1910.25(c): Standard Stair Dimensions
In addition to paragraph (b), employers must make sure standard stairs are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from horizontal, with a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm), minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm), and minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm). Stairs installed before January 17, 2017 are exempt from the riser and tread limits if they meet Table D-1 or the angle requirement.
Key takeaways
- 1910.25(c) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 77 times in the last 3 years, in 69 inspections, with $107,574 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (9), MI (7), MD (6).
- Related part: 1910.25(c)(2) (33 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.25(c) ("Standard stairs") is one requirement inside 1910.25 Stairways, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 5 sub-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
(c) Standard stairs. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: 77 citations
(1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; Open (c)(1) 3 citations
(2) Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); Open (c)(2) 33 citations
(3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and Open (c)(3) 21 citations
(4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers (see Figure D-8 of this section). Open (c)(4) 11 citations
(5) Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section. The requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Open (c)(5) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.25.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.25(c).
At 3:45 a.m. on December 5, 2023, three employees were operating a resaw stacker. Coworker #1 was operating the infeed side, while Coworker #2 trained Employee #1 on operating the stacker side. The resaw stacker takes pre-cut boards and rips them down to smaller sizes…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Top states: WI (9), MI (7), MD (6), NC (5), MA (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NEW HORIZONS BAKING COMPANY | COLUMBUS, OH | $16,550 |
| GABRIEL CARE, INC. | FALL RIVER, MA | $16,550 |
| DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID, LLC | ROCKFORD, IL | $6,500 |
| 155801 - TAYLOR CLAY PRODUCTS, INC. | SALISBURY, NC | $5,066 |
| SUPERMERCADO AGUEYBANA INC | YAUCO, PR | $5,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.25(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Stair Angle and Tread Depth Requirements (2025-06-17)
- Stairway Width (2024-10-17)
- Definition of Confined Space, as it may apply to large product heating and aging furnaces (2019-05-20)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.25(c)(2) 33 citations
- 1910.25(c)(3) 21 citations
- 1910.25(c)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.25(c)(1) 3 citations
- 1910.25(c)(5) Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section 1 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
What angle must standard stairs have?
Between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal.
What are the riser and tread limits?
Maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm) and minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm).
Do older stairs have to be rebuilt?
Stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017 are deemed in compliance if they meet Table D-1 or use a combination that meets the angle requirement.
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.