Part K: Protection from Falling/ Collision & Impact
Existing Stair Case
To access the roof, there are stairs which have been carved into the stone
wall and are presumed to be an original or early feature of the building and
therefore would be difficult to change.
From observation, as it cuts up through the brick and stone wall, it has been
lit by LED strip lights. There is a handrail one side of the stairs. Due to the
age of the building wear on the tread is visible and have since had plates
placed over the edge and middle of each step to prevent further damage. A
white coating highlights the nosing of the treads.
This staircase can be exposed to the weather with the roof door and first
floor exit being left open and therefore could become slippery. This could
be overcome with the addition of rubber stair treads or using 3M™ Safety-
Walk™ Slip Resistant General Purpose Tape 600 Series:
This tape can be used to ensure long lasting friction in any application; in
the case of the Square Tower, there will be heavy footfall than currently
experienced. It provides an effective anti-slip resistant surface especially if
the surface is wet. It is available in yellow which can be used to highlight
the nosing of the treads.
New Stair Case
Table 1.1 Rise and Going
Within the table it states that existing buildings should follow the given
measurements provided unless dimensional constraints mean it is not
possible and alternate proposals should be made.
The stair leading from the ground floor to the first floor is not an original
feature and have therefore made sure it suits regulations. However, I have
found that the stairs have been difficult to fit within regulations due to the
existing fabric.
The flight for the stairs is 3000mm long and 3500mm high, meaning
that because the height of the flight is longer than the length, the stairs
will have a steeper pitch than the maximum recommended pitch of 42º.
Another problem is that due to the constraints of the buildings, the rise and
going applied suits that of a private dwelling with a rise of 220mm and a
going of 225mm. These numbers sit within the normal relationship between
rise and going as (2r + g = 665) This has been achieved by the nosing of
each step overlaying the step below by 25mm, making the tread 225mm
deep and therefore more comfortable. There is also a void above the whole
staircase allowing for the minimum 2000mm head space.
13.
14.
This is an alternate solution to the constrictions of the building; it would
be difficult to place else where due to the exiting void in the first floor and
damage needs to restricted where necessary.
Handrail
1.37 Handling to external ramped and stepped access will satisfy
Requirement M2 if:
a. The vertical height from the pitch line of the surface of a flight of steps
is between 900mm and 1100mm; for this project the hand rail sits 1000mm
above the pitch line.
d. The handrail extends 300mm horizontally beyond the top and bottom of
the flight of stairs; do to the nature of the historic listing of the building,
if the handrail extended out from the stairs, it would obstruct the corridor,
therefore it continues around the corner of the wall and can still provide
stability if needed.
h. The profile of the handrail is circular with a diameter of 50mm , and is
50mm away from the wall to provide a comfortable hold.
Nosing
1.7 Make nosings apparent that protrude over the tread below using
materials that will contrast visually: this has been achieved by the contrast
in timber steps with steel nosing which also protects it as well.
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