Staircases need to be wide enough to facilitate the movement of people, and furniture or other bulky objects between floors. This will provide consistency and familiarity to building users. They need to have certain characteristics to make their use as easy as possible: Staircases need to be easy and safe to use. Orientate the staircase at right angles to or away from the direction of travel to reduce the possibility that someone will be unaware of the hazard.ĭ1.3.1 Access routes shall enable people to: (c) move into spaces within buildings by such means as corridors, doors, stairs, ramps and liftsĭ1.3.3 Access routes shall: (e) include stairs to allow access to upper floors irrespective of whether an escalator or lift has been provided, g) Have stair treads with a leading edge that can be easily seen.į8.2 Signs must be provided in and about buildings to identify: (d) accessible routes and facilities for people with disabilities.Consider the installation of tactile warnings such as a change of texture of the flooring material on the walking surface approaching the stairs.This should be applied to the leading edge of the treads as well as on the top edge of the risers.
#Mass stair rail code install#
Install contrasting nosings to treads.Ensure the start or end of a flight can be identified by contrasting the landing finishes with stair finishes and by the change in pitch of the handrails.Ensure handrails contrast with wall finishes.
Introduce changes in the auditory environment to give notification of the presence of a staircase (e.g.Use different floor finishes to lead to the staircase.Draw attention to a staircase by using higher levels of local lighting.Locate staircases in a prominent position, and visible from the building entry and lift waiting areas.A change in colour and texture can provide warning of the hazard and distance to the edge of the first step. However, other means of warning may be required for some users to detect the presence and proximity of the stairs. Some building users with low vision may be able to see the landing or tread contrast or even be aware of a handrail if sufficient contrast and lighting is provided. This process can only be successful if the building user is able to see these changes and is looking for them albeit sub-consciously. Then as the building user gets closer, contrasting nosings may be seen.
The next visual indication may be that the floor finish of the landing contrasts with the material used on the treads and risers. Often the position of a flight is first identified by seeing the handrail, but this only works if the handrail contrasts with the wall it is mounted on. Identificationīuilding users who miss the transition between level and stepped surfaces are at risk of serious injury. Strong visual contrast on the nosings (both leading edge and top of the riser) will provide visual cues.īy co-locating staircases with step-free routes, those who do not wish to, or cannot, use the staircase have an alternative option nearby. People who are blind or have low vision may only be able to locate staircases by way of tactile warnings and visual cues. Many ambulant disabled people find it easier to negotiate a suitable staircase than a ramp due to problems walking on a sloping surface. Staircases should be designed to attract people to use them and be located in a prominent position. The staircase should be located in a logical position and be easily recognisable.