Staircase Technical Information

Building Regulations
When constructing a new building or altering, extending or converting an existing building the probability is that you will
require to obtain a Building Warrant from your local Authority. This will involve the submission of drawings and
specification covering all the various elements of the work you propose. The purpose of this is to ensure that the work
is carried out is in accordance with Scottish Building Standards 2013 and complies with requirements for safety,
ventilation, electrics, plumbing, structural integrity, disabled access etc. You may also require to obtain Planning
Permission if the work involves exterior alterations or modification which would affect the appearance of the building or
the amenity of nearby properties.
You can obtain information from your local authority or from a local Architect who will be able to advise on exactly what
permissions your project is likely to require and as the project proceeds prepare your application and submit it with
drawings and specifications.
For staircases there are varying requirements for * Domestic (Private) Staircases * Commercial (non domestic)
Staircases * Industrial Staircases * Fire Escapes *
Spiral Staircases have specific requirements (4.3.10) and various Guidance Clauses detailed below. Note however
that the Guidance Clauses are exactly that for guidance and the regulations specifically state in the introduction
(4.3.0) that conversions should meet the standards in so far as is reasonably practicable. However the experience of
many is that some Building Control Officers may seek to impose the Guidance Clauses zealously to the letter ignoring
the practicability aspect.

Domestic - Private Stairs

As a general rule you will need a staircase with a clear tread width of 600mm to access one room and / or a bathroom
for example an attic conversion. This translates in to a staircase with a diameter of 1,420mm which is the minimum
diameter to achieve the 600mm width. You will also find some of our staircases come in different diameters slightly
bigger than this depending on the style and construction of the staircase.
To access more than one room and / or bathroom for example the main staircase in a house - you will need a
staircase with a clear width of 900mm. This translates in to a diameter of 2,020mm which is the minimum diameter to
achieve the 900mm width. Again you will find staircases with slightly bigger diameters depending on the style and
construction of the staircase. The following are the regulations with dimensions and explanation:The Building Standards (Scotland) 2013 4.3 domestic/safety/stairs and ramps
4.3.10 Flights consisting wholly of tapered treads and with BS 5395 Pt.ll Category A Small Private Staircase or
Category B Private Staircase
And with account taken of the following guidance clauses:

 4.3.2 minimum rise 180mm & maximum rise 220mm

4,3,3 effective minimum width:- Small Private Stair - 600mm - serving one room and or sanitary accommodation
(toilet/bathroom/shower room) or Private Stair - 900mm serving more than one room
4.3.4 Maximum rises in flight - generally 16 (but where not practicable the number of rises may be increased to 22
as stated in BS5395 Pt 11)
4.3.13 Easy grip profile handrails as specified in sub paragraph b
4.3.14 Handrails fixed at least 840mm and not more than 1m vertically above pitch line of stair flight
4.4.2 Protective barriers (balustrading) minimum of 840mm high on stair flights and 900mm high on landings with
openings preventing the passage of a 100mm sphere (100mm gap rule) and capable of resisting the loadings
specified in BS EN 1911-1-1 and PD 6688-1-1
Which Spiral Staircases comply with these regulations?
Caledonian Classic 1420 / 1500. Hardwood Models 1500. Victorian 1450 / 1680, Steel & Timber Models 1420 /1500,
Mobirolo Models 1500 /2000.

Non-Domestic Commercial Stairs including Fire Escapes

As a general rule a Commercial Stair or Fire Escape will need a clear width of 1,000mm. Most will also require a
handrail to both sides. For Spiral Staircases this translates in to a staircase with a minimum diameter of 2,520mm with
various design and models available from us at this or near diameters.
In smaller properties or where space is limited, smaller diameter staircases giving a lesser tread width can often be
used so long as they comply with the appropriate category of BS 5395 Pt ll
Our recommendation to Architects and designers is that when presenting a project to Building Control you discuss what
is practical, and endeavour to achieve the optimum design and layout providing a safe yet practical solution.
Progressive Building control offices are now adopting a more pragmatic approach and will be pleased to assist.
The following are the regulations with dimensions and explanations:
The Building Standards (Scotland) 2013 4.3 non/domestic/safety/stairs and ramps
4.3.9 Flights consisting wholly of tapered treads and with BS 5395 Pt.ll Categories C & E
And with account taken of the following guidance clauses:
4.3.2 minimum rise 150mm & maximum rise 170mm
4,3,3 effective minimum width:- Escape Stairs Generally 1,000mm up to 100 persons usage, 1,100mm up to 250
persons usage, and 1,200mm over 250. (This is general guidance as the final width of an Escape Stair will be
calculated using the formula detailed in regulation 2.9 and will include factors such as the number of storeys,
occupancy capacities and travel distances.)
4.3.3 effective minimum width:- Other Stairs Generally 1,000mm however smaller diameter staircases complying
with the British Standard can be used under the reasonably practicable provision.

 4.3.3. There are separate requirements for Staircases within Shared Residential Accommodation which are
less onerous and are similar to the Private Stair Regulations contact us for further information
4.3.4 Maximum rises in flight generally 16 (but where not practicable the number of rises may be increased to 22
as stated in BS5395 Pt 11)
4.3.5 Treads to overlap by 15mm and risers generally to comply with 100mm rule Open rise treads not
recommended except on Escape Stairs
4.3.13 Handrails:- Extended by 300mm top & bottom or to terminate on a newel have an easy grip profile , be
designed to prevent a sleeve trap and be visually contrasting.
4.3.14 Handrails fixed at least 840mm and not more than 1m vertically above pitch line of stair flight
4.4.2 Protective barriers (balustrading) generally a minimum of 900mm high on flights and 1,100 high on landings
with, in most cases openings preventing the passage of a 100mm sphere (100mm gap rule) and capable of resisting
the loadings specified in BS EN 1911-1-1 and PD 6688-1-1
Which staircases comply with these regulations?
Caledonian Models, Steel and Timber Models, some Victorian models and bespoke Helical or Cantilevered Staircases.

Industrial Staircase
An Industrial Stair would be used in an area in any building to which only limited access is provided and which is not for
public use. Typical examples would be very small offices or work areas, hobby rooms, small studios, maintenance
access, small galleries in shops, storage etc.
The Building Standards (Scotland) 2013 non domestic/safety/stairs and ramps
4.3.16/17 Industrial Stair provided limited access / not for public use etc, and with BS5395 Pt ll.
Which staircase complies with this regulation?
Minimum diameter 1420mm (600mm clear width) Caledonian / Steel Spirals / some Victorian models

British Standard Specification Sheet

bs 5395 part 2 category a.pdf
bs 5395 part 2 category b.pdf
bs 5395 part 2 category c.pdf
bs 5395 part 2 category d.pdf
bs 5395 part 2 category e.pdf