Stair Nosing Australia

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 16 Stair Nosing Australia AS Australian Stair Nosing Standards Design for Access and Mobility Due to all the confusion over the stair nosing standards and as a supplier and installer of stair nosings we were forced to pay SAI Global approximately $500 to download one copy of the standards,due to all the misconceptions out there re: stair nosing compliance I find it extraordinary that companies like ourselves, have to pay for Standards which we are meant to enforce and comply with and yet we have to pay for the privilege according to DDA and BCA compliance. Essentially there was so much confusion over the 10 mm riser/face of a stair nosing's hat I paid for and downloaded the document. The part extract below is quite clear; (f) At the nosing, each tread shall have a strip not less than 50 mm and not more than 75 mm deep across the full width of the path of travel. The strip may be set back a maximum of 15 mm from the front of the nosing. The strip shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30%to the background. Where the luminous contrasting strip is affixed to the surface of the tread, any change in level shall comply with Clause 7.2 and Clause 7.3. (g) Where the luminance contrasting strip is not set back from the front of the nosing then any area of luminance contrast shall not extend down the riser more than 10 mm. This document goes on to explain the full standards as per the SAI Global document Please feel free to read this direct extract and then read the full document-i have made it clear for you with a lot of illustrations and images. Regards Daphne Stevenson Stair Nosing Australia Your feed back would also be appreciated. Daphne Stevenson www daphne@stairnosingaustralia.com.au

2 Page 2 of 16 Contents Preface... 3 Purpose-What is the Standard... 3 Is AS a mandatory requirement?... 7 Examples of mistakes... 8 Issue 1. Nosing on Stairways Luminance Contrast... 8 Issue 2. Misconceptions about 10 mm riser on Stair Nosing Issue 3. Open risers and Overhanging treads Issue 4 Glow in the dark stair nosings-contrast strips Stair Slip Rating Issue 5 Can I install just trims or strips on the edges of the stairs? Issue 6 Can you paint the edge of a step in a contrasting colour for example yellow? Issue7 Can I use tape to put on the edge of a step to satisfy AS standards?... 21

3 Page 3 of 16 Preface I have written and compiled this document as Stevenson Flooring and Stair Nosing Australia supply and install many stair nosings. The confusion surrounding the updated BCA (NCC) Standards AS1428 (2009) Part 1 are incorrect and must be understood in lay man s terms. Engineers and architects need to understand the reasons, why these standards were revised, what makes common sense, and what the actual standard mean in terms of Design, Access and Mobility. Stair nosings are not just meant to aid the visually impaired, they are a major slip deterrent so common sense must prevail. As you know the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) does not include technical specifications that can be used to check for compliance, as the DDA does not set up regulations but advice to explain how people with a disability benefit from good design and construction and why precise application of relevant technical specifications is necessary to achieve the greatest level of access for the greatest number of people. It is up to these regulation bodies to take on board the advice given to them by the DDA, and accept or incorporate them into the AS design and construction for access Australian Standards. Purpose-What is the Standard 1. AS1428 Standards Released December 2009 Part Design for access and mobility-part 1: General requirements for access new building work 2. AS/NZS :2009 Design for access and mobility Part 4.1: Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment Tactile ground surface indicators 3. AS/NZS :2009 Parking facilities Part 6: Off-street parking for people with disabilities

4 Page 4 of 16 Clause Stairways 11.1 Stair construction Where required, stairs shall be constructed as follows: (a) Where the intersection is at the property boundary, the stair shall be set back by a minimum of 900 mm so that the handrail (complying with Clause 12) and TGSIs do not protrude into the transverse path of travel, as shown in Figure 26(A). (b) Where the intersection is at an internal corridor, the stair shall be set back in accordance with Figure 26(B). NOTE: Examples of stair handrail terminations are given in Figures 26(C) and 26(D). (c) Stairs shall have opaque risers. [Not able to be seen through; not transparent.] Image below shows risers which are not opaque [not compliant] (d) Stair nosings shall not project beyond the face of the riser and the riser may be vertical or have a splay backwards up to a maximum 25 mm Nosing with splayed / raked back profile (e) Stair nosing profiles shall: (i) have a sharp intersection;

5 Page 5 of 16 (ii) be rounded up to 5 mm radius; (iii) be chamfered up to 5 mm 5 mm. (f) At the nosing, each tread shall have a strip not less than 50 mm and not more than 75 mm deep across the full width of the path of travel. Insert strip extends the full length of the stair nosing Compliant The strip may be set back a maximum of 15 mm from the front of the nosing. The strip shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% to the background. This image shows a stair inlay strip which is 50 mm wide and is non-slip. It does comply with the luminance contrast of 30% BUT it is set too far back. The maximum you can set a strip back from the leading edge of the step is 15mm

