ANSI MH32.

1-2018

Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with

Material Handling Structures

Industry Groups of MHI

8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217-3992
[email protected]

© 2018 MHI
All rights reserved.
American National Standard

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Institute (ANSI) that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval have been
met by the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial
agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means
much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and
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The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence does not in any respect
preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
purchasing, or using products, processes or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no circumstances give
an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority
to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards
Institute. Requests for interpretations should be addressed to the sponsor whose name appears on the
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CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. The
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Published by
Rack Manufacturers Institute and Storage Manufacturers Association
Industry Groups of MHI
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC, 28217-3992
Telephone: (704) 676-1190 Fax: (704) 676-1199
www.mhi.org/rmi www.mhi.org/sma
[email protected]

© 2018 by MHI
All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without
prior written permission of the publisher.

ii
 ANSI MH32.1-2018

American National Standard

Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with

Material Handling Structures

Rack Manufacturers Institute

Storage Manufacturers Association
Industry Groups of MHI

Approved November 30, 2018

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

iii
FOREWORD. This Standard, approved by ANSI on November 30, 2018, was developed under MHI’s ANSI-
approved procedures, and represents suggested design practices and operational requirements for stairs,
ladders, and open-edge guards for use with material handling structures, such as industrial steel storage
racks, industrial shelves, or mezzanines. It was developed jointly by the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)
and the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and
guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.
It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not
choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive
safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting and purchasing such a system, and
should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser
should be consulted in doing so.
VOLUNTARY. The use of this document is completely voluntary. Its existence does not in any respect
preclude anyone, whether it has approved this standard or not, from following procedures and assuming
responsibilities not conforming to this standard.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY. MHI, RMI, SMA and their members assume no responsibility and disclaim
all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result of acceptance or use or alleged use of this standard.
Anyone using this standard specifically understands and agrees that MHI, RMI, SMA, their members,
officers, agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind for any action or
failure to act with respect to the design, erection, installation, manufacture, and preparation for sale,
characteristics, features, or delivery of anything covered by this standard or any other activity covered by
this standard. Any use of this information must be determined by the user to be in accordance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. MHI, RMI, SMA and their members make NO WARRANTIES of any kind,
express or implied, in connection with the information in this standard and SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIM ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
INDEMNIFICATION. By referring to or otherwise employing this standard, its user agrees to defend,
protect, indemnify, and hold MHI, RMI, SMA, their members, officers, agents, and employees harmless
from and against all claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or consequential,
arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this standard, including loss of profits and reasonable
attorneys' fees which may arise out of the acceptance or use or alleged use of this document. The intent of
this provision is to absolve and protect MHI, RMI, SMA, their members, officers, agents, and employees
from any and all loss relating in any way to this document, including those resulting from the user's own
negligence.
REVISIONS TO THIS AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD: This standard is the product of a joint effort
between RMI and SMA. Any proposed changes to this standard can be suggested by either the
membership of RMI or SMA; however, any changes must receive the consent of both RMI and SMA before
proceeding. Any such changes are subject to approval in accordance with MHI’s ANSI-accredited
procedures.
RACK MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE (RMI): RMI is an independent incorporated trade association
affiliated with MHI. The membership of RMI is made up of companies which produce the preponderance
of industrial steel storage racks and welded-wire rack decking used in the USA.
STORAGE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (SMA): SMA is an independent incorporated trade
association affiliated with MHI. The membership of SMA is made up of companies which produce the
preponderance of industrial steel shelving, metal lockers, and work-platforms in the USA.
Both RMI and SMA maintain websites (www.mhi.org/rmi and www.mhi.org/sma) that have information
about their products and membership including ordering information for literature and sections for frequently
asked questions (FAQs).
Questions or suggestions for improvement regarding of this standard are welcome. Suggestions should be
sent to: MH32.1 Committee, MHI, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217;
[email protected].

