Staircases

6.6.10Handrails

Handrails and balustrading shall be correctly located and fixed to provide a safe handhold, and constructed to reduce the risk of being climbed or fallen through.

A handrail is required for flights of stairs that rise over 600mm. The handrail (throughout the full length) should:

  • be securely fixed and located in accordance with the design
  • be a vertical distance of 900mm-1000mm (or 840mm-1000mm in Scotland), above the pitch line
  • have a 25mm minimum clearance from any surface
  • ensure a firm handhold
  • ensure that trapping or injuring is prevented
  • have ends shaped or returned to the wall
  • be continuous, smooth and unobstructed.

In Northern Ireland, where winders are used, building regulations require a handrail to be fitted on the side where tapered treads have the longest going.

Fixing methods for balustrading should allow for a degree of tolerance. It may be preferable to take measurements from the completed staircase before manufacture. This should ensure that the fixings are positioned correctly and allow for variations in the surrounding structure.

Design information on the spacing of bolt fixings for balustrades or handrails should be followed. Balustrading for concrete staircases may be:

  • grouted into preformed holes or pockets
  • bolted or screwed into predrilled holes
  • bolted to brackets cast into the concrete.

Care should be taken when using expanding fixings near the edges of concrete.