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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
stairsrampsProvision of stairs in dwellings
55NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Within every dwelling of more than one storey there shall be provided between such storeys access by means of a stair complying with the relevant provisions in this Part: Provided that nothing in this
dwellingstairsSafety 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 Sections 3 and 4 guidance
0.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The guidance in Section 3 is concerned with various aspects of the geometry and safety of stairs and certain ladders. This includes common provisions for all stairs and additional provisions for – (a)
stairsdwellingflatsnon-domesticScope of Guidance on Spiral and Helical Stairs and Maintenance Access
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Provisions are also given for spiral and helical stairs in a dwelling and stairs and ladders used solely for the purpose of providing access for maintenance in buildings other than dwellings.
dwellingnon-domesticstairsprotection-from-fallingIntroduction 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.
stairsrampsDefinition: Tapered tread
NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Tapered tread – a tread which has a greater width at one side than at the other and a going which changes at a constant rate throughout its length.
stairsVisual 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
stairsrampsaccessibilityguardingDiagram 1.1: Measuring rise and going
Diagram 1.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Diagram 1.1 Measuring rise and going showing open rise and closed rise conditions, with going dimension to be measured from nosing to nosing, treads should overlap at least 16 mm, and notation for ris
stairsDesign 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-domesticrampsstairsaccessaccessibilityComplementary steps - rise and going dimensions
2.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Steps should have a uniform – (a) rise of not less than 150 mm and not more than 170 mm; and (b) going of not less than 280 mm and not more than 425 mm.
stairsaccessComplementary steps - flight length limits
2.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A flight of steps should have not less than 2 rises or more than – (a) 12 rises where the going of each step is less than 350 mm; or (b) 18 rises where the going of each step is 350 mm or more.
stairsaccessComplementary steps - surface width
2.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A flight should have a surface width of not less than that given in paragraph 3.32.
stairsaccessComplementary steps - additional compliance requirements
2.9NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Steps should also comply with the guidance given in paragraphs 3.33 to 3.35.
stairsaccessComplementary steps - handrails
2.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
To assist a person who is weaker on one side and a visually impaired person, steps should have a suitable continuous handrail on each side complying with the provisions of paragraphs 3.37 to 3.43.
stairsaccessaccessibilityDiagram 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
stairsrampsaccessaccessibilityTactile corduroy surface on complementary steps landings
2.11NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
To give advance warning of the change in level, a tactile corduroy surface should be provided on the top and bottom landings of complementary steps. See Diagram 2.2. The size of this surface should be
stairsaccessibilityprotection-from-fallingTactile corduroy surface on intermediate landings
2.12NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Where there is access onto any intermediate landing from other than the complementary steps, a tactile corduroy surface 400 mm deep should be provided in accordance with Diagram 2.3 (b) or (c).
stairsaccessibilityprotection-from-fallingCorduroy tactile warning surface tile specification
Diagram 2.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Corduroy tactile warning surface tiles: 20 mm rib profile tile, 20 mm rib, 30 mm gap, 6 mm overall height
stairsaccessibilityprotection-from-fallingDiagram 2.3 - Complementary Steps Tactile Warnings
Diagram 2.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Diagram 2.3 Complementary steps - tactile warnings (a) external steps showing side access onto intermediate landing and having not less than 800 mm from the access to the top and bottom of flights -
stairsprotection-from-fallingaccessibilityexternal-spaceStepped approach to dwellings
2.14NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stepped approach should have – (a) a flight or flights with an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm; (b) a rise of not more than 1800 mm in each flight of steps; (c) steps with a uniform rise
dwellingaccessstairsHandrail dimensions for stepped approach
2.15NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stepped approach should have a suitable handrail which – (a) is at a height measured vertically of – (i) 900 mm above the pitch line of a flight of steps; and (ii) 1000 mm above the surface of a lan
dwellingaccessstairsExternal step profiles
Diagram 2.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
External step profiles showing minimum 60° angle with rise dimension 15–25 mm and tread dimension 15–25 mm. See para 2.14.
stairsexternal-spaceprotection-from-fallingSection 3: Stairs - General Scope
3.1NI-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 stair is to be provided so that people can move between levels or storeys in a building. Provisions ar
stairsaccessCommon Provisions for Private and Common Stairs in Dwellings
3.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A private stair or a common stair in a block of dwellings, should comply with the provisions of paragraphs 3.4 to 3.28.
dwellingstairsflatsCommon Provisions for Other Stairs
3.3NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stair, other than a private stair or a common stair in a block of dwellings, should comply with the provisions of paragraphs 3.4 to 3.11 and 3.29 to 3.43.
stairsnon-domesticaccessStair Pitch Control and Measurement
3.4NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The pitch of a flight is controlled by limiting the rise and the going. Diagram 3.1 shows how to measure the pitch and what is meant by the pitch line. Diagram 1.1 shows how to measure the rise and go
stairsaccessRise and Going Relationship
3.5NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Subject to paragraph 3.12 the relationship between the dimensions of the rise and going is that twice the rise (R) plus the going (G) i.e. (2R + G) should be between 550 mm and 700 mm. The rise and th
stairsUniform Step Dimensions Within a Flight
3.6NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
In a flight, the steps should all have the same rise and they should all have the same going.
stairsRise Measurement on Sloping Landings
3.7NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Where the landing of a stair is formed by the ground and slopes across the width of the flight, then the rise of the step should be measured at the mid-point of the width of the flight. See paragraph
stairsLevel Treads
3.8NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Steps should have level treads which extend for the full width of the flight.
stairsStair Headroom Requirements
3.9NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stair should have a clear headroom of not less than 2000 mm over its full length and width. Headroom is measured vertically from the pitch line of the flight and the level of the landing. See Diagra
stairsdwellingRise and Going Dimensions by Stair Category
Table 3.1NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Table 3.1 Rise and going Category | Rise minimum (mm) | Rise maximum (mm) | Going minimum (mm) | Going maximum (mm) Private stair | 75 | 220* | 220* | 220* A common stair in a block of dwellings | 75
stairsflatsdwellingnon-domesticHeadroom measurement requirements
Diagram 3.2NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Diagram 3.2 Measuring headroom (a) headroom to be achieved under normal circumstances: not less than 2000 mm at pitch line, not less than 2000 mm along flight, not less than 2000 mm at landing (b) r
stairsheadroomChange of direction in long flights
3.10NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
A stair of more than 36 rises in consecutive flights should have at least one change in direction between flights of at least 30° (see Diagram 3.3).
stairsLanding levels and gradients
3.11NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
Landings should be level unless they are formed by the ground at the top or bottom of a flight where they may have a gradient not greater than – (a) 1 in 20 in the case of a private stair; or (b) 1 in
stairsPitch of private stairs
3.12NI-wide·Technical Booklet H Stairs Ramps Guarding and Protection from Impact
The pitch of a private stair should not exceed 42°, therefore it is not possible to combine a maximum rise with a minimum going. The rise and the going are given in Table 3.1.
dwellingstairsprivate-stair