Stairway Checklist

Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health
Stairway Checklist

This checklist assesses slip, trip, and fall hazards on stairways. These hazards may be due 

to the design of the fixed ladder or issues due to maintenance and upkeep or 

housekeeping. Some conditions may require the ladder to be removed from service. The 

checklist is divided into twelve sections including general, maintenance, design, 

clearance, tread, rise, nosing, landings, guardrails, handrails, spiral stairways, and 

illumination.
Stairway Checklist Instructions

This checklist package contains four documents. Three documents are necessary to 

conduct the audit. The third is optional and can be used as needed or when assessing 

multiple stairways. A description and intended use of each document is provided below. 

1. Stairway Information Page – This document is required and allows the audit user to

record pertinent information to be filed with the audit results and recommendations.

A separate Stairway Information Page should be used for each location and time

when assessing multiple location or at multiple times.

2. Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet – This document is optional and can be used to

record responses to the checklist items, thereby allowing the user to reuse the

Stairway Checklist document multiple times without the need for additional copies of

the checklist items. A separate Stairway Answer Sheet should be used for each

location and time when assessing multiple location or at multiple times.

3. Stairway Checklist – This document is required and contains all the checklist items

and should be used to assess the stairway. The checklist is divided into twelve

sections including general, maintenance, design, clearance, tread, rise, nosing,

landings, guardrails, handrails, spiral stairways, and illumination. To complete this

checklist, you will need a tape measure, an inclinometer (or the built-in inclinometer

on your smart device) attached to a piece of straight wood/metal at least 18 inches

long, and a light (lux) meter. A separate Stairway Checklist should be used for each

stairway audited if the Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet is not used.
4. Stairway Recommendations – This document is required and contains all the

recommendations for the checklist items. Each recommendation corresponds to the

answer “yes” for that item on the Stairway Checklist or the Stairway Checklist

Answer Sheet.
Stairway Checklist Table of Contents 

Stairway Information Sheet...............................................................................................................................Page 1

Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet ......................................................................................................................Page 2

Stairway Checklist..............................................................................................................................................Page 4

Stairway Recommendations............................................................................................................................Page 12
Stairway Information Page: Page 1

Stairway Information Sheet

Name of Auditor: _______________________________ 

Location: ______________________________________ 

Date: _________________________________________ 

Time: _________:_________ AM / PM

Operational status of mine: In operation / Not in operation 

Brief description of the environment at the location of this stairway (Ex.: wet, dry, 

inside, outside, transitional area):

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Comments: 

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________
Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet: Page 2

Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet 

General 

1.1 __________________________

Maintenance

2.1 __________________________

Design

3.1 __________________________

3.2 __________________________

Clearance

4.1 __________________________

Tread

5.1 __________________________

5.2 __________________________

5.3 __________________________

5.4 __________________________

5.5 __________________________

Rise

6.1 __________________________

6.2 __________________________

Nosing 

7.1 __________________________

7.2 __________________________

Landing

8.1 __________________________

8.2 __________________________

8.3 __________________________

8.4 __________________________

8.5 __________________________

8.6 __________________________

Guardrails

9.1 __________________________

9.2 __________________________

9.3 __________________________

9.4 __________________________

Handrails 

10.1 __________________________

10.2 __________________________

10.3 __________________________

10.4 __________________________

10.5 __________________________

10.6 __________________________

10.7 __________________________

10.8 __________________________

10.9 __________________________

10.10 __________________________

10.11 __________________________

10.12 __________________________

10.13 __________________________

10.14 __________________________
Stairway Checklist Answer Sheet: Page 3

Spiral Stairways

11.1 __________________________

11.2 __________________________

11.3 __________________________

11.4 __________________________

11.5 __________________________

Illumination

12.1 __________________________ 
Stairway Checklist: Page 4

Stairway Checklist

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

General 1.1 If 3 or less stairs, visual cues such as handrails, delineated nosing edges, 

tactile cues, warning signs, surface color contrast, and/or accent lighting are not 

provided.

