Stair hand rail

EASYBOY1

hi is it a legal requirement to have a stair hand rail and if so, whats the angle and how far up the wall does it have to go. thanks!

wallbash

Interesting question,

http://www.pearstairs.co.uk/staircase-buillding-regulations/

They use the word 'should' so is it compulsory ?

Angle is easy , same as the stairs ,

Height

quote In all the buildings handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured to the top of the handrail to the pitch line.

SailorSam

My last house was open-plan with the stairs in the lounge. I had to remove the handrail to get furniture upstairs and decided it looked much better without the rail. I'm not sure about the legal side but i don't think i would have done it if there had been others in the house, especially any kids. Although it looked better, it didn't feel safe.
I kept the rail in the garage so that it could go back when i sold.

leveller2911

Its compulsory on new builds to comply with regulations but can be taken down once the LBC have singed off the house but if its an existing staircase you can take it down if you wish. Personally I wouldn't have a staircase without one.

Regarding the "angle" of the handrail its not really relevent its the height above the "pitch line" thats important. Basically the top of the handrail should be 900mm minimum above the pitch line. The pitch line is shown in the link below which is for reference only.

http://www.tkstairs.com/staircase-information/staircase-terminology.html

Raksha

Currently have an open plan layout which was in the house when we moved in with a 4 year old and a 6 year old. Now we are older, its US that are struggling with no handrail

EASYBOY1

thanks everyone !