Guia de Diseño de Escaleras

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Stairs,�ramps�and�escalatorsInclusive�design�guidance

ThisguidehasbeenproducedbytheCentreforAccessibleEnvironmentsinconjunctionwithRIBAPublishing.

TextbyAnnAldersonB/Arch(Edin)RIBAPhotographs,unlessotherwiseacknowledged,byAnnAlderson

PublishedApril2010

©CentreforAccessibleEnvironmentsandRIBAEnterprisesLtd.,2010

PublishedbyRIBAPublishing,15BonhillStreet,LondonEC2P2EA

ISBN9781859463659

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Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutpriorpermissionofthecopyrightowner.

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Whileeveryefforthasbeenmadetochecktheaccuracyandqualityoftheinformationgiveninthispublication,neithertheAuthornorthePublisheracceptanyresponsibilityforthesubsequentuseofthisinformation,foranyerrorsoromissionsthatitmaycontain,orforanymisunderstandingsarisingfromit.

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�Contents

Foreword vAcknowledgements viiGlossary ix

1� Introduction 1

1.1 Inclusivedesign 11.2 Context 11.3 Aboutthishandbook 2

2� The regulatory framework 3

2.1 BuildingRegulations 32.2 DisabilityDiscriminationActs1995and2005 42.3 TheWorkplace(HealthSafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992 52.4 ConstructionProductsRegulations1994 52.5 Construction(DesignandManagement)Regulations2007 52.6 SupplyofMachinery(Safety)Regulations2008 62.7 ProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations2008(PUWER) 62.8 Standardsandcodesofpractice 6

3� Design issues 9

3.1 Provision 93.2 Location 93.3 Signage 103.4 Capacity 103.5 Configuration 113.6 Flightrise 123.7 Dimensions 123.8 Gradient:ramps 133.9 Angleofinclination:escalatorsandmovingwalks 143.10 Speed:escalatorsandmovingwalks 143.11 Landings 143.12 Identification 143.13 Finishes 153.14 Handrails 183.15 Guarding 19

Contents

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3.16 Lighting 203.17 Acoustics 213.18 Easeofcleaning 22

4 Technical guidance and specification 23

4.1 Stepsandstairs 234.2 Stairsthatareusedasmeansofescape 454.3 Ramps 474.4 Handrailsforsteps,stairsandramps 614.5 Escalatorsandmovingwalks 674.6 Escalatorsusedasameansofescape 894.7 Historicbuildings 89

5 Building management 97

5.1 Cleaning 975.2 Inspectionandmaintenance 98

Appendix:Sourcesofusefulinformation 101References 105Index 109

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Foreword

AsChairoftheBritishStandardsCommitteeforStairsandWalkways,Iamdelightedtohavebeenaskedtowritetheforewordtothisguidance.Iexpectitwillbea‘must-have’forallthoseresponsibleforensuringthesafepassageofpeoplebetweendifferentlevelswithinandaroundbuildings.Thisbookpullstogethertheaccessibilityandsafetyrequirementsforstairs,steps,rampsandescalators,inacomprehensiveandrelevantway.

Theearthisnotflatandwedonotbuildourbuildingsorlandscapesinsuchawaythateverythingisonasinglelevel.Insteadwetrytomakeefficientuseofexpensivelandbycreatingbuildingswithmanyfloorsandbyprovidingservicesunderground.Whilethiscontinues,wewillalwaysneedsomemethodofenablingpeopletochangebetweenlevelsinordertotakefulladvantageofourbuiltenvironment.Suchmethodsshouldbesafetouseandaccessibletoasmanyusersaspossible.

Backinmyformativeyears,Doctor Whohighlightedhowchangesinlevelcouldbeaphysicalbarrier.Whenthedalekstriedtoexterminateeverythingintheirpathweallknewthatyoucouldeasilygetawaybygoingupsomestairs.Ihaveheardthatthemoderndalekhasfoundwaystoovercometheseproblems,andsowearenolongersafefromimminentannihilation.NowthatIamolder,

Irealisethatthisphysicalbarrier,portrayedasthesaviourofmankind,isarealbarriertomanypeople.Wehavegonealongwaytowardsconsideringtheneedsofusersandprovidingalternativemeansofaccessingdifferentlevelssothatnoareaisoff-limitstoanyonewhohasanydifficultyinclimbingstairs.Hopefullythisaccessibilitywillcontinuetoimproveasweconsidertheneedsofothersinourdesigns.

Iamstillastrongadvocateforstairsinbuildings,andatpresenttheyarethemostefficientwayofgettinglotsofpeopleoutofbuildingsquickly.However,stairscanalsobedangerous,causinginjuriestomanythousandsofpeopleintheUKeachyear.Consideringhowlittletimewespendonthem,theyareperhapsthemosthazardousfeatureinmostbuildings.Alotofthishazardcanbereducedbygooddesign,andthisbookconsidersallthelatestresearchtohighlightgooddesign.Rampsandescalatorscanalsobehazardousifnotdesignedcorrectly,andagainthispublicationdrawsontheevidencetoprovidegood,soundadviceformakingthemsafer.Therewillprobablyalwaysbeanelementofriskassociatedwiththesebuildingelements,especiallythroughmisuseorinappropriatebehaviour,butweshouldbetryingourbesttoreducethisrisktoareasonablelevel.Followingtheadvicegivenherewillhelpyoutoachievethis.

MikeRoysChairofB/208StairsandWalkways

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the following organisations for sponsorship of this guide:

British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Educational Trust Department of Health (DH)London Underground Limited (LUL)Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB)

We are grateful to the following people for reviewing drafts of this guide:

Antony Ranger, MACE Group, on behalf of BCSC Educational TrustCassie Herschel-Shorland, Access and Museum DesignDavid Petherick, formerly of Communities and Local Government (CLG)Davinder Jhamat, BCSC Educational TrustDerek Barker, Haskoll, BCSC Educational TrustJohn Caves, LULJon Brackpool, British Airports Authority (BAA)Jonathan Levey, Haskoll, on behalf of BCSC Educational TrustKevin Hallas, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL)Michael Woods, RSSBMike Roys, Building Research Establishment (BRE)Richard Hulme, The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed)Stephen Purden, DHStephen Taylor, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

We thank the following organisations for granting permission to take photographs in their premises:

Greater London AuthorityJohn LewisNetwork RailSainsbury’s plcSt Pancras International and High Speed OneThe Bank of EnglandThe Geffrye MuseumThe Merchant Taylor’s HallThe National Trust

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Glossary

abbreviations

AD ApprovedDocumentBMS buildingmanagementsystemBRE BuildingResearchEstablishmentBS BritishStandardCCTV closed-circuittelevisionCDM ConstructionDesignandManagementRegulationsCIBSE CharteredInstituteofBuildingServiceEngineersCIE CommissionInternationaledel’EclairageCLG CommunitiesandLocalGovernmentCMS CentralMonitoringServiceCoF coefficientoffrictionCPR ConstructionProductsRegulationsDDA DisabilityDiscriminationActDfT DepartmentforTransportGRP glass-reinforcedplasticHBN HealthBuildingNoteHSE HealthandSafetyExecutiveHSL HealthandSafetyLaboratoryLRV lightreflectancevalueLUL LondonUndergroundLimitedPEEP personalemergencyevacuationplanPTV pendulumtestvaluePUWER ProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations2008PVC polyvinylchlorideRIDDOR ReportingofInjuries,DiseasesandDangerousOccurrencesRegulationsSLL SocietyforLightandLightingSRV slipresistancevalue

Glossary

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Terms�and�definitions

UnlessotherwisestatedthesehavebeentakenfromBritishStandards.

Steps, stairs and ramps

Note:inthisdocumenttheterms‘steps’isusedforexternalelementsand‘stairs/stairways’forinternalelements.Astepispartofaflightofstepsorstairs.

corduroy hazard warning surface

aformoftactilepavingwhosesurfacehasraisedribstowarnvisuallyimpairedpeopleofapotentialhazardahead(theribs,spacedat50mmbetweencentres,areinstalledatrightanglestothedirectionoftravelandparallelwiththestepnosing)

flight acontinuousseriesofstepsorrampbetweentwolevels

going thehorizontaldistancebetweentwoconsecutivenosings,measuredalongthewalkingline;thehorizontaldistancebetweeneachendofarampflight

handrail acomponentofstairs,stepsorrampsthatprovidesguidanceandsupportathandlevel;itmayformthetoprailofguarding(balustrading),besupportedindependentlyfromguardingorbesupportedfromawall

landing alevelplatformorpartofafloorattheendofaflight,ramporfloor

nosing thefrontedgeportionofatreadorlanding

ramp lengthofinclinedsurfacethatprovidesaccessbetweentwolevels(anaccessroutethathasagradientof1:20orsteeperisassumedtobearamp)

refuge anareathatisbothseparatedfromafirebyfire-resistingconstructionandprovidedwithasaferoutetoastoreyexit,thusconstitutingatemporarilysafespace

rise verticaldistancebetweenthehorizontaluppersurfacesoftwoconsecutivetreads,orbetweenatreadandafloororatreadandalanding;verticaldistancebetweeneachendofarampflight

riser theverticalcomponentofastepbetweenonetreadandanotheroralandingaboveorbelowit

stair width thesurfacewidthofastaironplanperpendiculartothewalkinglineofastair(measuredtothefaceoftheenclosingwall,string,balustradeorupstand,whicheverisclosertothewalkingline)

string thesideofthestaircasethatlocatesthetreadsandrisers;aninner(closed)stringissetagainstawallandanouter(open)stringisontheopensideofastaircase(notaBritishStandarddefinition)

tread thehorizontalcomponentofastep

winder astep,generallywedge-shaped,withatreadthatiswideratoneendthantheother;oftenusedinspiralstaircases

Glossary

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Escalators and moving walks

balustrade partoftheescalator/movingwalkwhichensurestheuser’ssafetybyprovidingstability,protectingfrommovingpartsandsupportingthehandrail

comb aprongedsectionateachlandingthatmesheswiththegrooves

comb interface thelineatwhichthecombplatemeetsthemovingpallets

comb plate aplatformateachlandingtowhichthecombsareattached(notaBritishStandarddefinition)

escalator apower-driven,inclined,continuousmovingstairwayusedforraisingorloweringpersonsinwhichtheuser-carryingsurface(suchassteps)remainshorizontal

moving walk apower-driveninstallationfortheconveyanceofpersonsinwhichtheuser-carryingsurfaceremainsparalleltoitsdirectionofmotionandisuninterrupted(usingpalletsorabelt)

skirting theverticalpartofthebalustradeinterfacingwiththesteps,palletsorbelt

Other

illuminance theamountoflightfallingonasurface,measuredinlumenspersquaremetre(lm/m2)orlux(lx)

light reflectance value(LRV)

thetotalquantityofvisiblelightreflectedbyasurfaceatallwavelengthsanddirectionswhenilluminatedbyalightsource(thegreaterthedifferenceinLRVbetweensurfaces,theeasieritisforvisuallyimpairedpeopletodistinguishthem)

visual contrast (or contrast visually)

the perceptionofadifferencevisuallybetweenonesurfaceorelementofabuildingandanotherbyreferencetotheirlightreflectancevalues(LRVs)

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Introduction

1.1� Inclusive�design

Inclusivedesignisaprocessthatdeliversanenvironmentinwhicheveryonecanaccessandbenefitfromthefullrangeofopportunitiesavailabletomembersofsociety.

Itaimstoremovebarriersthatcreateundueeffort,separationorspecialtreatment,andenableseveryone–regardlessofdisability,ageorgender–toparticipateequally,confidentlyandindependentlyinmainstreamactivitieswithchoiceanddignity.

Inclusivedesign:

• placespeopleattheheartofthedesignprocess

• respondstohumandiversityanddifference• offersdignity,autonomyandchoice• providesforflexibilityinuse

1.2� Context

Steps,stairs,rampsandescalatorsareameansofmovingupordownbetweendifferentlevelsexternallyorinternally.Theseelementscanpresentsignificantbarriersandbeahazardtosomemembersofsociety,particularlythosewithmobilityorvisualimpairments,thosewithbreathingdifficulties,peoplewithafearofheights,andyoungchildren.

Thereareasignificantnumberofaccidentsonsteps,stairsandescalators,withveryyoungandolderpeoplebeingthemostvulnerable.In1999theDepartmentofTradeandIndustryestimatedthattherewere100,000injuries

and100fatalitiesonnon-domesticstairs.TheHealthandSafetyExecutiveprovisionalfigurefor2008/9forslips,tripsandfallsonstairs,undertheReportingofInjuries,DiseasesandDangerousOccurrencesRegulations(RIDDOR),is6,039reportedincidents,representingabout13percentofallslip,tripandfallaccidents,ofwhich1,821,about30percent,wereclassedasmajorinjuries.Since2008,injuriesinvolvingstairshavebeencodedasfallsratherthantripsandslips,whichmakescomparisonofthefigureswithpreviousyearsdifficult.Takingthisintoaccount,itappearsthatthenumberoffallsonstepsandstairsisrisingandthenumberofslipsandtripsisfalling.Afterladders,stepsandstairsarethemainagentforfalls.Thenumberofaccidentsonmovingwalksreportedisverysmall:19betweentheyears2001and2005.LondonUndergroundLimitedhad1,086reportedincidentsin2008/9,51percentofwhichwereonescalatorsand21percentonstairs,totalling72percentofallreportedincidents.Similarly,themajorityofincidentsreportedtoNetworkRailoccuronstairsandescalators,themaincausesbeingrunningandalcoholanddrugabuse.In2008therewere983incidentsonstairs,a20percentincreasecomparedwith2006,and495incidentsonescalators,whichisasimilarfiguretopreviousyears.

Escalatorsandmovingwalkspresentadditionalchallengesofaccessandgettingonoroffamovingsurface,whichsomepeoplefinddifficultorfrightening.Havingmovingpartsalsopresentstheriskoftrappingoffingers,clothingandotheritems,whichisthecauseofmanyoftheaccidentsreported.Their

1 Stairs,rampsandescalators

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metalcompositionandtheirsharpstepedgesmeanthatinjuriesaremorelikelytobesevereiffallsoccur.

Manyofthesechallengesandhazardscanbemitigatedbygooddesignanddetailingoftheseelements,togetherwithregularandappropriatecleaningandmaintenance,makingthemsaferandmoreaccessibleforeveryoneusingthem.

1.3� about�this�handbook

Thishandbookcoversthedesignandspecificationofsteps/stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalkstomeettherequirementsforinclusivedesigninnon-domesticbuildings.Liftsarenotcoveredastheydonotsharethesamedesignissuesastheseothermeansofverticalaccess.

Thehandbookofferspracticalguidancetoassistdesigners,specifiers,buildingownersandoccupiers,buildingmanagersandfacilitiesmanagerstounderstandandaddresstheissuesforthedesign,specificationand

operationoftheseelements.Itcoversthedesignissuescommontosteps/stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks,andprovidesgoodpracticetechnicalguidanceinrelationtotheseissuesforthedesignandspecificationoftheseelementsinexternalandinternalenvironments,andindifferentbuildingtypes.Operationalandmaintenanceissues,includingcleaning,thatneedtobeconsideredatthedesignstagearealsoindicated.Theguidancereferstorelevantlegislation,BuildingRegulationsandstandards,andissupportedbyillustrationsandcasestudyexamplesthatdemonstratethedifferentissuesandgoodpracticesolutionsfordifferentsituations.

Thehandbookisstructuredtoenablereadersto‘dipinto’itastheywish,astheguidanceforeachelementcanbeusedindependentlyoftherestofthebookifrequired.ThedesignissuesarecoveredinSection 3andgoodpracticetechnicalguidanceoneachelementinexternalandinternalenvironmentsisgiveninSection 4.Thetechnicalguidancegivenforeachelementispresentedinasimilarordertothedesignissues,sothatitiseasytoreferbacktotherelevantsectioninSection 3.

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2The�regulatory�framework

2.1� Building�Regulations

AllnewdevelopmentsaresubjecttoapprovalunderBuildingRegulations,inwhichcasetheprovisionsintherelevantApprovedDocuments,TechnicalHandbooksorTechnicalBookletswillbeapplicable.ImprovementstoexistingbuildingsmayormaynotrequireapprovalunderBuildingRegulationsdependingonthenatureandextentofthework.

Steps,stairsandrampsarecoveredbytheBuildingRegulations;escalatorsandmovingwalksarenot,butaresubjecttootherlegislationonthesupply,installationandmaintenanceofmachinery(see2.6–2.7below).

2.1.1 England and Wales

ApprovedDocumentM: Access to and use of buildings(ADM),2004edition

Thiscoversthedesignofexternalsteps,rampsandhandrails(Section1)andinternalstairs,rampsandhandrails(Section3)asameansofaccessinto,anduseof,abuilding.

ItshouldbenotedthatBS8300:2009(seebelow)isthemostrecentguidancebutthisisnotyetreflectedintheBuildingRegulations,whichhascreatedsomeinconsistenciesbetweenthetwo.

ApprovedDocumentK: Protection from falling, collision and impact(ADK),the1998edition,amended2000

Thiscontainsgeneralguidanceonstairandrampdesignapplicablewheretherearetwoormorestepsofarisegreaterthat380mm.WherethereareanyconflictsbetweenADKandADM,thelatter,beingmorerecent,shouldtakeprecedence.

ApprovedDocumentB(FireSafety): Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses(ADB),2006edition,amended2007

Thiscontainsguidanceontheuseanddesignofstairsasameansofescape.

2.1.2 Scotland

Non-domesticHandbook2007:Section4 – Safety

ThemainguidanceonstairsandrampsiscontainedinSection4.3,Stairs and ramps,withadditionalguidanceonexternalstepsandrampsinsubsection4.1.3,Accessible routes.

Section2,Fire, coverstheuseofstairsasameansofescapeinsubsections2.9.10–12,2.9.24and2.9.26.


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2.1.3 Northern Ireland

TechnicalBookletR: 2006– Access to and use of buildings

ThisprovidesguidanceonexternalstepsandrampsinSection2,Access to a building,andinternalstairsandrampsinSection4,Access within a building.

TechnicalBookletH:2006 – Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact

Thisprovidesgeneralguidanceonthedesignofstairs,rampsandguarding.

TechnicalBookletE:2005 – Fire Safety

ThiscoversstairsasameansofescapeunderVertical part of the escape routeinSection1,Means of escape.

2.2� Disability�Discrimination�acts�1995�and�2005

Steps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalksare‘physicalfeatures’undertheDisabilityDiscriminationAct1995(DDA).Thedesignanddetailing–suchasthedimensions,visualandtactileidentification,finishesandlighting–contributesignificantlytotheirusability,safetyandappearance,particularlyforthosewithmobilityorvisualimpairments.

Newbuildingsshouldenableaccesstoallpartsofthepremisesandtheirenvironmentforeveryone,regardlessofage,size,disabilityorencumbrance.Forexistingbuildings,theDDAplacesdutiesonserviceproviders,employers,providersofpost-16educationandotherstomakereasonableadjustmentstophysicalfeatureswheretheypresentapotentialbarriertoaccessortheuseoffacilities.BuildingsthathavebeenconstructedinaccordancewiththeprovisionofADMatthetimeare‘protected’

fromthisrequirementforaperiodof10yearsfromthedateofconstruction.Reasonableadjustmentsmayinvolvetheremovaloralterationofabarrier,ortheprovisionofanalternativemeansofaccess.

Thereisnodefinitionof‘reasonable’,andclearguidanceislikelytoevolveonlyfromcaselawovertime.Theextentandnatureofanyadjustmentwilldependontheservicebeingprovided,thenatureandsizeoftheprovider,theenvironmentandtypeofbuildinginquestion,itsexistingorproposeduse,theneedandpotentialalternativesforverticalaccess,andonotherfactorssuchaspracticality,spaceconstraints,theextentofdisruption,theeffectivenessoftheadjustment,costandtheavailabilityoffinance.Eachsituationislikelytobeuniqueandmustbeconsideredonitsownmerits.Thedutyistomake‘reasonable’adjustments,havingtakenintoaccountalltherelevantfactors.

Changesinlevelviasteps,stairsandescalatorsaresignificantbarrierstopeoplewithmobilityimpairments,andcanpreventthemaccessingpartofabuilding;peoplewithvisualorotherimpairments,suchasbreathingdifficulties,mayalsobeinhibited.Providingalternativeaccessbymeansofasuitablepermanentramporliftwouldconstitutea‘reasonableadjustment’undertheAct.Wherethisisnotpossibleforspaceorconservationreasons,alternativeaccessviaasecondaryrouteoraportablerampmaybeacceptable.Inhistoricbuildingswhere,aftercarefulinvestigation,itcanbedemonstratedorjustifiedthattheprovisionofstep-freeaccesstofloorsaboveorbelowgroundlevelisnotpossible,avirtualtourmaybea‘reasonableadjustment’.Atamoredetailedlevel,theadditionofsuitablehandrailstoassistambulantdisabledpeople,orvisuallycontrastingnosingstothestepsandimprovedlightingtohelpthosewithvisualimpairmentsidentifychangesinlevel,wouldalsobereasonableadjustments.

2Theregulatoryframework

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DutiesundertheDDArelatenotonlytotheadjustmentofphysicalfeatures,butalsotopolicies,practicesandprocedures–allofwhichcouldhaveasignificanteffectonthesafety,accessibilityandusabilityofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks.Thesedutiesincludecleaning,regularinspectionandmaintenance,andprovisionofinformationandassistance,ifnecessary.

2.3� The�Workplace�(Health�Safety�and�Welfare)�Regulations�1992

TheaimoftheRegulationsistoensurethatworkplacesmeettheminimumhealth,safetyandwelfareneedsofeverymemberoftheworkforce.SeveraloftheRegulationsrequirethingstobe‘suitable’,whichmeansthatcirculationroutes,facilitiesandequipmentusedbydisabledpeopleshouldmeettheirparticularrequirements.

FloorfinishesandtrafficroutesarecoveredunderRegulation12.Theregulationcovers‘everyfloorinaworkplaceandthesurfacesoftrafficroutes’andrequiresthemtobeofsuitableconstruction,tohaveasurfacethatisevenandslipresistant,andtohavesuitabledrainageandnoholeorslopethatwouldpresentarisktoanyperson.Allfloorsandtrafficroutesarerequiredtobekeptclearofobstructionsandfreefromanysubstancethatmaycauseapersontoslip,triporfall.Allstaircasesarerequiredtohave‘suitableandsufficienthandrails’andguardingasappropriateunlessthehandrailswouldobstructthecirculation.TheRegulationssayonlythathandrailsshouldbeconsideredwherethereareramps,whereasADMrequiresthathandrailsareprovidedonbothsidesoframps.

Inareasthataresubjecttopotentialspillagesorcontamination,theregulationsrequiretheuseofslip-resistantfloorfinishes.Proceduresshouldalsobeinplacetoavoidthelikelihood

ofspillageinthefirstplaceandtocleanupandguardareaswherespillagedoesoccur.

Regulation19coversescalatorsandmovingwalksandrequiresthattheyfunctionsafely,areequippedwiththenecessarysafetydevicesandhaveeasilyidentifiableandaccessibleemergencystopswitches.

2.4� Construction�Products�Regulations�1994

TheUKConstructionProductsRegulations(CPR)requireconstructionproductstobesafewhenincorporatedintoabuilding.AllproductssuppliedtoabuildingthatissubjecttoBuildingRegulationshavetosatisfytherequirementscontainedintheseRegulations.CompliancecanbemosteasilydemonstratedbymanufacturersCEmarkingtheirproducts,whichverifiesthattheyhavebeentestedinaccordancewiththerelevantharmonisedEuropeanstandards.AlthoughCEmarkingisnotmandatoryintheUK,itisinmostotherEUcountries,andmanyproducersarealreadyfollowingthisroute.Since1January1997escalatorsandmovingwalkshavehadtohaveCEmarking.

AtthetimeofwritingtheCPRareunderrevisiontoclarifytheirimplementation,followingaconsultationperiod.ThemainimplicationfortheUKisthatCEmarkingwillbecomemandatoryforconstructionproductsthatfallunderthescopeoftheRegulationsbeforetheycanbemarketedintheUK.

2.5� Construction�(Design�and�Management)�Regulations�2007

TheConstruction(DesignandManagement)Regulations2007(CDM)aredesignedtoensurethatconstructionprojectsaresafetobuild,useandmaintain,andthattheydelivergoodvalue.Theyapplytonon-domesticnewbuildingsandrefurbishmentwork,and


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shouldbeconsideredbyanyoneinvolvedintheconstructionprocess,aswellasthebuilding’suseandmaintenance.Thekeyaimistointegratehealthandsafetyintothemanagementoftheprojectfromconceptiontotheendofthelifeofthebuilding.Designersarerequiredto‘avoidforeseeableriskstothoseinvolvedintheconstructionandfutureuseofthestructure.Indoingso,theyshouldeliminatehazards(sofarasisreasonablypracticable,takingaccountofotherdesignconsiderations)andreduceriskassociatedwiththosehazardswhichremain’.

2.6� Supply�of�Machinery�(Safety)�Regulations�2008

TheSupplyofMachinery(Safety)Regulations2008,effectivefromJanuary2010,implementtheMachineryDirective98/37/ECwithregardtohealthandsafetywhenusingmachineryandareapplicabletoescalatorsandmovingwalks.

2.7� Provision�and�Use�of�Work�Equipment�Regulations�2008�(PUWER)

TheseRegulationsconcernthecontrolorpreventionofriskstopeople’shealthandsafetythatmaybepresentedbytheequipmentthattheyuse,includingescalatorsandmovingwalks.Theyrequirethattheequipmentis:

• suitablefortheintendeduse• safeforuseandmaintainedinasafe

condition• inspectedtoensurethathealthandsafety

conditionsaremaintained• operatedonlybysuitablytrainedand

qualifiedpeople• accompaniedbysuitablesafetymeasures:

markings,warnings,emergencystopbuttons

2.8� Standards�and�codes�of�practice

2.8.1 British and European standards

AnumberofBritishandEuropeanstandardsareapplicabletothedesign,installation,maintenanceandsafetyofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks.Otherstandardscoverrelevantissuesrelatedtotheseelementssuchasslipresistance.Thestandardsarenotnormallycompulsory,butmaybereferredtowithintheBuildingRegulationsandotherregulationsmentionedabove,inwhichcasetheyaredeemedtosatisfytherequirementsoftheseregulations.Standardsdemonstrateprovengoodpractice;however,othersolutionsmayalsocomplywiththeregulations.

Insomeinstancesthereareinconsistenciesbetweenstandardsandtheregulations,asaresultofdevelopmentstakingplacebetweenpublicationdates.Unlessotherwisestated,themostrecentdocumentshouldbeused.

