This post is part of our Bleacher Safety Series — a deep dive into the building code requirements every event organizer should understand. This installment focuses on one of the most common bleacher safety failures we see in the field: stairs.
We’ll cover:
Following a series of injuries and deaths on bleachers, the International Building Code (IBC) established bleacher standards in 1997 (revised in 2000). The Ontario Building Code followed shortly after (revised in 2006), setting out nearly identical requirements.
IBC requirements for stairs on bleachers:
Note: Fire safety codes may override building codes for indoor events in some areas.
* Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands, 2012 ICC 300 — https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ICC3002012
** Ontario Building Code, O Reg 332/12 under Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.23 — https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
An average step height (or “rise”) is 7¾” high, with no greater than 8″ allowed according to the International Building Code (IBC). This applies to all stairs — whether in your house, a public building, or on bleachers.
The only difference between the stairs in my home and the stairs on bleachers at a community event is that very few people climb my home stairs, while thousands climb bleacher stairs. Shouldn’t that make it even more important for bleacher stairs to be code compliant? So why are there still so many bleachers in use at public events that don’t meet the standard?
Studies show that when step heights exceed 8″, people are far more likely to trip. We don’t consciously think about climbing stairs — we go on autopilot. When a rise is 9″ instead of 8″, people trip. This is why all new bleachers, especially mobile bleachers, are designed with a maximum 8″ rise. It is also important that the entire flight of stairs has a uniform (equal) rise — inconsistent heights are a leading cause of falls.
Stairways on bleachers must be at least 48″ wide so that one person can assist another — whether that’s a toddler learning to climb stairs, an elderly guest who needs support, or someone carrying a mobility aid.
If stairs are only wide enough for a single person, assistance is impossible. When stairs are missing entirely, bleacher access becomes even more dangerous for the guests who need help most.
Many events are held at night or under low-light conditions, which makes step markers a critical safety feature. A step marker can be as simple as a brightly colored stripe painted or taped at the edge of each stair. These markers make each step clearly visible, significantly reducing slip and fall injuries during evening performances or in poor weather.
Bleacher stairs and walkways — whether wood or metal — can become extremely slippery when wet. Humidity, rain, snow, or a spilled drink can turn an ordinary stairway into a hazard. All bleacher stairs and walkways should have anti-slip surfaces to protect your guests under any conditions.
Whether you own your bleachers or rent them, always verify that your stairs meet building code before your event opens to the public. Look specifically for:
👉 Download our free Bleacher Safety Checklist to review your bleachers against the full IBC standard.
More in the Bleacher Safety Series
🔒 Want everything in one place? A Complete Guide to Bleacher Safety PDF is coming soon — free for event organizers. Sign up to be notified.
Krista is the co-founder of Bleacher Rentals and co-organizer of the Norfolk Pro Rodeo. She loves to share her knowledge on event planning, temporary seating solutions, and bleacher safety gained from years of experience supporting rodeos, fairs, festivals, and sporting events.