Relevant Building Regulations for Staircases in the UK
It’s no secret that staircases are among the most important structures in a house, flat, and commercial facility. Thanks to advanced technologies, nowadays it is possible to make them in different shapes, using wood, metal, glass, and other staircase materials. However, the question of the aesthetics of the staircase should be considered only after all the technical aspects to ensure safety have been solved.
If building regulations are neglected, a staircase can become a construction with an increased risk of injury. This is actually a widespread problem because, in the UK, around 100,000 people a year are injured after falling from staircases, according to statistics. We’re here to tell you what standards and building regulations for stairs should be followed in the UK in 2024.
Why Is It Important to Comply with Government Staircase Construction Standards?
Imagine what would happen if mankind started constructing buildings or producing cars without basing them on national and international standards. It’s the same situation with the creation of stairs, and there are several reasons why you should follow the rules:
- Safety. Non-compliant staircases increase the risk of accidents. For example, steps that are too high or uneven can cause tripping, and the lack of secure handrails can cause falls. Unfortunately, sometimes, there are fatalities after falls from staircases.
- Financial risks. If you install a staircase on a commercial property that injures a visitor, he or she may seek legal recourse. If the stairs are found to be substandard, you will be ordered to rebuild them and pay compensation. This whole process can take up a lot of both your time and finances.
If you don’t want people to get injured on your stairs, you must create a design layout that clearly complies with the regulations. In the V.P Stairs portfolio, you can discover staircases designed with all safety regulations in mind.
What is the BS 5395-1:2010 standard?
To make sure that the staircase layout is safe to use, you need to compare it with the regulations. In the UK, a specific standard for staircase construction was developed in 2010. BS 5395-1:2010 standard covers both private and public staircases, including:
- Dimensions.
- Slope.
- Height of the handrail.
- And other parameters.
As children and the elderly are particularly at risk of injury on staircases, this standard aims to create optimal designs for each person. This normative document contains all the main characteristics, including height, width of steps, and much more. You can read more about the Ministry of Housing regarding protection from falling, collision, and impact in and around the building here.
Requirements for Private Staircases
Obviously, the traffic on staircases installed in private houses or flats is not high, so only a few main requirements apply here. The rise of the steps can vary between 150 and 200 mm. For stair going, you should choose between 250mm and 400mm. These are considered to be the optimal parameters to ensure the safety of the staircase.
When you consider the optimal stair clear width, there are no strict values in the rules. It is known that the minimum width is 800 mm. The most important thing is that the staircase is convenient for the passage of at least two people going to meet each other. Usually, customers choosea 900 mm stair clear width.
The steps should have closed treads to eliminate the possibility of falling through the gaps. We should also tell you about the handrails. Their height should be between 900 and 1000 mm, with secure fixings and no sharp corners.
Requirements for Public Staircases
Commercial and public facilities that have more than one floor must have a staircase installed that meets all UK government standards. There is always a high volume of traffic on such constructions, so the requirements are more stringent.
The rise of the steps can be between 150mm and 180mm, while the stair going should be between 300mm and 400mm. If your staircase is tall, it is recommended to install intermediate landings with a flat surface every 20 steps.
The stair clear width of public staircases also differs from private projects. If the staircase is being installed in a hospital, the aisle width should be at least 1200mm. For other projects, the best value will be 1000mm. Handrails should be installed on both sides of the staircase, and the height should be between 900 and 1100 mm. The handrail should be of a contrasting colour for the convenience of people with limited vision.
Where to Order a Standard Compliant Staircase in the UK?
As you may have realised by now, building regulations have been developed to improve safety and comfort when going upstairs and down stairs. This is why you should choose a company that clearly adheres to the British Standard BS 5395-1:2010. At V.P Stairs, we specialise in creating staircases in the UK that combine quality, safety, and aesthetics.
No matter what type of staircases you prefer, including helical, zig-zag, floating, or other types, we will design the best project for you. After a free consultation, we offer an initial site visit to accurately measure and coordinate all details. Create a safe and aesthetically pleasing staircase with V.P Stairs!
5 Comments
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Isla Chapman
I have now discovered BS 5395-1:2010 standard. I will study it, because it turns out there are quite a lot of requirements and norms….
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Lucas Bennett
As an architect, I appreciate how this article summarises the key points of the UK staircase regulations.
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Sienna Palmer
May I have a consultation with your manager? I am interested in asking detailed questions about the regulations for staircase construction in the UK.
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vpstairs
Certainly, we are always open to a dialogue with you. Contact us in any way you wish to ask questions about the stair construction standards that we adhere to in our work.
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Noah Morris
This is a must-read for anyone involved in construction or renovation in the UK. The detailed explanation of the building regulations for staircases is incredibly helpful and easy to understand. Well done!