Themostrelevantstandardsforthesubjectmatterofthisbookarethefollowing:

BS8300:2009 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of practice

BS8300:2009providesgoodpracticeguidanceforthedesignofnon-domesticbuildingsandtheirapproaches.Thedocumentiscomprehensiveandcoversfeaturessuchascarparkingprovisionandsetting-downpoints,accessroutestoandaroundbuildings,entrances,horizontalandverticalcirculation,finishesandlightingwithinnewbuildings.Itisthemostrecentguidancecoveringtheseareas,andgenerallyshouldbefollowedinpreferencetootherguidance.

Detailedguidanceforsteps,stairsandrampsisgiveninSection5:Access routes to and

2Theregulatoryframework

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around buildings,Section8:Vertical circulationandSection9:Surfaces and communication aids.EscalatorsandmovingwalksarecoveredbrieflyinSection8,andreferenceismadetoBSEN115-1:2008.

BS5395-1:2010Stairs, ladders and walks. Code of practice for the design, construction and maintenance of straight stairs and winders

Thisstandardcoverstheprinciplesanddesignofstraightflightsofstairsorflightswithwindersindifferenttypesofbuildings,andgivesgoodpracticeguidanceonconstruction,materialsandmaintenance.

DDCEN/TS15209:2008 Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone

ThisreplacesBS7997:2003 Specification of products for tactile paving surface indicators. Itprovides aguidetotheapplicationofexternaltactilepavingasasystemofcommunicationofinformationforvisuallyimpairedpeople.

BSEN115-1:2008Safety of escalators and moving walks. Construction and installation

BSEN115-1:2008definessafetyrequirementsforescalatorsandmovingwalksinordertosafeguardpeopleandobjectsagainstrisksofaccidentsduringinstallation,operation,maintenanceandinspectionwork.Itcoversthedetaileddesignandoperationofescalators,aswellastechnicaldetailsfortheiroperationandmaintenance.

BS5656-2:2004Escalator and moving walks. Safety rules for the construction and installation of escalators and moving walks. Code of practice for the selection, installation and location of new escalators and moving walks

BS5656-2:2004givesrecommendationsforthelocation,selectionandinstallationofnewescalatorsandmovingwalksinneworexistingbuildings,forexampleatairports,exhibitioncentres,leisurefacilities,shoppingcentresanddepartmentstores.Itisapplicableattheearlystagesofaprojectforarchitects,developers,buildingowners,buildingmanagers,buildingcontractors,generalandspecialisedengineers,consultantsandotherinterestedparties.ItalsocoversaccessfordisabledpeoplewithreferencetotheDisabilityDiscriminationAct1995.

BS9999:2008Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings

BS9999:2008,replacingBS5588,coversallaspectsoffiresafetyandevacuationfrombuildings.Section18providesguidanceonverticalmeansofescapeincludingtheprovisionanddesignofescapestairs,andSection48coverstheevacuationofdisabledpeopleandtheprovisionsthatshouldbemade.

2.8.2 Other British and European standards

Therearemanyotherstandardsrelatingtosteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalkscoveringtheirconstruction,materials,measurementofthecharacteristicsofthefinishes,cleaningandmaintenance.AlistofthemainstandardsthatarerelevantisgivenintheReferencessection.


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2.8.3 Other standards and codes

Thereareotherstandardsandcodesforparticularsectors/buildingtypes,includingschools,hospitals,sportsfacilitiesandrailwaysystems,whichinsomeinstancesvaryfromtheguidancegivenintheBritishandEuropeanstandards.Thedifferencesaredueeithertothenumberofpeopleusingthepremisesandspaceconstraints,forexamplelargenumbersofpeopleusingLondonUndergroundstationsatonetime,ortothetypeandabilityofusers,forexamplepatientsinhospital,orchildreninschools.Wheretherearedifferencesthishasbeennotedinthefollowingguidancewithinboxes.

Schools

Therearespecificrequirementsforthedesignofstairsandrampsinschools,producedbytheDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies:

• BuildingBulletin102:Designing for disabled children and children with special educational needs – Guidance for mainstream and special schools,2008

• StandardSpecifications,LayoutsandDimensions(SSLD)6:Internal Stairways in Schools,2007

Healthcarebuildings

Thespecificrequirementsforthedesignofallhealthcarebuildingsarecoveredinaseries

ofHealthBuildingNotesandHealthTechnicalNotes.Themostrelevantonesare:

• HealthBuildingNote(HBN)00-04:Circulation and communication spaces(DepartmentofHealth,2007)

• HealthTechnicalMemorandum(HTM)08-02:Lifts(DepartmentofHealth,2010)

Sportsfacilities

SportEnglandprovidesspecificguidanceonthedesignofsportsfacilitiesforusebydisabledpeople,includingsteps,stairs,rampsandescalators:Accessible Sports Facilities, tobepublishedin2010.

Railwaysystems

TheDepartmentforTransporthasproducedaCodeofPracticeforthedesignofaccessiblestationsundertheRailwaysAct1993(asamended),andLondonUndergroundLimited(LUL)hasspecificrequirementsforitsstations:

• Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice(DepartmentforTransport,2008).ThisguidancetakesintoaccounttheEuropeanstandardsforaccessiblerailwayinfrastructure,whichwereadoptedbytheUKon1July2008

• Station Planning Standards and Guidelines – Good Practice Guide(LondonUndergroundLimited,2007)

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3Design�issues

Steps,stairs,rampsandescalators,togetherwithlifts,arephysicalelementsthatenablepeopletochangelevelsandcirculatevertically,eitherexternallyorwithinabuilding.Anylevelchangecancreateaphysicalbarrierandsafetyhazard,particularlyforpeoplewhohaveamobilityorvisualimpairmentorbreathingdifficultiesorwhoareencumberedwithluggageorchildrenandpushchairs.Thereareanumberofissuesthatneedtobeconsideredandbalancedwhendesigningtheseelements.

3.1� Provision

Ideally,thereshouldbeachoiceofmeansofverticalaccessassomemeansarenotsuitableforeveryone,particularlywheelchairusers,ambulantdisabledpeople,peoplewithvisualimpairments,peoplewithassistancedogsandthosewithprams,buggies,shoppingor

baggagetrolleys.Theverticalandhorizontaldistancetobetravelledandspaceavailability/constraintswillalsodeterminethemeansofaccessselected.

Wheelchairuserscannotnormallyuseanysteppedaccess.Therefore,aramporliftisnecessaryforthem,aswellasbeneficialtootherswithmobilityorvisualimpairmentsorwhoareencumberedwithchildrenorbaggage.However,somepeople,includingambulantdisabledpeopleandpeoplewhoareunsteadyontheirfeet,oftenpreferstepstoaramp.Significantchangesinlevelnecessitatingalong,possiblyzig-zag,rampcanbetiringandconfusing.

Escalatorsarenotsuitableforwheelchairusers,peoplewithpramsorpeoplewithassistancedogs,unlessthedogcanbecarried.Otherpeoplefindthemdifficulttouseordonotlikesteppingontosomethingmoving,whethertheybeescalatorsormovingwalks.Therefore,wherethereareescalators,theremustalwaysbeanalternativemeansofverticalaccess,ideallyanaccessiblelift,butalsostairs.Wheretherearemovingwalks,thereshouldalsobeaparallelstaticwalkway.

3.2� Location

Inanexternalenvironmentorbuilding,theuse,usabilityandsafetyofsteps,stairs,rampsandescalators/movingwalkswillbeaffectedbytheirlocation,andbytheirrelationshipwithcirculationroutesandwitheachother.

Stairs are a barrier to many disabled people but can also be difficult for people with young children and those encumbered with luggage

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Clear, well-positioned directional signage to the alternative lift access

3.3� Signage

Good,cleardirectionalsignageisessentialtoenablepeople,particularlythosewithmobilityimpairments,withchildrenorencumberedwithluggageorshopping,tomovearoundanenvironmentorbuildingsafelybytheshortestandmostappropriaterouteforthem.Thisisparticularlyimportantwherethereisachoiceofverticalaccess,whichshouldbeclearlyindicatedatalllevels.Thereshouldalsobesignswarningofhazardsandpotentialbarriers,suchasstairsorescalators,ateitherendofanyroute.

Signagealsoinformspeoplewheretheyarewithinabuilding,forexamplewhatfloorleveltheyareon.Ateachfloor-levellanding,thereshouldbesignsclearlyindicatingthefloorlevel,usuallyattachedtothewall.ThesemaybetactileandinBrailleaswellasvisual.

EscalatorsandmovingwalkswillalsorequiremandatorysafetysignageinaccordancewithBSEN115:2008(seesection 4.5.3).

Thelocationandlightingofsigns,thesizeandtypeofletteringandvisualcontrastshouldbedesignedinaccordancewiththegoodpracticeguidancegiveninBS8300:2009andtheSign Design Guide.

3.4� Capacity

Capacityisdefinedasthenumberofpeoplethatcanmovethroughaspace(corridor,stairs,escalators,movingwalks)perminuteorperhour.Itdependsonthespeedofmovement,thedensityofpeopleandtheeffectivewidthofthespace.

3.4.1 Steps and stairs

Becausestairsimposeamoredisciplined,regularmovementthanalevelcorridorduetoanevenpacelengthdeterminedbythegoing,higherdensitiesthanontheflatarepossible.Thisiscounteractedbyalowerspeedowingtoeithertheeffortofascendingorthecareneededfordescending,andtheeffectivespeedisverydependentontheslowestperson.TheCharteredInstituteofBuildingService

Clear floor-level signage at each landing assists people in finding their way in an unfamiliar building. Note that these stairs, in a hospital, have visually contrasting nosings and well-designed handrails that are fixed to the outside of the stairs, leaving the treads unobstructed for cleaning

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Engineers(CIBSE)GuideD,Transportation systems in buildings,statesthatthecapacityonstairsis83percentofthatontheflatandiscalculatedusingtheequation:

Cs=0.83(60vDWs)

where:

• Csisthecapacityinpersons/minute• vistheaveragespeedonthestairsin

metres/second,normallybetween0.9m/sforayoung/middle-agedmanand0.5m/sforelderlypeopleandfamilygroups

• Distheaveragepedestriandensityinpersons/m2,0.6persons/m2forfreeflowand2.0persons/m2forfullflow

• Wsistheeffectivestairwidth

3.4.2 Escalators

Escalatorsarenormallyavailableinthreewidths:600mm,800mmand1000mm.Theoretically,600mmaccommodatesonepersonperstep,800mmaccommodatesoneandahalf(child)personsperstepand1000mmaccommodatestwopersonsperstep.However,evidencefromLondonUndergroundhasshownthat,inpractice,densitiesarehalftheselevels.Inotherwords,600mmaccommodatesonepersonpertwosteps,800mmthreepersonseveryfourstepsand1000mmonepersoneverystep.TheequationgivenbyCIBSEforcalculatingthecapacityofanescalatoris:

Ce=60vks

where:

• Ceisthecapacityinpersons/minute• visthespeedoftheescalator• kistheaveragedensityofpeoplein

persons/escalatorstep• sisthenumberofescalatorsteps/minute,

dependentonthedepthoftreadandescalatorspeed

SeeTable9,section 4.5.4.

3.4.3 Moving walks

Amovingwalkiseffectivelyamovingcorridorasmovementisnotrestrictedbysteps.Thecapacitycalculationisthesameasforcorridors:

Cw=60vDWw

where:

• Cwisthecapacityinpersons/minute• visthespeedofthemovingwalkway• Disthedensityinpersons/m2,normally

about2persons/m2

• Wwisthewidthofthemovingwalkway

SeeTable10,section 4.5.4.

3.5� Configuration


Straightflightsofstepsandstairsareeasierandsafertonegotiatethancurvedordoglegflightswithtaperedsteps.However,aseriesoflongstraightflightsincreasesthedistancethatsomeonecanfallwithoutcomingtoastop;theymayalsobeintimidatingfromthetoptopeoplewithafearofheights.

A long straight series of flights may be intimidating from the top for those with a fear of heights and increases the potential distance that someone can fall down them


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3.5.2 Ramps

Rampsmaybestraight,inaseriesofdoglegflightsorcurved.

3.5.3 Escalators

Escalatorsaretraditionallystraight,butspiralescalatorsarebeingdeveloped.

3.6� Flight�rise


Peoplewithmobilityimpairmentsorhealthproblems(suchasasthmaorotherbreathingdifficulties)maystrugglewithlongflightsofstepsorstairs.However,providingshorterflightswithmorelandingsincreasesthenumberoftransitionsfromlandingtosteps,whichareapotentialdangerforpeoplewithvisualimpairments.Thus,itisimportanttoachieveabalancebetweenthetwo.Singlestepsareasignificanttriphazardandshouldbeavoided.

3.6.2 Ramps

Thelengthoframpthatwheelchairusersorambulantdisabledpeoplecangenerallymanagecomfortablydependsonthegradient:thesteeperthegradient,theshortertherampshouldbe.However,longshallowslopesorrampsmaybeverytiring,andseveralflightsoframpslinkedbyhalf-landingsmaybeconfusing.Whereachangeinlevelwouldnecessitateaverylongramp,aliftshouldbeconsidered.

3.6.3 Escalators

Theflightriseofescalatorsislimitedonlybymechanicaltechnology.

3.7� Dimensions

Thedimensions ofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalkswillaffecttheireaseofuseandsafety,andthenumberofpeoplethatcanmoveupanddownthematanyonetime.


Width

Thewidthofstepsandstairswilldependontheirestimateduse,thecapacityneededandwhethertheyareescapestairs.Fortwopeoplegoinginoppositedirectionstopasseachothercomfortablyrequiresaminimumclearwidthof1200mm.

Treads

Mostpeople(particularlythosewithavisualimpairment)benefitfromagoingthatsuitsanaturalcadence,especiallywhendescending.Untilveryrecentlyitwasstatedthat,toachievethis,thesumofthegoingplustwicetherisershouldbe550–700mm.Thisisnolongersupported,asstridelengthhasincreasedaspeoplehavegenerallygottaller,soitisnotincludedintheupdatedBS5395-1:2010.

Treadsshouldbedeepenoughforthemajorityofpeopletogettheirwholefooton.Narrowtreadsincreasethepotentialforslippingaslessofthefoot(50–60percent)isincontactwiththetread,orpeopleresorttoturningtheirfeetatanangle.Asmallincreaseingoingcansignificantlyreducethelikelihoodoffalls,andlargergoingsalsoallowpeopletopausemid-flight.However,stepswithverylargegoingsareeffectivelysinglesteps,whichmaybeatriphazard(seesection 4.1.6,Single steps,below).

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Risers

Ariserheightof150mmcanbemanagedbymostpeople;alittlemorethanthisispossibleifthetreadsaredeepandtherearewell-designedhandrails.Highrisersincreasethestrainonthekneeand/orhipjointsofambulantdisabledpeoplewhendescendingstairs,andcanbeatriphazardforpeoplewhowearlegbracesorhavestiffnessintheirkneeorhipjoints,particularlyifthereareprojectingnosings.Stepswithveryshallowrisersaresimilarlyapotentialtriphazardandshouldnotbeused:100mmistheabsoluteminimum(seesection 4.1.5).

Headroom

Clearheadroom,withoutobstacles,suchassignage,protrudingintoit,isessentialforthesafemovementofpeople.Wherethereisinsufficientheadroom,suchasunderstaircasesandescalators,guardingmustbeprovided(seesection 3.15).

Stepprofile

Itisrecommendedthatthetreadsofsteps/stairsdonotprojectbeyondtheriserasthiscanbeatriphazard,particularlyforpeoplewithwalkingdifficulties,whooftenplacetheirfeetuptothefaceoftheriser;anyoverhangislikelytocatchtheirtoeastheylifttheirfootup.However,projectingatreadoranosingovertherisercanincreasethedepthofthetread.

3.7.2 Ramps

Width

Thewidthoframpswilldependontheirlengthandlikelyuse.Iftwowheelchairusersneedtopasseachother,aminimumwidthof1800mmbetweenupstandsisrequired.

3.7.3 Escalators and moving walks

Width

Thewidthofanescalatorormovingwalkwilldeterminehowmanypeoplecanbecarriedandwhethertwopeoplecanstandsidebyside.

Treadsandrisers

Asescalatorsarenotprimarilyintendedforpeopletowalkupordown,andshouldnotnormallybeusedasstaticstepsorstairs,thereislessneedforthegoingtofitanaturalcadence.Treadsshouldbeaslargeaspossibleasmanypeoplewillbestandingonastepwithoutmoving.Asaminimum(asforstepsandstairs),theyshouldbedeepenoughformostpeopletobeabletogettheirwholefooton.Theriseobviouslyvaries,butwhatisimportantisthatthereislevelaccessatthetopandbottomforsafeaccessandegress.

3.8� Gradient:�ramps

Steepergradientsaremoredifficultformanypeopletonegotiate,especiallywheelchairusers,ambulantdisabledpeopleandthosepushingwheelchairs,prams,trolleysorotherbaggage.Withgradientsgreaterthan1:12theremaybeariskofwheelchairuserstippingoverbackwardsgoinguporfallingoutwhiledescending;controlandbrakingarealsomoredifficultonsteepgradients(seeTable6,section 4.3.4).Equally,shallowgradientsoveralongdistancemaybedifficultforsomepeopleandtiringformany.Excessivecross-gradientsmaymakeitdifficultforwheelchairsusers,andotherwheeledtransport,tomanoeuvre.

Thegradientwillalsoaffecttherequiredslipresistanceforthesurfacefinish(thesteeperthegradient,thegreatertheslipresistancerequired–seesection 3.13.1),whichmayrestrictthechoiceoffinish.


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3.9� angle�of�inclination:�escalators�and�moving�walks

Theangleofinclinationofescalatorsandmovingwalksaffectstheireaseofuseandtheirsafety:thesteepertheangleofinclination,theslowerthespeedshouldbe(seesection 4.5.6).

3.10� Speed:�escalators�and�moving�walks

Manypeople,particularlythosewithmobilityorvisualimpairments,finditdifficulttostep,orareuneasyaboutstepping,ontosomethingthatismoving.Theslowerthespeed,theeasieritisforthemtomanage,butthishastobebalancedwiththenumberofpeopleusingtheescalatorormovingwalkwayandtheflowoftraffic(seesection 4.5.7).

3.11� Landings

Landings/unrestrictedspaceshouldbeprovidedatthetopandbottomofeachflightofsteps,stairsorrampsandateachendofescalatorsandmovingwalks,toenablepeopletosafelyandeasilynegotiatethechangeinlevelandaccesstoandegressfromtheescalatorormovingwalk.Theyshouldalsobeprovidedatanychangeindirectionofsteps,stairsorramps.Landingscanalsoserveasrestingplacesforpeoplewhoareunabletoascendordescendaseriesoframpsorstep/stairflightswithoutarest;wherethereisspace,seatingcouldbeprovided.

Thesizeofthelandingwilldependonthedimensionsofthesteps,stairs,ramp,escalatorormovingwalkwayandthetrafficexpected,andshouldbeaclearspaceunobstructedbydoorswingsorotherobstacles.

3.12� Identification

Beingabletoidentifychangesinlevelormovingsurfacesvisually,usingtactile

indicatorsorbyaudiblecommunication,iscriticaltotheirsafeuseandwillminimisetripsandfalls.Peoplewithimpairedvisionrisktrippingorlosingtheirbalanceifthereisnowarningofachangeinleveloramovingsurface;theriskisgreatestatthetopofaflightofsteps,aramporanescalator.

3.12.1 Visual identification

Allchangesinlevelshouldbeeasytoidentifyvisuallyatthetopandbottomofeachflighttowarnpeopleofachangeinlevel.Similarly,theedgeofeachstepwithinaflightofstepsorstairsshouldbeclearlyidentifiablevisuallywhenviewedfromboththetopandthebottom.Thiscanbeachievedbyuseofcolourandtonetoprovidevisualcontrastwiththeadditionofcontrastingsurfacetextures,ifappropriate.

Visualcontrastisassessedbycomparingthelightreflectancevalues(LRVs)ofdifferentsurfaces.TheLRVisameasureofthetotalquantityofvisiblelightreflectedbyasurfaceatallwavelengthsanddirectionswhenilluminatedbyalightsource.TheLRVscale

Colour providing visual contrast should be used to identify changes in level as at the bottom of these stairs and escalator; care must be taken that different finishes have similar frictional resistances

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3Designissues

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These metal strips inserted into the stone floor provide a visual and tactile warning for the stairs. They are a sufficient distance from the top step, cover a wide enough area that they cannot be missed in a single stride, and will have a similar frictional resistance to the surrounding stone floor

runsfrom0(alllighttotallyabsorbed)to100(alllightreflected).Evidence-basedresearchhasindicatedthatanLRVof30ormorewillprovidegoodcontrast;anLRVof20–30maybeadequate,particularlywhentheareasconcernedarelarge,butbelow20thecontrastisunlikelytobeadequate.Itisthoughtthatsmallobjectsonalargerbackgroundneedtohavegreatervisualcontrast.AvarietyofmethodsformeasuringLRVaregiveninBS8300:2009,AnnexB.

3.12.2 Tactile indication

Tactilewarningsurfacescanbeusedatthetopandbottomofeachflightofstepsorstairs,butcaremustbetakenthattheydonotcreateanadditionalhazard.Thekeyfactoristhedifferentfrictionalresistancesofadjacentsurfaces:suddensignificantchangesinfrictionalresistancecancausestumbling,tripsorlossofbalance.Anytactilewarningmustbeplacedsufficientlyinadvanceofthestepstoallowtimeforapersontostop,andmustbesufficientlywidethatitcannotbemissedinasinglestride.

ADMrecommendsonlytheuseofa‘corduroy’tactilehazardwarningsurfaceonexternalsteps.

3.12.3 Audible identification

Audible communicationtowarnpeopleofhazardssuchasescalatorsormovingwalksisextremelyhelpfultothosewithvisualimpairments.

3.13� Finishes

Thefinishesusedonsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalkswillaffecttheirsafeandeasyuse,theriskofslippingandtheirvisualappearanceandidentification.

3.13.1 Slip resistance

Theslipresistanceofasurfaceaffectsthetractionbetweenafootorwheelonthesurface.Floorfinishesselectedshouldprovidesufficienttractiontoreducethepotentialforslippingbutnotsomuchtractionastopreventeasymovement,particularlyforwheeledtraffic.Veryroughsurfacesormaterialswithadeeppile(carpetsorcoirmatting)aremoredifficultforwheeledtrafficandrequiremoreeffort.

Theslipresistanceofasurfacedependsonmanyfactors:

• theroughnessofthesurface• whetheritiscontaminatedwithliquid

ordrysubstances:waterandothercontaminantsarelikelytosignificantlydecreasetheslipresistance.Themoreviscousthewetcontaminant,orthefinerthedrycontaminant,themoretheslipresistanceisreduced.Drycontaminants,suchaslitter,mayalsobeatriphazard

• wearingcharacteristicsanddurability:theslipresistanceofsomesurfacesdecreaseswithwearandageasthesurfacewears

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androughnessdecreases,whereastheslipresistanceofsafetyvinylstendstoincreasewithageandwear

• thetexture/profileofthefloor:althoughprofiledandrivensurfacesmayappeartobemoreslipresistant,thisisnotoftenthecase.Itistheroughnessofthehighestsurfaceoftheprofilethatdeterminestheslipresistance

• useofwaxes,polishesandothercoatings:thesewillaltertheslipresistanceofthesurface,inmostcasesreducingit,unlesstheyarespeciallyformulatedtobeslipresisting(althoughthisiseffectiveonlywhenthesurfaceisdry)

• cleaningandmaintenance:thefrequencyofmaintenanceandcleaning,thethoroughness,themethodofcleaningandthecleaningsubstancesusedwillaffecttheslipresistanceandmayalsoaffecttheroughnessofthesurfaceovertime

Slipresistancecanbemeasuredas:

• coefficientoffriction(CoF)• slipresistancevalue(SRV)orpendulum

testvalue(PTV),whichisthecoefficientoffriction×100

• roughness(seebelow)

ASRVof36ormoreinthewetonalevelsurfaceisconsideredtobealowslippotential.Forexternallevelsurfaces,BS8300:2009recommendsawetSRVgreaterthan36assuitable,orgreaterthan40whereauserislikelytobeturningorpushing(awheelchair,pramortrolley).

Themostcommonmethodofmeasuringtheslipresistanceofasurfaceisusingapendulumtester,butseveralothermethodsareavailable,asdescribedinAssessing the Slip Resistance of Flooring(HSE,2007).Anydatagivenshouldalwaysstatewhichtestmethodhasbeenused.Measuringtheslipresistanceofsteps,

stairsandnosingscanbedifficultastheremaynotbespaceforthependulumtestertobeusedinaccordancewithBS7976-2:2002.Inthiscase,eitherthematerialscanbetestedbeforeinstallationusingthismethodortheroughnessofthesurfacescanbemeasuredin situinaccordancewithBS1134-1:1998(seebelow).Slipresistanceinformationsuppliedbymanufacturersisforex-factorymaterials;slipresistancecanchangesignificantlyasaresultofinstallationprocesses(grouting,burnishing,polishing),wearandtear,andinappropriatecleaningormaintenance.

Suddenchangesinthefrictionalcharacteristics,forexampleasaresultofdifferentadjacentmaterials,cancausestumbling,tripsorlossofbalance,particularlyforpeoplewithmobilityorvisualimpairments.Therefore,adjacentsurfaces,particularlyatthetopandbottomofchangesinlevel,shouldhavesimilarfrictionalresistances(seesection 3.12.2).Careshouldbetakentocheckthatapparentlysimilarproductsdoinfacthavesimilarslipresistances,astheymaydiffersignificantlydependingontheirsurfacecoating.

DetailedinformationonassessingslipresistanceonwetanddrySRVsforcommonmaterialsisgiveninBS5395-1:2010.

3.13.2 Roughness

Roughnessisthemeasureoftheirregularitiesinasurface,whichareofteninvisibletothenakedeye.Itdirectlyaffectsslipresistance,particularlyifthesurfaceiscontaminatedwithwaterorotherliquids.OnesimplemeasurementofsurfaceroughnessisRz,whichisameasureoftotalsurfaceroughness,calculatedasthemeanofseveralpeak-to-valleymeasurements.Itismeasuredinmicrons(µm)byamicro-roughnessmeterinaccordancewithBS1134-1:1998(Table1).

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Roughnessvaluesshouldneverbeusedinisolationasameasureofslipresistance.

3.13.3 Contamination

Anycontaminationonsurfaceswillincreasetheriskofslipping.Themostcommoncontaminantiswater,butothercontaminants,suchasotherfluids,food,excrement,dirt,dustanddebris,mayalsobepresentasaresultofspillages,transferfromexternalareas,age/wear,cleaningprocessesorlack

ofcleaning.Anti-icingsubstancescanbeaparticularproblemas,althoughtheypreventiceforming,theymakethesurfaceveryslippery.Contaminationshouldbeavoidedbyregularcleaningandmaintenanceofthestepsorstairsandanyaccidentalcontaminationshouldberemovedpromptly.

