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Technical Booklet H Structure and Content
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Technical Booklet H: 2012 covers Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact. The booklet includes guidance on Performance and introduction to provisions covering: Stairs, ladders, ramps and th
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingApplicable regulations
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The guidance contained in this Technical Booklet relates only to the requirements of regulations 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60. The work will also have to comply with all other relevant requirements of the Bu
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-impactPurpose of Building Regulations
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The Building Regulations are made for specific purposes, primarily securing the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people and for the conservation of fuel and power. Standards and technical ap
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingNamed Standards Referenced in Technical Booklet H
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Where this Technical Booklet makes reference to a named standard, the relevant version of the standard is the one listed in the Appendix. However, if this version has been replaced or updated by the i
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingUse of Diagrams in Technical Booklet H
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The diagrams in this Technical Booklet supplement the text. They do not show all the details of construction and are not intended to illustrate compliance with any other requirement of the Building Re
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingProtected Buildings and Building Regulations Compliance
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
District councils have a duty to take account of the desirability to preserve the character of protected buildings when carrying out their functions under Building Regulations. Therefore, where work i
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingconservationOther Legislation: Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 (the Workplace Regulations) contain some requirements which affect building design. The main requirements are now covered
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingnon-domesticcommercialPart H Application and Interpretation
Regulation 54NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
54.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (6), this Part shall apply to any building or part of a building. (2) The requirements of regulation 56 shall only apply where a stair, ladder or a ramp and landi
stairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingDefinitions of key terms
regulation 57(8)NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
In this Part— "Balcony" includes a gallery; "Barrier" includes a wall or screen; "Flight" means that part of a stair or ladder between landings that has a step or a continuous series of steps; "Ladder
stairsrampsSafety requirements for stairs, ladders, ramps and landings
56NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
In a building or within the boundary of a building a stair, ladder and a ramp and its landings, shall offer reasonable safety to people using them.
stairsrampsprotection-from-fallingGuarding of elevated surfaces and means of escape routes
57NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stair, ladder, ramp, floor, balcony, landing, platform and any roof or other place to which people normally have access (including access for the purpose of maintenance) and a sunken area next to a
stairsrampsprotection-from-fallingmeans-of-escapeScope of Part H requirements for stairs, ramps and landings
0.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Provisions for accessibility to and within a building are given in Part R. Provisions for fire safety are given in Part E. A stair or a ramp and its landings provided – (a) so that people may move to,
stairsrampsPerformance standard for stairs, ramps and landings
0.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
It is the view of the Department that the requirements of regulation 56 in Part H will be met when a stair, ladder, ramp and its landings afford reasonable safety to people who use them. As there is a
stairsrampsprotection-from-fallingScope of Section 2 guidance
0.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
This Section of the guidance deals specifically with various aspects of the geometry and safety features for – (a) ramps and complementary steps on access routes to buildings other than dwellings; and
rampsdwellingnon-domesticScope of Guidance on Ramps
Section 4NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The guidance in Section 4 deals with various aspects of the geometry and safety features of ramps and their landings.
rampsIntroduction to Section 5: Guarding and Protection from Falling
0.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The guidance in Section 5 is concerned with reducing the risk of people falling from a height. This includes provisions for guarding flights, ramps, landings and raised floors. This Section also conta
protection-from-fallingstairsrampsDefinitions
1.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
In this Technical Booklet the following definitions apply – Dwelling – has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2 in Part A of the Building Regulations. Entrance storey – means the storey which co
dwellingstairsrampsguardingprotection-from-fallingDefinition: Surface width
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Surface width – the width of a stair or ramp, measured at the tread of a step or the surface of a ramp, between any enclosing walls, strings, upstands, kerbs or guarding.
stairsrampsVisual contrast requirements
1.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Visual contrast is the perception of a difference visually between one element of a building and another by reference to their light reflectance values. Light reflectance value (LRV) is the total quan
stairsrampsaccessibilityguardingSection 2: Access routes to buildings - General guidance
2.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Section 2 gives guidance on appropriate levels of safety and convenience for all users where a ramp or a ramp and complementary steps are to be provided as an access route or part of an access route t
rampsaccessaccessibilitySection 2: Subsection organization
2.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
This Section is presented as follows – Ramps and complementary steps on access routes to buildings other than dwellings; and Ramps and steps on access routes to dwellings.
rampsaccessdwellingnon-domesticRamps on access routes to non-dwelling buildings
2.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramps on access routes should comply with the provisions given in paragraphs 4.14 to 4.25. See Diagram 2.1. However, where an external ramp has a crossfall, that crossfall should have a maximum gradie
non-domesticrampsaccessDesign considerations for ramped approaches with complementary steps
2.4-2.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Visually impaired people risk tripping or losing their balance if there is no warning that there is a change in level. Tripping is most hazardous at the head of a flight of steps when a person is desc
non-domesticrampsstairsaccessaccessibilityDiagram 2.1 - Ramped approach with complementary steps - key dimensions
Diagram 2.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramped approach with complementary steps A length of ramp(s) - maximum length of ramp - 10 m where the gradient is 1 in 20 B surface width of ramp(s) - not less than 1500 mm C landing length at top an
stairsrampsaccessaccessibilityRamped approach to dwellings
2.13NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramped approach should have – (a) a surface which is firm and even; (b) an unobstructed width not less than 900 mm; (c) a ramp or ramps not exceeding – (i) 10 m in length where the slope of the ramp
dwellingaccessrampsSuitable handrail profiles
Diagram 3.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Non-circular handrail: 50 mm wide with rounded edges. Circular handrail: 40-50 mm diameter. Not less than 50 mm clearance from side wall or guarding. Not more than 50 mm radius for minimum dimensions.
