Protection from falling, collision and impact: Approved Document K

O N L I N E V E R S I O N K1 Stairs and ladders Handrails for stairs For all buildings 1.34 Provide handrails in accordance with all of the following. a. Position the top of the handrail 900mm to 1000mm from the pitch line or floor. b. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. c. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. For buildings other than dwellings and for common access areas in buildings that contain flats and do not have passenger lifts 1.35 Provide suitable continuous handrails, as dimensioned in Diagram 1.11 (for blocks of flats) and Diagram 1.12 (for buildings other than dwellings), in accordance with both of the following. a. On each side of the flights. b. On each side of the landings. See paras 1.34–1.35 900mm 300mm min. 300mm min. 1000mm 1000mm Diagram 1.11 Key dimensions for handrails for common stairs in blocks of flats For buildings other than dwellings 1.36 Provide handrails in accordance with all of the following (in addition to paragraph 1.34). a. Where there is full-height structural guarding, if you provide a second (lower) handrail, the vertical height from the pitch line of the steps (or the surface of the ramp) to the top of the second (lower) handrail should be 600mm. b. Use a continuous handrail along the flights and landings of a ramped or stepped flight. c. Ensure that handrails do not project into an access route. d. Ensure that the handrail will contrast visually with the background against which it is seen, without being highly reflective. 14 Approved Documentttt KKKK,,,, 2222000011113333 eeeeddddiiiittttiiiioooonnnn Building Regulations 2010 OOO NNN LLL III NNN EEE VVV EEE RRR SSS III OOO NNN