Maintenance 2.1 Pooled liquid, spillage, or debris are on the stair treads or landings.

Design 3.1 Pitch of the stairway is less than 30° or more than 50°.

3.2 Stair treads, nosing, and landings are not corrugated, knurled, dimpled, 

coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
Stairway Checklist: Page 5

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

Clearance 4.1 There is less than 7 feet of vertical clearance along the stairway (including the 

first and last step).

Tread 5.1 Treads are bent, deformed or not level

5.2 Tread depth is not uniform along the stairway (including first and last step).
Stairway Checklist: Page 6

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

5.3 Tread depth is less than 9.5 inches for stairs with closed risers.

5.4 If 3 or less stairs, tread depth is less than 13 inches.

5.5 Width of the stairway across any tread is less than 22 inches.
Stairway Checklist: Page 7

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

Rise 6.1 Rise height is not uniform along the stairway (including the first and last 

step).

6.2 Rise height is less than 4 inches or greater than 9-1⁄2 inches.

Nosing 7.1 The stair nosing is not highly visible.
Stairway Checklist: Page 8

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

7.2 The projection of nosing is greater than 1-1⁄2 inch over the lower tread.

Landing 8.1 The top tread is not level with the landing.

8.2 The landing is less than the width of the stairway or less than 22 inches wide.

8.3 The landing is less than 30 inches long (in the direction of travel).

8.4 A landing is not provided for every 12 feet of climbing height.

8.5 A landing is not provided when a door or gate opens over/onto the stairway.

8.6 When a door or gate opens onto the landing, the usable width on the landing 

is less than 22 inches.

Guardrails 9.1 A guardrail has a missing or damaged top rail, intermediate rail, post, screen, 

or mesh between the top guardrail and the stair tread.

9.2 An intermediate guardrail is not approximately halfway between the top 

guardrail and the stair tread.
Stairway Checklist: Page 9

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

9.3 When a screen or mesh is used, it does not extend from the top guardrail to 

the stair tread for the entire length between posts.

9.4 A guardrail has a vertical height of less than 42 inches from the 

walking/working surface. 

Handrails 10.1 For a stairway that is less than 44 inches wide:

- Enclosed: No handrail is provided on the right side when descending.

- Open on one side: No handrail is provided on at least the open side.

- Open on both sides: No handrail provided on both open sides.

10.2 For a stairway between 44 and 88 inches wide (enclosed and open), no 

handrail is provided on both sides.

10.3 For a stairway that is more than 88 inches wide, no handrail is provided on 

both sides and no additional handrail is provided in the middle of the stair width.

10.4 Handrails rotate or move within the fitting.

10.5 Handrails have protrusions, burrs, or sharp edges.

10.6 Handrails have an obstruction on the top or sides.

10.7 There is less than 2-1⁄4 inches of clearance around handrails at any point 

along the stairway.

10.8 Handrails are not continuous with adjacent handrails or are not continuous 

for the entire length of stairway.

10.9 Handrail height is not consistent above the stair nosing.

10.10 The height of the top handrail is less than 34 inches or more than 38 inches 

above the stair tread.
Stairway Checklist: Page 10

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

10.11 The handrail extends less than 12 inches horizontally above the top 

landing.

10.12 The handrail extends less than one tread depth horizontally beyond the 

bottom tread.

10.13 Circular handrails have an outer diameter less than 1-1⁄4 inches or more 

than 2 inches.

10.14 Noncircular handrails have a cross-section of less than 1 inch or more than 

2-1⁄4 inches.

Spiral 

stairways

11.1 A spiral stairway is provided where there is adequate space and it is feasible 

to provide conventional fixed stairs.

