Hand rail on stairs

Trebor01

Hi all, quick question. Is it a legal requirement to have a hand rail on both sides of a stair case ? I have a tenant trying to claim for personal injuries against me, and one aspect of their claim is that a handrail whilst present on the right hand side of a stair case she claims to have slipped on ??, she states there is not a hand rail on both sides !!!

Would this matter, as I agree there is only a hand support on one side, but seems that most stair cases I have used only have a hand rail or support on one side....!!!

poppysarah

The only houses with hand rails on both sides I've ever seen have been those with an extra one added for some one who is disabled.


one of my neighbours has NO handrail at all. It looks stunning but I'd not want to use the stairs after a beer.

chappers

no legal requirement at all

Browntoa

found this

Description: the threat to health from any fall associated with stairs, steps and ramps where the change in level is more than 300mm. Including internal stairs or ramps, external steps or ramps, and those giving common access to a dwelling. It also includes falls over guarding (balustrade) associated with stairs, steps and ramps.


Ideal standard of property to minimise the hazard:

• Proper design, construction and maintenance of stairs, steps and ramps.
• Stairs constructed to the requirements of the Building Regulations Document K
• Handrails to staircases and steps
• Suitable stair coverings
• Non slip covering to stairs and steps
• Consistent rise and going on staircases.
• Suitable balustrade and guarding to staircases and steps

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?37343-do-I-need-to-fit-stair-handrail-and-spindles

poppysarah

What time did they fall downstairs?

sharpee

How can they proved it was down to there only being one handrail?

They could have tripped on something on the staris, wearing inadequate footwear, during the night in the dark, had had a few drinks etc etc

puddy

it was either slippers or red wine

or both

slyracoon

Is it a new (or recent) build? If it is it should comply with the current building regulations.

Current building regs say stairs less than 1m wide only require 1 handrail, stairs wider than 1m must have handrails both sides.

See section K of Building Regulations 2000 - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADK_1998.pdf

lincroft1710

slyracoon wrote: »

Is it a new (or recent) build? If it is it should comply with the current building regulations.

Current building regs say stairs less than 1m wide only require 1 handrail, stairs wider than 1m must have handrails both sides.

See section K of Building Regulations 2000 - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADK_1998.pdf

Few modern houses will have staircases 1m wide or more, average is about 80cm.

I may be missing something, but I can't see the point of having 2 handrails where the stairs are 1m wide. 1.20m or above where possibly 2 people could pass one another, I can understand.

silvercar

she states there is not a hand rail on both sides !!!

If she has managed to observe that there is no handrail on one side, she could manage to work out to use the other side if she felt she needed support.

I may be missing something, but I can't see the point of having 2 handrails where the stairs are 1m wide. 1.20m or above where possibly 2 people could pass one another, I can understand.

In any case, it is unlucky to pass on the stairs.

Trebor01

Thanks all, I think I will just have to manage her through the courts as she is taking legal action, of which this is just one part. No substance to her claim whatsoever though so will just have to go through the motions, she is just a bitter and twisted lady that has one thing on her mind.....Money....!!!

Thanks for all of your replies, it helps to see I am not the only one that would question the relevance of the hand rail, as for the rest of the claim I am happy to provide the details if anyone is interested...?

PS house was built in 1890