Do OSHA regulations, specifically 29 CFR 1910.24, apply to vessels?
Although all of the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.24 apply to fixed industrial stairs on vessels, OSHA exercises its enforcement discretion with respect to the design specification provisions when inspecting permanent fixed stairs on vessels. Thus, OSHA will enforce all of the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.24 with respect to fixed industrial stairs that are not a permanent part of the vessel (i.e., stairs brought in and installed for use during vessel construction, repair or overhaul to support employee access tothe vessel or within the vessel). In addition, OSHA will enforce 29 CFR 1910.24(a), (b), (f) and (h) with respect tofixed stairs that are a permanent part of the vessel, since these provisions address the condition and use of fixed stairs. However, if fixed stairs that are a permanent part of the vessel comply with the design specifications discussed below, OSHA will not issue citations regarding design specification provisions in 29 CFR 1910.24(c), (d), (e), (g) and (i). Design specif
