When designing a staircase, it is important to know the latest building regulations. The below provides you with the key points relating to staircases.
The Building Regulations 2000 Part K Protection from falling, collision and impact
Categories of stairs considered
‘Private’ Intended to be used for only one dwelling
‘Institutional and assembly’ serving a place where substantial number of people will gather
‘Other’ In all other buildings.
Practical limits for rise and going
a. Private stair: Any rise between 155mm and 220mm used with any going between 245mm and 260mm; or
Any rise between 165mm and 200mm used with any going between 223mm and 300mm
b. Institutional and assembly stair: Any rise between 135mm and 180mm used with any going between 223mm and 340mm
c. Other stair: Any rise between 150mm and 190mm used with any going between 250mm and 320mm.
Length of flights
The number of risers in a flight should be limited to 16 if a stair serves an area used as a shop or for assembly purposes.
Handrails for stairs
Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than 1m wide. They should have a handrail on both sides if they are wider. Handrails should be provided beside the two bottom steps in public buildings and where stairs are intended to be used by people with disabilities. Elsewhere handrails need not be provided beside the two bottom steps.
In all buildings handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured to the top of the handrail from the pitch line or floor.
Except on stairs in a building which is not likely to be used by children under 5 years the guarding to a flight should prevent children being held fast by the guarding. The construction should be such that:
a. A 100mm sphere cannot pass through any openings in the guarding; and
b. children will not readily be able to climb the guarding.
You can download a free copy of Part K (Protection from falling) from the Planning Portal website.
Please note the above is to be used as a guide only. You should always download the latest version from the Planning Portal website as the information may be updated at any time.