11.2 There is less than 78 inches of vertical clearance along the spiral stairway.

11.3 Width of the spiral stairway across any tread is less than 26 inches.
Stairway Checklist: Page 11

Category Select all conditions present X = Yes

11.4 Tread depth is less than 7-1⁄2 inches, at a point 12 inches from the narrow 

edge, on the spiral stairway.

11.5 The riser height is more than 9-1⁄2 inches on the spiral stairway.

Illumination 12.1 Less than 108 lux (10 foot-candles) of illuminance is provided on the 

stairway and landings.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 12

Stairway Recommendations 

General

 (S Q 1.1) You indicated that visual cues are not provided on a short flight of stairs (3 or less stairs). It is best

to avoid short flights of stairs (less than 3 steps) as they can be especially dangerous as they are not easily

identifiable by the worker, leading to falls. Provide visual cues such as handrails, delineated nosing edges,

tactile cues, warning signs, surface color contrast, or accent lighting to identify the short flights of stairs.

Routinely examine and maintain (clean, repair, replace) visual cues to ensure that they are visible and easily

identifiable.

Maintenance 

 (S Q 2.1) You indicated that there is pooled liquid, spillage, or debris on the stair treads or landings. Install

stairway treads and landings that facilitate drainage and minimize or eliminate the pooling of liquid. Use

grated metal materials and install drains if necessary. Routinely inspect, clean, and maintain treads and

drains to ensure that they allow for sufficient drainage. Provide alternate routes and restrict access to the

stairway using barricades and signs if the entire stairway or landing is covered with liquid, spillage, or debris.

Only employees aware of the risks and authorized to access the area for cleaning or maintenance should be

allowed access. Promptly remove the barricades and signs when the hazard is mitigated.

Design

 (S Q 3.1) You indicated that the pitch of the stairs is less than 30° or more than 50°. Install stairs with a pitch

between 30° and 50°. Outside of this range it is hard to design stairways with the required tread depth and

rise. For a pitch/grade less than 15°, use an inclined walkway. For a pitch/grade between 15° and 30°, use a

combination of stairs and level walkways. If the pitch/grade is between 70° and 90°, it is recommended to

use ladders.

 (S Q 3.2) You indicated that the stair treads, nosing, and landings are not treated to minimize slipping. Install

or treat treads, nosings, and landings so that they are slip-resistant. Slip-resistant treatments include

corrugations, dimples, knurling, or coatings of skid-resistant material. Repair/replace the treatment when

the surface becomes smooth. Routinely examine and maintain stairway surfaces.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 13

Clearance

 (S Q 4.1) You indicated that there is less than 7 feet of vertical clearance along the stairway (including the

first and last step). Design stairways with at least 7 feet of vertical clearance. Remove/reroute any

obstructions (such as cables, hoses, pipes, tools, or equipment) that result in less than 7 feet of vertical

clearance. Unavoidable permanent obstructions reducing vertical clearances to below 7 feet should be

painted in a high visibility color and signage provided (before and at the low clearance) to indicate low

clearance. Routinely examine and maintain stairways and warning signs.

Tread

 (S Q 5.1) You indicated that the stair treads are bent, deformed, or not level. Workers can have difficulty

traversing stairs with bent, deformed, or skewed treads as it leads to a nonuniform rise height and can lead

to trips and falls. In addition, treads that are inclined in the direction of travel can lead to the foot slipping

off the step. Install stair treads that are level. Remove debris or repair/replace stair treads that are not level

due to wear or damage. Routinely examine and maintain stair treads.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 14

 (S Q 5.2) You indicated that the tread depth is not uniform along the stairway (including the first and last

step). Install treads with uniform depth from the first through the last step. Any change in dimension along

the stairway will require workers to pay special attention when traversing the stairs and can lead to trips and

falls. Remove any debris or accumulation that may reduce the tread depth. Routinely examine and maintain

stairways.

