scope:

This Guidance applies to the design and performance requirements for stairways and ramps, including stair flights, landings, nosings, corduroy hazard warning surfaces, ramps and handrails in new or modified assets.

Although there is some reference here to guarding/barriers to stairs and ramps, this Guidance does not provide comprehensive guidance on this aspect of stairways and ramps. For requirements associated with these elements, refer to S1132 Premises - Barriers and Fencing (Non-Lineside) together with the associated Guidance Document G0132 Guidance on Barriers and Fencing.

For the relevant references to be used for stair and ramp finishes, refer to section 3.6.

For the purposes of this Guidance and the associated Standard S1133 Premises - Stairways and Ramps, stairways include:

a) Public stairways and ramps

b) Staff stairways and ramps

c) Escape stairways and ramps

d) Maintenance stairways - which may be a stair, ladder or ramp.

The dimensions for stairs referred to in this Guidance do not apply to curved or spiral stairways. For guidance on the dimensions of curved or spiral stairs which may only be used to replace the equivalent existing asset, refer to BS 5395-2 Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairs.

Purpose

In the London Underground environment, whilst stairs are generally safe, they still represent one of the highest risks within the Premises asset area, to both customers and staff. Poor or inadequate design, construction and maintenance of stairs, and to a lesser degree ramps, can be contributory factors to a risk of falling.

A primary purpose of this document is to ensure that such risk is minimised by providing support to the delivery of project or maintenance works on assets required to comply with the LU Cat 1 standard S1133 Premises - Stairways and Ramps.

Stairways and ramps in the public area are used by large numbers of customers who could be considered to be at greater risk of falls; for example those who have restricted mobility, those who are encumbered with luggage or pushchairs, the elderly, young children, customers who may be rushing, distracted or intoxicated. It is therefore imperative that stairways and ramps are designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to enable their safe use whilst minimising the potential for incidents.

The Guidance, CIRIA C722 'Safer stairs in public places - assessment of existing stairs' should be referred to and the guidance followed, particularly in the refurbishment of existing stairs.