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Handrails on stairs, and steps--- Irish legislation.
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#1 Posted : 09 March 2007 07:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Larry Shannon
The only reference I can find to handrails is in the
(No. 3/1958: OFFICE PREMISES ACT, 1958),

Which implies, all stairs, to have a handrail.

My issue is, are there building regs, for 2,3,4 steps where levels change.

We have a 50 acre developed site on the side of a hill!

Yes stairs have hand rails but the many of 2,3,4 step changes in level don’t.

Should they? Probably yes

Must they? That’s what I would like to know.

Tks
Larry
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#2 Posted : 09 March 2007 12:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By Larry Shannon
No answers from Ireland so, any other opinions?
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#3 Posted : 09 March 2007 12:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By peter gotch
Hi Larry

I think a lack of handrails is a claim in waiting.

Regards, Peter
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#4 Posted : 09 March 2007 13:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil Grace
Larry,
Surely there will be a British Standard on this....!!? Would they apply in Ireland? Is there an equivalent orgnaisation?
Phil
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#5 Posted : 09 March 2007 13:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By Larry Shannon
In absence of an Irish Standard ( IS) we automatically refer to a BS , any one have a reference for it?
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#6 Posted : 09 March 2007 13:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By peter gotch
Hi Larry,

For England and Wales [up here in Scotland we have parallels]

Building Regulations 2000: Approved Documents M "Access to and use of buildings" [2004 edition, published the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

For access to buildings other than dwellings Approved Doc M indicates no minimum number of steps before handrail is advocated.

For access to dwelling, indicates handrail required if 3 or more risers.

In your situation, I guess that most of these steps are for access through the development, rather than specifically to any one building, but still think you should apply the principles of the Approved Doc, not least since the population at risk is probably greater than for e.g. individual dwelling.

Regards, Peter
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#7 Posted : 16 March 2007 00:14:00(UTC)
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Posted By David A Cooper
I recommend a book published by the Building Research Establishment on the subject.
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#8 Posted : 16 March 2007 11:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin Daly
I believe the most relevent Irish Legislation would be the 2002 disablity act.
It covers access etc for the disabled and covers ramps and these 2 and 3 step situations.

Martin Daly
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#9 Posted : 16 March 2007 11:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Larry

In the UK, I believe that up to two steps with a riser height of 180 mm counts as a change of level and handrails are not required. Three or more steps count as a staircase and handrails should be provided. However, I cannot recall where I found out about this; can anyone confirm the information?

Paul
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