Handrails are required on stairways with 5 or more treads [1]. They must extend the entire length of the stairway and be adequately secured to the structure [1]. The height of the handrail should be between 800 and 920 millimeters above the front edge of the treads [1]. Handrails must be strong enough to support a worker who falls on the stairway [1]. For open-sided stairways, both a handrail and an intermediate rail or equivalent safeguard are required [1]. Temporary stairways must have handrails constructed of at least 38 by 89 millimeter construction grade lumber or material of equivalent strength, supported by posts no more than 3 meters apart [1].

Handrails should provide an adequate handhold for employees to grasp to avoid falling 3, 5. The ends of stairrail systems and handrails should be constructed to avoid projection hazards 3, 5. A minimum clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) should be maintained between handrails and other objects [2].

Handrails and stair rail systems should be smooth-surfaced to prevent injuries like punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing 6, 9. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object should be 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) 6, 9. Handrails should have a shape and dimension that allows employees to grasp them firmly 6, 9. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail 9, 12.