New Builds

Topflite Stairs have manufactured numerous staircases for both refurbishments and new builds. A question we are constantly asked is if certain staircases comply with building regulations.

Staircases in your private new build must comply with the new version of the Building Regulations Doc Part K.

The newer version of the Building Regulations of approved Document “K” came into effect from 6th April 2013.

Download the Building Regulations Approved Document K (2013)

We have listed below the main points of these regulations:

The Building Regulations

• Staircases should have a maximum rise of 220mm, and a minimum going of 220mm

• A maximum pitch of 42° is required

• Flights must have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if they are wider than this.

• Handrails on stairs and landings should have a minimum height of 900mm

• The openings of any balustrading should not allow the passage of a 100mm sphere

• A staircase with open risers likely to be used by children under five should be built so that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through the open risers.

• Minimum of 2000mm of clear headroom is required above the pitch line (loft stairs require a 1900mm headroom)

For further Regulations see Approved Document K (See Link Above)

STAIRCASE Terminology

String / Stringer – the structure that supports the treads and – the structure that supports the treads – the structure that supports the treads and – the structure that supports the treads and  risers, of wood or steel

Tread – the part of the stair that you walk on

Going – the individual going is the horizontal measurement from face of riser to face of riser

Riser – the vertical portion between each tread on the stair. These can either be closed or open.

Rise – the individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread

Nosing – the front part of the tread that overhangs the riser. These actually overlap each other slightly.

Staircases in your commercial new build must comply with the new version of the Building Regulations Doc Part M.

• Staircases should have a maximum rise of 190mm and a minimum going of 250mm

• A maximum pitch of 38° is required

• Flights should have handrails on both sides.

• Handrails on landings and stairs should have a minimum height of 900mm on rakes, and 1100mm on landings.

• No openings of any balustrading should allow the passage of a 100mm sphere.

• A staircase with open risers should be built so that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through the open risers.

• Minimum of 2000mm of clear headroom is required above the pitch line.
• Any staircase 4 storeys and above for main access must be one hour fire rated.

 

Download Building Regulations Approved Document Part M here