iv
 Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with
Material Handling Structures
1 Purpose and scope ............................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Limitations ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 1
3 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 1
4 Stairways and ladders .......................................................................................................................... 3
General .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Straight stairway ............................................................................................................................ 4
General .................................................................................................................................. 4
Design requirements ............................................................................................................. 4
Loading .................................................................................................................................. 4
Treads/run ............................................................................................................................. 4
Rise ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Handrail ................................................................................................................................. 5
Guarding ................................................................................................................................ 5
Landings ................................................................................................................................ 5
Ship’s ladder.................................................................................................................................. 6
General .................................................................................................................................. 6
Design requirements ............................................................................................................. 6
Loading .................................................................................................................................. 6
Treads/run ............................................................................................................................. 6
Rise ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Handrail ................................................................................................................................. 7
Landings ................................................................................................................................ 7
Alternating-tread stairway ............................................................................................................. 7
General .................................................................................................................................. 7
Design requirements ............................................................................................................. 8
Loading .................................................................................................................................. 8
Treads/run ............................................................................................................................. 8
Rise ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Handrail ................................................................................................................................. 9
Landings ................................................................................................................................ 9
Spiral stairway ............................................................................................................................... 9
General .................................................................................................................................. 9
Scope .................................................................................................................................. 10
Loading ................................................................................................................................ 10
Treads/run ........................................................................................................................... 10
Rise ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Handrail and guarding ......................................................................................................... 10
Landings .............................................................................................................................. 11
Rung ladder ................................................................................................................................. 11
General ................................................................................................................................ 11
Scope .................................................................................................................................. 11
Loading ................................................................................................................................ 12
Rung .................................................................................................................................... 12
Rise ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Cage .................................................................................................................................... 12
Landings .............................................................................................................................. 12
5 Guarding ............................................................................................................................................. 13

v
 Vertical guarding ......................................................................................................................... 13
Dimensional limitations ....................................................................................................... 13
Removable guarding ........................................................................................................... 13
Chain or cable guarding ...................................................................................................... 13
Design loadings ................................................................................................................... 13
Horizontal guarding ..................................................................................................................... 13
Falling object protection systems ................................................................................................ 14
Personal fall-protection systems ................................................................................................. 14

Figures
Figure 1 – Illustration of rise/run ................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 – Example of a straight stairway ..................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3 – Example of a ship’s ladder ........................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4 – Example of an alternating-tread stairway .................................................................................... 8
Figure 5 – Example of a spiral stairway ........................................................................................................ 9
Figure 6 – Examples of uncaged and caged rung ladders ......................................................................... 11

vi
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI MH32.1-2018

Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with

Material Handling Structures
1 Purpose and scope
Purpose
This standard applies to fixed stairways and ladders along with guarding for elevated platforms used in
material handling structures. The stairways and ladders are attached to structures such as industrial
racking pick modules, decked-over platforms, industrial shelving pick modules and decked-over platforms,
and free-standing work platforms. These structures are described in the ANSI MH 16.X and ANSI MH28.X
series of standards.
This standard is intended to serve as a reference document for other material handling equipment
standards or specifications.
All loads presented in this standard are unfactored.
Limitations
This standard is intended for structures within an industrial or warehouse environment where access is
limited to trained employees who are trained, physically capable, wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment, and are familiar with the configuration and use of this equipment.
This standard is not intended to apply to stairs or ladders used to:
a) access a building roof or any other surface with an overhead latch or closed access;
b) cross over other material handling equipment, such as conveyors; or
c) ladders or stairs attached to automated equipment, such as automated storage and retrieval
systems (AS/RS).
2 Normative references
The following referenced materials are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document applies.
ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2016, The Fall Protection Code
International Code Council, 2018 International Building Code
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:

approved netting product

an interwoven mesh with a maximum 2 in. x 2 in. (51 mm x 51 mm) grid with a minimum 5,000 lbf (23 kN)
vertical static capacity
EXAMPLE – safety netting underneath the pallet-flow lanes within a pick module.

drop zone
a designated area along the edge of an elevated surface typically used to place palletized loads or
equipment on the elevated surface where movable perimeter guarding such as a gate is typically installed
in lieu of fixed perimeter guarding is installed

