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Buildings

6.3 Steps and stairs

The Code of Practice recommends the following specifications for steps and stairs:

minimum unobstructed width of 1000mm
maximum rise of flight between landings: 1200mm external and 1800mm internal
top, bottom and any intermediate landings should be level, at least 1800mm long (1200mm minimum) and clear of any door swing
the top landing of external steps should have a corduroy tactile surface to warn of the change of level, extending 150mm at each side of the steps and stopping 400mm from the nosing.

all nosings colour/tone distinguished on both facings, the contrasting colour strip extending across the full width of each tread, 35mm-50mm deep on the going and 25mm-30mm deep on the riser
top and bottom treads of each flight to be distinguished.
all steps to be even
maximum rise 150mm external, 170mm internal
minimum going 280mm external, 250mm internal (for tapered treads the going must be 280mm external, 250mm internal, measured at a point 270mm from the narrower end).

provide a suitable continuous handrail on each side if more than one riser
top of handrail 900mm above pitch line of flight of steps and 1000mm above the surface of a landing
extend 450mm (300mm minimum) beyond top/bottom of steps, with a closed end
continuous across landings and where there is more than one flight
All steps should be provided with a complementary ramped or powerlifted approach (see 6.2 Ramps and 6.7 Lifts)
Single steps, spiral stairs and open risers are safety hazards and should be avoided.