Public access steps - complying with regulations

Public access steps often need approval from building control authorities. If your project specification necessitates this, any step system must adhere fully to the requirements outlined in Documents K and M of the Building Regulations. Additionally, it should include other essential safety measures and features to prevent falls, collisions, and injuries in a public environment.

Compliant Features

The step system itself must include the following compliant features…

- Yellow Tread Strips - 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 – guarantees the users will continuously have a rail to grip on too, limiting falls and collisions.

- Closed Trombone Ends – these are 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 Frame – a strong platform that can safely support high volumes of public traffic.

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

Step Height & Width

Document M of the Building Regulations states that steps must have a height between 150-170mm. This a requirement for all types of buildings, including:

- Public buildings & spaces

- Temporary & permanent structures.

As well as the height, you must also consider:

The minimum step width is 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.

Step System Requirement

Do you need public access steps? Request a quick quote or email [email protected] with the full project address, drawings, photos and contact details. Compliant and standard modular steps are available.