Staircase Building Regulations Park K

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 Part K Protection from falling, collision and impact

The latest edition came into effect 6 April 2013.

Categories of stairs considered

‘Private’ a stair intended to be used for only one dwelling
‘Utility Stair’ a stair used for escape, access for maintenance, or purposes other than as the usual route for moving between levels on a day-to-day basis
‘General access stair’ a stair intended for all users of a building on a day-to-day basis, as a normal route between levels.

Practical limits for rise and going

a. Private stair: Any rise between 150mm and 220mm used with any going between 220mm and 300mm

b. Utility stair: Any rise between 150mm and 190mm used with any going between 250mm and 400mm

c. General access stairs: Any rise between 150mm and 170mm used with any going between 250mm and 400mm.

Note; for school buildings, the preferred going is 280mm and rise is 150mm.

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, however special dispensation may be obtained.

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. If the stairs are wider than 2m then divide it into flights a minimum of of 1000mm wide.

In all buildings handrail height should be between 900mm and 1100mm measured to the top of the handrail from the pitch line or floor. A second lower handrail (ie kiddy rail) should be at 600mm.

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.

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