Do Outdoor Steps Need Handrails?

Rapid Ramp offers steps starting from the first riser, a design choice aimed at enhancing user safety and reducing the risk of accidents. This design approach is applicable to both residential and public buildings. >>View Document K PDF<<. 

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Can steps just have a handrail on one side?

If the external steps must adhere to Building Regulations, the answer is no. Document K mandates the presence of handrails on both sides of the steps or level landings within the stair flight.

Adhering to this regulation is crucial because some users may have restricted use of one side of their body, such as in cases involving a stroke. The installation of handrails on both sides ensures that individuals with this disability have the option for support. This requirement applies to both residential and public buildings.

When is a handrail required on either side of an step?

When a flight of steps has three or more risers, you must provide a handrail on each side of an external step.

Source:

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)