dimensions/defenition of handrail

[jteez]

Hi all,

We are in the final stages of a change of use to dwelling. Our building inspector is not happy with our handrail for our internal stairs.

We don't have one We have formed it from the top of the guarding which is solid (approx 1m high, 100mm wide and exposed on both sides) with a 120mm board on top with rounded edges and a slight lip, to aid grip.

If this isn't acceptable when you form the hand rail from the top of the guarding, what is?

I couldn't see any definitions (other than height) regarding handrail dimensions in the building regs K. I'm sure I remember seeing something about grip-able dimensions somewhere but I can't find it now.

Thanks all!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I couldn't see any definitions (other than height) regarding handrail dimensions in the building regs K. I'm sure I remember seeing something about grip-able dimensions somewhere but I can't find it now.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_K_2013.pdf
Diagram 1.13 page 18 of doc.

 

[jteez]

Thanks for the quick reply. I really appreciate it because I've been looking at an old 1998 spec (don't know where I found that)...

I'm not sure it answers wholly for two reasons,
1. The diagram is referred to/from 1.36 - 'For buildings other than dwellings' (and mine is a dwelling)
2. It does not show how 'The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights'

Thanks in advance!

 

[tony1851]

It is easy to get bogged down with all the diagrams and details in the Approved Document.
But at the end of the day, all that is only guidance and is not legally binding. The actual regulation for stairs is reg. K1, which states, in essence, that stairs shall be 'safe'.
One could argue that a handrail which is not capable of being firmly gripped could make the stairs unsafe. Perhaps a 120mm wide capping may not be easy to grip, particularly by someone with small hands?

 

[jteez]

Fair point, but the guidance does say that the top of the guarding can form the handrail, I'm asking what that would look like as we're trying to keep the aesthetic lines as clean as possible around the guarding which is all smooth and solid....

Is there a 'standard' way of doing this, as it seems odd they explicitly mention it in the guidance...?

Thanks.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Its common sense really. Just google 'handrail'.

 

[^woody^]

Put a crappy old handrail up, get it passed and then do what you like

 

[jteez]

Thanks.