At what height should a stairway or ladder be provided at personnel points of access without a ramp or hoist?

The correct height for the provision of a stairway or ladder at personnel points of access, where no ramp or hoist is utilized, is 19 inches. This measurement is established to ensure safety and ease of access for personnel, while adhering to regulations that govern construction and design in residential buildings. Providing access points at this specific height minimizes the risk of falls and ensures that individuals can safely ascend or descend to and from elevated surfaces.

Heights below or above this standard, such as 12 inches, 24 inches, or 30 inches, may not adequately support safe and efficient access. A height of 12 inches may be too low to necessitate the need for a stairway or ladder, thus rendering it impractical. Heights exceeding 19 inches could pose greater challenges in terms of stability and safety for users navigating the access point. Overall, maintaining 19 inches strikes a balance between accessibility and safety for personnel in residential building environments.