Staircases are an integral part of any multi-story building, and ensuring their safety is of paramount importance. Under the Australian building code, staircases are classified as a fixed structure, meaning they must be securely anchored and form a permanent, immovable part of the building to meet compliance requirements. In Australia, the building code sets out specific guidelines to guarantee the safety and well-being of occupants in new developments, forming part of a broader framework of building codes, Australian regulations, and Australian Standards for compliance.

This blog post aims to highlight key considerations and requirements outlined by the Australian Building Code concerning staircases in new constructions, emphasizing the importance of adherence to these regulations. Staircase construction and staircase design are key aspects governed by these codes, ensuring both safety and compliance in every project.

1. Treads, Risers, and Nosing

Proper design and construction of treads, risers, and nosing are essential for safe and comfortable stair navigation, with a strong emphasis on uniform dimensions and ensuring the same measurement for all treads and risers within a flight.

For tread dimensions, the Australian building code specifies maximum and minimum riser heights and tread depths to ensure safety. It is important to maintain consistent going dimensions and riser and going dimensions throughout the same flight, with every tread and riser having the same measurement to comply with standards and minimize tripping hazards. The slope relationship, specifically the slope relationship 2R + G (where R is riser height and G is going depth), is a key compliance factor in stair design standards, ensuring the proportions between riser and going are safe and comfortable for users. The Australian building code also allows for a zero tread (a level area with no stepping surface) when the floor-to-floor distance is less than 570mm, serving as a minimal landing or transition area to meet code requirements.

Nosing should be designed to reduce slip risk and provide clear visual cues. The nosing line serves as a reference point for measuring minimum headroom and head clearance, both of which are critical for compliance and user safety.

The width of the stairway must meet minimum requirements, with treads and landings extending across the full width to ensure accessibility and safety. The width measurement is taken between the edges of the safety handrails, and compliance with the required width of the stairway is essential for safe passage.

Tread Dimensions

non-slip stair tread nosing 

Tread depth and riser height must be consistent throughout the entire staircase. The Australian building code prescribes a maximum riser height of 190mm and a minimum tread depth of 240mm, with no nosing required. For further information on removing slip hazards through NDIS home modifications, see Stellmann's expert guide.

Slip Resistance

Stairs should be designed with slip-resistant surfaces and must have a slip resistant finish to comply with safety standards to minimize the risk of accidents. Indoor stair cases require a P3 slip-rating conform AS 4586-2013, whereas outdoor staircases require a P4 slip-rating. According to Australian standards, slip resistance classification is essential for all pedestrian surface materials, and new pedestrian surface materials must be tested to ensure they meet or exceed the required slip resistance for safety under both dry and wet conditions. Recently, building conveyers have become very strict in enforcing slip-resistance as many flooring materials cannot provide independent slip tests. Using a transparent coating like Stellmann Non-Slip can solve this issue.

Stair Nosing

According to AS1428.1, Australian Standard Design for Access and Mobility Part 1, stair nosing is required for access across all new buildings. The design of the top nosing is especially important for safety and compliance, as it must feature a slip-resistant finish or non-slip strip to reduce the risk of slips and meet building code requirements. Nosing should be clearly visible to prevent trips and therefore a visual contrast of at least 30% to the substrate is required. Furthermore, the strip should be 50mm wide (max. 75mm). There also needs to be a 50mm gap between the wall and the nosing strip on the tread.

2. Handrails and Balustrades

Handrails and balustrades play a crucial role in providing support and preventing falls on staircases. The Australian building code mandates the installation of sturdy handrails and balustrades to ensure occupant safety. Here are some essential considerations:

Openings and gaps in balustrades must not allow a 125mm sphere to pass through, which is a key safety test known as the 'sphere to pass' requirement. This prevents children or objects from slipping through the gaps.

Handrails and balustrades must be designed with both vertical and horizontal elements to prevent climbing hazards, especially where heights exceed certain thresholds. Horizontal elements should be minimized or designed to restrict climbing, in accordance with safety standards.

All handrails and balustrades are considered fixed structures and may be installed on fixed platforms as per Australian Standards 1657 (2018). They must meet specific loading requirements, loading forces, and loading capacity to ensure they can withstand expected use and point loads, as outlined in AS/NZS 1170.1 and other relevant standards.

The height of balustrades is measured from the finished floor, ensuring compliance with fall prevention requirements. Landings and balustrades must extend across the full width of the opening or extend across the full doorway or stairway to provide a safe transition and adequate resting area.

Any exceptions or modifications to standard requirements, such as head clearance or balustrade design, must be approved by the relevant regulatory authority before implementation.