1
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

elevated surface
a working-walking surface within a pick module, a shelving-supported platform, a rack-supported platform,
or a work platform located above the foundational floor of the facility

fall hazard
any condition on a platform floor that exposes an employee to the risk of harm from a fall to a lower level

guard
guarding
objects installed on an elevated rack supported platform or pick module walkway to provide fall protection
for the occupants of the structure without creating additional hazards to the occupant (e.g., cuts, pinches,
tripping, abrasions, impalement). For the unprotected edges of a platform floor, the typical guards or
guarding consist of a top rail, an intermediate rail, kick plates, and supporting posts

handrail
a smooth, continuous railing that runs up a stairway assembly to provide added balance and safety for the
occupants as they walk up or down the stairway assembly

kick plate
toe board
a non-perforated vertical plate (angle or barrier) installed at the edge of an elevated surface intended to
prevent loose items from sliding off the edge of the floor

ladder tower
a contiguous series of ladders, platforms, and supporting structures

pick module
a rack or shelving structure comprised primarily of vertical frames and horizontal beams having one or more
elevated surfaces

qualified adjacent surface

a rigid or flexible surface, floor, or approved netting product of sufficient size and strength located below an
elevated surface that projects a minimum of 42 in. (1.07 m) beyond the unprotected edge of an elevated
platform floor that would serve to stop the fall of a person

rise/run
pitch line
ratio of the nominal vertical height of the stair to the nominal horizontal length of the stair, which defines the
slope of the stairs. See Figure 1

2
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Figure 1 – Illustration of rise/run

unfactored load
non-modified actual or minimum design load applied to a member or structure

work platform
a free-standing pre-engineered structure with an elevated working-walking surface located within an
industrial facility, warehouse, or similar environment
4 Stairways and ladders
General
An industrial stairway or ladder is a structure designed to bridge a large vertical distance by dividing it
into smaller vertical distances, called steps or rungs. Industrial stairways or ladders are used to move
from one level to another. Industrial stairways and ladders are meant to serve an elevated surface of
unlimited area.
Stairways are classified by the slope and the tread type:
a) Stairways with rectangular treads that extend the full width of each stepping surface and have a
typical pitch line slope of 30° to 50° as measured from the walking-working surface are classified
as a Straight Stairway (Clause 4.2).
b) Stairways that have rectangular treads that extend the full width of each stepping surface and have
a typical pitch line slope of 50° to 75° as measured from the walking-working surface are classified
as a Ships Ladder Stairway (Clause 4.3).
c) Stairways that have rectangular treads that extend one half of the full stairway width and alternate
tread elevations and have a typical pitch line slope of 50° to 75° as measured from the walking-
working surface are classified as an Alternating Tread Stairway (Clause 4.4).
d) Stairways that have triangular treads that radiate from a central point and wind around that point
are classified as a Spiral Stairway (Clause 4.5).
e) Rung ladders have rungs as opposed to steps and are a means of moving from one elevation to
another with a pitch line slope of 75° to 90° as measured from the walking-working surface (Clause
4.6).
All stair and ladder riser requirements within this standard are based on a single stair or ladder extending
from landing to landing. All stairs and ladders within a stair or ladder tower need not maintain the same
riser.

3
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Straight stairway
General
A straight stairway is an assembly, including guarding, that offers a straight line of travel at a moderate
incline between landings of different elevations with equally spaced and equally sized rectangular treads
where either leg of a person can be used for stepping onto the tread. Each tread is generally sized as to
comfortably permit both feet at a time. An example of a straight stairway is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 – Example of a straight stairway

Design requirements
The pitch line slope of a stairway shall range from 30° to 50°.
Industrial straight stairways are meant to serve an elevated surface of indeterminate area with fifty
occupants or less.
The minimum headroom measured vertically from the tip of the tread nose or the pitch line below any
obstruction shall not be less than 80 in. (2.03 m).
The height of the single stairway shall be not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) without one or more intermediate
landings.
Loading
All applied loads are live loads to be combined and factored as appropriate for use in applicable load
combinations.
The stair shall be designed to withstand a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one
location of the stair tread or stringer. Furthermore, the entire stairway structure and its supports shall be
designed to withstand a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 [488 kg/m2]. The stairway stringers of length
𝐿𝑠 shall be required to meet the strength limits along with a deflection limit of 𝐿𝑠 /240, whichever results in
the greater requirement. The stairway treads of width 𝐿𝑡 are required to meet the strength limits along with
a deflection limit of 𝐿𝑡 /240, whichever results in the greater requirement.
The guarding, handrails, and their supporting elements shall be designed to resist a live concentrated
loading of 200 lb. (890 N) and a live linear loading of 20 lb./ft (15 N/m) applied separately, but not
simultaneously, in each of the four principle directions (outward, inward, upward, and downward) at the top
of the guarding and handrail. These loads need not be applied simultaneously. All intermediate
components shall be designed to resist a minimum live load of 50 lb. (222 N) in any direction.
Treads/run
The tread surface shall not have any openings that a 1.125-in. (29 mm) sphere could pass through.
Each individual tread shall not slope more than ± 2%.

