Staircases

6.6.5Safe transmission of loads

Staircases shall be properly supported and transmit loads to the supporting structure without undue movement, deflection or deformation. Issues to be taken into account include:

  1. staircase construction
  2. differential movement.

Staircase construction

Stairs and staircases should comply with BS 5395 : Parts 1 and 2 and Table 1.

Table 1: Standards for stair construction

Type of staircaseRelevant standard
Timber staircases
(straight flights, ¼ or ½ landings)
BS 585.
The method of fixing flights to the surrounding structure should be specified.
Reinforced concrete staircasesBS EN 1992-1-1 and Chapter 3.1 ‘Concrete and its reinforcement’
Should be designed by an engineer in accordance with Technical Requirement R5.
Steel staircasesBS EN 1993-1-1.
Proprietary staircasesTechnical Requirement R3.

Differential movement

When considering differential movement in relation to setting out, levels and finishes, allowances should be made for:

  • casting tolerances
  • deflection under load
  • foundation settlement
  • creep and shrinkage
  • storey height.