Height and Position

Handrails should be installed at a height of between 865mm and 1,000mm, measured vertically from the pitch line or the nosing of the treads. Balustrades should be positioned at a height of at least 1,000mm above the floor, landing, or ramp.

Strength and Durability

Handrails and balustrades must be capable of withstanding reasonable force and provide a secure grip. They should be constructed using materials that are robust, durable, and resistant to decay.

Openings and Gaps

Openings in balustrades, such as between posts, should be designed to prevent the passage of a 125mm sphere. This ensures the safety of children and prevents them from getting trapped.

3. Lighting and Visibility

Adequate lighting and visibility play a crucial role in reducing accidents and ensuring the safety of staircase users. Consider the following factors:

Lighting Levels

Staircases should be well-lit to provide sufficient illumination throughout. Lighting levels should be consistent, avoiding dark areas that may impede visibility. Emergency lighting systems should also be installed to provide illumination during power failures.

Glare Reduction

Proper lighting design should also minimize glare to ensure occupants can navigate the stairs comfortably without visual discomfort or impairment.

4. Accessibility Considerations

Creating inclusive environments is a crucial aspect of building design. When constructing a stairway or ramp in new developments, accessibility requirements must be considered, including proper ramp construction for compliance and ease of use.

It is important to provide a rest area, such as a landing, with a minimum length to allow users to pause safely. Landings should meet the minimum length requirements, which may vary depending on the type of stairway and whether it serves habitable rooms, non habitable rooms, unhabitable rooms, or storage areas. For example, stairways to non-habitable rooms or storage areas may have different standards, often referencing AS 1657.

The use of a half landing section—a landing that occurs halfway along a flight, often used to change direction or provide a rest area—and a quarter landing section—a landing that allows a 90-degree change in direction, often used to accommodate building layouts and improve accessibility—helps limit the number of winders and ensures accessibility and safety, especially where direction changes or doors open onto stairs. A single flight of stairs also has specific accessibility requirements, including limits on the number of risers before a landing is required.

When designing accessible stairways and ramps, always consider the floor dimension between levels to ensure compliance with the Australian building code for stairs and to provide safe, accessible movement throughout the building.

Handrail Continuity

Handrails should be continuous along the entire flight of stairs, including landings and ramps, to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.

Step Dimensions

Pay attention to step dimensions, ensuring that they are uniform and suitable for individuals with disabilities. Incorporating shallow risers and wider treads can enhance accessibility.

Tactile Indicators: Install tactile indicators at the top and bottom of staircases to assist individuals with vision impairments in identifying the presence and location of stairs

Slip-Resistant Stair Cases

Recently, building conveyers have become much stricter in ensuring stair treads comply with the slip-resistance requirements per AS 4586-2013. Many substrates are not complaint or lack independent slip test reports to prove suitability.

What are the requirements for staircases and slip-resistance?

Stairways wider than standard dimensions may require additional slip resistance measures to ensure compliance with Australian standards and enhance safety.

Slip Resistance Requirements for Ramps and Stairs

How do I make stair cases slip-resistant?

Often, builders will only find out the staircases in a new build are not compliant with slip-resistance standards once they are already in place. This creates a dilemma because building conveyors will not sign off without compliance.

Stellmann Non-Slip provides several solutions to make stair cases complaint. Our CSIRO-certificates will assure the conveyor will approve the safety compliance.

Stellmann Non-Slip Transparent

Stellmann Non-Slip Transparent is the leading non-slip coating in Australia. The Stellmann-made coating is available in a P3, P4 or P5 slip-rating, allowing any surface to become compliant. Because Stellmann is a coating it does not etch into the surface and its transparency means no compromise on aesthetics.

Stellmann Safety Floor Coating – Stair Tread Coating

The Stellmann Stair Nosing Coating is an innovative coating to create visually contrasting strips on stair treads. It is available in various colours including black, yellow and white and comes with a P4/R12 slip-rating. Contrary to metal stair nosing strips, the coating does not require drilling or glue. Furthermore, metal stair nosing strips often cause water to pool at the treads causing slipping risks and efflorescence.

Stellmann Aqua Floorline – Concrete Floor Coating

Stellmann Aqua Floorline is a revolutionary, water-based, VOC-Free concrete floor coating. It is available in a range of colours (including Traffic Grey floor paint) and it's outstanding chemical and mechanical resistance creates a durable seal on any concrete surface including stairs. Moreover, it comes with a P2, P3, P4 or P5 slip-rating. Use in combination with a different colour our Stellmann safety Floor Coating for create stair nosing strips.