4
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

The tread shall extend from side to side of the stairway not less than 30 in. (760 mm) and not greater than
60 in. (1.52 m) as measured from the inside of the stairway stringers.
The tread depth shall be a minimum of 8 in. (200 mm) measured from the tip of the nose to the back edge
of the tread. If a riser is used, there shall be a minimum distance of 10 in. (250 mm) from the tip of the nose
of the tread to the face of the riser. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest run and the
largest run within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The leading edge of each tread shall have a maximum of a 0.5-in. (13 mm) radius. The leading edge may
be beveled.
The projection of the tread shall not be less than 7.5 in. (190 mm) from the nose of the tread above.
Rise
The rise need not be closed.
The rise in the stairway shall be a maximum of 9 in. (230 mm) as measured from the top of one tread to the
top of the adjacent tread. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest rise and the largest
rise within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
Handrail
A handrail shall be installed on at least one side of any stairway when the total rise is 30 in. (760 mm) or
more. The handrail need not extend past the leading edge of the lower tread at the base of the stairs nor
past the top riser at the top of the stairs.
A handrail, if required, shall be installed such that the top of the handrail is not less than 34 in. (860 mm) or
more than 38 in. (970 mm) measured vertically above the leading edge of the tread.
A minimum finger clearance of 1.5 in. (38 mm) shall be provided between the side of the handrail and any
obstruction at the handrail height.
The handrail shall not project into the tread width by more than 4.5 in. (110 mm).
The stairway handrail may serve as the top of the guarding for an open side of the stairway if it meets all
the requirements of a handrail and is not less than 34 in. (860 mm) and not more than 38 in. (970 mm)
measured vertically above the leading edge of the stairway tread.
The handrail, when used as part of the guarding, shall be constructed such that 21-in. (530-mm) diameter
sphere cannot pass through any opening.
Guarding
Guarding shall be installed on any open side of a landing or of a stairway with a total rise of 30 in. (760 mm)
or more.
Guarding shall be constructed such that a 21-in. (530-mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any
opening.
Except as noted in 4.2.6, the guarding shall have a minimum height of 42 in. (1.07 m) measured vertically
from the leading edge of the tread to the top of the guarding.
Landings
Stairway landings are used to comply with the design requirements in 4.2.2 or to alter the stairway direction.
The length of the landing in the direction of travel shall be not less than 36 in. (910 mm). The width of the
landing perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the width of the stairway.
The stairway landing shall not slope more than ± 2% in either direction.
The landing shall be designed to withstand the following forces, applied separately:
a) a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location; and
b) a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2).

5
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Ship’s ladder
General
A ship’s ladder is an assembly that offers a straight line of travel at a steep incline between landings of
different elevations with equally spaced and equally sized rectangular treads where either leg of a person
could be the leading step at any tread. Each tread is generally sized as to allow access to both feet of a
person at a time. An example of a ship’s ladder is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Example of a ship’s ladder

