Does OSHA require that the edge of each step on a flight of stairs be marked or colored?

It is popular practice to paint the edges of steps yellow or to apply yellow or yellow-and-black-striped warning tape on the edges of steps. However, OSHA does not specifically require stairs or steps to be marked or colored. In fact, where stairs meet the requirements of §1910.24, including proper handrails, then there should be no need to mark the stairs yellow. However, if your steps pose a striking against, stumbling, falling, tripping, or “caught in between” hazard, it may be required that you use a yellow marking to designate caution and for marking physical hazards. See §1910.144(a)(3).

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.1-1998, Safety Color Code, recommends black, white, yellow, or a combination of black and yellow or black and white for “traffic markings.” However, ANSI Z535.1-2002, and later editions no longer contain safety color meanings.