British building regulations: focus on stairs

This document summarises the current safety and building regulations pertaining to staircase pitch, visibility and minimum dimensions. It highlights the most crucial elements that need considering in relation to the different types of developments, including public, private, residential and institutional.

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Focus on Stairs

When the Equality Act came into force in 2010, it outlined that public spaces should be as accessible and safe as possible for all users. Architects and builders need to be aware of the guidelines, and in the case of stairs, they particularly need to focus on Approved Building Regulations M and K. We’ve looked through the regulations to pull together the most important points to keep in mind.

38 ̊ maximum pitch

For public staircases

42 ̊ maximum pitch

For private staircases

16mm minimum overlap

For open-riser nosing

Minimum staircase dimensions

Residential stairs Rise: 150-200mm Going: 220-300mm Institutional stairs Rise: 135-180mm Going: 280-340mm Utility stairs Rise: 150-190mm Going: 250-400mm

Access stairs Rise: 150-170mm Going: 250-400mm

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Conclusion

These are the most crucial elements to consider but more detail can be found in Document K. Please note that regulations are subject to change and it’s worth familiarising yourself with the Government’s ‘Approved Documents’ portal to keep yourself abreast of changes to building law.