Surfaceroughness(seesection 3.13.2)isakeyfactorinreducingthepotentialforslippingonasurfacecontaminatedwithliquid;generally,themoreviscousthesubstance,thegreaterthesurfaceroughnessrequiredtoprovideadequateslipresistance.Surfaceslikelytobecontaminatedwithwatershouldhavearoughnessofgreaterthan10µm,preferably20µmormore.Moreviscouscontaminantsarelikelytonecessitateahighersurfaceroughness.

Wherestairs,steps,rampsorlandingsarelikelytobecomewet,theyshouldbedesignedtoshedwaterandpreventponding.Ifstairs,ramps,escalatorsormovingwalksarenearentranceswherewateranddirtcouldbecarriedontothem,adequatemattingshouldbeprovided.

3.13.4 Wear resistance/abrasion resistance

Thelevelofresistancerequiredforstairfinishesdependsontheuseofthearea,thetypeandleveloftrafficandtheserviceliferequired(Table2).

Table 1 Surface roughness and potential for slip

Rz surface roughness (µm) Potential for slip

<10 High

10–20 Moderate

>20 Low

Litter on steps is a trip and slip hazard. Note the lack of nosings and tactile warning surface at the foot of the steps


18�

Bright ceiling lights reflected on the shiny surface of a ramp can cause glare and may be confusing

3.13.5 Reflection

Shinyfloorandwallsurfaces maygiverisetoreflectionandglare,whichcancausediscomfortandvisualconfusion.Changesinlevelandactualstepsorrampsmaybedifficulttodistinguish,particularlyforvisuallyimpairedpeople.Shinyfloorsurfacesmayalso‘look’wetandslippery,evenifthisisnotthecase,andthereforemaybeacauseofanxietyforthosewithafearoffalling.

Glare from bright sunlight on this external metal ramp may be difficult or confusing, particularly for people with visual impairments

3.14� Handrails

Handrailsareanimportantfactorforeveryoneinrelationtothesafeuseofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks.Evenifnotusedallthetime,theymaybegrabbedintheeventofatriporfall.Handrailsareparticularlyimportantforpeoplewithmobilityorvisualimpairments.Peoplewithimpairedmobilityorbalancemayneedthephysicalsupportofhandrails,andwheelchairusersmayneedthemtopullthemselvesup,orsteadythemselvesgoingdown,aramp.Disabledpeoplemaybeweakerononeside,therefore

Table 2 Wear resistance required in different locations

Location Level of resistance required to:

Wear Indentation Water Chemicals

Communalstaircasesincivil,publicandcommercialbuildings

High Medium Variable Low

Communalstaircasesinhospitals High Medium Variable Variable

Schoolbuildings High Medium High Low

Hotels High Medium Variable Low

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Well-designed handrails can provide support and guidance at changes in level

handrailsonbothsidesareessential.Visuallyimpairedpeopleoftenrelyonhandrailstoorientatethemselvesanddeterminewhentheyhavereachedthetoporbottomofaramporaflightofstepsorstairs,orwherethereisachangeofdirection.

Tobeeffective,handrailsshould:

• bestrongenough,andsuitablyfixed,toprovidephysicalsupport.Aswellasbeingneededonthestepsorstairs,theymayalsobeusedatthetopandbottombypeoplewhoneedtosteadythemselvesbeforeascendingordescending

• beeasytoreach• beeasyandcomfortabletogrip,including

forpeoplewithlimitedmanualdexterity:theyshouldhaveaprofilethatallowsthepalmofthehandtobefullysupportedandthefingerstowraparound

• providegoodforearmsupportforpeoplewhocannotgrip:aflatterprofilegivesbetterforearmsupport

• beeasilydistinguishable,byhavingluminanceandcolourthatcreatevisualcontrastagainstthebackground,withoutbeinghighlyreflective

• offergoodtactileinformationtotheuserbybeingcontinuousaroundlandingsandextendinghorizontallybeyondthetopandbottomofflightsofsteps/stairsorrampstoindicatethechangeinlevel.Tactilemarkerscanbeusedonhandrailsatthebeginningandendofaflight,indicatingfloorlevelreached;thisisparticularlyusefulwherethehandrailcontinuesalongthewallofalobbyorcorridor

• extendhorizontallybeyondthetopandbottomofsteps,stairsoraramptoprovideguidanceofthechangeinlevel

• allowunobstructedpassageofthehandalongtherail,whichshouldbesupportedcentrallyontheunderside,andhavesufficientclearspaceabovethehandrailandbetweenthehandrailandanyadjacentwall

• besmoothbutwithadequateresistancetopreventexcessivehandslippage

• becomfortabletouse:theyshouldnotbetoocoldorhottothetouch.Metalhandrailscangetverycoldincoolweather,anddark-colouredhandrailsmaybecomeveryhotifexposedtodirectsunlightasdarkcoloursabsorbheatwhereaslightcolourswillreflectit

• haveendsthatturndownorintowardsawall,toreducetheriskofclothingbeingcaughtontheendsofrails

3.15� Guarding

Inrelationtochangesinlevel,guardsandbarriersarerequiredtoprotectpeoplefromfallingand,innon-domesticbuildings,arerequiredwherethereisachangeinlevelgreaterthan380mm.Barriersorguardingmayalsoberequiredtopreventpeople,particularlythosewithavisualimpairment,inadvertentlycollidingwithobstaclesorwalkingintohazards,suchastheundersideoffreestandingstairsorrampsorthemovingpartsofescalatorsormovingwalks.

Barriersneedtobehighenoughtoprovideadequateprotectionandpreventpeoplebeing


20�

Poorly lit external steps: the edge of the three steps is not identifiable and it is only the handrails and the tactile corduroy surface that indicate the presence of steps

These glazed barriers prevent people falling into the lower area or onto the ramp from the pavement. Note that the rail on top of the glazing is angled to prevent people getting too close to the glass and damaging it

abletofalloverthem.Theyshouldnotbeclimbablenorhavegapsinthemlargeenoughforachildtogetthrough.Barriersshouldhaveakerbortappingrailatthebottomasguidanceforvisuallyimpairedpeopleusingastick.

GuardsandbarriersarecoveredinADK,inSection4oftheTechnicalHandbookfornon-domesticbuildings(Scotland)andinPartHoftheBuildingRegulations(NorthernIreland).FurtherguidanceisgiveninBS6180:1999 Code of Practice for barriers in and around buildings.

3.16� Lighting

Poorlightingcanincreaseriskoftrips,slipsandmis-steppingonchangesinlevel.Alllandingsandchangesinlevelshouldbewellandevenlyilluminated,particularlyatthetopandbottomandwherethereareanychangesindirection.Strong,directionallightingcancastshadows,whichmaymaskhazards;thiscanbeavoidedbyincreasingambientlightinglevelsandnotusingdirectionalspotlights.Ontheotherhand,carefullypositionedlightingcanbeusedtohighlightsteps,nosingsandotherhazards.Goodlightingcanincreasethefeelingofsecurity,andwell-litstairwellsandlobbiesmayactasa‘beacon’andassistwayfindinginplacessuchascarparks.

These simple metal barriers prevent people walking into the soffit of the escalator and staircase or into the column

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Shadows caused by bright sunlight through the Venetian blinds obscure these stairs, which do not have visually contrasting nosings, and may confuse people with visual impairments

Well-lit stairs, with visually contrasting nosings, in a dark exhibition space. However, the handrail cannot be clearly identified

3.17� acoustics

Hardsurfacesreflectsoundandcausereverberation,whichwillcreateanoisyenvironment.Thismaymakeitdifficultfordeafpeopleandpeoplewhoarehardofhearingorhavehearinglosstounderstandwhatisbeingsaid,andforvisuallyimpairedpeopletocorrectlyinterpretparticularsounds.Reverberantnoisecanbereducedbyapplyingsoft,sound-absorbentfinishestotheceilingandundersidesofstaircases,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks.

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Windowsandartificiallightingshouldbepositionedsothattheydonotcauseunwantedshadows,reflectionsorglarebyshiningdirectlyintotheeyesofthepersonusingthestairs,rampsorescalators,ortheyshouldbeshaded.Reflectionscanalsobeminimisedbytheuseofnon-reflectivefinishesonallsurfaces.

Itmaybedifficultforsomepeople,particularlythosewithvisualimpairments,toadjusttheireyesquicklytoabruptchangesinlightinglevels:allchangesinlightingshouldbegradual.

Thetypeoflightingwillaffecthowaccuratelycoloursappear,whichisimportantforsomepeoplewithvisualimpairments.TheCommissionInternationaledel’Eclairage(CIE)colour-renderingindexisthemostwidelyusedmeasureforthis.Itisbasedontheaccuracywithwhichasetoftestcoloursisreproducedbyalamprelativetohowthesamecoloursarereproducedbyastandardlightsource,withaperfectagreementbeing100.


22�� 23

Noisecausedbyimpactormachinerymaydisturboccupantsofadjacentrooms;ifanadjacentroomisrequiredtobequiet,thestairsorescalatorsshouldbeisolatedfromit,byplanning,constructionorinsulation.

AcousticdesigniscoveredinBS8233:1999 Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Code of Practice.

3.18� Ease�of�cleaning

Cleaningwillhaveasignificanteffectonthesafetyandperformanceofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalks,particularlywithregardtoslipresistanceandminimisingslips,tripsandfalls.Itcanalsoaffectdurability,contamination,perceptionofcolourandlight

reflectancevalues,aswellashygieneandappearance.

Easeofcleaningisaffectedbydesignandbyfinishes.Steps,stairsandrampsshouldbedesignedtobeeasilycleaned,particularlyatthecornersandedges,andsurfacesshouldbefreefromobstructionssuchasfixings,wheredirtanddebriscouldgettrapped.Generally,thesmootherandlessporousthesurface,theeasieritistoclean.However,texturedsurfaces,possiblyrequiredtogiveadequateslipresistancewhenwet,canbesatisfactorilycleanedusingtherightequipment.Theeasewithwhichasurfacecanbecleanedisafunctionmoreofthenatureofthecontaminantthanoftheroughnessofthesurface.

� 23

4

These wide steps in this public square, without intermediate handrails, are also used as informal seating; double-sided handrails are provided at either end

Technical�guidance�and�specification

4.1� Steps�and�stairs

Stepsandstairsgiverisetoasignificantnumberofaccidentsandinjuriesasaresultofslips,tripsandfalls(seesection 1.2).Eightypercentofaccidentsarelikelytooccurwhenusersaredescendingthestairs:goingup,someonewillusuallyonlyfallafewsteps;comingdown,theymayfallanentireflight.Researchhasshownthatolderpeoplearemorepronetofallingowingtodeterioratingvisionandbalance,andtheirinjuriestendtobeseriousandofteninvolvefractures.Astudyexaminingthemusclestrengthofpeopleagedbetween70and75yearsfoundthat50percentofwomenand15percentofmencouldnotgoupastepof300mmwithoutholdingontoahandrail.Researchtodatehasmainlyfocusedonstairfallsinthehome,andtherearestillgapsintheresearchrelatingtostairfallsinnon-domesticsituations.

Thefactorsthataffectfallsonstairsare:

•• thedimensionsofthetreadsandrisersandtheirconsistency

•• profile•• visibilityofthestepsincludingpositionof

thenosings•• surfacefinishesandslipresistance•• provisionanddetailofhandrails•• lightinglevels•• signage•• tactilewarningsurfaces•• humanfactorssuchasspeedofmovement,

crowding,conflictingmovement,age,mobilityorvisualimpairment,encumbrance,distractions,drink,violence,panic

Theriskofslippingisalsoaffectedby:

•• typeoffootwear:solingmaterialandcleatingpattern

•• environmentalfactors:rain,condensation,snow,ice

•• changesinsurfaces:adjacentsurfaceswithverydifferentcoefficientsoffriction

ThedesignofstepsandstairshasbeencontrolledbyBuildingRegulationssince1944.Theregulationswereintroducedtocontributetosafetyinbuildingsbycontrollingtherise,going,pitchandheadroomofstairwaysandbyrequiringadequatebalustradesandhandrails.Currentregulationsalsoincludefinishesandlightingrequirements.

Designguidanceonstepsandstairsisalsogivenin:

•• BS8300:2009•• BS5395Parts1and2

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24�

Stairs are a major design feature of this university building atrium. Flights of stairs either side of the atrium give access to all levels of the building, whereas stairs in the centre of the atrium lead down to an area that could be used as a small stage or can be used as informal seating

4Technicalguidanceandspecification

� 25

Stairs are a major design feature of this university building atrium. Flights of stairs either side of the atrium give access to all levels of the building, whereas stairs in the centre of the atrium lead down to an area that could be used as a small stage or can be used as informal seating

The straight flights of stairs lead onto spacious landings with continuous handrails at the top of the glazed guarding, and the square-edged steps are clearly identified by inset strips on the edge of the treads and a dark, contrasting band on each riser in place of the nosing wrapped round onto the riser. However, it may be confusing to some visually impaired people, who may perceive it as the edge of the step. The guarding and handrails fixed on the outside of the strings means that the treads are free of fittings and will be easy to clean

The timber steps have deep treads and two handrails on the outer side only, allowing the inner steps to be integrated with the raised platforms in the middle of the area as informal seating

The steps are clearly defined by inset metal strips with silicon carbide tape between them on the treads and a rebate on the riser


26�

SpecificguidanceforparticularbuildingtypesissetoutinthestandardsandcodesgiveninSection 2.

Theprimaryfunctionofstepsandstairsistofacilitateverticalaccessbetweendifferentlevels,andinmanysituationsthisistheonlyrequirement.However,stepsandstairsmayalsobeusedasanarchitecturalfeature,anaestheticenhancementtoanexternalspaceorabuilding,orforasecondarypurpose,suchasseating.Inthesecasesfollowingthespecifiedguidancetothelettermaynotbeappropriateasitmaydiminishthearchitecturaloraestheticeffectorsecondaryuse.Forexample,wheretherearewidestepsleadinguptotheentrance

ofabuilding,multiplehandrailsacrossthewidthmayreducethequalityandvisualimpactofthestepsandreducetheirusabilityforseating.Thereshouldthereforebeabalanceofformandfunctioninsituationswheretherearemajoraestheticconsiderations.

4.1.1 Provision

Stepsorstairsshouldalwaysbeprovidedinadditiontorampsthathavearisegreaterthan300mm,astheyarepreferredbysomeambulantdisabledpeople.Theyshouldalsobeprovidedinadditiontoescalatorsandlifts,andmayberequiredasameansofemergencyescape.

These curved stairs are designed as a feature of this reception and exhibition building, displaying the versatility and beauty of the natural wood. The steps are clearly defined by the use of visually contrasting colours on the treads and risers, a visually contrasting strip on the edge of each tread and lighting at the base of each riser. The handrail is an integrated part of the curved solid timber balustrade and is designed to be comfortable to hold and to provide support


� 27

Steps adjacent to escalators in this shopping arcade give people the choice of access. Note that these escalators are covered by a canopy whereas the steps are open to the elements

Externalsteps

Ideally,thelandscapearoundabuildingandtheentrance(s)toitshouldbedesignedtoavoidtheneedforsteps.However,wheretherearesignificantgradients,changesinlevelsmaybeunavoidable.

Wherepossible,externalstepsshouldbeprotectedfromtheweather.Ifthisisnotpossible,thereshouldbeadequatedrainageforrainwatertopreventpondingandpotentialicehazard,byprovidingslightcross-fallstogulliesatthesidesofthetreads.

Internalstairs

Theminimumnumberofstairwaysneededinabuildingwillbedeterminedbytheoccupancyanduseofthebuilding(singleormultiple),horizontaltraveldistancesandemergencyescaperequirements.

4.1.2 Location

Internalstairs

Internalstairwaysshouldnotbelocatedsothattheyareacontinuationofthenormallineofpedestriantravel.Itismuchsaferifapersonwishingtoascendordescendastaircasehastomakeaconscious90°changeofdirection.Ideally,stairsshouldbeaccessedfromalandingorlobbyareathatofferssufficientspaceforpeopletocongregatewithoutobstructingacirculationroute.

4.1.3 Signage

Thereshouldbeclearsignagetostairwaysinabuilding,particularlythoseusedforemergencyescape.Whereplansofexternalenvironmentsorbuildingsareprovidedasinformation,allstepsandstairsshouldbeclearlyindicatedsothatpeoplecanchoosethemostappropriaterouteforthem.

4.1.4 Configuration

Straightflightsarerecommended,astheseareeasierandsafertonegotiate,withanychangeindirectionmadeviaahalf-orquarter-landingratherthanangled,taperedsteps.Wherethereisaseriesofflightsofstepsorstairs,ADKrequiresthat,whentherearemorethan36risers,thereisatleastonechangeofdirectionby30°ormore.

Helicalorspiralstaircasesorothertaperedtreadsaregenerallynotrecommended,becausetheymakeitdifficulttoachievetherecommendeddimensions,andtheycanbedifficultforguidedogstonavigate;however,

The area around these steps has been designed and graded to provide a harmonious step-free environment

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4.1.5 Dimensions

Width

Theunobstructedsurfacewidthofstepsandstairsshouldbeatleast1200mmandthewidthbetweenhandrails1000mmminimum.Thisminimumensuresthatpeoplecanusebothhandrails,ifnecessary.

Straight flights with half-landings at changes in direction are easier and safer to negotiate than tapered steps, and intermediate landings in straight flights enable people with mobility or breathing difficulties to rest if necessary

theymaybeacceptableincertainsituations.Helicalstairsprovidedifferentgoingsizes,includinglargergoings,whichsomepeopleprefer,andtheycanmeettheminimumrecommendeddimensionsiftheinnerradiusislargeenough.GuidanceontheirdesignisgiveninBS5395-2:1984.ItshouldbenotedthatBS5395-2:1984currentlyallowssmallergoingsontaperedandhelicalstepsthanADK.

Helicalorspiralstairsshouldnotgenerallybeusedasameansofescapeastheymaycauseproblemsforassistedescape.

Curvedandspiralstaircasescanbeusedonlywhenreplacinganexistingfacility.

London Underground Limited

LULrequiresthatstairsshouldchangedirectionbyatleast30°aftertwosuccessiveflightsunlessa4.0mlandingisprovided.

Schools

Inschoolbuildingsthepreferredclearwidthofstairsis1600mm,whichallowstwoadultstopassorthreepeopletocarryawheelchairsafely;awidthof1200mmissuitableonlyforlittle-usedstairs.

Shopping centres

Forshoppingcentresitisrecommendedthatstairsare2500mmwide,anddividedintochannelsbyacentralhandrail,whichseparatesupanddownmovement.

Rail stations

Theminimumclearwidthofstepsandstairsonamainrouteshouldbe1600mm:additionalwidthmayberequiredtoaccommodatepassengerflows.


LULrequiresaminimumwidthof2000mmbetweenhandrailsforaone-waystaircaseand2400mmforatwo-waystaircase,with300mmaddedforeachcentralordividinghandrail.Therequiredwidthiscalculatedaccordingtothepredictedpassengerflow.Stairsinapassagewaymustbethesamewidthasthepassageway.


� 29

Treadsandrisers

BS8300:2009recommendsagoingof300–450mm,whichwillmeettheADMrequirementforgoingsof280–450mmdeep,andrisers150–180mmhigh(Figure1).Theriserheightmaybeincreasedincertaincircumstances,forexamplewherethestepsareadjacenttoanexistingbuilding;thismustbejustifiedintheAccessStatement.Thegoing

Double central handrails on these wide stairs in a London Underground station enable users to have support on whichever side suits them best, help to direct the flow of people and provide guarding to the central column at the top of the stairs

Figure1 Dimensions of steps and stairs recommended by BS 8300:2009

External steps with tapered risers to take account of a slope across the steps present a trip hazard and confusing tactile hazard warning. Note that the ribs of the corduroy tactile warning surface are at right angles to the steps: they should be parallel to the steps

andrisersofstepsinaflight,orseriesofflights,shouldbeconsistent.

Taperedrisers,wherestepsgoalongaslope,shouldnotbeusedastheyareatriphazard,particularlyforpeoplewithvisualimpairments.

Maximum 20 risers in a flight

300–450mm

150–180mm


30�

Schools

Thepreferredriseis150mmwithagoingof300mm.(ADMstatesthatforschoolstheriseshouldnotexceed170mmandthepreferredgoingis280mm.)

Healthcare buildings

Inhealthcarepremisestherecommendedriserheightis150–170mm,andtreaddepthis280mmminimum(andpreferably300mm).


TreadandriserdimensionsrecommendedbyLULareshowninTable3.

Table 3 Tread and riser dimensions

Minimum (mm) Maximum (mm) Preferred (mm)

Tread 280 350 300

Riser 130 180 150

2×riser+tread 550 700 600

Openrisers

OpenrisersarenotpermittedunderADM.Theymaycauseafeelingofinsecurityasaresultofbeingabletoseethroughthemtothefloor/groundbelow,andlightshiningthroughthemcancausevisualconfusionanddisorientation,particularlyforpeoplewithvisualimpairments.Theymayalsocausepeoplewearinglegbracesorwithlimitedkneeandhipmobilitytocatchtheirtoeandfall,andassistancedogsmayrefusetousethem.Solidrisersassistpeoplewithvisualimpairmentswhousecanes,andpeoplewhoneedtousesticksorcrutches,tohelpmaintaintheirbalance.

A solution to steps across a slope is to divide them into separate flights with more even risers


� 31

These stairs with open risers and perforated metal treads are not clearly visible and identifiable against a ‘busy’ background behind them

Headroom

PartKoftheBuildingRegulationsrequiresclearheadroomof2000mm.

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Opaque glass risers in this station have been effectively used to give a ‘lighter’ appearance to the stairs

Although the half-open risers of these station stairs may prevent people seeing through them easily, they may be confusing to people with visual impairments. The open part of the riser may appear to be a visually contrasting line, which could be mistaken for the nosing


LULrecommendsclearheadroomof3000mm.Innewstations,ifobjectsprotrudeintothisspace,theheadroommustnotbelowerthan2400mmoveralengthof2000mmmaximum.Forexistingstationstheheadroommustnotbelowerthan2300mmunderbeams,soffitsandCentralMonitoringServiceinstallationsand2100mmundersigns,CCTVcamerasandinformationdisplays.


32�

The chamfer on these steps in a new public building is greater than 25° and, despite the smooth stone surface, may cause some people to catch their toes. Note that the nosing is only on the tread and is set back from the edge of the step, which may be confusing to people with visual impairments

Stepprofile

Asimplestepprofile,preferablysquare(Figure2),isgenerallyrecommendedsothatpeoplewhohavedifficultyliftingtheirfootdonotriskcatchingtheirtoesontheedgeofthestep.However,projectingthetreadorthenosingovertherisercanincreasethedepthofthetread:anyprojectionshouldnotbemorethan25mm.

Asharp-edgedprofilewillgivegood visualandtactileindicationofthestep,butmaycausemoresevereinjuryinafall,particularlyifthenosingisofahardmaterial.Aroundedprofileislikelytocauselessdamagetoapersonwhofallsandwillreflectlightindifferentdirections,increasingthedefinitionofthestep.However,itwillslightlydecreasethesizeofthestepandwillallowthefoottorotateandpotentiallyslip.

Figure2 Step profiles

25mm maximumoverlap

Square edge(preferred)

Rounded edge Chamfered rounded edge

Bull-nose traditional edge


� 33

A single tapered step with a small rise is a trip hazard and should be replaced with a regraded sloping surface

Rail stations

Stepedgesshouldbesplayedorroundedwith6mmradius,withoutanyprojection.


LULspecifiesthattherisersonpublicstairwaysshallbeundercutby15–25mm.

4.1.6 Flight rise (number of steps)

BS8300:2009recommendsthataflightbetweenlandingsshouldnotcontainmorethan20risers(Figure1).ThisisgreaterthantherequirementsinADM,whichspecifiesamaximumof12risersifthegoingislessthan350mm,and18risersifthegoingisgreaterthan350mm(Figure2).ThelargergoingsrecommendedinBS8300:2009,whichprovidegreaterstabilityoneachstep,allowthenumberofriserstobeincreasedifnecessary.

Thenumberofstepsinsuccessiveflightsshouldbeuniform.


Themaximumrecommendednumberofrisersis12–14,thehigherfigurebeingtotakeaccountofhigherfloor-to-floorheights,whichareoften4.2m.

Shopping centres and assembly areas

ADKspecifiesthatinshoppingcentresandassemblyareas,flightswithmorethan16stepsshouldhaveintermediatelandingsforrestingandpedestriansafety.

Sports facilities

SportEnglandrecommendsamaximumflightriseof1800mmbetweenlandings,thatis,12stepswithrisersof150mm.

Rail stations

Aminimumofthreestepsisrecommended:belowthisarampshouldbeinstalled.


LULspecifiesaminimumofthreerisersandamaximumof18,with16beingthepreferrednumber.

Singlesteps

Singlestepsareasignificanttriphazard.TheyarediscouragedbytheBuildingRegulationsforEnglandandWalesandareprohibitedbytheScottishRegulationsandBS8300:2009.Ifthechangeinlevelcannotbeavoided,arampshouldbeusedratherthanasinglestep.

Stepswithverylargegoingsareeffectivelysinglestepsandcancausethesametrippingissues.


34�

4.1.7 Landings

Levellandingsshouldbeprovidedatthetopandbottomofaflightofstepsorstairsandbetweenflights.Thelandinglengthshouldbeatleast1200mm(1800mmpreferred),ortheclearwidthofthesteps,whicheverisgreater,andthewidthshouldbethesameasthesteporstairwidth.Thelandingshouldbeclearofanydoorswingsorotherobstructions.Wheretherearehightrafficflowsthelengthofthelandingshouldbeincreasedaccordingly.

Externalsteps

Itisrecommendedthatexternallandings,subjecttoweatherandwetness,shouldhaveacross-fallof1:50maximum,withappropriatedrainageholesinedgeupstandstohelpdrainsurfacewater.

Rail stations

Europeanstandards:theminimumlengthoflandingsshouldbe1600mm(theminimumclearwidthofstepsorstairs).


Inadditiontolandings,insomesituationsLULrequirestheretobeanadditionalspace,‘run-off’,beyondthelandingtopreventunduecongestion.LULspecifiesthelandingsizesshowninTable4fordifferentlocations.

Table 4 Landing sizes recommended by London Underground Limited

Location Landing size Minimum run-off

Streettotopofstairs 2000mm 4m

Bottomofstairs 2000mm 4m

Intermediatelandings 2000mm

Staircasetoticketgateline 6–10m

Run-offsshouldbeincreasedwhentherearelargepassengerflows.

