NOTE: Specifications and figures are provided from Accessible Design for the Built Environment, Registered trade-mark of Canadian Standards Association, 2004; Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5N6. Measurement Scale used: 25.4 mm = 2.54 cm = 1 inch

Stair Specifications (printable pdf version)

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A flight of stairs should have:

 

• A slip resistant surface;
• Uniform riser heights and tread depths;
• Risers not more than 180mm (7 inches) in height;
• Treads not less than 280mm (11 inches) in depth;
• Nosing that does not project more than 38 mm (1 ½ inches).

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Figure 1 - Stair detail

Figure 2 - Risers

 

Figure 3 - Tread

Accessibility of stairs can be improved with the following guidelines:  

 

• Generally speaking a longer tread is better for people with mobility impairments.
• It is also important for stairs and ramps to have good illumination so the user can easily see them.

• A contrasting colour such as yellow paint (white could be used for esthetic purposes) should be placed on the nosing of each stair; this will assist persons with visual impairments to more easily identify the stairs. Illustrated in CSA Figure 1 on the following page.

• A contrast texture should be available at the top of the stairs and landings. This will provide a warning surface for a person with a visual impairment. Illustrate in CSA Figure 1 on the following page.

 

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Handrails

 

The handrails should extend 300mm (12 inches) beyond the top and bottom step to assist persons with mobility and visual impairments. Illustrated in CSA Figure 4 below & Figure 5 on the following page.

The handrails should be available on both sides of the stairway.

Metal handrails can be a possible risk for someone with limited or no feeling as the metal acts as a conductor of the extreme temperatures in the summer (hot) and the winter (cold).

Figure 4 - Handrail extension at bottom of stairs

 

Figure 5 - Handrail extention at the top of stairs

The handrails should:

 

• Have a circular section of 30 - 40mm (1 1 / 5 – 1 3 / 5 inches) in diameter or an alternative shape providing the same gripping surface.
• Have a clear space between the handrail and the wall of 35-45mm (1 2 / 5 – 1 4 / 5 inches) or at least 60mm (2 2 / 5 inches) where the wall has a rough surface. This distance from the wall is essential to provide sufficient clear space for the hand and the knuckles, but must not offer space into which the arm may slip during a fall or stumble. Illustrated in COL Figure 7 on the following page.
• Be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
• Have a continuous gripping surface, without interruption or obstructions that can break a hand hold.
• Have a circular diameter of 30mm (1¼ inches) to a maximum of 40mm (1¾ inches). Illustrated in CSA Figure 6 below.

Figure 6 - Handrail shapes

 

• A recess containing a handrail shall extend at least 450mm above the top of the rail.

• Detectable warning surfaces shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, being either light on dark or dark on light.