For the detailed guidance regarding the Building Regulations which are applicable to stairs please refer to the relevant regional link.
Fire Safety
Stairs will provide a means of escape in the event of a fire and will need to be sized to accommodate the number of people who are required to make use of them.
There will be conditions under which stairs will need to be protected from the effects of fire so that they remain useable after has burned out or been put out.
In some buildings the fire services will make use of stairs to gain access to parts of the building in order to fight a fire.
Acoustic Performance – Sound Attenuation
Where a stair provides separation between different compartments in a building it may be required to provide a specified level of sound attenuation.
In parts of the building where reverberation of sound can be a problem such as in common stair enclosures consideration may need to be given to the application of sound deadening and sound absorbing materials.
Protection from Falling
To reduce the likelihood of users falling when using the stairs consideration will need to be given to the layout of the stair, to limitations of rise and going and to the provision of suitable safety barriers and handrails.
Provisions to enable use by all people
To allow people with varying ability to use stairs in most situations consideration will need to be given to visual and tactile markers to highlight the approach to stairs and to make edges and nosings easier to see. A reduced pitch, wider treads and the provision of handrails which are easy to grip may be required to make the stair easier to use.
Safety of glazing
There are particular requirements imposed on glass which is required to act as a safety barrier at a change of level. For example if glass is used as an infill for guarding to a stair or landing.