Design requirements
The pitch line slope of a ship’s ladder shall range from 50° to 75°.
Industrial ship’s ladders may serve as the primary access to an elevated surface of indeterminate area with
five occupants or less. They may also serve as a secondary access to an elevated platform with more than
five occupants but not more than fifty occupants.
The minimum head room, measured vertically from the tip of the tread nose to a pitch line below any
obstruction, shall not be less than 80 in. (2.03 m).
The height of the single ladder shall be not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) without one or more intermediate
landings.
Loading
A ship’s ladder shall be designed to withstand a live loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one
location of the ladder tread or stringer. Further, the entire stairway structure and its supports shall be
designed to withstand a live uniform load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2). The ladder structure and its components
are required to meet the strength limits and a deflection limit of L/240.
A ship’s ladder’s handrail shall be designed to sustain a live concentrated loading of 200 lb. (90.7 kg)
applied separately, but not simultaneously, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to the top
handrail. All members, including the top handrail, shall be designed to sustain a live uniformly-distributed
loading of 20 lb./ft (15 N/m) applied separately, but not simultaneously, in the horizontal direction and the
vertical direction to the member under consideration.
Treads/run
The tread surface shall not have any openings that a 1.125-in. (29 mm) sphere could pass through.
Each individual tread shall not slope more than ± 2%.
The tread shall extend from side to side of the ladder not less than 20 in. (510 mm) as measured from the
inside of the ladder stringers.
The tread depth shall be a minimum of 6 in. (220 mm) measured from the tip of the nose to the back edge
of the tread. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest run and the largest run within a
flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).

6
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

The leading edge of each tread shall have a maximum of 0.5 in. (13 mm) radius. The leading edge may
be beveled.
The maximum variation in the tread run, measured from the nose of one tread to the nose of the adjacent
tread, shall be 0.1875 in. (4.7 mm) between adjacent treads, and not more than ± 0.375 in. (9.5 mm)
throughout the height of the ladder.
Rise
The rise need not be closed.
The rise in the ship’s ladder shall be a maximum of 9.5 in. (240 mm) as measured from the top of one tread
to the top of the adjacent tread. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest rise and the
largest rise within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The minimum vertical clearance above a tread surface shall not be less than 5 in. (130 mm).
Handrail
Handrails are required on both sides of the ladder. The horizontal clear distance between handrails shall
not exceed 30 in. (760 mm). The handrails need not extend past the leading edge of the lower tread at the
base of the ladder or past the top riser at the top of the stairs.
Handrails shall be installed at not less than 30 in. (760 mm) or more than 34 in. (860 mm) above the leading
edge of the tread.
A minimum finger clearance of 1.5 in. (38 mm) shall be provided between the side of the handrail and any
obstruction at the handrail height. The handrail shall not project into the tread width by more than 1 in.
(25 mm).
The handrails shall be constructed such that 21-in. (530-mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any
opening.
Landings
Landings are used to comply with the design requirements of 4.3.2 or to alter the ladder direction.
The length of the landing in the direction of travel shall not be less than 36 in. (910 mm). The width of the
landing perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the width of the ladder.
The ladder landing shall not slope more than ± 2% in either direction.
The landing shall be designed to withstand the following forces, applied separately:
a) a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location; and
b) a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2).
Guarding at landings shall meet the requirements of 4.2.7.
Alternating-tread stairway
General
An alternating-tread stairway is an assembly that offers a straight line of travel at a steep incline between
landings of different elevations upon equally spaced and equally sized rectangular treads where the leading
person’s step per tread is dictated by the tread placement. Each tread is sized as to comfortably
accommodate only one foot at a time. Figure 4 shows an example of an alternating-tread stairway.

7
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Figure 4 – Example of an alternating-tread stairway

Design requirements
The pitch line slope of an alternating-tread stairway shall range from 50° to 75°.
Industrial alternating-tread stairways may serve as the primary access to an elevated surface of
indeterminate area with five occupants or less. They may also serve as a secondary access to an elevated
platform with more than five occupants but not more than fifty occupants.
The minimum head room, measured vertically from any obstruction to tip of the tread nosing or pitch line,
shall not be less than 80 in. (2.03 m).
The height of an alternating-tread stairway shall be not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) without one or more
intermediate landings.
Loading
The stair shall be designed to withstand a live load of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location of
the stair tread or stringer. Further, the entire stairway structure and its supports shall be designed to
withstand a live uniform load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2). The stairway structure and its components are
required to meet the strength limits and a deflection limit of L/240.
The handrail shall be designed to sustain a live concentrated loading of 200 lb. (90.7 kg) applied separately,
but not simultaneously, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to the top handrail. All members,
including the top handrail shall be designed to sustain a live linear loading of 20 lb./ft (15 N/m) applied
separately, but not simultaneously, in the horizontal directions and the vertical direction to the member
under consideration.
Treads/run
The tread surface shall not have any openings that a 1.125-in. (29 mm) sphere could pass through.
Each individual tread shall not slope more than ± 2%.
The minimum individual tread width shall not be less than 7 in. (180 mm).
The minimum individual tread depth shall not be less than 8.5 in. (220 mm) measured from the tip of the
nose to the back edge of the tread. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest tread run
and the largest tread run within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The surface of the top tread of the stairs shall align with the surface of the landing to within ± 0.375 in.
(9.5 mm).
The leading edge of each tread shall have a maximum of a 0.5-in. (13 mm) radius. The leading edge may
be beveled.