 (S Q 5.3 or Q 5.4) You indicated that the tread depth is less than 9-1⁄2 inches for stairs with closed risers or

less than 13 inches when there are 3 or less stairs. Any change in dimension along the stairway will require

workers to pay special attention when traversing the stairs and can lead to trips and falls. Install treads with

uniform depth from the first through the last step. Install stairs with closed risers with tread depths of at

least 9-1⁄2 inches (preferably 11 inches). Install tread depths greater than 13 inches on stairways with 3 or

fewer stairs. Remove any debris or accumulation that may reduce the tread depth. Routinely examine and

maintain stairways.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 15

 (S Q 5.5) You indicated that the width of the stairway across any tread is less than 22 inches. Design

stairways with tread width of at least 22 inches. Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as cables, hoses,

pipes, tools, or equipment) that reduce tread width. Routinely examine and maintain stairways.

Rise

 (S Q 6.1) You indicated that rise height is not uniform along the stairway (including the first and last step).

Any change in dimension along the stairway will require workers to pay special attention when traversing

the stairs and can lead to trips and falls. Install treads with uniform rise height from the first through the last

step. Remove any debris or accumulation that may affect rise height. Routinely examine and maintain

stairways.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 16

 (S Q 6.2) You indicated that rise height is less than 4 inches or greater than 9-1⁄2 inches for the stairway.

Design stairways with uniform rise height between 4 and 9-1⁄2 inches from the first through the last step.

Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as cables, hoses, pipes, tools, or equipment) that may change rise

height. Routinely examine and maintain stairways.

Nosing

 (S Q 7.1) You indicated that the stair nosing is not easily identifiable. Improved visibility of the edge leads to

better edge detection and reduces the likelihood of falls. Provide visual cues to identify the stair nosing by

painting the nosing of the steps (front 2 inches) with a high visibility color, use retro-reflective tape, or use

different materials for the nosing to make the steps more visible and increase contrast. Routinely examine

and maintain (clean, repair, replace) visual cues to ensure that they are visible and easily identifiable.

 (S Q 7.2) You indicated that the projection of nosing is greater than 1-1⁄2 inch over the lower tread. Large

nosings can cause the foot to get caught when ascending stairs and reduces the usable tread depth when

descending stairs. Install steps with nosings projecting no more than 1-1⁄2 inches over the lower tread.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 17

Landing

 (S Q 8.1) You indicated that the top tread of the stairway is not level with the landing. Install a top tread that

is level with the landing and ensure all other treads have a uniform tread depth and rise. Remove any debris

or accumulation that may influence the top tread. Routinely examine and maintain stairways.

 (S Q 8.2 or Q 8.3) You indicated that the landing is less than the width of the stairway, less than 22 inches

wide, or less than 30 inches long (in the direction of travel). Provide a landing at the top and bottom of the

stairway that is at least 30 inches long in the direction of travel, at least as wide as the stairway (at least 22

inches wide), and that is level with the top step. Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as cables, hoses,

pipes, tools, or equipment). Routinely examine and maintain landings.

 (S Q 8.4) You indicated that a landing is not provided for every 12 feet of climbing height. Provide a landing

every 12 feet of climbing height that is at least 30 inches long in the direction of travel, at least 22 inches

wide, and that is level with the top step.

 (S Q 8.5 or Q 8.6) You indicated that a landing is not provided when a door or gate opens over/onto the

stairway or the usable width of the landing with the door open is less than 22 inches. Whenever a door or

gate opens either over or onto a stairway, provide a landing with at least 22 inches of usable width when the

door is open. Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as cables, hoses, pipes, tools, or equipment) that

reduce the width of the landing. Routinely examine and maintain landings to ensure that they remain clear.

Guardrails

 (S Q 9.1) You indicated that the guardrail has a missing or damaged top rail, intermediate rail, post, screen,

or mesh along the stairway. Install guardrails with top and intermediate rails, posts, screens, or mesh along

stairways. The top rail of the guardrail can be used as a handrail only if the top rail is between 36 and 38

inches above the stair tread. Routinely examine and maintain guardrails.