stairsrampsaccessibilityGeneral guidance on ramps as means of circulation
4.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
This Section gives guidance on appropriate levels of safety and convenience for all users where a ramp is to be provided as a means of circulation within a building.
rampsaccessRamp gradient in dwellings
4.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp should have a gradient not steeper than 1 in 12 and should be uniform throughout its length. See Diagram 4.1.
dwellingrampsWidth of ramps
4.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The minimum width for a ramp should be the same as that for a flight in a private stair, see paragraph 3.13 and Table 3.2.
rampsdwellingMaximum length of ramps on plan
4.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The length of a ramp measured on plan, should not exceed 10 m. See Diagram 4.1.
rampsdwellingLandings at ramp terminations
4.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Landings should be level and be provided at the top and bottom of a ramp. See Diagram 4.1. The width and length of a landing should be not less than the width of the ramp. Part of a floor may be consi
rampsdwellingRamp and landing clearance from obstructions
4.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramps should be clear of obstructions and landings should be clear of obstructions other than those described in paragraph 3.18.
rampsdwellingHeadroom over ramps and landings
4.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramps and associated landings should have a clear headroom of not less than 2000 mm over the length and width of the ramp. Headroom is measured vertically from the slope of the ramp and the level of t
rampsdwellingHandrails for ramps
4.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp or a series of ramps with a total rise of more than 600 mm should have a continuous handrail that gives firm support and a firm grip – (a) on at least one side where the ramp is 1000 mm wide or
rampsguardingaccessibilityLength and gradient of ramps in common areas of dwelling blocks
4.9NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp should be not more than – (a) 10 m in length where the gradient of the ramp does not exceed 1 in 15; or (b) 5 m in length where the gradient of the ramp does not exceed 1 in 12.
rampsflatsaccessibilityWidth of ramps in common areas of dwelling blocks
4.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp should have a surface width of not less than 1200 mm. Where a handrail is provided, the width at handrail level may be reduced to not less than 1000 mm.
rampsflatsaccessibilityLandings for ramps
4.11NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Landings should be level with an unobstructed length of not less than 1200 mm.
rampsaccessHeadroom for ramps and landings
4.12NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramps and associated landings should have a clear headroom of not less than 2000 mm over the length and width of the ramp. Headroom is measured vertically from the slope of the ramp and the level of t
rampsaccessHandrails on ramps
4.13NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp should have a suitable continuous handrail on each side if the horizontal length of the ramp is more than 2000 mm. Handrails should be at a height between 900 mm and 1000 mm measured vertically
rampsguardingaccessRamp gradients in non-dwelling buildings
4.14NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Gradients of ramps should be as shallow as practicable as steep gradients may not be safe or convenient for all people. The following provisions apply to a ramp which is not in a dwelling or in a bloc
rampsnon-domesticaccessaccessibilityMaximum length and gradient of ramps in non-dwelling buildings
4.15NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The maximum length of a ramp is dependent upon its gradient. Table 4.1 gives the maximum length of a ramp for a given gradient. There may be exceptional circumstances where a different gradient of ram
rampsnon-domesticaccessTable 4.1 - Maximum length and rise of ramps
Table 4.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Table 4.1 Maximum length and rise of ramps Gradient of ramp | Maximum length of ramp (m) | Maximum rise of ramp (mm) 1:20 | 10 | 500 1:19 | 9 | 474 1:18 | 8 | 444 1:17 | 7 | 412 1:16 | 6 | 375 1:15 |
rampsnon-domesticaccessWidth of ramps
4.16NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp or ramps and landings should have a surface width of not less than 1500 mm. Where a handrail protrudes into the surface width of a ramp by more than 100 mm the surface width should be increase
rampsaccessaccessibilityConstruction of ramps
4.17NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The surface of a ramp should – (a) be firm; (b) reduce the risk of slipping; and (c) be distinguishable, through suitable visual contrast, from that of its landings. A ramp and its landings should ha
rampsaccessaccessibilityRaised kerbs on ramps
4.18NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp should have a raised kerb on any open side (except where it would obstruct normal use). The raised kerb should – (a) be not less than 100 mm high; and (b) be distinguishable, through suitable v
rampsaccessaccessibilityprotection-from-fallingLandings for wheelchair users
4.19NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Wheelchair users need adequate space to stop on landings, to open and pass through doors without having to reverse into circulation routes and to avoid the risk of rolling back down slopes. A landing
rampsaccessibilityaccessIntermediate landings between multiple ramps
4.20NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Where the ramped access or circulation route consists of three or more ramps, the intermediate landings between each ramp should have an unobstructed length of not less than 1800 mm and a surface widt
rampsaccessibilityaccessLine of sight on ramps
4.21NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Where a ramp does not have a clear line of sight between its top and bottom landings, it should be divided into two ramps such that there is a clear line of sight between the intermediate landing and
rampsaccessibilityaccessHeadroom over ramps and landings
4.22NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Ramps and associated landings should have a clear headroom of not less than 2000 mm over the length and width of the ramp. Headroom is measured vertically from the slope of the ramp and the level of
rampsaccessibilityaccessContinuous handrails on ramps
4.23NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A ramp or ramps and landings should have a suitable continuous handrail on each side complying with the provisions of paragraphs 3.39 to 3.43.
rampsaccessibilityaccess