Technical Guidance Document K Stairways, Ladders, Ramps .
Building Regulations 1997Technical Guidance Document KStairways, Ladders, Ramps andGuardsBAILE ÁTHA CLIATH:ARNA FHOILSIÚ AG OIFIG AN tSOLÁTHAIRLe ceannach díreach ónOIFIG DHÍOLTA FOILSEACHÁIN RIALTAIS,TEACH SUN ALLIANCE, SRÁID THEACH LAIGHEAN, BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2,nó tríd an bpost óFOILSEACHÁIN RIALTAIS, AN RANNÓG POST-TRÁCHTA,51 FAICHE STIABHNA, BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2.(Teil: 01-647 6000; Faics: 01-647 6843)nó trí aon díoltóir leabharDUBLINPUBLISHED BY THE STATIONERY OFFICETo be purchased from theGOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES OFFICE,SUN ALLIANCE HOUSE, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN 2.or by mail order fromGOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, POSTAL TRADE SECTION,51 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN 2(Tel: 01-647 6000; Fax: 01-647 6843)or through any booksellerPrice: 3.81Printed on recycled papercontaining a minimum of75% post-consumer waste
Amendments issued since publicationTechnical Guidance Document K - Stairways, Ladders,Ramps and GuardsAmd. No.Text AffectedK(i)Transitional Arrangements:- Replace 1 January 1998 with 1 July1998K(ii)Paragraph 1.0 (ii): to read:means of access for people with disabilities (see TechnicalGuidance Document M)K(iii)Paragraph 1.1.3: Add at end of paragraph:For stepped approaches to entrances which are accessible topeople with disabilities, see Technical Guidance Document M,Paragraphs 1.5 and 1.22.K(iv)Paragraph 1.1.4, final line, to read:.and BS 5395-1: 2000.K(v)Table 1 : - Rise, going and pitch.Note 4: to read:In stairs which are intended to satisfy the needs of ambulantdisabled people (see Technical Guidance Document M, Paragraphs1.14 and 1.30), the rise should not be greater than 175 mm and thegoing should not be less that 250 mm.K(vi)Paragraph 1.1.6: to read:The varying thread width of a tapered step can cause people tomisjudge distances and can lead to falls. For this reason, the useof tapered steps should be avoided. If it is necessary to usethem, they should preferably be situated at the bottom of thestairs.Public stairs should not contain tapered steps.Where consecutive treads are used, a uniform going should bemaintained. For tapered treads, the going should conform withpar, 1.1.4 when measured as follows (a) if the flight is narrower then 900 mm, measured in themiddle, and(a) if the flight is 900 mm or wider, measured 270 mm fromeach side.In addition, the going at the narrow end should be a minimumof 75 mm.
Amd. No.Text AffectedK(vii)Paragraph 1.1.10, final line, to read:.and M – Access for People with Disabilities applies.K(viii)Paragraph 1.1.11: Add at end of paragraph:For stairs suitable for use by ambulant disabled people, seeguidance in Technical Guidance Document M, paragraphs 1.14and 1.30.K(ix)Paragraph 1.1.19, line 5: to read:.recommendations of BS 6262-4: 1994.K(x)Paragraph 1.1.21 to read:Further guidance on stairways and ladders is given in thefollowing:IS 158: 1987 Closed String Wood StairsBS 5395-1: 2000 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 1, Code ofpractice for the design, construction and maintenance ofstraight stairs and winders;BS 5395-2: 1984 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 2, Code ofpractice for the design of helical an spiral stairsBS 5395-3: 1985 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 3, Code ofpractice for the design of industrial type stairs, permanentladders and walkways;BS 6180: 1999 Barriers in and about buildings. Part 1 Code ofpractice for dead and imposed loads;BS 7553: 1992 Specification for loft ladders.K(xi)Paragraph 1.2.4 to read:.and M – Access for People with Disabilities applies.K(xii)Paragraph 2.1 to read:BS 6180: 1999, gives advice on general design.K(xiii)Paragraph 2.4 to read:Guarding should be provided for any window, the sill of whichis more than 1400 mm above external ground level and is lessthan 800 mm in height above internal floor level. Where a windowis capable of being opened, special care must be taken to ensurethat the guarding must remain in place and effective at all times (seeDiagram 6).
Amd. No.Text AffectedK(xiv)Paragraph 2.5, last line, to read:.recommendations of BS 6262-4: 1994.K(xv)Paragraph 2.9, line 5, to read:.forces set out in BS 6399-1: 1996.K(xvi)Paragraph 2.9, line 9, to read:.of BS 6180: 1999, should be followed.K(xvii)Standards and other referencesI.S. 158: 1987 Closed String Wood StairsBS 5395-1: 2000 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 1, Code ofPractice for the design, construction and maintenance ofstraight stairs and winders;BS 5395-2: 1984 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 2, Code ofpractice for the design of helical an spiral stairs AMD 6076BS 5395-3: 1985 Stairs, ladders and walkways, Part 3, Code ofpractice for the design of industrial type stairs, permanentladders and walkways AMD 14247BS 6180: 1999 Barriers in and about buildings. Part 1 Code ofpractice. AMD 13292BS 6262-4: 1984 Glazing for Buildings. Safety related to humanimpactsBS 6399-1: 1996: Loading for buildings. Part 1 Code of practicefor dead and imposed loads AMD 13669BS 7553: 1992 Specification for loft ladders AMD 7417. Government of Ireland 2005
ContentsPageIntroductionTransitional ArrangementsThe GuidanceExisting BuildingsTechnical SpecificationsMaterials and WorkmanshipInterpretation2222222Part K : The Requirement3Section 1STAIRWAYS, LADDERS AND RAMPSIntroduction44Sub-section 1.1Stairways and laddersRise, going and pitchConstruction of stepsHeadroomWidths of stairsLength of flightsLandingsLoft conversionsFixed laddersHandrailsGuardingFurther guidance4445566667777Sub-section 1.2Ramps77Section 2PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICLE BARRIERSIntroductionPedestrian guardingVehicle barriers9999STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES111
Building Regulations, 1997Technical Guidance Document KStairways, Ladders, Ramps and GuardsIntroductionExisting BuildingsThis document has been published by the Minister for theEnvironment under article 7 of the Building Regulations,1997. It provides guidance in relation to Part K of theSecond Schedule to the Regulations. The documentshould be read in conjunction with the BuildingRegulations, 1997, and other documents published underthese Regulations.In the case of material alterations or changes of use ofexisting buildings, the adoption without modification ofthe guidance in this document may not, in allcircumstances, be appropriate. In particular, theadherence to guidance, including codes, standards ortechnical specifications, intended for application to newwork may be unduly restrictive or impracticable. Buildingsof architectural or historical interest are especially likelyto give rise to such circumstances. In these situations,alternative approaches based on the principles containedin the document may be more relevant and should beconsidered.In general, Building Regulations apply to the constructionof new buildings and to extensions and materialalterations to buildings. In addition, certain parts of theRegulations apply to existing buildings where a materialchange of use takes place. Otherwise, BuildingRegulations do not apply to buildings constructed prior to1 June, 1992.Transitional ArrangementsIn general, this document applies to works, or buildings inwhich a material change of use takes place, where theworks or the change of use commence or takes place, asthe case may be on or after 1 July, 1998. TechnicalGuidance Document K - Stairways, Ladders, Rampsand Guards, dated 1991, also ceases to have effect fromthat date. However, the latter document may continue tobe used in the case of works, or buildings in which amaterial change of use takes place -where the works or the change of use commence ortakes place, as the case may be, before 1 July, 1998,-in respect of which a Fire Safety Certificate under theBuilding Control Regulations, 1991 to 1994, has beengranted, where the works or change of usecommence or takes place, as the case may be, notlater than 31 December, 2002.The GuidanceThe materials, methods of construction, standards andother specifications (including technical specifications)which are referred to in this document are those whichare likely to be suitable for the purposes of theRegulations. Where works are carried out in accordancewith the guidance in this document, this will, prima facie,indicate compliance with Part K of the Second Schedule tothe Building Regulations. However, the adoption of anapproach other than that outlined in the guidance is notprecluded provided that the relevant requirements of theRegulations are complied with. Those involved in thedesign and construction of a building may be required bythe relevant building control authority to provide suchevidence as is necessary to establish that the requirementsof the Building Regulations are being complied with.2Technical SpecificationsBuilding Regulations are made for specific purposes, e.g. toprovide, in relation to buildings, for the health, safety andwelfare of persons, the conservation of energy and accessfor disabled persons. Technical specifications (includingharmonised European Standards, European TechnicalApprovals, National Standards and Agrément Certificates)are relevant to the extent that they relate to theseconsiderations. Any reference to a technical specificationis a reference to so much of the specification as is relevantin the context in which it arises. Technical specificationsmay also address other aspects not covered by theRegulations.A reference to a technical specification is to the latestedition (including any amendments, supplements oraddenda) current at the date of publication of thisTechnical Guidance Document. However, if this version ofthe technical specification is subsequently revised orupdated by the issuing body, the new version may be usedas a source of guidance provided that it continues toaddress the relevant requirements of the Regulations.Materials and WorkmanshipUnder Part D of the Second Schedule to the BuildingRegulations, building work to which the Regulations applymust be carried out with proper materials and in aworkmanlike manner. Guidance in relation to compliancewith Part D is contained in Technical Guidance Document D.InterpretationIn this document, a reference to a section, sub-section,part, paragraph or diagram is, unless otherwise stated, areference to a section, sub-section, part, paragraph ordiagram, as the case may be, of this document. Areference to another Technical Guidance Document is areference to the latest edition of a document published bythe Minister for the Environment under article 7 of theBuilding Regulations, 1997. Diagrams are used in thisdocument to illustrate particular aspects of construction they may not show all the details of construction.
Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and GuardsBuilding Regulations - The RequirementPart K of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, 1997, provides as follows:Stairways, ladders and ramps.K1Stairways, ladders and ramps shall be such as to afford safe passagefor the users of a building.Protection from falling.K2In a building, the sides of every floor and balcony and every part ofa roof to which people normally have access shall be guarded toprotect users from the risk of falling therefrom.Vehicle ramps, floors and roofs.K3In a building, the sides of every vehicle ramp and every floor androof to which vehicles have access shall be guarded against the riskof vehicles falling therefrom.Application of this Part.K4The requirements of this Part apply to stairways, ladders andramps which form part of the structure of a building.This Technical Guidance Document is divided intotwo sections.Section 1 relates to the Requirement K1 and isdivided into two parts.Sub-section 1.1 deals with stairways and ladders andsub-section 1.2 deals with ramps.Section 2 relates to the Requirements K2 and K3.This Document refers to safety glazing in the contextof stairways, ramps and guards. For general advicein relation to safety glazing, refer to TechnicalGuidance Document D.3
Section 1Stairways, Ladders and RampsStairways, ladders and ramps.K1Stairways, ladders and ramps shall be such as to afford safe passagefor the users of a building.Introduction1.0Requirement K1 applies to the design andconstruction of stairways, ladders and ramps. It doesnot apply to steps or access routes outside a buildingother than the circumstances set out in paragraph1.1.3."rise" means the vertical distance between the top ofa tread and the top of the tread, landing or rampnext above or below it;“stairs” means a succession of steps and landings thatmakes it possible to pass on foot to other levels;Additional requirements may be necessary for accessroutes which form part of:-"tapered step" means a step, the nosing of which isnot parallel to the nosing of the step or landing nextabove it;(i)"tread" means the upper surface of a step.(ii)means of escape in case of fire (see TechnicalGuidance Document B);means of access for people with disabilities(see Technical Guidance Document M).Reference should be made to Technical GuidanceDocument D for guidance in relation tomanufacturing and other tolerances applicable tobuilding components generally.Sub-section 1.1Stairways and Ladders1.1.3 In the case of steps immediately outside anexternal door of a building:(a)where there are three steps or less, only therecommendations in Table 1 apply; and(b)where there are more than three steps, all theprovisions of this sub-section apply.For stepped approaches to entrances which areaccessible to people with disabilities, see TechnicalGuidance Document M, Paragraphs 1.5 and 1.22.Rise, Going and Pitch1.1.1 Paragraphs 1.1.2 to 1.1.20 give someguidance on good practice insofar as it relates tonon-complex buildings of normal design andconstruction.1.1.4(a)all of the steps should be of appropriatedimensions and be of suitable construction,1.1.2(b)all steps should have the same rise,(c)all parallel steps should have the same going,(d)all tapered steps should have the same going.In this sub-section -"flight" means the part of a stairway or rampbetween landings;"going" means the horizontal distance between thenosing of a tread and the nosing of the tread orlanding next above it;"pitch" means the angle between the pitch line andthe horizontal;4In any stairs -Diagram 1 shows how to measure the rise and goingof a step.Table 1 contains recommendations on maximum rise,minimum going and maximum pitch, and optimumvalues in each case based on I.S. 158 : 1987 and BS5395-1 : 2000.
Table 1Rise, going and pitchStairsRise 0220190180Going (mm)optimumminimum250275300Pitch . Private stairs means stairs used by a limited number of people who are generally very familiar with the stairs, e.g. the internal stairsin a dwelling.2. Semi-public stairs means stairs used by larger numbers of people, some of whom may be unfamiliar with the stairs, e.g. in factories,offices, shops, common stairs serving more than one dwelling.3. Public stairs means stairs used by large numbers of people at one time, e.g. in places of public assembly.4. In stairs, which are intended to satisfy the needs of ambulant disabled people (see Technical Guidance Document M, Paragraphs 1.14and 1.30), the rise should not be greater than 175 mm and the going should not be less that 250 mm.Diagram 1 Measuring riseand goingPar. 1.1.4GoingOpen risers:tread shouldoverlap atleast 16 mmTop surface of treadRiserTop surface of treadRiserRiseTreadNosingNote:The sum of twice the rise plus the going (2R G) should bebetween 550 mm and 700 mm with an optimum of 600 mm.1.1.5 Any series of three risers or less occurring ata change of level in a floor, balcony or roof and suchlike, need only comply with Table 1. The otherprovisions of this sub-section do not apply in suchcases.1.1.6 The varying tread width of a tapered stepcan cause people to misjudge distances and can leadto falls. For this reason, the use of tapered stepsshould be avoided. If it is necessary to use them,they should preferably be situated at the bottom ofthe stairs.Public stairs should not contain tapered steps.Where consecutive treads are used, a uniform goingshould be maintained. For tapered treads, the goingshould conform with par. 1.1.4 when measured asfollows(a)if the flight is narrower than 900 mm,measured in the middle, and(b)if the flight is 900 mm or wider, measured 270mm from each side.In addition, the going at the narrow end should be aminimum of 75 mm.Construction of Steps1.1.7 Steps should have level treads. Steps mayhave open risers but in such cases the nosing of anytread should overlap, on plan, the back edge of thetread next below it by at least 16 mm.1.1.8 A stairway with open risers should, unless itis unlikely to be used by children under five years ofage, be constructed so that a 100 mm diametersphere cannot pass through the opening betweenadjacent treads.Headroom1.1.9 Headroom over the whole width of anystairs, measured as shown in Diagram 2, shouldgenerally be not less than 2 m. In the conversion of aloft where space is limited, headroom measured atthe centre of the stairs should be not less than 1.9 mbut may reduce to not less than 1.8 m at the side ofthe stairs if there is a minor projection.5
Diagram 2MeasuringheadroomPar. 1.1.9At least2mAt least2mMinimumheadroomAt least 2 mLandingFlightPitch line or surface of rampLandings1.1.13 A level landing should be provided at thetop and bottom of every flight except that a landingmay not be necessary between a flight and a door ifthe total rise of the flight is not more than 600 mmand the door slides or opens away from the steps.The landing may include part of a floor. The widthand going of the landing should be at least as great asthe smallest width of the flight.LandingWidths of Stairs1.1.10 Private stairs should have a clear width ofnot less than 800 mm. In the case of semi-public andpublic stairways, the guidance contained in TechnicalGuidance Documents B - Fire Safety and M - Accessfor People with Disabilities applies.1.1.14 Landings should be clear of permanentobstruction. A door opening on to a landing shouldbe so positioned that there will be a clear space of atleast the full width of the flight between the doorswing and the flight. In the case of private stairs, thelanding at the bottom of a flight may be reduced inlength provided a clear space of at least 400 mm ismaintained between the flight and the door swing(see Diagram 4 for examples).Length of Flights1.1.11 There should not be more than sixteenrisers in any one flight. A flight containing one ortwo risers in private stairs should be situated at thebottom of the stairs. For stairs suitable for use byambulant disabled people, see guidance in TechnicalGuidance Document M, paragraphs 1.14 and 1.30.Diagram 41.1.12 In places of assembly to which largenumbers of people have resort, there should be nomore than two consecutive flights each having amaximum of twelve risers, without a change indirection of at least 30 between flights (seeDiagram 3).Landing next toPar. 1.1.14door - private stairsAt least 400 mmLandingDoorDoorDiagram 3 Change of direction Par. 1.1.12in places of assemblyLoft ConversionsAt ngle atleast 3001.1.15Spiral stairs with goings less thanrecommended in Table 2 of BS 5395 Part 2 : 1984and alternating tread stairs would not normally beregarded as acceptable. However, they may beconsidered in the conversion of a loft where space islimited and the stairs serves only accommodationwhich will be used infrequently and, where theaccommodation includes only one habitable room.Alternating tread stairs should be in straight flights,have handrails on both sides and the treads should
have slip resistant surfaces. The goings and rises forthe wider parts of the steps should conform withpar. 1.1.4.Further Guidance1.1.21 Further guidance on stairways and ladders isgiven in the following:-Fixed LaddersIS 158 : 1987 Closed String Wood Stairs1.1.16 A fixed ladder should have fixed handrailson both sides. It should not
Technical Guidance Document K Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards Introduction This document has been published by the Minister for the Environment under article 7 of the Building Regulations, 1997. It provides guidance in relation to Part K of the Second Schedule to the Regulations. The document should be read in conjunction with the Building
STAIRWAYS — Landing Anchor Bracket (Supplied) Pre-drilled, 3" to 41/2", for mounting stairways to landings. Base Anchor Bracket (Supplied) Pre-drilled, 3" bracket for mounting stairways at base. IBC Stairways NOW OFFERING ONE IBC AND TWO OSHA COMPLIANT STAIRWAY DESIGNS Over 200 sizes designed to meet or exceed OSHA or IBC standards
Stairways, Ship's Ladders and Bridges catalog.equipto.com www.equipto.com 800-323-0801 Equipto's Ship's Stairways provide excellent platform access in a smaller footprint than stairways with a traditional handrail. 66 -70 rise Deep, non-skid treads Handrail Designs to meet OSHA or IBC standards Ship's Stairways
Painted Stairways Self-Guided Walking Tour of Silver Lake Overview - The 2017 Painted Stairways Tour of Silver Lake is 6.7 miles long and climbs just over 1,000 feet. It traverses 11 painted stairways as well as 1 unpainted stairway in a loop that is west of the Silver Lake Reservoir.
Spiral stairways as provided for in Section 1011.10. 3. Where an incline platform lift or stairway chairlift is installed on stairways serving occupancies in Group R-3, or within dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, a clear passage width not less than 20 inches (508 mm) shall be provided. Where the seat and
OSHA Office of Training & Education 3 At the end of this training, you should be able to list or describe: Safety guidelines and requirements for stairways used at a construction site Safe practices and requirements for ladders used at a construction site Slips, Trips and Falls On Stairways and Ladders
OSHA Office of Training & Education 2 Stairways and ladders cause many injuries and fatalities among construction workers About half the injuries caused by slips, trips and falls from ladders and stairways require time off the job Hazards Improper use of the top rung of a step ladder. OSHA Office of Training & Education 3
OSHA Office of Training & Education 2 Stairways and ladders cause many injuries and fatalities among construction workers About half the injuries caused by slips, trips and falls from ladders and stairways require time off the job Hazards Improper use of the top rung of a step ladder.
1 AWWA MANUAL M41 Chapter 1 General Information and History This manual provides the user with both technical and general information to aid in the design, specification, procurement, installation, and understanding of ductile-iron pipe.
