Do Public Access Steps Need to Comply With Building Regulations?

We manufacture, supply, and install a fully compliant modular step system offered in an extensive range of lengths, widths, heights, and configurations.

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Compliant Features For Public Access Steps

The step system must have the following compliant features…

Yellow Tread Strips - This is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the steps and disguise any level changes.

Warm-to-touch Infill Handrail - This product is included to prevent users from climbing or falling through gaps. Warm-to-touch means it should not become excessively cold or hot to touch. 

Continuous Handrail – This handrail system guarantees the users will continuously have a rail to grip on too, limiting falls and collisions. 

Closed Trombone Ends – Tis featurei is added to the ends of a step unit to prevent clothes from snagging.

1100MM High Rail - These handrails attach to any level sections (Reference: Document K, p16, edition 24).

Heavy-Duty Platform–  It is important to have a strong platform that can safely support high volumes of public traffic. Our own platforms continues to have a safe loading capacity of 1,000kgs.

Fire-Resistant Material – A material such as steel will not typically burn and melt at temperatures encountered in building fires.

Document M Recommendation for Access Steps

Document M of the Building Regulations states that steps must have a height between 150-170mm. 

Also, the minimum step width should be 1200mm (Doc M. Vol 2. Page 19 1.26e / BS8300-1. Page 36).

 The steps must have a depth of 280-425mm. Plus, A handrail is required if there are three or more risers.

It is recommended that steps have a rail on each side to support users with limited use of one half of their body. 

Sources:

Crown, 2021, The Building Regulations, Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60b0ea89d3bf7f43560e324a/Approved_Document_M_vol_2.pdf).

Crown, 2013, The Building Regulations 2010, Approved Document K: protection from falling, collision and impact (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60d5bdcde90e07716f516cfd/Approved_Document_K.pdf).