Steps Stairs and Handrails

Some of the most common questions we are asked are about BCA requirements for steps, stairs and handrails on staircases. Below is a summary only and only most common criteria have been included for information only.

Under Section D2.13 A stairway must have:

1. no more than 18 or no less than 2 risers in each flight
2. Risers on Public Stairs must be more than 115mm and less than 190mm, step tread must be at least 250mm (private stairs 240) and no more than 355mm. The sun of twice the riser plus the going must be between 550mm and 700mm
3. Risers and goings dimensions must be constant in each flight
4. Risers must not have openings that would fit a 125mm sphere (ie size of a child’s head)
5. Treads must have a non slip finish or an adequate non skid tread near the edge of the nosing
6. treads must be of solid construction not mesh or if the stairway is more than 10m or 3 storeys high

Under Section D2.17 Handrails must be:

1. Provided on at least 1 side of each flight
2. Located on both sides if the stair or ramp is more than 2m wide
3. Intermediate handrails no more than 2m apart (this is an issue in many locations)
4. Fixed at a height of no more than 865mm above the nosing
5. Be continuous and have no obstructions around them that would break a handhold

NB there are additional requirements for some occupancies such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities

For plant rooms and non habitable areas, the stairs and handrails may comply with AS1657.

Tagged as: Public Liability