With OSHA’s new Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) standard comes some clarification as to when “stairs” must be provided vs. using a ladder. In the new standard, paragraphs (b)(7) through (9) specify when and where employers MUST provide standard stairs, and under what conditions employers may use spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs. OSHA has simplified and reorganized the existing rule (§ 1910.24(b)) to make the requirements clearer and easier to understand. The old standard, 1910.24(b), was pretty clear, yet often over looked; this new standard states: