Stair design & BS 585-1:1989

[BW2]

I’m doing a loft, and got to set up new stairs. I’ve been getting quotes from companies.

Trying to do a 4-step winders – approved document K 1.20 states that ‘the going of the tapered treads should not be less that the going of the straight flight’. All the quotes seem to bend this rule. None of the solutions work very well.

But 1.20 also says that BS 585-1:1989 will offer reasonable safety. Is this how they’re specifying something different to the details in K ?

Where can I find BS 585-1:1989 ?

Basically I’m short of space & trying to reduce the overall lengths of the sections, so 4 step winders, 42 degrees, etc, and trying to keep a reasonable stair width.

I’m happy with all the K details, but either people bend them, or there’s something else I haven’t come across yet. Any info very welcome.

 

[markie]

We use a company which are in Manchester ( memory block of the name ) but all you do is faxs them the floor to floor and the plan and mesurment of where they are going, and they make them to fit.

 

[denso13]

I can send you that BS, BW2. Can you put your email in your profile.

____________________________
Lynda, moderator

Thanks denso13

 

[BW2]

I can send you that BS, BW2.

That would be REALLY good - many thanks Denso13 - my email is in the profile.

Regards

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If it seems a bit dubious you can always stick it under the nose of whichever building control officer is dealing with your application and they can give you the thumbs up.

 

[denso13]

On its way

As Freddy says, ask building control for advice if your unsure. I've always found them helpful, as long as you ask first, not when it's finished!

 

[BW2]

Dear Eric

Once again - many thanks for your help.

I was going round in circles and had got stuck. The trouble is - companies do a design, and it sort of works, but if you've got to live with it & squeeze through & duck your head for the next 20 years ... Each time, someone's got a different little fiddle that makes it better (or worse).

So I've been trying to understand the regulations, see how they've done it & see if I can come up with something better, or at least not be fobbed off with science. So finally, when I get to know enough (which is where you came in) to question what they're proposing, and with some discussion, we've got there with a good solution.

Best regards

BW2 / BennettWood

 

[BW2]

Whoops - finger trouble - the above thanks should have been directed to denso13, not Eric.