Safer stairs in public places - assessment of existing stairs

Design and construction of safe stairs has a significant effect upon daily life and there are specific requirements in the Building Regulations. Unfortunately, there are innumerable accidents every day both in the home and in public places. This guide is intended to provide sufficient information for non-experts to make an initial assessment of stair safety leading, where necessary, to a more detailed investigation. The importance of stair safety is emphasised and the main issues are outlined and discussed. Advice is provided on how decisions are made on the need for improvement, noting that stairs are not required to meet current regulations and standards retrospectively but are required (under various health and safety regulations and legal requirements) to provide a reasonable level of safety.