6 Superstructure (excluding roofs)

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6.6 Staircases

This chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical Requirements for staircases.

Definitions for this chapter#

BalustradingThe collective name for the complete assembly of handrails, baserails, newels, spindles and caps
Common (communal) stairA staircase serving more than one property
Continuous handrailUsing lengths of connected handrail, the handrail flows over the tops of newel turnings, creating a continuous run of handrail
GoingThe depth from the front to the back of the tread, less any overlap with the next tread above
GuardingA barrier that denies pedestrians or vehicle access to another area, eg the floor below
General access stairA stair intended for all users of a building on a day-to-day basis, as a normal route between levels
Newel postA post at the head or foot of a flight of stairs, supporting a handrail
NosingThe edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of the riser
PitchThe angle between the pitch line and the horizontal
Pitch lineA notional line connecting the nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs
Private stairA staircase wholly within one dwelling
RiseThe vertical distance between the floors or landings connected by a flight. The individual rise is the vertical measurement from the top of a tread to the top of the next tread
RiserThe board that forms the face of the step
SpindleA vertical member, plain or decorative, that acts as the infill between the handrail and baserail
StaircaseThe entire structure relating to a stair, comprising steps, treads, risers, strings, balustrading, landings, etc
StairwayThe space/void provided for the stairs
StepThe tread and riser combined
TreadThe top or horizontal surface of a step
Utility stairA staircase used for escape, access for maintenance, or purposes other than moving between levels on a day-to-day basis
WindersRadiating steps, narrower at one end, that are used to change the direction of stairs through 90° or 180°

Clauses for 6.6 Staircases

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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