Stair design

Reproduced from BRANZ Guideline, July 2010.

The performance requirements of New Zealand Building Code D1 Access routes related to stairs is given in clause D1.3.3. Stair treads must:

• have adequate footing and a uniform rise 
• incorporate an easily seen leading edge
• be designed to prevent children falling through or being trapped 
• have adequate slip resistance, with D1/AS1 4.1.4 requiring slip resistance in accordance with Table 2
• have no isolated or single risers.

D1.3.3 also requires landings at appropriate intervals and securely fixed handrails.

In D1/AS1 section 4.0, guidance is given on appropriate stair design to ensure stairs meet the above performance requirements.