Ramps and stairs

Summary
Quick reference guide for key criteria
Ramps and stairs

Overarching requirements
Embellishments should be designed/selected and installed as follows:
- Fit for purpose, appropriately positioned and accessible.
- Durable, robust and safe (suitable for corrosive environments).
- Vandal resistant with parts that are easily replaceable.
- Easy to maintain (with appropriate warranty and workmanship).
- Comply with relevant standards, legislation, corporate documents and approvals
Planning, design and positioning
- Ramps are preferred by people who use wheeled mobility devices
- Stairs are preferred by people who are blind or have low vision
- Where stairs are installed, include a ramped alternative for equal access (where possible).
Ramp requirements
- A ramp is steeper than 1:20, but not steeper than 1:14
- Maximum grade of 1:14 for ramps exceeding 1.9 m in length
- Handrail both sides of ramps
- Rails or kerbs to all ramp edges (including landings)
- Bicycle ‘rub rails’ where required
- Hazard Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) to landings top and bottom of ramps and to intermediate landings if there is a break in one or more handrails
- Level landings, at all changes of direction, and at top and bottom of ramps (min length 1.2 m where there is no change in direction).
Stairs requirements
- Level landing area at all changes of direction and at start and finish of stairs (min length 1.2 m where there is no change in direction)
- Uniform goings – dims to suit stairs distance, 350 mm preferred
- Uniform rises – dims to suit stairs distance
- Maximum 18 rises in a straight line, minimum 2 rises
- Treads to have luminance contrast strip across full width of stair nosings
- Handrails both sides of stairs, with balustrade for safety.
Finishes
- Ramps and stairs finishes – concrete, timber, aluminium, FRP mesh grate
- Handrail and balustrade – see LIM Handrails ans balustrade for further information
- Finishes for slip resistance – broom finish concrete, stamped and broom finish concrete, broadcast aggregate, penetrating sealer
- All walkable materials must have a suitable slip resistance factor for outdoor use
- Stair nosings must be slip resistant
- TGSI must be slip resistant.
Note: Further guidance and clarification of the content on this page, can be found in the relevant sections of this information sheet.
This component is currently in development