8
Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Rise
The rise need not be closed; however, if closed, the minimum tread depth shall be 9.5 in. (240 mm).
The rise between alternating treads shall not be less than 6 in. (150 mm) or more than 9 in. (230 mm) as
measured from the top of one tread to the top of the adjacent tread. The maximum permissible difference
between the smallest rise and the largest rise within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The minimum vertical clearance above a tread surface shall not be less than 5 in. (130 mm).
Handrail
A handrail is required on both sides of any alternating-tread stairway. The horizontal clear distance between
handrails shall not exceed 30 in. (760 mm). The handrail need not extend past the leading edge of the
lower tread at the base of the stairs or past the top riser at the top of the stairs.
The top of the handrail shall not be less than 30 in. (760 mm) or more than 34 in. (860 mm) above the
leading edge of the tread.
A minimum finger clearance of 1.5 in. (38 mm) shall be provided between the side of the handrail and any
obstruction at the handrail height.
Landings
Landings are used to comply with the design requirements of 4.4.2 or to alter the stairway direction.
The length of the landing in the direction of travel shall not be less than 36 in. (910 mm). The width of the
landing perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the width of the stairway.
The stairway landing may not slope more than ± 2% in either direction.
The landing shall be designed to withstand the following forces, applied separately:
a) a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location; and
b) a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2).
Guarding at landings shall meet the requirements of 4.2.7.
Spiral stairway
General
A spiral stairway is an assembly that offers a circular line of travel at a moderate incline between landings
of different elevation with equally spaced and equally sized wedge-shaped treads where either leg of a
person may be the leading step at any tread. Each tread is sized to accommodate both feet at a time. An
example of a spiral stairway is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 – Example of a spiral stairway

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Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Scope
The plumb line for the center post of a spiral stairway shall be from 88° up to 90° as measured from the
walking-working surface.
Industrial spiral stairways may serve as the primary access to an elevated surface of indeterminate area
with five occupants or less. They may also serve as a secondary access to an elevated platform with more
than five occupants but not more than fifty occupants.
The minimum head room, measured vertically from the tip of the tread nose to a pitch line below any
obstruction, shall not be less than 78 in. (1.98 m).
The height of the single continuous stairway shall not exceed 20 ft (6.1 m) without one or more intermediate
landings.
Loading
The stair shall be designed to withstand a live loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location
on the stair tread or stringer. Further, the entire stairway structure and its supports shall be designed to
withstand a live uniform load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2). The stairway structure and its components are
required to meet the strength limits and a deflection limit of L/240, whichever results in the greater
requirements.
The handrail shall be designed to sustain a live concentrated loading of 200 lbf (890 N) applied separately,
but not simultaneously, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to the top handrail. All members,
including the top handrail shall be designed to sustain a live uniformly-distributed loading of 20 lb./ft
(15 N/m) applied separately, but not simultaneously, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to
the member under consideration.
Treads/run
The tread surface shall not have any openings that a 1.125-in. (29 mm) sphere could pass through.
Each individual tread shall not slope more than ± 2%.
The tread shall extend from the center pole of the stairway not less than 26 in. (660 mm) and not greater
than 42 in. (1.07 m) as measured from the inside of the stairway stringer.
The tread depth shall be a minimum of 7.5 in. (200 mm) measured from the tip of the nose to the back edge
of the tread and 12 in. (300 mm) from the inside or narrow end of the tread. The maximum permissible
difference between the smallest run and the largest run within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The maximum permissible difference between the smallest tread depth and the largest tread depth within
a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The leading edge of each tread shall have a maximum of 0.5 in. (13 mm) radius or beveled edge.
All treads shall be uniform.
Rise
The rise need not be closed; however, unless special care is taken, a closed riser could inhibit the required
clear tread depth for foot placement.
The rise in the stairway shall be a maximum of 9.5 in. (230 mm) as measured from the top of one tread to
the top of the adjacent tread. The maximum permissible difference between the smallest rise and the
largest rise within a flight is 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
The minimum vertical clearance above a tread surface shall not be less than 5 in. (130 mm).
Handrail and guarding
Guarding is required on the open outside edge regardless of the stairway height. The handrail/guarding
need not extend past the leading edge of the lower tread at the base of the stairs or past the top riser at the
top of the stairs.

