1926.1052(c)(7): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(7) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $1,502 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails (877 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1052(c)(7) is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). 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) When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stairrail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. (2004-10-28)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails 877 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1) 752 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) 333 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii) 249 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(12) 73 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(4) 35 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(5) 4 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(6) 4 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.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1052 (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.