A large semicircular sloping matted surface provides a solution to a single step at the entrance to this office building


� 35

Although these nosings on stairs in a concert hall do not fully comply with the recommendations, they do satisfactorily identify the edge of the step by the brass inlaid strips on the treads and the visually contrasting band on the riser

These simple square-edged stairs in a hospital have well-contrasted nosings that meet the recommendations

4.1.8 Visual identification: nosings

Allstepsshouldhavevisuallycontrastingpermanentnosingsacrossthefullwidthofeachsteponboththetreadandtherisertodefinetheedgeofthestep.Thiswillhelppeoplewithvisualimpairmentsappreciatetheextentofthestepandtoidentifytheindividualtreads,bothwhenascendingandwhendescending.BS8300:2009recommendsthatnosingsshouldbe50–65mmdeeponthetreadand30–55mmdeepontheriser.ADMrequiresthatthenosingsextend55mmonthetreadsandtherisers.Nosingsshouldbethesameprofileasthestepedge(seesection 4.1.5,Step profile)sothattheyarefullyincontactwiththesteps;thiswillreducetheriskofanymovementwhenaperson’sfootrotatesontheedgeofthenosing.Theyshouldbesecurelyfixedandflushwiththetreadandriser.Ifofadurablematerial,nosingscanalsohelptoprotecttheedgeofthestairfrombecomingworn.

Thereiscurrentlyadebateaboutwhethernosingsonthetopandbottomstepofeachflightshouldbeadifferentcolourfromtherestoftheflighttodifferentiatethem;however,thereisnoresearch-basedevidencetosuggestthatthisprovidesasaferenvironment.

Rail stations

Nosingsshouldbeadepthof30–50mmontherisersand55mmonthetreads.

Slipresistance

Toprovideadequateslipresistance,nosingsshouldhaveawetSRVgreaterthan36or,inthecaseofin situnosings,whereitisdifficulttomeasureSRV,asurfaceroughnessof20µmminimumonthetreadpartofthenosingwhereithasasquareedge.Ifthenosingisrounded,theslip-resistantfinishshouldextendaroundthewholenosing.

Themostcommonmaterialsusedfornosingsare:

• siliconcarbide• syntheticrubber• metal• PVC• aluminiumandPVCinserts


36�

These external corner stone steps are defined by a contrasting wide band on the tread and a narrow band below the step edge on the riser, with the top step defined by a contrasting riser. Note the corduroy surface at the top of the steps

The inset strips on the treads of these stone steps provide some slip resistance and visual contrast with the light-coloured stone. The rebate at the back of the step is used to identify the steps in place of the nosing wrapping around the edge of the step onto the riser

Siliconcarbidetapecanbeaneffectiveretrofitoninternalstairsifitisproperlyinstalled.Onconcrete,thesurfacemustbesealed,preferablywithanepoxy-basedfluid,beforethetapeisfixed.

Highlyreflectivematerialsshouldbeavoidedasglareandreflectioncancausedisorientationforpeoplewithvisualimpairments.

Adhesivecolouredtapesandpaintarenotconsideredpermanent;adhesivetapesmaymoveorcomeunstuckandbecomeatriphazard.Paintislikelytoneedtobereplacedfrequently,particularlyifthesteps/stairshaveheavyuse,andmayaltertheslipresistanceofthenosing,particularlyifseverallayershavebeenapplied.

The yellow painted line has worn off these steps so that they are no longer clearly identifiable looking down. Note that the yellow line is set back from the edge of the step and does not wrap around on to the riser as recommended and, although there is a small rebate between the tread and the riser, the steps cannot be easily identified looking up from the bottom


� 37

Maintenance

Nosingsareparticularlyvulnerabletowearandshouldbeinspectedregularlytoensurethattheyarenotdamagedorwornandaresecurelyfixed.

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The standard 50mm × 50mm nosings traditionally used throughout London Underground stations are made of gunmetal or bronze, both extremely hardwearing materials. A particular issue arises when a station is being refurbished and nosings that have greater visual contrast are required as it is difficult to justify the replacement of these hardwearing plates. Painting the nosings has been trialled but the paint quickly wears off with heavy use

Currently aluminium nosings which can be laid over and attached to the step edge are being trialled at two stations. These have a luminescent strip adjacent to the nosing edge and a slip resistant inset strip behind that. The edge of the nosing is feathered to the step. These nosings provide good visual contrast on both the treads and the risers but do provide a slight lip to the edge of the step. The slip-resistant strip would be more effective if it was on the edge of the tread and, where the nosing is rounded, it should wrap around the nosing onto the riser as this is where slips are most likely to occur. Where these nosings are on heavily used stairs, they have discoloured slightly and some dirt has adhered to the slip-resistant strip, but they still provide adequate contrast

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38�

The corduroy hazard warning surface in the same material as the surrounding surfaces on these external steps warns people with visual impairments that they are approaching stairs

Figure3 Dimensions of corduroy surface

4.1.9� Tactile�and�visual�indication�on�landings

Externalsteps

Onexternalsteps,astandard‘corduroy’hazardwarningsurfaceofraisedribssetparalleltothestepnosingsshouldbeprovidedatthetopandbottomofeachflight(Figure3).Thisactsasawarningtopeoplewithvisualimpairmentsofthepresenceofatriphazard.

Wheretheapproachisstraightoninthesamedirectionasthesteps,thecorduroysurfaceshouldbe800mmdeep.Itshouldextendacrossthefullwidthofthestepsplus400mmeachsideatthetopofaflight,andshouldstart400mmawayfromthenosingofthefirststepatthetopandthebottom(Figure4).

Unlessthereisaccessontoanintermediatelandingfromsomewhereotherthanthesteps,itisnotadvisabletousecorduroysurfacesintheseareasastheymaycauseconfusion;continuoushandrailsareabetterindicatoracrosslandings.Wherethereisaccessotherthanfromthestepsthemselvesontoanintermediatelandingoronlargeintermediatelandingswherethehandrailsarenotcontinuous,acorduroywarningsurfaceshouldbeused.Wherethereissufficientspacethisshouldbe400mmdeep,and400mmfrom

boththelowerstepoftheupperflightandtheupperstepofthelowerflight;tactilesurfacesmustbeoutsidethelineofthesideaccess.Ifthereisnotsufficientspacethereshouldbeacorduroysurface400mmdeepwithinthesideaccess,providedthatthereisacontinuoushandrailoppositethesideaccess.

Thecoefficientoffrictionofthecorduroysurfacemustbesimilartothatofthesurroundingsurface(s)toreducethepotentialforstumblingandfalling.Thecorduroysurfaceshouldvisuallycontrastwiththecolourofthesurroundingarea,butshouldnotbered.

GuidanceontactilesurfacesforexternaluseisgiveninGuidance of the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces,publishedbytheDepartmentforTransport,andDDCEN/TS15209:2008Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone.

50mm20mm

6mm


� 39

Internalstairs

Forinternalstairsa‘corduroy’hazardwarningsurfaceshouldgenerally notbeused.ADMstatesthatatactilehazardwarningsurfaceisnotreasonableoninternalstairsasthereisnostandardrecognisedsurfacethatisguaranteednottoconstituteahazardowingtodifferentfrictionalresistance.However,wherestairsarefinishedinahardmaterial,acorduroyfinish,similartothatusedinexternalenvironments,maybeusedasahazardwarning,providedthatthefrictionalresistanceissimilartothatofthelandingandstairs.Thismaybeapplicableinenvironmentssuchastransportbuildings,shoppingcentres,sportscentres,museums,stadiaandatria.

Achangeinfloorsurfacetextureorcolourmaybeusedatthetopandbottomofflightsofinternalstairsandonlandings,butcaremust

Figure4 Dimensions of corduroy hazard warning surface on external steps

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthatthereshouldbeatactileband,400mmdeep,priortothetopandbottomstepsacrossthewidthofthesteps.Thebandshouldbeintegratedintoandvisuallycontrastwiththefloorsurface,andshoulddifferfromthetactilesurfacesusedasaguidepath.

Itisrecommendedthatstandardcorduroyhazardwarningsurfaceisused,andthatitshouldbe800mmdeep.Wherepracticable,itshouldextend400mmbeyondeachsideofthesteps.

betakentoensurethatthecoefficientsoffrictionofdifferentadjacentfloorsurfacesaresimilartoavoidtheriskofstumbling.

400mm

800mm1200mm minimumbottom landing

1200mm minimum

Corduroy hazardwarning surface

Corduroy hazard warningsurface at top of step to

extend 400mm minimumbeyond flight width

Open ends of handrailto be designed to reduce risk of clothing being caught

Handrails to be continuousacross intermediate landings

300mm minimumhorizontal extension

Closed end to handrail attop and bottom of flights

300mm minimumhorizontal extension

400mm

400mm

Stair width

400mm

900–1000mm

800mm when approach tothe steps is straight on and400mm when a conscious

turn is needed to reachthe step

If the sides of the staircaseand landing are open there

must be adequate guarding/barriers

Nosings 50–65mm deep ontreads, 30–55 deep on risers

600mm

900–1000mm


40�

A visually contrasting surface at the top of the stairs helps to identify them, but care must be taken that the frictional resistance of different materials is similar

Clearly visible and identifiable stairs, with handrails as recommended, in an underground station

4.1.10 Finishes

Thetreadsofstepsandstairsshouldhaveaslip-resistantfinish,whendryorwet,whichiseasytocleanandmaintain.Theriskofslippingisincreasedifthetreadornosingisfinishedinasmoothmaterial,ifthestepsarewetorotherwisecontaminated,oriftheedgeofthestepisrounded.

Thefinishesontreads,risersandnosingsshouldbeconsistentthroughoutaflightorseriesofflightsofsteps.

Theslipresistancevalue(SRV)requiredonsteps/stairswithanormalgoingisgenerallythoughttobelowerthanonlevelsurfacesbecauseonsteps/stairsthetoeisthefirstpartofthefoottomakecontactwiththesurface,nottheheel,andthehorizontalforcebetweenthefootandthestepislower.Whenthegoingissmall,theoverstep(theamountofthefootthatisnotonthestep)islarge,whichincreasestheriskofslippingevenwithahighSRV.Agoinggreaterthan300mmsignificantlyreducestheriskofalargeoverstepandtheriskofslipping.ItisrecommendedthattheSRVfortreadsandnosingsshouldbethesameasthatforlevelsurfaces,thatis,awetSRVgreaterthan36(seesection 3.13.1).Particularcareis

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A corduroy tactile warning surface may be used internally, as in this museum, provided it has the same frictional resistance as the surrounding surfaces. The horizontal extensions to the handrails also help to guide visually impaired people. Note the clear signage on the landing and the lower handrail

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� 41

neededatthefootofastaircase:slipsoftenoccurhereasthewalkinggaitusuallychangeswithanincreaseinstridelengthandaheelstrikecontactwiththelanding,bothofwhichmayincreasethepotentialforslipping.

Wheredifferentmaterialsareusedforstepsandlandings,theyshouldhavesimilarcoefficientsoffrictiontoavoidtheriskofstumbling.

Deep-pilecarpetshouldnotbeusedonstairs.

Heavilypatternedfinishesshouldnotbeusedastheymaydisguisetheedgeofthetreads,andcauseconfusion.

Glassandmetalstairsaregenerallynotrecommendedastheymaygenerateimpactnoise,causereflectionsifthesurfaceisshiny,andcauseconfusionifitispossibletoseethroughthem.

However,carefullydesigned,theymaybeappropriateincertainsituations.Healthcare buildings

HBN00-04recommendsthatthereisahazardwarningzone,providedbyafloorfinishthatcontrastsvisuallywiththesurroundingfloorfinish,butwiththesameslipresistance,oneachlandingatthetopofeachflight.Thiszoneshouldbeatleast400mmfromthenosingofthetopstep,aminimumof800mmdeepand1200mmwide.

Internalstairs

Wherestairsareadjacenttoentrancesandarelikelytobecomewet,anappropriateflooringsystemsuchasfirmmatting(notcoir)shouldbeusedtoreducetheamountofcontaminationbroughtinfromoutside,andcleaningfrequencyshouldbeincreased.

Shinypolishedsurfacesshouldnotbeusedastheymaylookwet,andthereforeslippery,evenifthisisnotthecase,whichmaybeacauseofanxietyforthosewithafearoffalling.Theymayalsobeslippery,particularlyiftheygetwet.Shinysurfacesmayalsocauseglareandreflection,whichcanbeconfusing;caremustbetakentoensurethatsurfacesdonotbecomeshinyovertimeasaresultofwearandcleaning.

A heavily patterned carpet and no nosings on these stairs in a theatre means that the steps are difficult to identify and present a potential mis-step and slip hazard

©A

lison

Gra

nt


42�

Glazed guarding on this staircase in a shop allows customers to see products on the floor below. Note the visually contrasting nosings, handrails and guarding supports

These glass stairs, lit from below, are likely to cause glare and be confusing to visually impaired people

canedetectionintheformofanupstandormetalrail,acontinuousraisedflowerbedthatismorethan900mmhighfromgroundlevelorawarningsurfacethatisnotintendedtobewalkedon,suchascobbles,thatextendssufficientlyfaroutfromthesoffit.Caremustbetakenthatthiswillnotbeatriphazard.Suchwarningsurfacesarenotrecommendedwherestairsandescalatorsareinthemiddleofpedestrianareas;inthesesituationstheuseofaphysicalbarrieroraretailkioskisadvisable.Lowkerbsortappingrailsshouldnotbeusedwithoutguardrailsastheycanbeatriphazard.

4.1.11 Handrails

Seesection 4.4.

4.1.12 Guarding

TheguidanceinBS8300:2009isthatwherethesidesofstepsareopenthereshouldbeguardingtoaheightofatleast900mmfromthepitchlinewherethedropismorethan600mm.Onlandingswithopensidestheguardingshouldbeaminimumof1100mmhigh.GuardingshouldbeinaccordancewithADK,anyotherregulationsandBS6180:1999.Inparticular,itshouldnotbeclimbablebychildrenandshouldhavenogapsoropeningsgreaterthan100mm.

Itisrecommendedthathandrailsareindependentoftheguardingandarenotusedasthetoprailat1100mmhighonlandings(seesection 4.4.2).Itisalsopreferabletohaveguardingonstepsto1100mmtopreventfallingoverthehandrail,withanindependenthandrailat900–1000mm.

Wherepossible,areasbelowexternalstairsshouldbeenclosedwherethesoffitislessthan2100mmfromfinishedfloorlevel.Whereitisnotenclosed,itshouldbeprotectedbyaguardrailatleast1000mmhighwithlow-level

Railings protect people from inadvertently walking into the low soffit underneath these stairs in a station


� 43

4.1.13 Lighting

BS8300:2009recommendsanilluminationlevelonthesurfaceofthetreadsandlandingsofatleast100lux.TheSocietyofLightand

Lighting(SLL)recommends150lux.Anychangesinlightinglevelsfromthesurroundingareasshouldbegradual.

Lampsshouldbepositionedeithersuchthatlightflowsdownthestairssothattherisersareinshadow,thushelpingtodefinethesteps,orsuchthattheydirectlighttowardsthestepsatapproximatelyrightanglesinordertoprovideacleardistinctionbetweeneachtreadandriser.Caremustbetakenthatlampsdonotcauseglaretousersascendingordescending.

Internalstairs

Eitherwindowsshouldbepositionedsothattheydonotcauseglareortheyshouldbeshaded.Careshouldbetakenthatwindowmullionsorblindsdonotcastshadowsacrossstairsorlandingsasthesecouldbeconfusingforvisuallyimpairedpeople.


Wheresteps/stairsarenotadjacenttoawall,itisrecommendedthatthereisabarrieratleast100mmhighabovethelevelofthetreadstopreventfeet,crutchesandsticksfromaccidentallyslippingofftheedge.

Whereenclosureunderthesoffitsofstairsisnotpossible,tworailsat1000mmand200mmabovefloorlevel,orsomeotherpermanentbarrier,shouldbeprovided.

Artistic objects have been used to protect the area under the soffit of the stairs in this restaurant, but they may get displaced and could be a trip hazard

©H

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A window at the bottom of a staircase shaded with a blind to prevent glare to those descending the stairs


44�

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthat,whereartificiallightingisused,thelevelshouldbe40luxabovetheambientsurroundinglightlevelsandhaveacoldercolourtemperature.

Itisrecommendedthatlightinglevelsoverstepsandstairsareincreasedto150–200lux,withasmoothtransitioninlightinglevelsfromthesurroundingareas.

Ceilingorsuspendedlightsoverstairwaysmaybedifficulttoaccesssafely;wall-mountedlightsmayprovideeasieraccess,andwilldirectlightatrightanglestothestairs,helpingtodefinetheedgesofthesteps.Two-wayswitchingforartificiallightingshouldbeprovidedatthetopandbottomoftheflightsateachfloor.

4.1.14 Acoustics

Internalstairs

Stairwaysshouldpreferablybelocatedawayfromroomsthatneedtobequiet;ifthisisnotpossible,theyshouldbeisolatedbyconstruction/insulationandhavesound-absorbentfinishestotheceilingsandsoffits.

Stairsoflightweightconstructiongiverisetomoreimpactnoisethanthoseofheavyconstruction,butsoftfinisheswillreduceimpactnoise.Opentreadstendtoresonatedisturbingly.

4.1.15 Ease of cleaning

Stepsandstairswillbeeasiertocleanifthereisaclearflatsurfacewithnoobstructionssuchasfixingsforhandrailsupportsorguardingonthetreadswhichcantraprubbishanddirt;wherepossible,guardingandhandrailsshouldbefixedtotheoutsideoftheouter

string.Gapsbetweenstairsandadjacentwallscantraprubbishanddirt:raisedstringscanbemoreeasilysealedagainstthewall.Theinternalcornersofstepsandstairsareparticularlydifficultareastoclean;thiscanbemadeeasieriftheyarecovedorchamfered.

Steps with a gap at their edges will attract litter and dirt and be more difficult to clean

The combined handrails and guarding to these stairs is fixed to the outside of the outer edge of the stairs, leaving the tread free of all obstructions and easy to clean. The dark band at the edge of the stairs helps to visually define their width


� 45

4.2� Stairs�that�are�used�as�means�of�escape

Meansofverticalescapefordisabledpeoplemaycompriseacombinationofstructuralprovisions(stairsandassociatedrefugeareas,ramps,lift)andmanagementprocedures(assistedescape).Astrategyshouldbedesignedtoenableaflexibleresponsetodifferentsituations.Apersonalemergencyevacuationplan(PEEP)shouldbeproducedforeachwheelchairuserwhousesabuildingregularly.

Stairdesigncanhaveaneffectonthespeedofevacuation;ambulantdisabledpeoplemayascendand/ordescendstairsmoreslowly,andpeoplewithafearoffallingarelikelytodescendmoreslowly.Carryingawheelchairuserupstairsisharderthangoingdown,andthiswillaffectthetimeneededtoevacuateanyfloorsbelowgroundlevel.Staffneedtobetrainedindisabilityawarenessandtheuseofcarry-downprocedures.Thenumberofstaffondutyneedstoreflecttheusageofthepremises.

Theprovision,designandconstructionofstairsthatareusedasaverticalmeansofescapefromabuildingarecoveredinADBandBS9999:2008andthesedocumentsshouldbereferredtofordetailedguidance.

4.2.1 Provision

Thenumberofescapestairsneededinabuildingisdeterminedby:

•• thehorizontalescaperoutes•• theoccupancyofthebuilding:whether

independentstairsarerequiredinmixedoccupancybuildings

•• thenumberofpeopletobeevacuatedfromeachfloorandwidthofthestairs

•• whethertheescapestairshaveprotectedlobbiesorasmokecontrolsystem,orthebuildinghasasprinklersystem

•• inlargerbuildings,whetherescapestairsmayalsoneedtobeusedforfirefighting

EscapestairscanbeexternaltothebuildingprovidedthatthereisatleastoneinternalescapestairfromeverypartofeachstoreyofthebuildingandtheymeettherecommendationsinBS9999:2008.

Asingleescapestairmaybeusedinabuildinginwhichnostoreyismorethan11mabovegroundlevelorfromabasement,providedotherconditionsonhorizontaltraveldistanceandnumberofoccupantsaremet.Itmaybeexternalincertaincircumstances.

Ifthereisonlyoneescapestairfromtheupperpartofthebuilding,itmustnotextendintothebasement;theremustbeaseparateprotectedstairway.Asingleescapestairwaycanextendintothebasementifitisprotectedbyasmokecontrolsystemandmeasuresaretakentoensurethatusersareawarethattheyhavereachedfinalexitlevel.Ifthereismorethanoneescapestairfromanupperstorey,onlyoneofthestairsneedstoterminateatgroundlevel.Otherstairscanextendintothebasementprovidedthatthereisaventilatedprotectedlobby,oraventilatedandprotectedcorridorbetweenthestair(s)andaccommodationateachbasementlevel.

Allinternalescapestairsmustbeprotectedwithinafire-resistingenclosureandshouldleaddirectlytoafinalexit,ortoaprotectedpassagewaytoafinalexit.Aprotectedlobbymayalsoberequiredincertaincircumstances.

4.2.2 Signage

Allescapestairsandrefugesmustbeclearlysigned,asspecifiedincurrentBritishStandards.


46�

4.2.3 Configuration

Helicalandspiralstairsshouldnotbeusedastheonlymeansofescapewithoutadditionalcompensatingfeatures,giveninBS9999:2008.

4.2.4 Dimensions

Thewidthofescapestairswillbedeterminedbythenumberoffloorsserved,theriskprofile,whethertherewillbesimultaneousorphasedevacuationandtheestimatedflowrate(Table5).Thewidthismeasuredastheclearwidthbetweenwallsorbalustradesatthenarrowestpointupto1500mmabovethepitchline.Forstairswheretheverticalextentisgreaterthan30m,eitherthewidthshouldnotexceed1400mm,oritshouldbewideenoughtoaccommodate1000mmofclearspaceeithersideofacentralhandrail.

4.2.5 Handrails

Seesection 4.4.

Forstaircasesthatareusedasameansofescape,considerationshouldbegiventofinishingthehandrailswithphotoluminescentpaintsothattheyarevisibleinalllightingconditions,includingsituationsinwhichthereisalossofpower.

4.2.6 Refuges

Refugesarerelativelysafe,protectedplacesthatshouldbeprovidedinconjunctionwitheachescapestairway.Inanemergencysituation,theyactastemporarilysafespacesthatcanbeusedbypeoplewhoareunable(orfinditmoredifficult)tousestairsindependentlywhiletheywaitforassistance.

Table 5 Minimum width of escape stairs determined by occupancy characteristics

Occupancy characteristics Width of stair for downward travel (mm)

Width of stair for upward travel (mm)

A(occupantswhoareawakeandfamiliarwiththebuilding–offices,industrialpremises)

1000 1200

B(occupantswhoareawakebutunfamiliarwiththebuilding–shops,exhibitioncentres,museums,leisurecentres)

B(exceptassembly) 1000 1200

B(assemblyonly) 1100 1200

C(buildingswhereoccupantsmaybeasleep–hotels)

1000 1200


� 47

This wide, long, ramp provides the main access to a bridge and is used by most people in preference to the steps

Theymustbeatleast1400mm×900mmandcaneitherbewithinaprotectedstairlobby,orinanadjacentcorridorprovidedthatthewidthoftheescaperouteisnotreduced,orcanbeanadjacentprotectedroom.Refugeareasmustbeclearlysigned.

Refugesmusthaveanemergencytwo-waycommunicationsystemtoacentralpointfromwheretheevacuationofthebuildingwillbemanaged,sothatthosewaitingcannotifythemanagementoftheirpresenceintherefugeandbekeptinformedofthesituationfortheirsafeevacuation.Communicationsystemsmustbeusableandcomprehensiblebypeoplemostlikelytousethem,includingthosewithsensoryimpairments.

4.3� Ramps

Ramps,definedasagradientofmorethan1:20,connectdifferentlevelsandcanprovideanalternativemeansofaccesstostepsandstairsforwheelchairusersinsituationswherethereisnoaccessiblelift.Theyarealsousefulforothers,suchasparentswithpushchairsorshopperswithtrolleys.Theymayalsobepreferredtostepsandstairsbysomeambulant

disabledpeoplewhohavedifficultyliftingtheirfeetupandpeoplewithvisualimpairments.Theyneedtobedesignedanddetailedwithcareiftheyaretohaverealpracticalvalue.However,manydisabledpeoplewhoarenotwheelchairusers,andsomeolderpeople,findramps,particularlylongones,inconvenientordifficult,andprefertousesteps.

Thereisarelationshipbetweenthelengthofarampandthegradientthatpeoplecanmanage;thelongertherampthelessseverethegradientthatisfeasible.Wherealengthyrampisnecessary,thereshouldbefrequentlandings,possiblywithseating,toallowpeopletorest.Inexistingbuildingswhereanextremelevelchangewouldrequirealong,circuitousramporwherespaceislimited,ashort-riseliftmaybeappropriateeitherasanalternativeorinadditiontoaramp.

Thegradientoftherampwillalsoaffecttheslipresistancerequired:thesteeperthegradient,thegreatertheslipresistanceneeded(seesection 4.3.9).

4.3.1 Provision

Whereanyroutehasagradientsteeperthan1:20,itshouldbedesignedasaramp.

Aslopeorrampshouldalwaysbeusedwhereachangeinlevelislessthan300mm,toavoidtheneedforasinglestep.Wheretheriseoftherampisgreaterthan300mm,thereshouldalwaysbesteps/stairsincloseproximity,andifthetotalriseisgreaterthan2mrampsshouldbereplacedbyanalternativemeansofstep-freeaccess,suchasalift.

Somewheelchairusersmaynotbeabletousearampunaided,particularlyifitissteep.Wherepossible,assistanceshouldbeavailable,withacallbellprovidedatthebottom(ortop)oftheramp.


48�

A discreet ramp with a simple glazed balustrade matching the façade of this new office building and curving round the circular entrance door provides an alternative access to the two steps on the other side. At night the presence of the ramp is highlighted by lights set into the pavement

©R

icha

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Externalramps

Wherepossible,themainpedestrianroutetotheaccessibleentranceofabuilding,and

The single step at this recessed entrance has been replaced by a slope within the recess

otheraccessroutesacrossthesite,shouldbedesignedtoeliminatetheneedforrampsbymanipulatingtherelativelevels.

A ramp to an alternative entrance starting from the foot of the steps provides a clear alternative to the steps to the café


� 49

Integrating steps and slopes, as in this pedestrian area, has urban and practical advantages, but does create tapered steps, which can be a potential hazard for visually impaired people. The potential risk can be mitigated by providing a direct flight of steps with even risers and either handrails on both sides or a double-sided handrail, as seen to the left, visually contrasting nosings to the steps, corduroy hazard warning surfaces at the top and bottom of the regular steps and other tactile guiding surfaces at the top and bottom of the steps interrupted by the slope. Alternatively, planting could be used either side of the ramps to replace the tapered steps. The ‘ramps’ have a gradient of 1:21 and therefore do not need handrails. There have been no reported problems with these slopes and steps

Internalramps

Internalrampsshould,asfaraspossible,beavoidedonmaincirculationroutes,butthismaynotbepossibleinexistingbuildings(seesection 4.7).

©D

BA


Rampsarenotconsideredappropriateforanysignificantchangesininternallevels.

Rail stations

Arampshouldnotbetheonlyapproachtoastationunlessthechangeinlevelis200mmorless,whenarampmaybeacceptabletoavoidtheneedforasinglestep.


50�

4.3.2 Signage

Wherearampisanalternativetostepsanditisnotreadilyapparent,itsexistenceandlocationshouldbeclearlyindicatedintextandwiththeinternationalsymbolforaccess.

Wherearampisusedforchangesinlevelgreaterthan200mm,steps/stairsshouldbenearby.


LULrequiresthatrisesupto500mmarerampedforallpassengers.

A ramp alongside a short flight of stairs provides a choice of access in this museum. Note that the shiny floor surface is causing some reflections, which could cause confusion

Simple, clear signage with good visual contrast directing wheelchair users to a ramp. However, the ramp with its alternating brick and paved finish could be confusing to people with visual impairments, and to meet the recommendations it should have a central handrail

4.3.3 Configuration

Rampscanbestraight,inaseriesofdoglegflightsorcurved.

An external dogleg ramp with two flights and a half-landing provides step-free access to this municipal building

©H

elen

Car

ter


� 51

The curved, shallow ramp around the internal perimeter is the major feature of the dome of this building and provides access to the top for everyone

A curved ramp around the perimeter of this landmark office building providing access to all floors is a design feature of the building. Lifts and stairs are also available

The curved ramp around this exhibition space with glazed balustrades gives visitors a changing view of the exhibition below as they descend or ascend

4.3.4 Gradient

BS8300:2009statesthatarampedapproachshouldhavethelowestpracticalgradientwithintherange1:20to1:12.Therecommendedpermissiblegradientdependsonthegoingofaflightandthemaximumrise(Table6).

However,itshouldbenotedthataroutewithagradientof1:20overasignificantdistancecanstillbeapotentialbarrier.Aslightlysteepergradientof1:10isacceptableoververyshortdistancesifthereisnoalternative,forexamplearampcoveringadistanceof600mmwhenrefittingexistingbuildings.Gradientssteeperthan1:10notonlyarephysicallydifficulttomanagebutmaycauseawheelchairtooverbalance,anditisdifficulttofindafinishwithadequateslipresistance(seesection 4.3.9).


52�

Table 6 Permissible gradients

Going of a flight (m) Maximum gradient Maximum rise (mm)

10 1:20 500

9 1:19 473

8 1:18 444

7 1:17 411

6 1:16 375

5 1:15 333

4 1:14 285

3 1:13 230

Notexceeding2m 1:12 166

Rail stations

Rampsshouldslopeataconsistentangle,preferablynotmorethan1:20.Inexistingstations,ifarampsteeperthan1:12isnecessary,itshouldnotbelongerthan3m.


Floorsataslopebetween1:40and1:20shouldbeavoided.

4.3.5 Dimensions

Width

Rampsshouldhaveaclearsurfacewidth,betweenwallsorupstands,ofatleast1500mm(Figures5and6).Awidthof1800mmistheminimumrequiredfortwowheelchairsuserstopasseachother.

Wherethewidthbetweenthehandrailsofarampexceeds2500mm,therampshould

bedividedintotwoormorechannelswithawidthbetweenhandrailsof1000mmminimumand2000mmmaximum.Atleastonechannelshouldhaveaclearsurfacewidthof1500mm.

A double central handrail on this wide ramp provides a choice of side for support and helps to avoid a clash of hands


� 53

Schools

Inschoolswheretherearemanywheelchairusers,widerrampsshouldbeconsidered.

Sports facilities

SportEnglandrecommendsthatatfacilitieswheresportswheelchairsarelikelytobeusedrampsshouldhaveaclearwidthof2000mmminimumandthatrampsin‘SportschairZones’ofasportscentreshouldbeaminimumof1300mmwide.

Rail stations

Inlargerstationsaminimumwidthof2000mmbetweenhandrailsisrecommended,andforsmallerstationswithatotalannualfootfalloflessthan250,000thewidthcanbereducedto1350mmminimum.

Rampsover4000mmwideshouldhaveacentralhandrail,preferablywithdoublerailstoavoidhandclashes.


LULrequiresthewidthofaramptobecalculatedinthesamewayasthatforapassagewayifthegradientis1:20,usingtheequations:

Two-way passage width =average peak minute fl[ oow = (2 x 0.3)] m

40

One-way passage width =average peak minute fl[ oow = (2 x 0.3)] m

50

Wherethegradientissteeper,a10percentreductionintheflowrateshouldbeassumed.

Rampsshouldbeaminimumwidthof1200mmbetweenhandrailsand,ifgreaterthan2.4mwide,musthaveanintermediatehandrail.


54�

Headroom

PartK1oftheBuildingRegulationsrequiresaclearheadroomof2000mmminimum.

4.3.6 Flight length and rise

Noflightofarampshouldbegreaterthan10m,orrisemorethan500mm.Themaximumriseforaseriesoframpsis2000mm.Witharisegreaterthanthis,analternativemeansofstep-freeaccess,suchasalift,shouldbeprovided.

Rail stations

Arampflightshouldnotbemorethan6minlengthbetweenlevellandings,or3mifthegradientis1:12orgreater.Ramps,includinglandings,over50minlengthinexistingbuildingsshouldbesubjecttoconsultationwithlocalpeople.


LULspecifiesamaximumflightriseof500mminpublicareas.Achangeindirectionofatleast30°,oranothermeansofarrestinguncontrolleddescent,isrequiredateverysecondlanding.

Figure5 BS 8300:2009 dimensions for a single ramp

1500mmminimum

Minimum 300mmhorizontal extension

Level landing

For ramps up to300mm rise, alternative

steps not required

Kerb to outeredge 100mm high

Minimum 300mmhorizontal extension

900–1000mm

1500mm minimum

1500mmminimum


� 55

Figure6 BS 8300:2009 dimensions for successive ramps

4.3.7 Landings

BS8300:2009recommendsthatlandingsshouldbeatleast1500mmlong,clearofanyobstructionsuchasdoorswings,andthefullwidthoftheramp(Figures5and6).ADMrequireslevellandings,clearofanydoorswingsorotherobstructions,attheheadandthefootofarampatleast1200mmlong.

Ifmorethanoneflightisneeded,theremustbelandingsbetweentheflightsatleast1500mmlong,andthefullwidthoftheramp(Figure6).Iftheintermediatelandinginvolvesaquarter-orhalf-turn,orawheelchairusercannotseefromoneendoftheramptotheother,thewidthofthelandingshouldpreferablybe1800mmtoallowwheelchairstopasseachother.


Top,bottomandintermediatelandingsshallhavealengthatleastequaltothewidestwidthoftherampbetweenthehandrailsandbenotlessthan2000mm.

Thetransitionbetweenthelandingandtherampshouldbesufficientlyroundedtoensurethatthefootsupportsonawheelchairdonotgetcaught.

Externalramps

Externallandingsshouldhaveacrossfalltofacilitatesurfacewaterdrainage:BS8300:2009recommends1:50maximum,whereasADMgivesamaximumcrossfallof1:40.

For ramps with a risegreater than 300mm,

alternative stepaccess is required

The maximum length oframp between landingsdepends on its gradient

see Table 6

Guarding will be requiredwhere there is a change inlevel greater than 380mm

100mm kerbon open side

1500mmminimum

1500mmminimum

1500mmminimum

300mmminimum

Preferably1800mm

1500mmminimum

1500mmminimum


56�

4.3.8 Identification

Thesurfaceofarampshouldcontrastvisuallywiththatofthelandingsandtheedgeupstand.

Asurfacewithadifferenttexturefromthesurroundingfloorareamaybeprovidedatthetopandbottomofaflight,butcaremustbetakenthatthefrictionalresistancesofadjacentmaterialsaresimilartominimisetheriskofstumbling.

Corduroytactilesurfacesmustnotbeusedatthetopandbottomofaramp,astheseareusedforexternalstepsandthereforemightcauseconfusion.

A short ramp, replacing a single step, with a finish the same as the surrounding floor is not identifiable and is a potential trip hazard. Also note that the frictional resistance of the carpeted ramp and corridor is significantly different from that of the vinyl floor in the lobby beyond, also creating a slip or trip hazard

Identifying a ramp by visually contrasting lines is not ideal as these may be confusing to people with visual impairments who could interpret them as steps

©H

SE

A ramp clearly identified by the visually contrasting finishes. Note that there is only a handrail on one side of this wide ramp, and no central handrail

The prefabricated removable ramp to this café, with steps at the other end, is identifiable by the visually contrasting finishes and handrails


� 57

Contrasting finishes with similar frictional resistances distinguish the series of ramps and landings from the surrounding floor area in this museum. However, to fully meet the recommendations the ramp should have a central handrail

©P

aulH

ighm

an

Slipresistance

Rampsrequirehigherslipresistancethanalevelsurface,asthelateralcomponentoftheforceincontactwiththesurfaceincreasesasthegradientincreases.Toestimatethecoefficientoffrictionrequiredonaslope,thetangentoftheangleoftheslopeshouldbeaddedtotherequirementforthelevel(Figure7).

Anotherwayofachievingthesameresultistoaddthegradientexpressedasapercentageto

Figure7 Coefficient of resistance required on a slope

4.3.9 Finishes

Thesurfaceoframpsshouldbeslipresistant,evenwhenwet,andshouldbedurableandeasytomaintain.Itshouldhaveamattsurfacetominimisereflections,whichcouldbeconfusing,andsothatitdoesnotlookwet,andthereforepotentiallyslippery,whenitisactuallydry.Anyappliedsurfaceshouldbefirmlyfixed.

Patterningwhichsimulatessteps,suchasstripesorappliedorinsertedslip-resistantstrips,shouldbeavoidedasthismaycauseconfusiontopeoplewithvisualimpairments.

Tan α = 1/20 = 0.05α = 2.81Extra CoF required = 0.05Extra SRV = 520

1α

This ramp designed around steps and a landing to another room is an alternative access to the platform in this conference room. However, the stripes could be confusing to people with visual impairments and the frictional resistances of the wood floor and carpeted ramp are likely to be significantly different, which could be a potential trip hazard


58�

An internal profiled metal ramp in an airport gives a light appearance and is hard wearing and easy to clean. Note that the guarding is higher than the handrails and that the lower rail provides protection to the glass and a tapping rail

This sloped access is designed as part of the platform in this lecture theatre and provides a non-intrusive step-free access to the platform in a limited space

theSRVforanequivalentlevelsurface:1:20isagradientof5percent(Table7).Therefore,theadditionalslipresistancerequired,comparedwithanequivalentlevelsurface,increaseswiththesteepnessoftheramp.

GiventhatthewetSRVrecommendedforalevelsurfacewhereauserislikelytobeturningorpushingis40,theSRVforanexternalrampof1:20shouldbe45,andarampof1:12

shouldhaveanSRVof49.Materialsthatcanachievethisincludefloatedconcrete,glass-reinforcedplastic(GRP)/aggregatesystemsandsomeepoxycoatingswithgranularaggregate.Profiledsurfacesshouldbespecifiedonlyaftercarefulconsiderationastheymaynotgivetheperceivedslipresistance(see section 3.13.1).Thefrictionalcharacteristicsofthelandingandrampsurfacesshouldbesimilar.

Table 7 Additional slip resistance required for ramps

Length of ramp (m) Maximum gradient Estimated additional SRV

10 1:20 5

5 1:15 6.7

2 1:12 8.3


� 59

A continuous metal low rail protects the glass barrier on either side of the freestanding ramp and provides a tapping rail

4.3.12 Lighting

Ifpossible,rampsshouldbelocated,orientatedandsurfacedtoavoidglareandcross-shadows,whichcouldpreventpeoplewithvisualimpairmentsdistinguishingthechangeingradient.

Artificiallightingshouldbeevenlydistributedwithanilluminanceofatleast100luxontherampsurfaceandthelandings.

4.3.13 Ease of cleaning

Tofacilitatecleaning,thesurfaceoframpsshouldbeclearofanyobstructionssuchasguardingorhandrailfixings:theseshouldpreferablybeonoroutsidethekerbortappingrail.


Wherehandrailandwallprotectorsareprovidedthereshouldbeaminimumverticaldistancebetweenthemof50mm.Wherethewallprotectorprotrudesinfrontofthehandrail,theclearwidthoftherampwillbebetweenthewallprotectors.

Externalramps

Ifdrainageislikelytobeaproblem,theuseofapervioussurfaceshouldbeconsidered.Itisimportantthatexternalrampsarekeptclearofsnowandice,whichwillcreateasliphazard.

Internalramps

Deep-pilecarpetshouldnotbeusedonrampsasitsresistanceincreasestheeffortneededtopropelawheelchair.

4.3.10 Handrails

Seesection 4.4andFigures8and9.

4.3.11 Guarding

Acontinuousupstandorkerbatleast100mmhigh,oranequivalentbarriersuchasarailorplanter,shouldbeprovidedontheopensideofanyramporlandingtoactasatappingrailforvisuallyimpairedpeopleandtopreventwheelchairwheelsfallingovertheedgeoftheramp(Figures5and6).ThisshouldbeinadditiontoanyguardingrequiredunderPartK.Itshouldcontrastvisuallywiththerampandlandingsurfaces.

Barriersshouldbedesignedasforstepsandstairs,inaccordancewithADK,orequivalentnationalregulationsandBS6180:1999.


60�

An inelegant temporary ramp to a listed office building that projects out into the pavement, providing a potential trip hazard

Some temporary ramps, designed in keeping with the building, become permanent

Theserampsshouldhaveaclearwidthofatleast800mm,adrainable,slip-resistantsurfaceandupstandstopreventwheelchairtyresveeringofftheedge.Two-channelrampsarenotrecommended.

4.3.14 Temporary and portable ramps

Insituationswhereforwhateverreasonapermanentrampcannotbeinstalledinanexistingbuilding,atemporaryrampmaybeareasonablesolution,althoughwhendesigningnewbuildingsthiswouldnotbeacceptable.Theymayalsobeuseduntilapermanentsolution,suchasaliftorpermanentramp,canbeconstructedorinstalled.Ingeneral,thedesignoftemporaryrampsshouldfollowtherecommendationsaboveforexternalramps.Temporaryrampscanbeeitherfixedorportable.

This temporary ramp to an office building is in two parts to accommodate two steps with different height risers. The two parts of the ramp may not stay together or aligned and the projection into the pavement could cause a trip hazard for pedestrians

Temporaryramps,especiallylongorheavyones,canbeawkwardtohandle.Itmayalsobedifficulttoprovideatoplandingoftherecommendedsize.Ariseof600mmatagradientof1:12isaneffectivemaximuminmostinstances.Theyshouldbefirmandsecureinuse.

Ifportableortemporaryrampshavetobeusedtogiveaccesstoanexistingbuildingwherespaceislimited,theyshouldbepositionedandtheirpresenceidentifiedsothattheydonotconstituteahazardtopassers-by.


� 61

This temporary ramp in an external exhibition area has been sympathetically designed to integrate with its surroundings and provides a firm surface for wheelchair access across a sloping grass area

Portablerampswillrequirestoragespace,trainedstaffwhoarefamiliarwiththeiruseandmanagementproceduresinplacetoensuretheirsafeandeffectiveuse.Whereaportablerampistobeusedthereshouldbeasuitablyplacedcallbuttontocallforassistance.

4.4� Handrails�for�steps,�stairs�and�ramps

4.4.1 Provision

Atleasttwohandrails,oneoneachside,shouldbeprovidedonallflightsofsteps,stairsandrampsoverthewholelengthoftheflightsothatpeoplecanchoosewhicharmtheyuseorcanusebothhandrails.Theyshouldbecontinuousaroundintermediatelandingsandshouldnotbeinterruptedbynewelposts

orothersupports.Wheretherearedoorsonlandings,thiscontinuitymaynotbepractical.Apossiblesolutionwhereadoorisnotinconstantuseistohaveaswivellingsectionofthehandrailattachedtothedoor.

The handrails on this staircase in a museum have a circular profile, contrast visually with their surroundings, are continuous around the landings, have a central double handrail, and have horizontal extensions at the landings to indicate the top and bottom of a flight. Note that, although the shiny surface of the landing causes reflection, low-level wall lighting helps reduce this, highlights the steps and is easier to maintain

4.4.2 Dimensions

Theminimumwidthbetweenhandrailsshouldbe1000mm.Onwideflightsofstepsorstairs,handrailsshouldbeusedtodividetheflightintochannels.ADMrequiresthatstepsorstairswithanoverallunobstructedwidthgreaterthan1800mmaredividedintotwoormorechannelsbetween1000mmand1800mmwide;BS8300:2009extends1800mmto2000mm.Considerationshouldbegiventousingdoublehandrailsratherthanasinglerailfordividingflightstoavoidhandclashesofpeopletravellingindifferentdirectionsoneitherside,butcaremustbetakenthatthisdoesnotaffectthecapacityofstairsusedasameansofescape.


62�

Children, and people of short stature, benefit from having a lower handrail: in this museum this girl is using one of the guarding rails to hold on to. However, these horizontal rails are climbable and therefore potentially dangerous

Handrails that are independent of the guarding allow the guarding to be higher than 1000mm and, as in this public office building, can provide protection to the glazed balustrade

On wide steps, central handrails do not need to be evenly spaced provided that at least one channel meets the recommended dimensions

Theheighttothetopoftheprincipalhandrailshouldbebetween900mmand1000mmabovethepitchlineofthestepsorstairs,orabovethesurfaceoftheramp.Onlandings,therecommendedheightforthetopofthehandrailisbetween900mmand1100mmfromthefloorsurface,1100mmbeingtherequiredheightforguardingonlandings(Figure8).However,at1100mm,thehandrailistoohightofulfilitsfunctionasasupportformanypeople.Inaddition,thedifferenceinheightbetweenahandrailonthestepsorstairsat900mmfromthepitchlineandahandrailat1100mmonthelandingsmeansthatthehandrailonthestairscannotextendfullytothebottomofthestepsorstairs,andextendsbeyondthetopofthestairsorhasaverticalrise,whichmaybemisleadingandconfusingtopeoplewithvisualimpairments

Rail stations

Acentralhandrailisrecommendedonstairwayswiderthan4000mm.


Theminimumdimensionbetweenhandrailsshouldbe1200mmforasinglestaircaseand2400mmforatwo-waystaircase.

usingthemforguidance.Itisthereforeadvisabletoprovidehandrailsatthesameheight,900–1000mm,forstepsandlandings,withindependentguarding.

Forallenvironmentsandbuildingsusedbythegeneralpublicand/ordesignedforchildren,thereshouldbeasecond(lower)handrailsetat600mm.Thiswillalsobeofbenefittothoseofshortstature.However,alowerhandrailcanactasaclimbingframeandshouldnotbeusedwherethehandrailsarealsoactingasguardingorwherechildrenmay


� 63

Figure8 Handrails and guarding


Asecond,lowerhandrailisrecommendedonallramps,forwheelchairusers,andonstairsandlandingsinchildren’shealthcarefacilitiesandotherhealthcarepremiseswheretherearelikelytobeasignificantnumberofsemi-ambulantusers.

Anextensionof450mmisrecommended,provideditdoesnotinterruptapedestrianroute.

Rail stations

Europeanstandardsstatethattheheightofthehigherhandrailshouldbe

beuncontrolled,suchasinashoppingcentre;wherenecessary,structuralguardingshouldbeprovidedinadditionto,andseparatefrom,thehandrails.

Handrailsshouldcontinuehorizontallybeyondtheendofthestairsorrampslopeby300mm minimum;thishelpsvisuallyimpairedpeopleknowwhentheyhavereachedthetoporbottomofaflight,andallowspeoplewithmobilityimpairmentstosteadythemselvesbeforeascendingordescendingthesteps.Thisextensionmustnotprojectintoanaccessroute,andshouldbefinishedbybeingreturnedtothewallorcurveddownwardsforaminimumof100mmtoreducetheriskofcatchingclothes.

Circularhandrailsshouldhaveadiameterof32–45mm;ovalprofilesshouldbe50mmwideby38mmdeep,witharadiusof15mm.Theseareeasytogripandcanprovideadequate

physicalsupport;aflatterprofileprovidesbetterforearmsupport.Handrailswithlargesquareorrectangularsectionsshouldbeavoidedastheyareuncomfortabletogrip.

Continuous handrailaround landing

Closed end to handrail

300mm minimum horizontalextension

Handrails and guardingfixed to outer string of stairs

900–1000mm

Open end designed to reducerisk of clothing being caught

Handrail doesnot form topof guarding

100mmminimum

Guarding1100mm

900–1000mmabove pitch line


64�

Well-designed extensions and handrail ends

Although the end of this handrail to a ramp does not extend horizontally, it is identifiable by the textured end

850–1000mmabovethepitchlineofthestepsorsurfaceoftheramp,andthelowerhandrailsshouldbeataheightof500–750mmabovefloorlevel.Thelattermustnotconstituteasafetyrisk.


Lowerhandrailsmustbe550–650mmabovethepitchlineofthestairs.

Theremustbeaclearunobstructedverticaldistanceabovethetopofthehandrailof600mm.

Doublecentralhandrailsmusthaveaclearhorizontalseparationof150±10mm.

Centrehandrailsmustbreakateverylandingwithacleargapof1800mmminimumwherethereistwo-directionalflowonstairsorramps.

Wherepractical,handrailsshouldextendhorizontally600mmbeyondthetopandbottomriserorendofaramp.

Schools

Forschoolsforchildrenunder12yearsold,thesecondlowerhandrailshouldhaveadiameterof40–45mm.


Therecommendeddiameterofcircularhandrailsis40–45mm.

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthataroundedhandrailwithacross-sectionwidthof30–50mmisrequired.


LULspecifiesacircularprofile40–50mmindiameter.


� 65

4.4.3 Fixings

Handrailsshouldbesupportedcentrallyontheundersidesothatthereisnoobstructiontothepassageofthehandalongtherail.Theyshouldnotprotrudemorethan100mmintothesurfacewidthofthestairsorrampifthiswouldreducethestairorrampwidthrequirements,norshouldtheinnerfaceofthehandrailbemorethan50mmbeyondthesurfacewidthofthesteps,stairsorramp(Figure9).Thereshouldbeclearanceof60–75mmbetweenthehandrailandawall,whichallowsaforearmtoberestedontherailwithoutanydangerofitbeing

Figure9 Handrail profiles and dimensions

trapped,andclearanceofmorethan50mmbetweentheundersideofthehandrailandacrankedsupport.Recessedhandrailsarenotrecommendedastheycannotbeusedforsupport.

Handrailfixingsmustbesufficientlysecuretosupportapersongraspingthemtopreventorarrestafall.TheyshouldbedesignedtomeettheloadingrecommendationsinBS6399-1:1996,andshouldtakeaccountofthesubstratematerial,includingthepositionofanyreinforcinginconcrete,andthespacingbetweenfixings.

60–75mm

38mm, radius 15mm minimum

50mmmaximum

50mmminimum

50mmminimum

Circular handrail32–45mm diameter

Oval handrailpreferably 50mm wide

with rounded edges

60–75mm

32–45mm

60–75mm


66�

Different handrail fixings that that enable a hand to slide along the rail without interruption

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthattheminimumclearspacerequiredbetweenthehandrailandotherpartsofthestructureis40mm.


Theminimumclearspacerequiredbetweenthehandrailandawallis45–60mm.

4.4.4 Finishes

Handrailsshouldhaveasmooth,butnotreflective,continuoussurfaceandshouldcontrastvisuallywiththeirsurroundings.

Externalhandrailsshouldhaveaninsulatedfinishsothattheyarenotcoldtothetouch,eveninwinter;surfacessuchashardwoodornylon-coatedsteelarerecommended.Whereresistancetovandalismand/orlowmaintenancearekeyfactors,stainlesssteelmaybetheonlyoption.Insummer,dark-colouredhandrailsarelikelytogethotiftheyareindirectsunlightastheywillabsorbtheheatratherthanreflectit.

Handrailsoninternalstairscanhavetactilemarkersontheuppersurfaceatthebeginningandendofeachflightindicatingthefloorlevelreached.Thisisparticularlyhelpfulwhenthehandrailcontinuesalongthewallofalobbyorcorridor.However,thereiscurrentlynoclearguidanceontheuseoftactilemarkers,theirsize,shape,positionandspacing,whichislikelytomaketheiruselesseffectiveaseachapplicationwillvary.Iftactileindicatorsareused,thisshouldbeexplainedinanyvisitororbuildinguserinformation.

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardsstatethat‘iftherearehandrails(orwalls)withinreachalongtheobstacle-freeroutetotheplatform,theyshouldhavebriefinformation(forexample,platformnumberordirectioninformation)inBrailleandinprismaticlettersornumbersattherearofthehandrail,oronthewallataheightbetween850mmand1000mm.Numbersandarrowsaretheonlypermissibletactilepictograms’.


� 67

This external stainless-steel handrail to an office building has raised profiles on the top to prevent youngsters using the handrail as a slide: these will prevent people being able to easily move their hand up or down the rail and the stainless steel will be cold to the touch in winter

A blue band has been put behind this handrail in a London Underground station to provide greater visual contrast

betweenfloors,suchasshops,shoppingcentres,transportterminals,hospitals,offices,museumsandexhibitioncentres,togetherwithstairsandlifts.Intheolderundergroundrailsystems,escalatorsareoftentheprincipalmeansofverticalmovement.Escalatorsprovideanimmediatemeansoftransportation,whereasliftsgenerallynecessitatewaitingtimeandhavelimitedcapacity.

However,manypeople,particularlythosewithamobilityorvisualimpairment,findescalatorsdifficultandfrighteningtouse,andtheyarenotsuitableforwheelchairs,prams,pushchairsorpeoplewithassistancedogsunlessthedogcanbecarried.Therefore,lifts,asthepreferredmethodofverticaltransportforwheelchairusersandpeoplewithassistancedogs,shouldbeprovidedneartoescalatorswheretherearesubstantialchangesinlevel,andshouldbeclearlysigned.

4.5� Escalators�and�moving�walks

Escalators

Escalatorshavebeeninpublicusesincetheearly1900s,andpallet-basedmovingwalkssincethe1950s.Escalatorsaretypicallyusedformovementbetweenadjacentfloorsandarecommonlyfoundinplaceswheretherearelargenumbersofpeopletobetransported

Side-by-side escalators in the concourse of a mainline station provide easy and immediate access to and from the first floor and street level. Note the clear signage to the lifts as an alternative means of access at the top and bottom of these escalators


68�

A pallet moving walk in an airport assists people, often encumbered by luggage, to cover long distances more easily

Escalators are the main means of access in London Underground stations. Note that the flat area between the escalators has ‘obstacles’ on it to prevent being used as a slide

Fallsonescalatorsarelikelytocauseinjuryonaccountofthesharp,usuallymetal,edgestothetreads.Tripsandfallsmainlyoccuratthetopandbottomofescalatorsduringaccessoregress.Therearealsomanyaccidentsastheresultoftrappingclothes,fingersandtoes,particularlyofinfants.

Movingwalks

Movingwalks,alsocalledmovingwalkways,travelatorsorpassengerconveyors,wherethemovingsurfaceisflatandparalleltothedirectionoftravel,canbehorizontalorinclined.Horizontalmovingwalksareusedwheretherearesubstantialdistancestobetravelled,forexampleinairportsandstations,andarehelpfultomanypeople.Inclinedmovingwalksareusedwherethereisasmallchangeinlevelorwhereaflatsurfaceisrequired,forexampleforshoppingtrolleys.However,aswithescalators,somepeoplefinditdifficultordonotliketostepontoamovingwalk.

Therearetwotypesofmovingwalk:acontinuousmovingbeltorinterlockingpallets.Thelatterismorecommon.

Aswithescalators,accidentsaremorefrequentattheaccessandegresspoints:elderlypeopleseemtobemoreatrisk.Othercausesofaccidentsarewatercontaminationcausingslipswheremovingwalksareadjacenttoexternalareasandthemisuseoftrolleysortrappingoftheirwheels.

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� 69

Although buggies are not really meant to go on escalators, escalators are easier to use than stairs where no lift is provided

Escalatorsandmovingwalks

Someescalatorsandinclinedmovingwalkscanconveyshoppingorbaggagetrolleys,providedthatbotharedesignedwithappropriateandcompatiblelockingdevices.Thetrolley’swidthmustbeatleast400mmlessthanthepalletwidth.TrolleysforuseonescalatorsarecoveredbyEN1929-2:2004.

Designfactorsaffectingtheusabilityandsafetyofescalatorsandmovingwalksare:

• speed• inclination• step/palletwidth• identification• landingsclearspace• finishes• handrails• guarding• lighting• signsandinformation

Allescalatorsandmovingwalksmust,since1January1997,beCEmarkedandhavea

Trolleys that lock on to the pallets of a moving walk or escalator are increasingly used in supermarkets, shopping centres and transport facilities


70�

declarationofconformity;inmostcasescertificatescompliantwithBS5656-1:1997areissuedbythemanufacturer.

UndertheHealth and Safety at Work Regulationsemployersandself-employedpeopleareresponsibleforcarryingoutariskassessmentforthesafeoperationofescalatorsandmovingwalkswithintheirpremises.Thisislikelytoincludeastandard,genericassessmentandspecificassessmentsinrelationtoparticularlocations,useorcircumstances.Allpotentialhazardsinrelationtoeachofthedesignissuesshouldbeconsideredandassessed,aswellasmechanicalfailureandhumanerrorandbehaviour.Theriskassessmentmaynecessitatespecialmanagementmeasuresbeingputinplacetomitigatetherisks.

Escalatorsandmovingwalksarealsorequiredtohaveaninstructionhandbookrelatingtouse,maintenance,inspection,periodicchecksandrescueoperations.

EscalatorsandmovingwalksaremachinesandmustcomplywiththeSupplyofMachineryRegulations(Safety)2008andPUWER1998,whichincludeanumberofessentialhealthandsafetyrequirements.Theirusemayalso

comeunderTheWorkplace(HealthSafetyandWelfare)Regulations1992.ThedesignguidancegivenbelowismainlydrawnfromBSEN115-1:2008andmoredetailedguidanceiscontainedwithinthisdocument.AdditionalguidanceisfromBS5656-2:2004(see Section 2).

4.5.1 Provision

Escalatorsandmovingwalksarecategorisedaccordingtotheintensityoftheiruse(Table8).

Escalators

Thenumberandsizeofunitsdependsonthetypeofpremisesandtheestimatedtrafficflow,particularlyatpeaktimes,withanallowancefornon-operationaltimeformaintenanceorreplacement.Normallythereshouldbeatleasttwoescalatorsateachlocationtoservetrafficflowsineachdirection.

Stairsand/orlift(s)shouldalwaysbeprovidedasanalternativemeansofaccess.Ifanaccessibleliftisprovided,itshouldbelocatednearbyforthoseunabletouseescalatorsandclearlysignedfromthetopandbottomoftheescalator.

Table 8 Escalator and moving walk categories (from BS 5656-2:2004)

Category Typical usage (passengers per day)

Typical locations

Light Upto3000 Shops,museums,libraries,leisurefacilities

Medium Upto10,000Departmentstores,shoppingcentres,regionalairportsandstations

Heavy Upto20,000Majorrailwayandundergroundstations,internationalairports

Intensive Over20,000Criticallocationssuchasundergroundsystems


� 71


Theprincipalmeansofverticalaccessinhealthcarebuildingsislifts,butescalatorsarebeingincreasinglyusedintheentrance/receptionareasoflargerhospitalsforaccesstosecondandthirdfloors.Aparticularconsiderationmaybetheneedforhosingdownforhygieneordecontaminationforinfectioncontrol.

Escalators in the main entrance of a hospital provide easy access to the first floor. Lifts and stairs are also provided. Note the visually contrasting floor surfaces at the foot of the escalators

Shopping centres

Inshoppingcentres,escalatorsandinclinedmovingwalksoftenprovidethemainmeans,otherthanstairs,ofmovingbetweenfloors.Researchhasshownthat80percentofshopperswilluseescalators.Thetrafficdemand,andhencethenumber

ofescalators,isdifficulttoestimate,butapairofescalatorsevery100mofmalllengthisnormallyconsideredsufficient.Wheredepartmentstoreswithinashoppingcentrehaveescalatorsinsidethestore,theseshouldnotbetakenintoaccountindeterminingtherequirementsforthewholecentre.Thewidthofescalatorsinshoppingcentresisnormally800mmor1000mm.

Office buildings

Escalatorsinofficebuildingsarenormallyusedtoservethelowertwoorthreefloorstorelievecongestiononlifts.Inestimatingcapacity,itisnormallyassumedthat90percentofpeoplewishingtoaccessthesefloorswillusetheescalators.Wherethereareaseriesofescalators,thelowestescalatorswillcarrythemostpeopleandshouldbesizedaccordingly.Thenumberofescalatorsrequiredwilldependontheestimatedstaffarrivalrate.Beingabletoreversethedirectionoftheescalatorsinpeakperiodssothattheyareallinthesamedirectionmayenablethenumberofunitstobereduced.Wherenoqueuingcanbetolerated,theescalatorsshouldbesizedtomeettwicetheaveragearrivalrateindicated.

Criss-cross escalators in the atrium of a department store provide immediate access to all floors with views of each floor en route


72�

External escalators and stairs from a station to street level are covered by a glazed semi-circular canopy, which also helps to identify the entrance to the station

Moving walks in either direction in a London Underground station, with a central walkway, have clear directional and wayfinding signage

Movingwalks

Movingwalksusuallyformpartofamaincirculationroute,andmaybeasinglewalkwaywherethereisunidirectionaltrafficonly,orinpairswherethereistrafficintwodirectionsoronewalkwaywouldnotprovidesufficientcapacity.

Thereshouldalwaysbeaparallelpassagewaybesideeachhorizontalmovingwalkandalternativeliftaccess,clearlysigned,wherethereareinclinedmovingwalks.

4.5.2 Location

Escalatorsandmovingwalksarenormallyprovidedininternalenvironments,andarenotgenerallyrecommendedforexternaluseintheUK,butcanbeusediftheyareadequatelycoveredtoprotectthemfromtheweather.Theyareusedinexternalsituationsinothercountries,forexamplesomeGermanmetro

Rail stations

Instations,ifescalatorsgivedirectlyontoastationplatform,theyshouldbealignedalongthelengthoftheplatform,thatis,paralleltothetracks.


LULhasitsownmethodofcalculatingthenumberofescalatorsrequiredbasedonthepeakone-wayflowperminutedividedby100–theassumedcapacityofpassengersperminute.

InallnewLULstationsathree-escalatorshaftisrequiredtoaccommodatepotentialgrowthinpassengernumbersandallowforoneescalatorbeingoutofserviceowingtomaintenance.Escalatorsintheundergroundsystemarelikelytobeusedforemergencyescape(seesection 4.6).

stationsandsomeskiresorts.Wheretheyareexposedorpartiallyexposed,theyshouldbeprotectedtopreventdirectwateringress,andweather-resistantcontrolsshouldbeemployed.

Escalatorsandmovingwalksareusuallysitedinobviouscirculationpathsmakingiteasyforpedestrianstoboardthem.Theymustbeaccessedfromalandingorlobbyareawherethereissufficientspaceforpeopletowaitforaccessoregresswithoutblockingcirculationroutes(see section 4.5.10,Landings).


� 73

The direction of travel of these escalators in a public building is clearly signed and easily visible

4.5.3 Signage

Atthetopandbottomofallescalatorsthereshouldbeclearvisiblesignageindicatinganalternativeaccessibleroute,suchasalift.

Wherethereareparallelside-by-sideescalatorsormovingwalks,thereshouldbeclearsignageindicatingthedirectionoftravel,particularlywherethismaybechangedtoaccommodatepeakflows.Whereescalatorsormovingwalksstartautomaticallyonapproach,clearlyvisiblesigns,suchastrafficlights,shouldindicateiftheescalatorisavailableforuse,andthedirectionoftravel.

Wayfindingsigns,advertisingandretaildisplaysshouldnotbelocatedclosetothetopandbottomofescalatorsorattheendsofmovingwalksaspeoplestoppingtoreadorlookatthemcanblocktheaccessoregress,whichcancreateapotentiallydangeroussituation.

EscalatorsandmovingwalksarerequiredtodisplaymandatorysafetysignsinaccordancewithBSEN115:2008.Theseinclude:

The direction of travel is often indicated by small red or green lights at skirting level, which may be difficult for a visually impaired person to see

CAE/AA Stairs, ramps and escalators – Final text 69 of 103

Escalators and moving walks are required to display mandatory safety signs in

accordance with BS EN 115. These include:

Small children shall Dogs shall be Use the handrail Pushchairs not

be held firmly carried permitted

Image 106, 107, 108

Ideally information should be given in alternative formats, with visual signs,

written and symbols, being reinforced with audible information to assist those

with visual impairments.

Capacity

Escalators

The capacity of escalators depends on their speed and width (see Capacity

above).

Step/pallet width, mm Capacity in persons/hour

Nominal speed, m/s 0.5 0.65 0.75

600 2,250 2,925 3,375

800 3,375 4,388 5,063

1000 4,500 5,850 6,750

Practical handling capacity (CIBSE)

The direction in which an escalator is travelling can normally be reversed: this

can help with peak flows of people all travelling in the same direction.

The use of shopping trolleys or baggage carts that lock onto the pallets will

reduce the capacity by approximately 80%.

Moving walks

BS EN 115 specifies that the capacity of moving walks is the same as

escalators, but CIBSE states that experience suggests a reduced density of

2persons/m2, giving the following capacities:

Capacity in persons per hour

Incline Speed m/second

1000mm wide

1400mm wide

0 0.5 3,600 5,040

0 0.65 4,560 6,350

Small children shall be held firmly

Dogs shall be carried

Use the handrail

Pushchairs not permitted






Image 106, 107, 108




Capacity

Escalators


above).



600 2,250 2,925 3,375

800 3,375 4,388 5,063

1000 4,500 5,850 6,750






Moving walks






1000mm wide

1400mm wide

0 0.5 3,600 5,040

0 0.65 4,560 6,350






Image 106, 107, 108




Capacity

Escalators


above).



600 2,250 2,925 3,375

800 3,375 4,388 5,063

1000 4,500 5,850 6,750






Moving walks






1000mm wide

1400mm wide

0 0.5 3,600 5,040

0 0.65 4,560 6,350

Ideally,informationshouldbegiveninalternativeformats,withvisualsigns,writtenandsymbols,beingreinforcedwithaudibleinformationtoassistthosewithvisualimpairments.


74�

4.5.4 Capacity

Escalators

Thecapacityofescalatorsdependsontheirspeedandwidth(Table9)(seesection 4.5.7andsection 4.5.8,Width,below).

Thedirectioninwhichanescalatoristravellingcannormallybereversed:thiscanhelpwithpeakflowsofpeoplealltravellinginthesamedirection.

Theuseofshoppingtrolleysorbaggagecartsthatlockontothepalletswillreducethecapacitybyapproximately80percent.

Movingwalks

BSEN115:2008specifiesthatthecapacityofmovingwalksisthesameasescalators,butCIBSEstatesthatexperiencesuggestsareduceddensityof2persons/m2,givingthecapacitiesshowninTable10.

Wherethewidthofamovingwalkiswiderthan1000mm,thecapacitywillnotbeincreasedasusersgenerallyneedtoholdthehandrail:theadditionalwidthismainlytoaccommodateshoppingtrolleys,ifapplicable,andluggage.

Safety signs are displayed in a variety of ways: on the top of the skirting, on the balustrade or on a vertical board


� 75

4.5.5 Configuration

Escalatorsandinclinedmovingwalks

Therearethreemainconfigurationsofescalators(Figures10–13).Scissorescalators

Table 10 Practical handling capacity of moving walks in persons/hour (CIBSE)

Incline (°) Speed (m/s) 1000mm wide 1400mm wide

0 0.5 3600 5040

0 0.65 4560 6350

0 0.75 5400 7560

6 0.5 3600 5040

10 0.5 3600 –

12 0.5 3600 –

Table 9 Practical handling capacity of escalators in persons/hour (CIBSE)

Step/pallet width (mm)

Nominal speed (m/s)

0.5 0.65 0.75

600 2250 2925 3375

800 3375 4388 5063

1000 4500 5850 6750

requirealargerstructuralopeningthantheothertwoconfigurationsandcreateahigherriskoffallingandcomplicatedmaintenanceactivities.Thearrangementselectedwilldependonthetypeofpremisesandthespaceavailable.

Figure10 Side-by-side escalators, which provide a short transition route between successive escalators

RiseMinimum 2300mm


76�

Figure11 Single-scissor escalators provide a short transition route between successive escalators

Figure12 In double-scissor escalators the direction of the escalators can be arranged to provide either a short or a long transition route

Figure13 Criss-cross escalators have a longer transition route between successive escalators and are often used in department stores so that shoppers have to walk through display areas to reach the next escalator

Minimum 2300mmRise

Minimum 2300mm

Minimum 2300mmRise

Minimum 2300mm

Minimum 2300mmRise

Rise Minimum 2300mm


� 77

This department store has extended flat steps at the top and bottom of the escalators to take account of shoppers who are likely to be moving more slowly because they are looking around at the displays. Note the strip lighting along the skirting either side of the escalator, and the clear floor-level signage

Table 11 Minimum horizontal distances at top and bottom of escalators

Speed Rise Minimum horizontal distance of level steps from comb interface (mm)

Lessthan0.5m/s – 800

Greaterthan0.5m/sandlessthan0.65m/s

– 1200

Lessthan0.65m/s Greaterthan6m 1200

Greaterthan0.65m/s – 1600

4.5.6 Angle of inclination

Escalators

Thegenerallyrecommendedmaximumangleofinclinationis30°(seeFigure14).Aninclinationof35°ispermittedforverticalriseslessthan6mandwherethespeedislessthan0.5m/s.Theinclinationofescalatorsshouldbeselectedtotakeaccountofthelocation

andtheestimatedlevelsofuse,particularlybypeoplewithmobilityimpairments.

Escalatorsshouldhaveatleasttwoorthreeflatstepsatthetopandbottom,dependingonthespeedandrise,toallowsafeandeasyaccessandtoenablepeoplewithpoorbalancetoadjusttothemovement(Table11).Thesenumbersshouldbeincreasedifalargenumberofdisabledpeoplearelikelytousetheescalators.

Flat steps at the top of an escalator are required to facilitate people getting on or off a moving surface. Note the yellow line marking the front of the treads and the side lighting set into the balustrades, which helps to highlight the step edges


78�

Fallsonboardingandleavingarethemostcommonaccidents.

Thetransitionradiusrequiredisdeterminedaccordingtothespeedandangleofinclination.

Movingwalks

Whereamovingwalkisintendedtobeusedbywheelchairusers,theangleofinclinationshouldnotbegreaterthan6°,equivalenttoapproximately1:9,asthereisariskoftippingand/orslippingatsteepergradients.Themaximumrecommendedangleofinclinationforamovingwalkwayis12°(1:4.5).

Wheretheinclinationisgreaterthan6°,themovingwalkmusthaveanupperandlowertransitioncurvesothatthepalletorbeltisflat(movingataninclinationoflessthan6°)foradistanceofatleast400mmbeforeenteringorleavingthecomb.

Inclined moving walk in a London Underground station, with flat pallets at the bottom and visually contrasting textured surface at the landing

Shopping centres

Inclinedmovingwalksarebeingincreasinglyusedinshopsandshoppingcentres,withtrolleysthatlockontothepallets.Thetypicalinclinationis10°.

4.5.7 Speed

Escalators

Themaximumspeedsrecommendedforescalatorsare0.75m/swheretheangleofinclinationis30°and0.5m/sforinclinationsof30–35°.(CIBSErecommendsaspeedof0.4m/s.)Forcomparison,theaveragewalkingspeedis1m/s.Theslowestspeedcompatiblewithtrafficneedsshouldbespecifiedasthishelpspeoplewhomovemoreslowly.


Therecommendedspeedofescalatorsinhealthcarebuildingsis0.5m/sataninclinationof30°.

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthatescalatorsinstationsshouldhaveamaximumspeedof0.65m/s.

Movingwalks

Thespeedofamovingwalkshouldbekeptlow:0.5m/sisrecommended,with0.75m/smaximum.Ifthewalkwayisinclined,themaximumspeedrecommendedis0.5m/s.

Escalatorsandmovingwalks

Someescalatorsandmovingwalksaredesignedtostartmovingonlywhensomeoneapproaches,andothershavea‘slowrun’optionwherebytheescalatorormovingwalkrunsat10percentoftheoperatingspeedduringperiodswhenthereisno-oneonitandspeedsupassomeoneapproaches;bothofthesereduceenergyconsumption.Escalatorsandmovingwalksthatstartautomaticallyonapproachshouldinitiallymovemoreslowly,withamaximumspeedof0.2×nominalspeedbeingrecommended,andthenaccelerateatlessthan0.5m/s2.


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4.5.8 Dimensions

Width

EscalatorsEscalatorsnormallyhaveatreadwidthof600mm,800mmor1000mm.1000mmispreferredasthisgivesanoverallwidthbetweentheinteriorpanelsof1200mm,whichwillallowtwopeopletostandsidebyside,andthuswillaccommodatepeoplewithwalkingaidsorwhoneedacompanionbesidethem,andthosecarryingchildren,shoppingorluggage.

MovingwalksThestandardwidthsare800mm,1000mmand1400mmupto6°and800mmand1000mmabove6°.


Therecommendedwidthinhealthcarebuildingsis1000mm,toallowpeoplewhorequireassistancetohaveanaccompanyingpersonstandingbesidethem.

Whereescalatorsareparallelandbesideeachotherthedistancebetweentheoutsideoftheadjacenthandrailsshouldbeaminimumof160mm.


LULcalculatesthemovingwalkwidthrequiredbyassuming100passengersperminutepermetrewidthataspeedof0.75m/s.Theminimumwidthis1200mm,or1400mmwhereluggagetrolleysarepermitted.

Figure14 Principal dimensions

Comb interface

30º or 35º

800–1600mmdepending on speed and rise

100–

250m

m850mmminimum

300mmminimum

380mmminimum

800–1600mmdepending on speed and rise

240m

m m

axim

um

2300

mm

min

imum

900–

1100

mm

Comb interface

Landing plate

600mmminimum

300mmminimum

850mmminimum


80�

Treadsandrisers

EscalatorsThedepthofthetreadsshouldbegreaterthan380mmandthestepheightlessthan240mm(Figure14).

Escalators,evenwhentheyarestatic,shouldnotbeconsideredasstepsorstairs.Therisersarehigherthantherecommendedheightforstepsandstairs,whichmeansthatpeoplearelikelytogoupordownmoreslowly,andtheriserstowardsthetopandbottomareofvaryingheights,whichcouldresultintripsandfalls.Inaddition,escalatorstendtobeverylongflightswith25–40steps,whichwouldbedifficultformanypeople.Peopleapproachingastaticescalatorstilltendtoexpectthatitismoving,andthismayaffecttheirbalancemomentarilyastheystepontoit. If theescalatoristobeusedasastaticstair,insomecasesasameansofescape,theriserheightshouldbereduced,butthiswillincreaseeitherthepitchorthelength.

Rail stations

Therecommendedriserheightis210–240mmifescalatorsaretobeusedasanemergencyexitwhenstationary.


Forescalatorsinatriums,LULrequiresaclearheightof3mabovelandingsandoverthewholelengthoftheescalator,measuredtothelowestpointoftheceiling,equipmentorsuspendedsigns.Wherelocalobstaclesprotrudedownwards,theheightmustbenolowerthan2.4moveramaximumlengthof2m.

This escalator goes up two storeys, whereas the one underneath goes up one storey. This can reduce congestion at the lower floor and control access to different levels of the building

Shopping centres

Forshoppingcentresthemaximumriserecommendedis6m,thatis,twostoreys.

Headroom

BSEN115:2008recommendsaclearheightaboveescalatorsof2.3mwith2.1mclearoutsidethehandrails(Figure14).

4.5.9 Flight rise

Escalators

Nomaximumriseisspecified,butnormallyescalatorsgobetweenadjacentfloors.Longerescalatorsovertheequivalentofmorethanonefloorarefoundinsomenewbuildingsand,moretraditionally,indeepundergroundsystems.


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Posts define the landing area between two moving walks and facilitate free movement while still allowing people to exit at that point

4.5.10 Landings

Escalatorsandmovingwalksarerequiredtohaveastaticlevellanding(comb)plateateitherendofatleast850mminlengthfromtherootofthecombinterface(Figure14).

Beyondthelandingplatethereshouldbeclearareastoallowforqueuingandsafemovementontoandofftheescalator,particularlyforthosewhomovemoreslowly.Oneofthegreatesthazardsisablockedegressfromanescalator.Theseunrestrictedareasshouldhaveawidthofatleastthedistancebetweentheouteredgesofthehandrailsplus80mmeachsideandbe2.5mlongfromtheendofthebalustrade.Thelengthcanbereducedto2mifthewidthisincreasedtoatleasttwicethedistancebetweentheouteredgesofthehandrailsplus80mmoneachside;notethatthisunrestrictedspaceisabout60percentlargerthanthelongerone(Figure15).

Insomeplaces,suchasairports,barriersorbollardsareplacedateitherendofescalatorsandmovingwalkstopreventpeopletakingtrolleysorotherlargewheeleditemsontothem;suchbarriersmustbepositionedsothat

A spacious landing at the top and bottom of escalators minimises the risk of congestion and blocked egress. Note the extended landing plates and moving handrails, which help to mitigate conflict between people moving directly to the next escalator and those wanting to access or leave that floor level

theydonotimpingeontheunrestrictedareaorcauseobstructions.

Wheretherearesuccessiveescalatorsormovingwalks,eachshouldhaveatleastaclearunrestrictedareaasaboveateitherend:successiveequipmentmustnotshareunrestrictedareas.Ifthereareintermediateentrancesandexitsorcross-pedestrianroutes,theintermediatelandingsshouldbeincreasedinlength.

Whereescalatorsorinclinedmovingwalkshavealockingdevicefortrolleysitisrecommendedthattheunrestrictedlandingareasareincreasedto5m.

Escalators

Wherethereareintermediateentrancesandexitsorcross-pedestrianroutes,BS5656-2:2004recommendsanincreaseinlengthofaminimumof0.5mforsingleescalatorsand1mforpairsofescalators.

Inheavilytrafficked,multilevellocations,wherethereisverticalaccessupthroughseverallevels,extendingthelandingplateandmovinghandrailbeyondtheendofthemovingtreadshelpstomitigateconflictbetweenthosegettingoff,thosegoingdirectlytothenextescalatorandthosejoiningthetravelpathtothenextescalator.


82�

Rail stations

Acleararea5mormoreinlengthisrecommendedatthetopandbottomofescalators,ifpossible;thisshouldbeincreasedinheavilytraffickedareas.


Forundergroundstations,LULhastherequirementsshowninTable12.

Table 12 LUL clear unrestricted areas

Circulation Situation Minimum distance (m)

Two-way Escalatortopassageway 6

Escalatortostreet 6

Escalatortostaircase 6–10

Escalatortoescalator 8–12

One-way Escalatortogateline 8–12

Gatelinetoescalator 6–12

Figure15 Escalator and moving walk landings

Width of handrails+ 80mm each side

2.5metres

(a)

Twice width ofhandrails + 80mmeach side

2.0metres

(b)


� 83

4.5.11 Visual identification

Thesurfaceoftheescalatorormovingwalkshouldcontrastvisuallywiththeimmediateapproachtoaidpeoplewithvisualimpairments,butthecoefficientsoffrictionofthetwosurfacesshouldbesimilar(seesection 4.5.14).Avisuallycontrastingdemarcationatthecombplateedgesisrecommended.

Rail stations

Theapproachestothetopandbottomofescalatorsshouldbeindicatedbyachangeinfloorcolouringusingaslip-resistantridgedstandardplate.

4.5.12 Nosings

Escalators

ThereisnorequirementinBSEN115:2008forvisuallycontrastingnosings.Manyescalatorsdonowhaveayellowlineonthefrontorbackedgeofthetread,andsometimesalsoateachside,whichhelpsuserstoseethatthestepsaremoving.Italsotendstodiscourageusersfromputtingtheirfeettooclosetothesidesoredgesofthetread,wheretheymaygetrubbedortrapped.


Itisrecommendedthattheborderofthestepispaintedwithayellowline.

In healthcare buildings it is recommended that there is a yellow line at the back and sides of the treads to indicate that the steps are moving; it also helps people to stand in the right place, not too close to the edge of the step. Note the wide yellow band marking the comb plate

Visually contrasting surfaces at the top and bottom of escalators assist visually impaired people to identify a change in level

Lightingcanbeusedtocreatecontrastbetweenthetreadsandtherisers(seesection 4.5.17).

Yellow lines as a nosing help to indicate that the steps are moving


84�

4.5.13 Audible identification

Inadditiontovisualandtactileidentification,anaudiblesignalorpre-recordedmessageindicatingthestartandfinishoftheescalatorormovingwalkishelpfultovisuallyimpairedpeople,butthesearenotnormallysuppliedbytheescalatormanufacturer.

4.5.14 Finishes

BSEN115:2008recommendsthattreadsandpalletmovingwalksshouldhavegroovesinthedirectionofmovement(Figure16).Theyshouldhaveamatt,non-reflectivefinish.