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Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

A handrail (usually the top of the guarding) shall be installed at the top of the guarding not less than 34 in.
(860 mm) or more than 38 in. (970 mm) above the leading edge of the tread.
The guarding shall be constructed such that a 12-in. (310 mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any
opening.
A minimum finger clearance of 1.5 in. (38 mm) shall be provided between the side of the handrail and any
obstruction at the handrail height. The handrail shall not project into the tread width by more than 1 in.
(25 mm).
Landings
Landings are used to comply with the design requirements of 4.5.2 or to alter the stairway direction.
The length of the landing in the direction of travel cannot be less than 36 in. (910 mm). The width of the
landing perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the width of the stair tread.
The stairway landing may not slope more that ± 2% in either direction.
The landing shall be designed to withstand the following forces, applied separately:
a) a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location; and
b) a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2).
Guarding at landings shall meet the requirements of 4.2.7.
Rung ladder
General
A rung ladder is a “permanently-fixed” assembly that offers a straight line of travel at a very steep incline
between landings of different elevations with equally spaced and equally sized rod or tube rungs where
either leg of a person could be the leading step at any rung. Each rung is sized as to comfortably permit
both feet at a time. Rung ladders are either caged, uncaged, or have a personal fall-arrest system. Figure 6
shows examples of caged and uncaged rung ladders.

Figure 6 – Examples of uncaged and caged rung ladders

Scope
The pitch line slope of a ladder shall range from 75° to 90°.
The minimum head room, measured vertically from the top of a rung to a pitch line below any obstruction,
shall not be less than 80 in. (2.03 m).
The height of an individual uncaged ladder without personal fall-arrest systems and without one or more
intermediate landings shall be not more than 20 ft (6.1 m).
The height of an individual single caged ladder without one or more intermediate landings shall be not more
than 30 ft (9.1 m).

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Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

The height of an individual ladder with a personal fall-arrest system without one or more intermediate
landings shall be not more than 150 ft (45.7 m).
Attachments for personal fall-arrest systems shall be made at ground level.
Loading
The ladder shall be designed to withstand a live loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) applied in any direction on either
a rung or a stringer. The ladder structure and its components are required to meet the strength limits and
a lateral deflection limit of ± 0.5 in. (13 mm) between supports.
Rung
The rungs shall have a minimum diameter of 0.75 in. (19 mm) and a maximum diameter of 1.5 in. (38 mm).
For square tubing, the minimum side dimension shall be 0.625 in. (16 mm) and a maximum side dimension
of 1.5 in. (38 mm).
Each individual rung shall not slope more than ± 2%.
The rung shall extend from side to side of the ladder not less than 16 in. (410 mm) and not greater than
24 in. (610 mm) as measured from the inside of the stringers.
For any ladder with an elevated landing, the rung at the landing level shall be positioned flush with the top
surface of the landing with a tolerance of ± 0.5 in. (13 mm).
Rise
The rise in the ladder shall be a maximum of 12 in. (300 mm) as measured from the top of one rung to the
top of the adjacent rung. The maximum variation between the smallest rise and the largest rise within a
flight shall be 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
Cage
The cage shall extend a minimum of 42 in. (1.07 mm) above the elevated landing.
The clearance height above the walking-working surface at the entrance to the cage shall be greater than
or equal to 84 in. (2.13 m) but not more than 96 in. (2.44 m).
The flared entrance portion to the cage shall be a minimum of 4 in. (100 mm) greater than the climbing
clearance but not more than 7 in. (180 mm).
The climbing clearance (the distance from the center of the ladder rung to the inside surface of the cage
directly behind a climber) shall be equal to or greater than 27 in. (690 mm) but shall not exceed 28 in.
(710 mm).
The lateral spacing of the vertical straps that form the cage shall not exceed 9.5 in. (240 mm) or an angle
of 40° measured from the nearest vertical strap.
Landings
Landings are used to comply with the design requirements of 4.6.2 or to alter the ladder direction.
The width of the landing perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than 24 in. (610 mm). The
length of the landing in the direction of travel shall not be less than 30 in. (760 mm).
The gap between the landing and the centerline of the top rung for a step-through ladder shall not be less
than 2.5 in. (64 mm) but not more than 7.5 in. (190 mm).
The gap between the landing and the outer edge of a step-to-the-side ladder shall not be less than 2.5 in.
(64 mm) but not more than 7.5 in. (190 mm).
The stairway landing may not slope more that ± 2% in either direction.
The landing shall be designed to withstand the following forces, applied separately:
a) a live vertical loading of 300 lb. (136 kg) concentrated at any one location; and
b) a live uniform vertical load of 100 lb./ft2 (488 kg/m2).

