (2), NJ (2), NY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 PACKAGING LLC. | CLIFTON PARK, NY | $5,959 |
| GLOUCESTER COUNTY UTILITIES AUTHORITY | WEST DEPTFORD, NJ | $4,900 |
| CITY OF PLEASANTVILLE DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS | PLEASANTVILLE, NJ | $4,900 |
| ENDEAVOR HARDWOODS, INC. | LYNDON STATION, WI | $2,954 |
| CADILLAC CASTING, INC | CADILLAC, MI | $2,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.25(b)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.25(b)(7).
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)(5) 15 citations
- 1910.25(b)(2) 12 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
When are standard stairs used?
When operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to equipment operating platforms.
Can winding stairs be used on a tank?
Yes, when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet.
Does this cover platforms for equipment?
Yes. Access to operating platforms for equipment is included.
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.