 (S Q 9.2) You indicated that the intermediate guardrail is not approximately halfway between the top

guardrail and the stair tread. Intermediate guardrails serve as a barrier to prevent workers from slipping off

the stairway between the top rail and the floor. Intermediate guardrails also prevent larger objects from

falling to the lower level posing a hazard to those working below. Install guardrails with intermediate rails

that are approximately halfway between the top guardrail and stair tread. Routinely examine and maintain

guardrails.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 18

 (S Q 9.3) You indicated that the screen or mesh used does not extend from the top guardrail to the stairway

surface for the entire length between posts. Screens and mesh serve as barriers to prevent workers from

slipping off the stairway between the top rail and the stair. Screens and mesh also prevent larger objects

from falling to the lower level posing a hazard to those working below. When using screens and mesh, they

should be installed from the top guardrail to the stair tread and along the entire length between posts.

Routinely examine and maintain mesh and screens.

 (S Q 9.4) You indicated that a guardrail has a vertical height of less than 42 inches from the walking surface.

Guardrails should be installed with a minimum vertical height of 42 inches from the walking/working surface

to the upper surface of the top rail.

Handrails

 (S Q 10.1 or 10.2 or 10.3) You indicated that adequate handrails are not provided along the stairway. For

enclosed stairs less than 44 inches wide, provide handrails on one side; preferably the right side when

descending. For stairs open on one side and less than 44 inches wide, provide handrails on at least the open

side. For stairs open on both sides and less than 44 inches wide, provide handrails on both open sides. For

stairs between 44 and 88 inches wide (enclosed or open), provide handrails on both sides. For stairs more

than 88 inches wide, provide handrails on both sides and an additional handrail in the middle of the stair

width.

Stair width Enclosed stairs One side open Two sides open

Less than 44 

inches

At least one handrail

(preferably on the 

right when 

descending)

Handrail on open side Handrail on both sides

Between 44 and 

88 inches

Handrail on both sides Handrails on both sides Handrails on both sides

Greater than 88 

inches

Handrails on both sides 

and an additional 

handrail in the 

middle of the stair

width

Handrails on both sides 

and an additional 

handrail in the 

middle of the stair

width 

Handrails on both sides 

and an additional 

handrail in the 

middle of the stair

width

 (S Q 10.4) You indicated that the handrails rotate or move within the fitting. Handrails that move and rotate

do not provide adequate stability when used by the workers. Handrails that move or rotate also provide

little assistance when recovering from a fall. Install handrails securely in their fitting. Routinely examine and

maintain handrails to ensure that they do not rotate or move.

 (S Q 10.5) You indicated that the handrails have protrusions, burrs, or sharp edges. Clothing can get snagged

on the protrusions, burrs, or sharp edges. There is also a risk of a puncture, cut, or laceration from handrails

that have protrusions, burrs, or sharp edges. Install handrails and guardrails that have a smooth finish.

Routinely examine and maintain handrails.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 19

 (S Q 10.6 or Q 10.7) You indicated that the handrails have an obstruction on the top or sides or that there is

less than 2-1⁄4 inches of clearance around handrails at any point along the stairway. Handrails with

obstructions limit the usable length of the handrail. Install handrails that have no obstructions on the top or

sides with at least 2-1⁄4 inches of clearance from the nearest object. Routinely examine and maintain

handrails.

 (S Q 10.8) You indicated that the handrail is not continuous with adjacent handrails or is not continuous for

the entire length of the stairway. Continuous handrails can provide support to workers as they traverse the

stairway and be of assistance when recovering from a fall. Install handrails that are continuous with the

adjacent handrail and at a consistent height (34–38 inches above the tread) for the length of the handrail.

Routinely examine and maintain handrails and stairways.