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Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Guarding at landings shall meet the requirements of 4.2.7.

5 Guarding
All elevated surfaces with fall hazards at unprotected open edges that are more than 30 in. (760 mm) above
a qualified adjacent surface shall have appropriate guarding at or near the unprotected edge. The guarding
shall protect against the possibility of a fall from the elevated surface. The guarding shall extend either
vertically up from the platform surface or horizontally from the open edge of the platform.
Platform guarding may not be required where other structures, equipment, or devices restrict access to the
open edge.
Vertical guarding
Dimensional limitations
Vertical guarding shall extend not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) from the surface of the elevated platform.
The bottom 4 in. (100 mm) of fixed vertical guarding shall not allow a 1.125-in. (29 mm) sphere to pass
through.
Vertical guarding shall have intermediate rails or vertical stiles such that a 21-in. (530 mm) diameter sphere
cannot pass through the guarding.
Where a discontinuity of the guarding exists, such as between vertical members or between stairs and a
vertical member, the maximum horizontal clear space shall not exceed 6 in. (150 mm).
Removable guarding
Removable guarding used to protect a temporary opening shall meet the same design criteria as fixed
guarding. The area where removable guarding is located shall be equipped with a personal fall-protection
system.
Chain or cable guarding
For this standard, the use of chain or cable as guarding is limited to:
a) ladder openings; and
b) drop zones, provided that the drop zone is equipped with a personal fall-protection system.
Design loadings
The top and intermediate guard rails, the vertical posts, and any connections to the supporting structure
including, but not limited to, the flooring material and the supporting members, shall be designed to resist
the following forces:
a) The top guard rail shall safely support either a uniform load of 20 lbf (89 N) or a concentrated load
of 200 lb. (90.7 kg) (in any direction at any single location.
b) The intermediate guard rail shall safely support a concentrated load of 50 lb. (23 kg) in any direction
at any single location.
c) The posts and their connection to the support framing shall safely support a concentrated load of
200 lb. (90.7 kg) in any direction at any single location.
The forces applied to the guarding is a local force and is not required to be combined with forces on any
members beyond the guarding support connections.
Horizontal guarding
At the edge of an elevated surface where vertical guarding will interfere with the operation on the platform,
approved horizontal guarding shall be used. The horizontal guarding is not to be walked on without
observing the correct fall-protection procedures for an unprotected or open edge. The open edge of the
horizontal guarding shall be not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) from the edge of the elevated surface.

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Stairs, Ladders, and Open-Edge Guards for Use with Material Handling Structures ANSI MH32.1-2018

Falling object protection systems

The owner shall specify to the designer any locations where operations, such as product storage, require
vertical or horizontal safety barriers against falling product.
Personal fall-protection systems
Refer to ASSE Z359 for personal fall-protection system guidance.

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