Inareaswherethetreadsmaygetwet,forexamplenearentrancesorinmultistoreycarparks,slipresistanceneedstobeconsidered.Thecoefficientsoffrictionbetweenthesteps,thelandingplateandunrestrictedareasshouldbesimilartominimisestumbling.

Rail stations

Theouteredgesofthestepsshouldbeclearlydefinedinacontrastingcolour,forexampleayellowline.

Figure16 Dimensions of ribbed finish for escalator treads and moving walk pallets

Escalator step metal ribbed finish

Belt-typemovingwalks

Formovingbelts,thewidthofthegroovesshouldbe4.5–7.0mm,withadepthofatleast5.0mm.Thewebwidthshouldbe4.5–8.0mm.Thesurfaceshouldprovideasecure,slip-resistantfootholdandbenon-reflective.

4.5.15 Handrails

Themovinghandrailshouldbebetween900mmand1100mmabovethestepnosingorsurfaceofthemovingwalkand,aswithhandrailsonstairs,extendaminimumof300mmateachend(Figures13and17).Thedistancebetweenthecentrelinesofthehandrailsshouldnotbemorethanthedistancebetweentheskirtingsplus450mm.Thewidthofthehandrailshouldtakeaccountoftheneedsofthosepeoplewithlimitedgripormanualdexterity;BSEN115:2008recommendsawidthof70–100mm,withaflattopsurfaceandroundedsides.

Itisimportantthatthehandrailmovesatthesamespeedastheescalatorormovingwalkasdeviationsinspeedcancausefalls.BSEN115:2008recommendsatoleranceof–0percentand+2percentandthatthereshouldbeasafetymechanismtostoptheescalatorifthespeeddeviationisgreaterthan–15percentformorethan15seconds.

Web 2.5–5mm

Groove 5.7mm

10m

m m

inim

um


� 85

4.5.16 Guarding

Guardingisrequiredtominimisethepotentialriskoffallsfromescalators,andtopreventvandalismandabuse,suchasclimbingonthe

Thehandrailshouldvisuallycontrastwithitssurroundingsandshouldincorporateavisualmeansofindicatingthatitismovingforthebenefitofvisuallyimpairedpeople;CIBSErecommendsyellowspotsonthehandrails,butthesetendtowearoffifnotregularlymaintained.

Rail stations

Itisrecommendedthathandrailshavecolourcontrastingdiscsonthem,18mmindiameterandspacedat1000mm,toindicatethatthehandrailsaremoving.

Yellow spots on the handrails of escalators and moving walks can help visually impaired people recognise that the handrail is moving, but they tend to wear off with use

outsideofbalustradesorslidingdowntheareabetweenadjacentescalatorsorescalatorsandwalls.

Escalatorsshouldhaveguardingalongeachside,andateachendtopreventpeoplewithvisualimpairmentsfrominadvertentlywalkingontototheescalatororbeingpulledoveriftheyaccidentallybumpintothemovinghandrail.

Itisrecommendedthatthepanelstotheguardingoneachsideofanescalatorshouldbeangledatleast25°andpreferablymorethan27°todiscouragechildrenfromclimbingthem(Figure17).Thepanelsshouldbesmoothwithnogapsgreaterthan4mm,shouldhaveanon-reflectivefinishandshouldnotbeback-illuminatedasthiscanbeverydisorientating.

Guardingateachendthatconnectstotheescalatorshouldbeatleastthesameheightastheescalatorhandrails,900–1100mm,andinanypotentiallyhazardoussituationitisrecommendedthatbarriersare100mmhigherthanthehandrailsandpositionedbetween80mmand120mmfromtheouteredgeofthehandrail(Figure17).

This barrier in the form of a wall extends beyond the end of the handrail and prevents people in the main circulation area of this museum inadvertently walking into the moving handrails


86�

Figure17 Section dimensions and guarding

A low, well-defined platform with a seat at the outer edge used to prevent people walking into the soffit of an escalator

The area underneath an escalator in a station can provide space for a small retail outlet or ATM

Rail stations

Whereanescalatorcanbeapproachedobliquely,barriersshouldextend10minfrontoftheescalatortoprotectvisuallyimpairedpeople.

Guardingisalsorequiredundertheopensoffitofanescalatororinclinedmovingwalkwheretheclearheadroomfromfloorlevelislessthan2100mm.

Detailedguidanceonguarding,anti-climbingandanti-slidingdevicesandaccessrestrictioneithersideoftheescalatortopreventmisuseisgiveninBSEN115:2008.

25º minimum

W+457mm maximum

50mm maximum

W = width of escalator stepsW

W+7mm

25mmminimum

Balustrade

900–

110m

m

Innerpanel

70–100mm

Position of handrailon landing side

80–120mmmaximum

Guarding

120mmmaximum

100m

m m

inim

um


� 87

Rail stations

TheEuropeanstandardstatesthat,whereartificiallightingisused,thelevelshouldbe40luxabovetheambientsurroundinglightlevelsandhaveacoldercolourtemperature.

Itisrecommendedthatthelightingleveloverstepsandstairsisincreasedto150–200lux,withasmoothtransition.

4.5.17 Lighting

Escalatorsandmovingwalksshouldbewelllit,withaminimumilluminanceof50luxatthetreadsand100luxatthelandings;theSLLrecommendsanilluminanceof150lux.Theselightinglevelsshouldbeconsideredinrelationtotheilluminanceofthesurroundingspacessothattherearenotabruptchanges,whichcancauseproblemstopeoplewhocannotadjusttodifferentlightinglevelsquickly.

Escalators

Lightingatrightanglestothestepscanhelptodefinethetreadsandtherisers,andwillreduceglare.

4.5.18 Acoustics

Escalatorsandmovingwalksinevitablygeneratesomenoiseandvibration.Theyshouldbelocatedwheretheycauseminimumdisturbance,andstructuralelementsofthebuildingassociatedwiththemshouldnotpenetrateareasorroomsthatarerequiredtobequiet.Wherethefunctionofthebuildingrequiresit(forexample,schools,hospitals,libraries)thewalls,floorsandceilingsaroundtheescalatorsandtheirmachineroomsshouldbesoundabsorbent.

Guarding at the side of the inclined moving walk is higher than the handrail, as recommended, and has a protective rail at the bottom, and there is guarding at the end to prevent access. However, the unprotected end of the moving handrail could be a potential hazard to people with visual impairments, although there is clear visual contrast of floor surface

Strip lighting set into the skirting helps to highlight the step edges and providing a visually contrasting line either side of the moving steps


88�

Movingwalks

Theemergencystopswitchesmustnotbemorethan40mapartalongthelengthofamovingwalk.

An emergency stop button on the front face of the skirting at the end of an escalator is not easily visible or accessible, whereas one placed above the handrail or on the area between two escalators is clearly visible and accessible.

Shopping centres

Wheremovingwalksareusedinshoppingcentres,theHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)recommendsthatadditionalemergencyswitchesareinstalledatexits2mbeforeandafterthecombintersectionlineabovehandraillevel.Theonebeforethecombintersectionlineshouldbereachablefrominsidethemovingwalk;theoneafterthecombintersectionlineshouldbereachableoutsidethemovingwalksothatnon-userscanactivateitiftheyseesomepeoplestrugglingtoexitoranyotherpotentialemergencysituation.

4.5.19 Emergency switches

Emergencyswitchestostopanescalatorormovingwalkmustbeclearlyvisible,positionedsothattheycanbereachedbyallusers,andusablebypeoplewithlimiteddexterity.Theyshouldnotrequiremuchpressure(2.5–5newtons)anditshouldbepossibletousethemwiththepalmofthehand.Theyshouldberedandmarked‘STOP’.

IfCCTVisused,thecameranearesttoanemergencystopbuttonshouldbeinterfacedtoitviathebuildingmanagementsystem(BMS).Thiswillimmediatelyputaviewoftheincidentinfrontofthecontrolroomoperatorratherthanincurringadelaywhileacameraissought.

Escalators

Emergencystopswitchesmustnotbemorethan30mapart,andtheremustbeoneateachendofanescalatornearthelandings.


� 89

4.6� Escalators�used�as�a�means�of�escape

Insomecircumstanceswhereitisnotpossibletoprovideescapestairs,suchasundergroundstations,escalatorsareusedasameansofescapeaspartofapredeterminedemergencystrategy.Themainconsiderationsare:

• protectiontotheescalator• differentoperationalmodesduringan

emergency• communicationsystems

Ifescalatorsaretobeusedintheeventofafire,protectionshouldbeprovidedtoensurethatcompartmentationisnotcompromisedandthatthoseusingtheescalatorareprotectedfromfirehazards.Dependingonthetypeofbuilding,thismaycomprisefireshutters,firedoorsand/orasmokecontrolsystem.

GuidanceontheuseofescalatorsasameansofescapeiscoveredinBD2466:Guidance on the emergency use of lifts or escalators for evacuation and fire and rescue service operations.

4.6.1 Operational modes

Therearethreeoperationalmodesthatcanbeemployedintheeventofanemergencyevacuation:

• normaloperation,withstaffpreventingpeoplegettingonescalatorsgoingintheoppositedirection

• stoppingescalatorsmovingintheoppositedirectiontotheescapeandallowingthemtobeusedasstairs,butthisisnotidealastherisersvaryinheightandaresteeperthannormalstairs(seeabove).LULspecifiesamaximumstepriseof210mminthissituation

• reversingthedirectionofescalatorsmovingintheoppositedirectiontothe

escape,whichwilltaketimeandmorestaffresources

4.6.2 Communications

Agoodcommunicationsystemisrequiredtoalertbothstaffandpublicabouttheuseoftheescalators.Particularcareandcontrolareneededtoavoidacrushatthedischargepointoftheescalatoranditshouldbepossibletostoptheescalatorbothlocallyandfromacentralcontrolroomtopreventthis.

4.7� Historic�buildings

Stepsandstairsinhistoriclandscapesandbuildingsarelikelytohavearchitecturalorhistoricsignificance,anditmaynotbeappropriateorreasonabletochangethemtomeetthecurrentregulationsandrecommendations.HistoricbuildingsarenotexemptfrommakingchangestoimproveaccessundertheDDA,whichrequiresreasonablechangestobemade,butchangeshavetobebalancedwiththeneedtoconservethearchitecturalandhistoricfeaturesofthebuildingorlandscape.Listedbuildingconsentwillbeneededforanyalterationorextensionthataffectsthefabricorcharacterofalistedbuilding,anditisadvisabletoseektheadviceofaconservationarchitect,buildingconservationofficer,historicbuildingsurveyororlocalplanningauthoritytoassesswhatchangesarelikelytobeacceptable.Anyalterationsandchangesneedtobeverycarefullyimplementedthroughasensitiveinterpretationoftheguidanceincorporatingandbalancinghuman,environmentalandconservationneeds.Thegeneralmaximisthatanyalterationshouldbereversibleandshouldnotaffectthefabricoftheoriginalbuilding.Ifabuildinghasalreadybeenalteredinthepasttheremaybegreaterscopeforaccessimprovementsintheseareas,whichmaybeconsideredoflesssignificancethanoriginalpartsofthebuilding.


90�


Existingstepsandstairsinanhistoricenvironment,particularlystepsuptothemainentranceorthemaininternalstaircase,arelikelytobeanarchitecturalfeatureorsignificantdesignelements,andtheremaynotbeanoptiontomakemajoralterations.Therefore,alternativeaccessneedstobeconsidered,suchasanalternativeroute,aramporlift,ideallyforusebyeveryone,notjustwheelchairusersandthoseunabletonegotiatestepsandstairs.Wherepossiblethereshouldbeachoiceofroutesandthealternativeroutesshouldbeclearlysigned.

• installinglightingtocreateshadowstohighlighttheedgeofthestepsorstairs

• providingvisualortactilecontrastsinsurfacingthattieinwithexistingsitematerialstowarnofhazard

• repairingwornordamagedsteps• providinghandrailsthatdonot

compromisetheaestheticsordimensionsofthestepsorstairs,andwhichcanberemoved–onwiderstepsitmaybepossibletoinstallacentralhandrailratherthanahandrailonbothsides

• indicatingthestepsonatactilemaporaudioguide

Externalsteps

Wheretherearestepsuptothemainentranceofabuilding,theoptionsforstep-freeaccessareadifferententranceatgroundlevel,aramp(seebelow)oraplatformorstairlift.

Theremaybeacaseforanalternativeinclusivemainentranceatgroundlevelforallvisitors,thuspreservingthefeaturestairandentrancewithouttheclutterofticketing,securityandcloakroomsthataccompaniesacontemporaryentrance.Verticalaccesscanbeaddressedwithinthebuilding,but,ifthisisnotfeasible,alternativeaccessibleaccessshouldbeclearlysignedfromthemainapproachroute.

Historicareasaremoresensitivetothecolourandtypesofpavingusedandthereforeitmaynotbeappropriatetoprovidestandardtactilehazardwarningsurfacesatthetopandbottomofthesteps,butitmaybepossibletoprovidesomevisualortexturalcontrasttoprovideahazardwarning.Manyvisuallyimpairedpeoplestillhavepartialsightandcandistinguishbetweencontrastingshades,whichhelpsthemrecognisewherepotentialhazardsexist.

A ramp has been sensitively added to this small garden to provide step-free access to an historic churchyard in this museum

Improvementsthatmaybemadetosteps/stairswithoutphysicallyalteringthemormateriallychangingtheircharacteroraestheticsinclude:

• addingcontrastingnosings,whichcanberemoved,forexampleremovablepaint–adhesivetapeisgenerallynotrecommended,butmaybetheonlypossiblesolution


� 91

Lifting steps in Germany provide step-free access to the main entrance of this museum without altering the fabric of the building and maintaining its external appearance

Itisimportanttokeepexternalsteps,particularlyiftheyareuneven,clearofalgae,plants,leavesandloosegravelandtoremovesnowandice,allofwhichwillreducetheirslipresistanceandcreatepotentialslipandtriphazards(seeSection 5).

Internalstairs

Internally,ideallyapassengerliftshouldbeinstalledtogiveaccesstoupperandlowerfloorsifspaceandconservationrequirementspermit.Thismaybepossibleif,forexample,thereareclosetsoccurringinthesamelocationonseveralfloors.Ifitisnotfeasibletoinstallaliftwithinthebuildingitmaybepossibletoprovideanindependentexternalliftaccessedfromeachfloorlevel.Whereitisnotpossibletoimprovethemainstaircaseinabuilding,itmaybepossibletoimproveasecondarystaircasetoclosermeettherequirementsand/ortoinstallaplatformorstairlift.Whereitisprovenimpossibletoprovidestep-freeaccesstoupperandlowerfloors,a‘virtualtour’bymeansofavideomaybetheonlyreasonableoption.

These stairs are inside the entrance to a listed building. To provide wheelchair access, half the stairs slide away and a glazed barrier rises from the floor at the top. A section of the lower floor then rises as a platform lift. As the platform ascends the glass screen lowers into the floor, giving level access at the top. When the platform lift is not in use the central barrier and handrail can be removed to enable people transporting large items to use the stairs


92�

Metalstairswithperforatedtreads,suchascastiron,oftenfoundinanhistoricbuilding,mayconfusevisuallyimpairedpeople,andanalternativeshouldideallybeprovided.

4.7.2 Ramps

Externalramps

Existingexternalrampsorsteepslopesmaybedifficulttochangeastheyarelikelytobeafeatureofthesite.Itmaybepossibletoprovideanalternativeroutethatbettermeetscurrentrecommendations;alternatively,providinginformationonroutes,restingplaceswithseats,andpoweredscooterswillallhelptoimproveaccessfordisabledpeople.Surfacesarealsoimportant:wherepossible,gravelandcobbledsurfacesshouldbereplacedwithlevel,smoothsurfaces.

Steppedrampsarenotrecommendedastheyaredifficultforpeoplewithlimitedmobilityandmaybedifficultforpeoplewithvisualimpairments.Iftheyareunavoidable,tactileindicatorsonthehandrailsateachstepmayassist.

Wherearampisaddedtothefrontorsideofabuildingasanalternativetoexistingsteps,itssymmetryandscaleshouldrelatetothestepsandtheelevationofthebuildingandmaterialsandanydetailingshouldbecompatible.Ifnotobvious,itshouldbeclearlysignedinwordsandgraphics.Whereanextremelevelchangewouldrequirealong,circuitousramporwherespaceislimited,ashort-riseliftmaybeappropriateeitherasanalternativeorinadditiontotheramp.

Curved ramps have been added to either side of the entrance steps to this historic office building, maintaining the symmetry and without compromising the appearance or fabric of the building. Although there are not handrails on both sides of the ramps, with the ramps either side of the central steps there is still a choice of left- or right-hand support

A simple solution to these wide, small-rise steps to the entrance of this historic building is a central slope dividing them, minimising the intervention and maintaining the symmetry


� 93

The space between two existing historic buildings has been covered with a glazed roof to link them together and gently graded to avoid single steps

A ramp utilising the space to the side of these steps provides step-free access to the main entrance of this office building without intruding on the pavement

Internalramps

Internalrampsarenotnormallyexistingfeatures,butshould,wherepossible,beprovidedtoreplacesinglesteps.Theyarealsooftenpreferabletoplatformliftsforashortflightofstairsastheycaterformorepeoplebutmaybedifficulttoprovideowingtospacerestrictionsordamagetothefabricofbuilding.Inexceptionalcircumstancesarampsteeperthan1:12overashortdistancemaybeacceptable,althoughitwillnotbesuitableforallwheelchairusersanditisimportantthatappropriateinformationisprovided.Inprovidinganewinternalramp,accountmustbetakenofhistoricdesignfeaturessuchasskirtings,plinthsordadorails,andtheinstallationmayneedtobereversible.

This etched glass ramp has been installed over the area behind the existing railings to provide step-free access to the main entrance of this office building, while still allowing light into the basement area


94�

ofthebuilding,butcaremustbetakentoensurethattheirpositioningdoesnotcreateanadditionaltriphazardandthattheyareproperlymanaged.Emergencyegresswillalsoneedtobeplannedandmanagedtoensurethesafetyofallstaffandvisitors.

A recent refurbishment of this heritage property eliminated small changes in level where possible by altering floor levels. Where level changes could not be avoided, both steps and ramp were provided, which almost achieved inclusive design standards current at the time. The changes were effectively reversible without undue impact on the historic fabric

©C

ity

Brid

geT

rust

©C

ity

Brid

geT

rust

©C

ity

Brid

geT

rust

A glass sloping bridge providing a link between two upper areas of this museum has minimum impact on the appearance of the building and lets light through to the lower main circulation area

A portable ramp with upstand edges used in an historic building to overcome a single step

Temporary/portableramps

Insomecasesatemporaryorportableramp(seeabove)maybetheonlysolutiontopreservethearchitecturalfeaturesorfabric


� 95

4.7.3 Handrails

Handrailsareoftenadecorativeandhighlyvisiblefeaturebutareunlikelytomeetthecurrentstandardsintheirprofileorforextensions.Itmaynotbeacceptabletochangethemasnewhandrailsconformingtothecurrentstandardswouldinevitablyimpactonthecharacteroftheexistingspacesandfeatures.

Although it does not meet all the recommendations, a second matching handrail may be the best solution in an historic environment

A simple additional handrail, fixed to the timber stairs, does not damage the decorative walls or this historic house and is easily removable

The central glass balustrade to this dogleg ramp provides support for the handrail and has minimum impact on the appearance of the building

Wherethereisahandrailononlyonesideofthestairs,itmaybereasonabletomatchtheexistinghandrailontheothersideevenifitdoesnotfullycomplywithcurrentstandards.Anotherpossibleoptionistoaddanadditionalhandrail,providingitcouldberemovedifnecessaryandthefixingsdonotdamagethefabricofthebuilding.

� 97

� 97

5Building�management

5.1� Cleaning

Regularcleaningofsteps,stairs,ramps,escalatorsandmovingwalksisessentialtoensuretheirsafeuse.Treadsandrampsurfacesmustbekeptfreefromobstructionswhichcouldpresentatriphazard.Litterandorganicmatterarelikelytobeasliportriphazard,andcontaminationfromdust,dirt,water,oilorotherliquidswillaffectthephysicalpropertiesofthefinishes,suchasreducingslipresistance.Forescalatorsandmovingwalks,cleaningwillalsohelptomaintaintheirsafeandefficientoperation.Effectivecleaningwithappropriatematerialsandequipmentwillalsohelpto

maintaintheappearanceandthedurabilityofthefinishes.

Thefrequencyofcleaningandmaintenanceshouldbedeterminedbythenumberandtypeofusers,andlocation.Moststairswillrequiredailycleaning,regulardeepcleaningandpotentialrepairs,andperiodicredecoration.Internalstairs,rampsandescalatorsneartobuildingentrancesarelikelytoneedmorefrequentcleaning.

Thecleaningregimeintermsofmethod,equipmentandmaterialsmustbeappropriatetothefinishes.Manufacturersofflooringproductsgenerallyprovideinstructionsforcleaningand,similarly,cleaningmaterialsprovideguidancefortheiruseandapplication;theseshouldalwaysbefollowed.Insufficientcleaningcanleadtoabuild-upofdebrisandrubbish,which,insomesituations,maycreateafirehazardor,inthecaseofescalatorsandmovingwalkways,maybecometrappedinthemachinery,causingresistancetomovementandresultinginheatgenerationandpotentialfailure.Cleaningusingthewrongequipmentormaterialscanirreversiblydamagethefinishes,reducingtheirperformanceandlifeexpectancy,forexamplereducingtheroughnessofasurfaceandthusitsslipresistanceorchangingthecolourandreflectanceofthesurface.Poorcleaningcanresultincontaminantsorcleaningmaterials(detergents,polish)remainingonthesurfaces,whichwillsimilarlyaffectperformance,appearanceanddurability.

Detergentsusedforcleaningshouldbeasneutralaspossible.Solventcleanersand

These steps linking a major road to a busy interchange station, on the boundary of two boroughs, were not cleaned because the two rail organisations and the local authorities concerned could not agree whose responsibility it was. Because of the accumulated litter they were a potential slip and trip hazard. The situation was resolved following a photographic campaign from a local user and the steps are now cleaned regularly

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alkalineorcausticdetergentsshouldbeavoidedifpossibleastheypresentahealthandsafetyhazardtothoseusingthemandmaydamagesomesurfaces.Ifdetergentsareused,theymustberinsedoffthoroughlywithcleanwatersothatnoresidueremains.

Nosingsonstepsandstairsareparticularlyvulnerabletobothdamageandwearduetocleaning,whichcouldaffecttheirpotentialfortrips,slipresistance,reflectivity,colourandvisualcontrast,andgreatcareshouldbetakentoensurethattheirintegrityisretained.

towarnusersandpreferablykeepthemoffthewetareasor,wherethereisasignificantriskofslipping,amemberofthefacilitiesmanagementteamshouldbepresenttowarnandguidepeopleawayfromthewetareaassignsmaynotbeadequate.Caremustbetakenthatthebarriersandsigndonotthemselvesconstituteanobstructionortriphazard.Ideally,cleaningshouldtakeplaceataquiettime,oranalternativerouteshouldbeavailable.

Ifspillagesorotheraccidentalcontaminationoccur,thesemustbeeithercleareduporreportedtomaintenancestaffimmediately.

Regularandeffectivecleaningshouldbeapriorityforbuildingmanagement.Cleaningfrequencyandregimesshouldbespecifiedintheoperationandmaintenancemanuals,butmustalsobemanagedtoensurethattherequirementsareunderstoodbythestaffresponsible,correctlyimplementedandmonitored,andreviewedandimprovedifnecessary.

5.2� Inspection�and�maintenance

5.2.1 Steps, stairs and ramps

Inspectionandmaintenanceareessentialtoensurethesafety,usabilityandappearanceofsteps,stairsandramps.Poormaintenancecanalsoresultinpeoplefeelinglesssecure.

Thereshouldbearegularprogrammeofinspectiontocheckfordamageandgeneralwearandtear,followedbyanynecessarymaintenancerequiredto:

• retaintheoriginalappearance:colour,visualcontrast,reflectivity

• retaintheslipresistanceofstairtreads,rampsandlandings

• retaintheintegrityofnosings:wear,slipresistance,visualcontrast,reflectivity

This cracked nosing is a potential slip hazard

Externalstepsandrampsneedtobekeptclearofmossandalgaeandwillneedextracleaningatcertaintimesoftheyear,toremovesnowandiceinthewinter,andpollenandleavesinthespringandautumn.Anti-icingfluidsshouldbeusedwithgreatcareastheytendtoleaveagreasyfilmonthesurface,creatingapotentialsliphazard.Anydrainageholesmustbekeptcleartoavoidponding.

Greatcaremustbetakenthatinternalstairsandrampsarenotleftwetaftercleaningiftheyareintendedtobeused,asthiswillaffecttheirslipresistance,appearanceandreflectivity.Ifpossible,theyshouldbecleanedtoacompletelydryfinish;ifthisisnotpossible,barriersandsignsshouldbeused

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• ensurethatthenosingsaresecurelyfixedandflushsothattheydonotpresentatriphazard

• checkandreplaceloosehandrailandbalustradefixingssothattheyprovideadequatesupportforthosethatneedtousethemandintheeventofafall

• maintainlightinglevelsbyreplacingfaultyornon-functioninglamps.Astudyrelatingtostairwayfallsandlightingshowedthat,whenlightlevelswerereducedfrom86luxto22lux,accidentratesincreasedfrom11percentto22percent

Regularinspectionandmaintenancerequirementsshouldbeincludedintheoperationandmaintenancemanuals.Allmaintenanceworkshouldbecarriedoutpromptlyandcorrectly,andreplacementofsurfaces,nosings,handrailsandbalustradesdoneasnecessary.

5.2.2 Escalators and moving walks

TheinspectionandmaintenanceofescalatorsandmovingwalkscomesundertheHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulationsandPUWER.Therequirementsforthecleaning,inspectionandmaintenanceofescalatorsandmovingwalks,andtherecordsthatmustbekept,mustbeincludedintheinstructionhandbookrelatingtouse,maintenance,inspection,periodicchecksandrescueoperationsthatmustbeprovidedwithallinstallations.TheseinstructionsmustbeinaccordancewithENISO12100-2 Safety of machinery – Basic concepts, general principles for design – Part 2: Technical principles. FurtherguidanceisgiveninEN13015:2001Maintenance for lifts and escalators. Rules for maintenance instructions.Ownersofasignificantnumberofescalatorsandmovingwalksnormallycarryoutathoroughinspectionevery6months.Escalatorsandmovingwalksrequireamajoroverhaul,lastingabout9months,atleastevery20years.

� 101

� 101

appendix:�Sources�of�useful�information

British Standards Institution (BSI)389ChiswickHighRoadLondonW44ALTel:02089969000Fax:02089967001Email:[email protected]:www.bsi.org.uk

PublishesBritishStandards.

