How many steps before a handrail is required UK?

Asked by: Frank Vazquez

∎ Approved Document M (England & Wales) requires a handrail on one side of a flight of steps where the flight comprises three or more risers.

Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on stairs UK?

If stairs are more than 1000mm wide it must have a handrail on both sides. For domestic properties, there are no restrictions as to the length of a flight up to 36 risers. Above 36 risers there should be a change of direction of at least 30°.

What is the British standard for handrails?

The centre line of all handrails should be between 900mm and 975mm above the stair or ramp pitch line. For balustrades guarding landing areas and balconies the barrier should be a minimum of 1100mm above FFL, while centreline of the handrail should be between 900mm and 1100mm above Finished Floor Level (FFL). 6.

Do I need a rail for 2 steps?

The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.

How many steps before a landing is required UK?

How many steps require a landing? For general access stairs a maximum allowance of 12 steps before a landing is required. With utility stairs, a maximum of 16 steps is allowed before a landing.

Do I need a handrail on my stairs?

Building regulations stipulate that it is not necessary for there to be a handrail for the bottom two steps of a stairway. A handrail is necessary for three steps, as the maximum number of steps you can have without a handrail is two.

Do external steps need a handrail?

A handrail should be provided where the total rise of a flight of external steps is more than 600mm and the going of individual steps is less than 600mm. Guidance for the provision of handrails to steps that form an accessible approach can be found in supporting documents to building regulations.

How many steps before a landing is required?

ADA Stair Landings

– A landing must be at the top and bottom of each stairway. – A landing is required every 12′ of vertical stairway rise.

How wide can steps be without a railing?

1.2. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm).

What are the current UK Building Regulations for staircases?

The following rules must be met: The individual rise must be between 150mm and 220mm. The individual going must be between 220mm and 300mm. The Pitch of the stair cannot be greater than 42 degrees.

Do building regulations apply to garden steps?

The size and shape of outdoor steps in new buildings is governed by the local Building Regulations. This control is mainly directed at disabled access to the main entrance but there is always a legal obligation to design safely. The rise and going (tread) dimensions of a formal flight of stairs should be constant.

What are the building regulations for stairs?

Building Regs specify a minimum distance of 220mm to a maximum of 300mm. Nosing The edge of the tread which projects beyond the riser. Rise The vertical distance from the top of the tread to the top of the next one. Building Regs specify a minimum distance of 150mm to a maximum of 220mm.

Do you need building regs to change a staircase?

When you are adding or altering staircases you do need to get building regulation approval. If you think about the potential risk of someone falling from/through poorly constructed stairs you can understand why this is an important area where regulation is required.

Do I need planning permission to change my stairs?

In the vast majority of cases, you do not need planning permission from your local authority to relocate your stairs. If the new design does not impact the external appearance of your property, you just need to submit a building regulations application.

Can I change the staircase in my house UK?

You may need planning permission and you must comply with building regulations. It is not advised you move a staircase yourself, but kits are available to purchase.