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Ramps and stairs

Summary

Quick reference guide for key criteria

Ramps and stairs

LIM_ramp_fig_quick ref.jpg

Overarching requirements

Embellishments should be designed/selected and installed as follows:

  1. Fit for purpose, appropriately positioned and accessible.
  2. Durable, robust and safe (suitable for corrosive environments).
  3. Vandal resistant with parts that are easily replaceable. 
  4. Easy to maintain (with appropriate warranty and workmanship).
  5. 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.

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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer

Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.

All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.

This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.

Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.

Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.

This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.

Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.

Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.

Acknowledgements

Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.

Copyright

Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Council) supports and encourages the distribution of its material however, copyright protects this document. Council has no objection to this material being reproduced but only if council is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered.

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au[email protected]07 5475 7272

Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM)

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© LIM 2024 – 2026

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Version 0.0.38.beta

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Last Updated: 01/04/2026 12:27 AM

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