Building Research Establishment (BRE)BucknallsLaneGarstonWatfordWD259XXTel:01923664000Fax:01923664010Email:[email protected]:www.bre.co.uk

BREundertakesresearchandprovidesguidanceonallaspectsofconstruction.

Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE)70SouthLambethRoadLondonSW81RLTel/textphone:02078400125Fax:02078405811Email:[email protected]:www.cae.org.uk

Providestechnicalinformation,trainingandconsultancyonmakingbuildingsaccessibletoallusers,includingdisabledandolderpeopleandcarersofyoungchildren.

Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE)222BalhamHighRoadLondonSW129BSTel:02086755211Fax:02086755449Email:Website:www.cibse.org

UK-basedinstitutionforbuildingservices.

Construction Products Association26StoreStreetLondonWC1E7BTTel:02073233770Fax:02073230307Email:[email protected]:www.constprod.org.uk

Tradeassociationrepresentingmanufacturersandsuppliersofconstructionproducts,componentsandfittings.

Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP)BuildingRegulationsUnitPropertiesDivision10thFloor,RiverHouse48HighStreetBelfastBT12AWTel:02890257326Fax:02890518359Email:[email protected]:www.dfpni.gov.uk

ForinformationontheNorthernIrelandTechnicalBooklets.

Appendix:Sourcesofusefulinformation

102�

Communities and Local Government (DCLG)ElandHouseBressendenPlaceLondonSW1E5DUTel:02079444400Fax:02079449645Email:[email protected]:www.communities.gsi.gov.uk

ForinformationontheBuildingRegulations.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)3MoreLondonRiversideTooleyStreetLondonSE12RGTel:02031170235Fax:02074077557Email:[email protected]:www.equalityhumanrights.com

Promotesequalityandhumanrightsbyprovidingadviceandguidance,workingtoimplementaneffectivelegislativeframeworkandraisingawarenessofpeople’srights.AlsohasofficesinGlasgow,CardiffandManchester.

The Equality Commission for Northern IrelandEqualityHouse7–9ShaftesburySquareBelfastBT27DPTel:02890500600Fax:02890248687Textphone:02890500589Email:[email protected]

Workstowardstheeliminationofdiscriminationandkeepstherelevantlegislationunderreview.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)InformationServicesCaerphillyParkCaerphillyCF833GGTel:08453450055Fax:08454089566Email:[email protected]:www.hse.gov.uk

Governmentagencyresponsibleforregulating,providingguidanceandmonitoringhealthandsafety.Seewebsiteforregionaloffices.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)66PortlandPlaceLondonW1B1ADPublicinformationline:09063020400Tel:02075805533Fax:02072551541Email:[email protected]:www.architecture.com

TheRIBAadvancesarchitecturebydemonstratingbenefittosocietyandexcellenceintheprofession.

Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA)DenholmHouseAlmondvaleBusinessParkLivingstonWestLothianEH546GATel:01506600400Fax:01506600401Email:[email protected]:www.sbsa.gov.uk

ForinformationontheScottishTechnicalHandbooks.

Smithers Rapra TechnologyShawburyShrewsburyShropshireSY44NRTel:01939250383Fax:01939251118Email:[email protected]:www.rapra.net

Contractconsultancy,technicalandcommercial,specialisinginrubberandplastics.AlsohomeoftheUKSlipResistanceGroup.

Sport England3rdFloorVictoriaHouseBloomsburySquareLondonWC1B4SETel:08458508508Fax:02073835740Email:[email protected]:www.sportengland.org

Appendix:Sourcesofusefulinformation

� 103

SportScotlandCaledoniaHouseSouthGyleEdinburghEH129DQTel:01313177200Fax:01313177202Email:[email protected]:www.sportscotland.org.uk

The Safety Assessment FederationUnit4,FirstFloor70SouthLambethRoad,VauxhallLondonSW81RLTel:02075823208Fax:02077350286Email:[email protected]:www.safed.co.uk

The Stationery Office LimitedPOBox29DukeStreetNorwichNR31GNTel:08706005522Fax:08706005533Email:[email protected]:www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

SellsprintedversionsofanyitemoflegislationoranyotherofficialpublicationpreviouslypublishedbyHMSO.

� 104� 105

� 104� 105

References

Legislation

The Building Regulations 2000

ApprovedDocumentB:Fire safety – Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses,2006editionNBS,2006

ApprovedDocumentK: Protection from falling, collision and impact, 1998editionincorporating2000amendmentsNBS,2006

ApprovedDocumentM:Access to and use of buildings,2004editionNBS,2006

The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000

Technicalbooklets

E:2005–Fire safetyGreatBritainDepartmentofFinanceandPersonnel(NorthernIreland)TheStationeryOffice,2005

H:2006–Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impactGreatBritainDepartmentofFinanceandPersonnel(NorthernIreland)TheStationeryOffice,2006

R:2006–Access and use of buildingsGreatBritainDepartmentofFinanceandPersonnel(NorthernIreland)TheStationeryOffice,2006

Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Non-domestic technical handbook, 2007,updated2009ScottishExecutiveTheStationeryOffice,2007

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007HealthandSafetyExecutive,2007

Managing health and safety in construction: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) – Approved Code of PracticeHealthandSafetyExecutive,2007

Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 DepartmentofWorkandPensions

Statutory Instrument 1992 No. 3004, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992TheStationeryOffice,1992

Statutory Instrument 1991 No. 1620, The Construction Products Regulations 1994 TheStationeryOffice,1994

References

106�

Technical Specifications for interoperability: personas with reduced mobilityOfficefortheOfficialPublicationsoftheEuropeanCommunities,2008)

Standards�and�codes�of�practice

BS1134-1:1988Assessment of surface texture. Method and instrumentationBritishStandardsInstitution,1988

BS5395-1:2010 Stairs, ladders and walks. Code of practice for the design, construction and maintenance of straight stairs and windersBritishStandardsInstitution,2010

BS5395-2:1984Stairs, ladders and walks. Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairsBritishStandardsInstitution,1984

BS5656-1:1997Safety rules for the construction and installation of escalators and passenger convoys. Specification and proformas for test and examination of new installationsBritishStandardsInstitution,1997

BS5656-2:2004Escalator and moving walks. Safety rules for the construction and installation of escalators and moving walks. Code of practice for the selection, installation and location of new escalators and moving walksBritishStandardsInstitution,2004

BS6180:1999Code of practice for barriers in and around buildingsBritishStandardsInstitution,1999

BS6399-1:1996Loading for buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed loadsBritishStandardsInstitution,1996

BS7000-6:2005Design management systems. Managing inclusive designBritishStandardsInstitution,2005

BS7976-1:2002Pendulum testers. SpecificationBritishStandardsInstitution,2002

BS7976-2:2002Pendulum testers. Method of operationBritishStandardsInstitution,2002

BS8233:1999Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Code of practiceBritishStandardsInstitution,1999

BS8300:2009Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of practiceBritishStandardsInstitution,2009

BS9999:2008Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildingsBritishStandardsInstitution,2008

BSEN115:2008 Safety of escalators and moving walks. Construction and installationBritishStandardsInstitution,2008

DDCEN/TS15209:2008 Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stoneBritishStandardsInstitution,2008(ThisreplacesBS7997:2003Specification of products for tactile paving surface indicators)

EN1929-2:2004Basket trolleys: Requirements, tests and inspection for basket trolleys with or without a child carrying facility, intended to be used on passenger conveyorsBritishStandardsInstitution,2004

ENISO12100-2:2003Safety of machinery – Basic concepts, general principles for design – Part 2: Technical PrinciplesInternationalOrganizationforStandardization,2003

References

� 107

BSEN13015:2001Maintenanceforliftsandescalators.RulesformaintenanceinstructionsBritishStandardsInstitution,2001

Accessible train and station design for disabled people: a code of practiceDepartmentofTransport,2008

Code for interior lightingCharteredInstitutionofBuildingServicesEngineers,1997

Code for lightingSocietyofLightandLighting,2006

Code of practice – Employment and occupation DisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2004

Code of practice for providers of post-16 education and related services DisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2006

Code of practice for schools DisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2002

Code of practice – Rights of access to goods, facilities, services and premises DisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2006

Code of Practice – Trade organisations and qualification bodiesDisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2004

BuildingBulletin102: Designing schools for children and young people with special educational needsDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies,2008

BuildingBulletin100:Design for fire safety in schools DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies,2007

StandardSpecifications,LayoutsandDimensions(SSLD)6: Internal stairways in SchoolsDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies,2008

LULG-371A:Station Planning Standards and Guidelines – Good Practice Guide,IssueA2LondonUndergroundLimited,2007

LUL1-133 Premises – Stairways and Ramps, IssueA7LondonUndergroundLimited,May2009

The Duty to Promote Disability Equality – Statutory Code of PracticeDisabilityRightsCommissionTheStationeryOffice,2005

Other publications

Accessible sports facilitiesSportEngland,tobepublished2010

HSETechnicalInformationSheet: Assessing the slip resistance of flooringHealthandSafetyExecutive,2007

Building sightPeterBarker,JonBarrickandRodWilsonRoyalNationalInstitutefortheBlind,1995

Buildings for all to use 2: Improving the accessibility of public buildings and environments, C610KBright,SFlanagan,JEmbleton,LSelbekk,GCookCIRIA,2004

References

108�� 109

Colour and contrast – A design guide for the use of colour and contrast to improve built environments for visually impaired people(CDROM)TheUniversityofReading/ICIPaints,2001

Design of disabled access ramps, CLG Research Project 36/8/272 BuildingResearchEstablishmentCommunitiesandLocalGovernment,2003

Easy access to historic buildingsEnglishHeritage,2004

Easy access to historic landscapes EnglishHeritage,2005

Falls on stairways – Literature reviewReportNumberHSL/2005/10HealthandSafetyLaboratory,2005

Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfacesTheStationeryOffice,1999

BD2466:Guidance on the emergency use of lifts or escalators for evacuation and fire and rescue service operationsDepartmentofCommunitiesandLocalGovernment,2009

Guidance on inclined moving walks in retail premisesLocalAuthorityCircularHealthandSafetyExecutive/LocalAuthoritiesEnforcementLiaisonCommittee(HELA),2006

Guidelines for the safe operation of escalators and moving walks: 2009TheSafetyAssessmentFederation,2009(tobepublishedinearly2010)

Inclusive mobility – A guide to best practice on access to pedestrian and transport infrastructureDETRTheStationeryOffice,2005

BREIP15/03: Proprietary nosings for non-domestic stairs BuildingResearchEstablishment,2003

Slips and tripsHealthandSafetyExecutive,2002

The assessment of pedestrian slip risk.The HSE approachHealthandSafetyExecutive,2004

CIBSEGuideD: Transportation systems in buildings CIBSE,2005

CIRIAC652:Safer surfaces to walk on – Reducing the risk of slipping Carpenter,DLazarusandCPerkinsCIRIA,2006

Sign design guide – A guide to inclusive signage PBarkerandJFraserJMUAccessPartnershipandTheSignDesignSociety,2000

Specifier’s handbook – Internal floor finishesAAldersonCAEandRIBA,2006

� 109

aabrasionresistance,finishes,17access,9

DisabilityDiscriminationAct(DDA)(1995and2005),4

Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice,8

accidents,1escalators,1–2movingwalks,1–2,68stairs,23

acoustics,21–22escalators,87internalstairs,44stairs,44

adhesivetape,nosings,36alternativeaccess

historicalbuildings,90ramps,3

aluminiumnosings,37angleofinclination

escalators,14,76–77movingwalks,14,77

anti-icingfluids,17,98ApprovedDocumentB(FireSafety),3ApprovedDocumentK,3

guarding,42rampguarding,59stairflightrise,33

ApprovedDocumentM,3handraildimensions,61

artificiallighting,21Assessing the Slip Resistance of Flooring(HSE),16audibleidentification,15

escalators,84

Bbalustrades,xibarriers,BS6180:199,9,20blindnessseevisualimpairmentsBritishandEuropeanStandards,6–7

stairs,23see alsoindividual standards under BS

BritishStandardsInstitution(BSI),101BS1134-1:1998

roughness,16slipresistance,16

BS5395-1:2000,7slipresistance,16stairdesign,23treads,12

BS5656-2:2004,7escalatorregulations,70

BS6180:1999barriers,20guarding,42rampguarding,59

BS6399-1:1996,handrailfixings,65BS7976-2:2002,slipresistance,16BS8233:1999,acoustics,22BS8300:2009,3,6–7

flightrise,33guarding,42identification,15nosings,35rampdimensions,55(Figure)rampgradient,51,52(Table)ramplandings,55signage,10stairdesign,23stairlighting,43treaddimensions,29

BS9999:2008,7BSEN115:2008,7

escalatorfinishes,83,84escalatorguarding,86escalatornosings,83escalatorregulations,70escalatorsignage,73–74movingwalkcapacity,74signage,10

BuildingBulletin102,8buildingregulations,3–4

see alsospecific documentsBuildingResearchEstablishment(BRE),101bull-nosetraditionaledge,32(Figure)

Index

Index

110�

Ccapacity,10–11

escalators,11,74,75(Table)movingwalks,11,74,75(Table)

carpet,deep-pile,41CentreforAccessibleEnvironments(CAE),101chamferedroundededge,32(Figure)CharteredInstituteofBuildingServiceEngineers

(CIBSE)contactinformation,101GuideD,10–11

children,handrails,62cleaning,97–98

finishes,22ramps,59–60slipresistance,16stairs,44

coefficientoffriction,corduroyhazardwarningsurface,38

combinterfaces,xicombplates,xicombs,xiCommissionInternationaledel’Eclairage(CIE),

lighting,21communalstaircases,wearresistance,18(Table)configuration,11–12

stairs,11,27–28ConstructionProductsAssociation,101ConstructionProductsRegulations(CPR)1994,4Construction(DesignandManagement)

Regulations2007,5–6contamination,17

slipresistance,15context,1–2corduroyhazardwarningsurface

coefficientoffriction,38DDCEN/TS15209:2008,38definition,xdimensions,38(Figure),39(Figure)externallandings,38internalstairs,40rampidentification,56

criss-crossescalators,76(Figure)

DDDCEN/TS15209:2008,7

corduroyhazardwarningsurface,38deep-pilecarpet,41DepartmentforCommunitiesandLocal

Government(DCLG),101–102DepartmentofFinanceandPersonnel(DFP),101DepartmentofTradeandIndustry,accidents,1detergents,97–98

dimensions,12–13disabilities,handrails,18–19DisabilityDiscriminationAct(DDA)(1995and

2005),4–5double-scissorescalators,76(Figure)

Eemergencyswitches,88EN13015:2001,99England,buildingregulations,3ENISO121000-2,99entrancebarriers,escalators,81EqualityandHumanRightsCommission(EHRC),

102TheEqualityCommissionforNorthernIreland,102escalators,67–68

accidents,1–2acoustics,87angleofinclination,14,76–77audibleidentification,84capacity,11,74,75(Table)categories,70(Table)configuration,12,75–76see alsospecific configurationscriss-cross,76(Figure)definition,xidimensions,13,79(Figure)double-scissor,76(Figure)emergencyswitches,88entrancebarriers,81falls,68finishes,84,84(Figure)flightrise,12,80guarding,85–86,86(Figure)handrails,84–85headroom,80healthcarebuildings,71,78,79,83identification,83,84instructionhandbooks,70landings,80–82,82(Figure)lifts,inadditionto,70lighting,87location,72maintenance,99asmeansofescape,89minimumhorizontaldistance,76–77,76(Table)mobilityproblems,67nosings,83–84provision,70–71queuingareas,80–81regulations,70risers,13,79–80riskassessments,70

Index

� 111

scissor,75shopping/baggagetrolleys,69side-by-side,75(Figure)signage,10,73–74single-scissor,76(Figure)speed,14,78stairs,inadditionto,20,70treads,13,79–80trolleylockingdevices,81visualidentification,83visualimpairments,67wheelchairusers,9widths,11,13,79see alsomovingwalks

escapestairs,45–47configuration,46dimensions,46,46(Table)handrails,46personalemergencyevacuationplan(PEEP),45provision,45refuges,46–47signage,45

externallandings,corduroyhazardwarningsurface,38

externalramps,48finishes,59historicalbuildings,92landings,55

externalstairs/stepshistoricalbuildings,90landings,34,38provision,27

Ffalls,escalators,68finishes,15–16

abrasionresistance,17cleaning,easeof,22contaminationseecontaminationescalators,84,84(Figure)externalramps,59handrails,66–67HBN00-04,41healthcarebuildings,41internalramps,59internalstairs,41movingwalks,84nosings,40patterned,41ramps,57–59reflection,18risers,40roughnessseeroughness

slipresistance,15–16stairs,40–41treads,40wearresistance,17,18(Table)

fixings,handrails,65–66flightlength,ramps,54flightrise,12

BS8300:2009,33escalators,12,80ramps,12,54singlesteps,33stairs,33

flights,xfloorfinishes,4frequency,cleaning,97

Gglazedbarriers,20going,xgradient,ramps,12,13,47,51,52(Table)guarding,19–20,42

escalators,85–86,86(Figure)glazedbarriers,20healthcarebuildings,43metalbarriers,20ramps,59

Guidance of the use of tactile paving surfaces,38

Hhalf-openrisers,31handrails,18–19,26,61–67

characteristics,19forchildren,62definition,xdimensions,61–64,65(Figure)disabilities,18–19escalators,84–85escapestairs,46finishes,66–67fixings,65–66guardingindependence,42height,62historicalbuildings,90,95profiles,65(Figure)provision,61ramps,52visualimpairments,19

HBN00-04,floorfinishes,41headroom

escalators,80ramps,54stairs,13,31

Index

112�

HealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)accidents,1contactinformation,102movingwalkemergencyswitches,88

HealthBuildingNote(HBN)00-04,8healthcarebuildings

escalators,71,78,79,83floorfinishes,41guarding,43handraildimensions,63,64internalramps,49nosings,35ramphandrails,59regulatoryframework,8stairs,18(Table),30,33

HealthTechnicalMemorandum(HTM)08-02,8height,handrails,62helical(spiral)stairs,27–28historicalbuildings,89–95

alternativeroutes,90externalramps,92externalsteps,90handrails,90,95internalramps,93internalstairs,91–92lifts,91lighting,90nosings,90ramps,92–94stepsandstairs,90–92temporaryramps,94

horizontaldistance,minimum,escalators,76–77,76(Table)

hotels,stairwearresistance,18(Table)

Iidentification,14–15

audibleseeaudibleidentificationLondonUndergroundLimited,40ramps,56temporaryramps,60

illuminance,xiinclinedmovingwalksseeescalatorsinclusivedesign,1insettrips,nosings,36inspection,98–99instructionhandbooks,escalators,70internalramps,49–50

finishes,59historicalbuildings,93

internalstairsacoustics,44cleaning,98

corduroyhazardwarningsurface,40deep-pilecarpet,41finishes,41historicalbuildings,91–92landings,39lighting,43–44location,27provision,27

Llandings,13,34

definition,xescalators,80–82,82(Figure)external,corduroyhazardwarningsurface,38externalramps,55externalstairs/steps,34,38internalstairs,39LondonUndergroundLimited,34,34(Table)railstations,34,39ramps,47,55signage,10sizerecommendations,34(Table)

liftsescalators,inadditionto,70historicalbuildings,91stairs,inadditionto,20

lighting,20–21BS8300:2009,43escalators,87historicalbuildings,90internalstairs,43–44railstations,44ramps,59SocietyofLightandLighting(SLL),43stairs,43–44

lightreflectancevalue(LRV)definition,xivisualidentification,14–15

location,9LondonUndergroundLimited

escalators,68,71,80,82,82(Table)handraildimensions,64handrailfixings,66identificationmarking,40internalramps,50landings,34,34(Table)movingwalkwidth,79nosings,37rampdimensions,53rampgradients,52ramplandings,55ramplengthandrise,54stairconfiguration,28

Index

� 113

stairflightrise,33stairheadroom,31stairriserdimensions,30stairwidth,28,29stepprofiles,33

Mmaintenance,98–99

nosings,37slipresistance,16

metalbarriers,20minimumhorizontaldistance,escalators,76–77,76

(Table)mobilityproblems,escalators,67movingwalks,68

accidents,1–2,68angleofinclination,14,77capacity,11,74,75(Table)definition,xidimensions,13emergencyswitches,88finishes,84inclinedseeescalatorsmaintenance,99parallelpassageways,72provision,72speed,14,78widths,79see alsoescalators

NNon-domesticHandbook2007:Section4,safety,3NorthernIreland,buildingregulations,3nosings,35–37

adhesivetape,36aluminium,37BS8300:2009,35cleaning,98definition,xescalators,83–84finishes,40historicalbuildings,90hospitals,35insettrips,36LondonUndergroundLimited,37maintenance,37paintedlines,36railstations,35reflectivematerials,36siliconcarbidetape,36slipresistance,35–36

Oofficebuildings,escalators,71olderpeople,stairs,23opaqueglassrisers,31openrisers,29–30,31

Ppaintedlines,nosings,36parallelpassageways,movingwalks,72patternedfinishes,41personalemergencyevacuationplan(PEEP),escape

stairs,45positioning,temporaryramps,60profiles,handrails,65(Figure)provision,9

escalators,70–71movingwalks,72

ProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations2008(PUWER),6

PUWER1998,escalatorregulations,70

Qqueuingareas,escalators,80–81

Rrailstations

escalatorguarding,86escalatorhandrails,85escalatoridentification,83escalatorlandings,82escalatorlighting,87escalatorlocation,72escalatornosings,84escalatorrisers,80escalatorspeed,78handraildimensions,62,63,64handrailfinishings,67handrailfixings,66internalramps,49–50landingidentification,39landings,34lighting,44nosings,35rampdimensions,53rampgradients,52ramplengthandrise,54regulatoryframework,8stairflightrise,33stairwidth,28stepprofiles,33

Index

114�

ramps,47–61asalternativeaccess,3cleaning,easeof,59–60configuration,12,50definition,xdimensions,13,52–54,54(Figure),55(Figure)DisabilityDiscriminationAct(DDA)(1995and

2005),4externalseeexternalrampsfinishes,57–59flightlength,54flightrise,12,54gradient,12,13,47,51,52(Table)guarding,59handrails,52headroom,54historicalbuildings,92–94identification,56internalseeinternalrampslandings,47,55lighting,59maintenance,98–99materials,58provision,47–50signage,50slipresistance,47,57–59,57(Figure),57(Table)stairs,inadditionto,20temporaryseetemporaryrampswheelchairusers,9width,13,52–54

reasonableaccess,DisabilityDiscriminationAct(DDA)(1995and2005),4

reflectivefinishes,18nosings,36

refugesdefinition,xescapestairs,46–47

regulatoryframework,3–8escalators,70healthcarebuildings,8railwaysystems,8schools,8sportsfacilities,8standardsandcodesofpractice,6–8see alsospecific regulations

ReportingofInjuries,DiseasesandDangerousOccurrencesRegulations(RIDDOR),1

rise,xrisers

definition,xdimensions,13,29,30(Table)escalators,13,79–80finishes,40half-open,31

healthcarebuildings,30opaqueglass,31open,29–30,31schools,30tapered,29

riskassessments,escalators,70roughness,16–17,17(Table)

BS1134-1,16roundededgesteps,32,32(Figure)RoyalInstituteofBritishArchitects(RIBA),102

STheSafetyAssessmentFederation,103schools

handraildimensions,64rampdimensions,53regulatoryframework,8stairriserdimensions,30stairwearresistance,18(Table)stairwidth,28

scissorescalators,75Scotland,buildingregulations,3ScottishBuildingStandardsAgency(SBSA),102shopping/baggagetrolleys,escalators,69shoppingcentres

escalatorflightrise,80escalators,71inclinedmovingwalks,78movingwalkemergencyswitches,88stairflightrise,33stairwidth,28

side-by-sideescalators,75(Figure)signage,10

BS8300:2009,10BSEN115,10escalators,10,73–74escapestairs,45landings,10ramps,50stairs,27

siliconcarbidetape,nosings,36single-scissorescalators,76(Figure)singlesteps,flightrise,33skirting,definition,xislipping,stairs,23slipresistance

BS1134-1,16BS5395-1:2000,16BS7976-2,16cleaning,16contamination,15finishes,15–16maintenance,16

Index

� 115

measurement,16nosings,35–36rampgradient,13ramps,47,57–59,57(Figure),57(Table)textures,16waxes,16

slipresistancevalue(SRV),40–41SmithersRapraTechnology,102SocietyofLightandLighting(SLL),43speed

escalators,14,78movingwalks,14,78

spillages,98SportEngland,102SportScotland,102–103sportsfacilities

rampdimensions,53regulatoryframework,8stairflightrise,33

squareedgesteps,32(Figure)stairs,23–44

accidents,23acoustics,44BritishStandards,23capacity,10–11cleaning,44configuration,11,27–28definition,xdimensions,12–13,28–33,29(Figure)see alsospecific dimensionsescalators,inadditionto,20,70asescaperouteseeescapestairsexternalseeexternalstairs/stepsfinishes,40–41flightrise,12,33guardingseeguardinghandrailsseehandrailsheadroom,13,31healthcarebuildings,18(Table),30,33historicalbuildings,90–92internalseeinternalstairslifts,inadditionto,20lighting,43–44location,27maintenance,98–99olderpeople,23provision,26–27ramps,inadditionto,20signage,27slipping,23stepprofile,32,32(Figure)straight,27width,x,12,28see alsosteps

TheStationeryOfficeLimited,103

StationPlanningStandardsandGuidelines-GoodPracticeGuide,8

stepprofilesrailstations,33stairs,32,32(Figure)

stepscapacity,10–11configuration,11definition,xdimensions,12–13flightrise,12historicalbuildings,90–92maintenance,98–99profile,13see alsostairs

straightstairs,27stringy,definition,xSupplyofMachineryRegulations(Safety)2008,6

escalatorregulations,70

Ttactileidentification,15taperedrisers,29TechnicalBookletE:2005,4TechnicalBookletH:2006,4TechnicalBookletR:2006,3temporaryramps,60–61

historicalbuildings,94textures,slipresistance,16trafficroutes,Workplace(HealthSafetyand

Welfare)Regulations1992,4treads,12

BS8300:2009,29definition,xdimensions,29,30(Table)escalators,13,79–80finishes,40

trolleylockingdevices,escalators,81

Vvisualcontrast(contrastvisually),xivisualidentification,14–15

escalators,83see alsonosings

visualimpairmentsescalators,67handrails,19

WWales,buildingregulations,3waxes,slipresistance,16wearresistance

Index

116�

communalstaircases,18(Table)finishes,17,18(Table)

wheelchairusers,9widths

escalators,11,13,79movingwalks,79ramps,13,52–54

stairs,12winders,xwindows,lighting,21Workplace(HealthSafetyandWelfare)Regulations

1992,4escalatorregulations,70

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