 (S Q 10.9 or Q 10.10) You indicated that the handrails are not at a consistent height above the stairway, or

the height of the top handrail is less than 34 inches or more than 38 inches above the step. Consistent

handrail height can provide support to workers as they traverse the walkway and be of assistance when

recovering from a fall. Install handrails that are continuous with the adjacent handrail and at a consistent

height (34–38 inches above the floor) for the length of the handrail. Routinely examine and maintain

handrails and stairways.

 (S Q 10.11) You indicated that the handrail extends less than 12 inches horizontally above the top landing.

Install handrail extensions at the top and bottom of the stairs. Handrails that extend onto the top landing

can help transitions from the stairway to the landing or walkway and vice versa. Install handrails that extend

at least 12 inches horizontally onto the top landing and are at a consistent height (34–38 inches above the

floor) for the length of the handrail. Extensions should return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or

should be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stairway. Routinely examine and maintain handrails and

stairways.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 20

 (S Q 10.12) You indicated that the handrail extends less than one tread depth horizontally beyond the

bottom tread. Install handrail extensions at the top and bottom of the stairs. Handrails that extend beyond

the bottom tread can help transitions from the stairway to the ground, landing, or walkway and vice versa.

Install handrails that extend at least one tread depth horizontally beyond the bottom tread and are at a

consistent height (34–38 inches above the floor) for the length of the handrail. Extensions should return to a

wall, guard, or the landing surface, or should be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stairway.

Routinely examine and maintain handrails and stairways.

 (S Q 10.13 or Q 10.14) You indicated that for circular handrails, the outer diameter is less than 1-1⁄4 inches or

more than 2 inches; or for non-circular handrails, the cross-section is less than 1 inch or more than 2-1⁄4

inches. Providing handrails with a cross-section that is easy to grip can help prevent and recover from falls.

Install circular handrails with diameters between 1-1⁄4 and 2 inches or non-circular handrails with crosssection dimensions that are between 1 and 2-1⁄4 inches. Ensure handrails do not have protrusions, burrs, or

sharp edges. Routinely examine and maintain handrails.

Spiral Stairways 

 (S Q 11.1) You indicated that a spiral stairway is provided where there is adequate space and it is feasible to

provide conventional fixed stairs. Provide conventional fixed stairs instead of spiral staircases when space

allows as using spiral stairs are more dangerous as compared to standard stairways.

 (S Q 11.2) You indicated that there is less than 78 inches of vertical clearance along the spiral stairway.

Design stairways with at least 78 inches of vertical clearance. Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as

cables, hoses, pipes, tools, or equipment) that result in less than 78 inches of vertical clearance. Install

warning signs if a hazard exists and remove the hazard as soon as possible. Routinely examine and maintain

stairways and warning signs.
Stairway Recommendations: Page 21

 (S Q 11.3 or S Q 11.4 or S Q 11.5) You indicated that the width of spiral stairway across any tread is less than

26 inches, the riser height is more than 9-1⁄2 inches on the spiral stairway, or the tread depth is less than 7-1⁄2

inches, at a point 12 inches from the narrow edge. Install spiral stairways with a tread width of at least 26

inches. Install treads with uniform tread depth and rise height from the first through the last step. Install

spiral stairways with rise height of less than 9-1⁄2 inches and tread depths of at least 7-1⁄2 inches (at a point 12

inches from the narrow edge). Remove/reroute any obstructions (such as cables, hoses, pipes, tools, or

equipment) that reduce tread width or depth or change rise height. Routinely examine and maintain

staircases.

Illumination

 (S Q 12.1) You indicated that less than 108 lux (10 foot-candles) of illuminance is provided on the stairway

and landings. Provide at least 108 lux of illumination on stairway and landings. Remove debris from light

fixtures or bulbs that cause the illuminance on stairways to be less than 108 lux (10 foot- candles). Repair or

replace bulbs or fixtures as needed to meet lighting recommendations. Routinely inspect and maintain light

fixtures/sources. If auto lighting (or motion activated lighting) is used, ensure that stairways and landings

above and below are also illuminated in unison.
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