6 Page 6 of 16 Compliant (g) Where the luminance contrasting strip is not set back from the front of the nosing then any area of luminance contrast shall not extend down the riser more than 10 mm.!! The above is so important This image below shows a stair nosing which is 50mm wide on the tread and has a 10mm riser. It is clear where the leading edge of the step is because the luminance contrast which in this case is black does not extend more than 10 mm down the face of the step. The image below shows a stair nosing that has a 70 mm tread and a 25 mm face. The issue here is that it is the same colour on the face/riser and tread. The luminance contrast extends further than the recommended 10 mm by the AS Standards. The concern here is that if a visually impaired person was to walk up these steps could they discern where the leading edge of the stair nosing is. The simple test is to squint your eyes and imagine walking up this set of stairs. These are not compliant Clause D3.3(a)(ii) of the BCA states that in any new development, and in major refurbishment all stairways (except a fire stairway) must comply with Clause 11 of AS ; Which is entirely related to luminance contrast, opaque risers and protruding risers.

7 Page 7 of 16 The requirements of the Premises Standards applies to new buildings and existing buildings being upgraded, refurbished or altered where a building approval or building permit is required. This applies to buildings of a commercial nature (such as shops, boarding houses, short term accommodation, hotels, factories, schools, hospitals etc) and common areas with apartment buildings. The Building Code of Australia (the BCA ) and the Disability (Access to Premises Buildings) Standards 2010 (the Premises Standards ) have minimum deemed to satisfy provisions for levels of luminance contrast provided to parts of a building and on accessible path of travels. The recently released AS (2009), AS (2009) Design for access and mobility and AS (2009) was not referenced under the BCA until 2011, as they were associated with the Premises Standard. These standards are meant for new building work. Manufacturers of stair nosing were given until 2011 to comply with the revised standards, which really only mandate and reference the following: 1. Contrast Luminance 2. Open risers 3. Overhanging treads. The purpose of this resource is to explain how people with a disability benefit from good design and construction and why precise application of relevant technical specifications is necessary to achieve the greatest level of access for the greatest number of people The standard sets out minimum design requirements to provide access for most people with disabilities and addresses a wide range of building design elements. Is AS a mandatory requirement? The Australian Standard itself has no compulsory power, but the Building Code of Australia (BCA) has accepted the standard put forward AS and has mandated compulsory compliance with that Standard. This is now enforceable by law on new building sites and major refurbishments. It is not retrospective; UNLESS the stair structure undergoes structural changes. It is very important to note that using the excuse that my building was built in 2001 means I don t have to install stair nosings is incorrect.

8 Examples of mistakes Stair Nosing Australia Page 8 of 16 Issue 1. Nosing on Stairways Luminance Contrast Importance of this feature Highlighting nosings on treads on stairways assists, in the main, people with a vision impairment; however, all members of the community benefit from this application. The highlighted nosing is used to indicate the location of the nosing or leading edge of the tread to ensure safe movement up and down the stairway by all members of the community. People with a vision impairment may not be able to locate the edge of the tread on a stairway if the top of the nosing does not have adequate highlighting to distinguish one tread from the next, thus making it extremely difficult for them to use the steps safely. Code Requirements AS1428.Part 1 Luminance Contrast Compliance New Building Work Luminance contrast is defined in Australian Standard as the light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the light reflected from another surface or component. It is not the difference in the colour or the colour contrast, but the difference in the light reflective properties of each colour. Nosings with good luminance contrast To be effective highlighted nosings must be within the design criteria set out in AS This is achieved by ensuring: The minimum luminance contrast to the adjacent tread/going colour is achieved. Continuous depth across the full width of every tread/going. The depth of the contrast nosing area must be between 50 75mm to ensure its visibility by users. When located at the front of a stair nosing, the luminance contrast strip cannot extend down the riser more than 10mm

9 Page 9 of 16 Common problems and misinterpretations The above picture shows a nosing that would not meet the luminance contrast standards. The picture on the right would the typical view a person with a slight vision impairment may experience Photo 2 shows an example of the typical view a person with a vision impairment may experience (note no definition between treads). Photo 3 shows the same stairs as seen by a person with 20/20 vision.

10 Page 10 of 16 Photos 4 7 show nosing treatments that would not meet the requirements of AS Although the treatment, for example, in photo 4 may meet the criteria in the dry weather it will not in the wet weather as the luminance contrast is lost when the concrete becomes wet. Photos 5, 6 and 7 are all variations of thin inserts placed in the nosing for slip resistance and will not achieve the required minimum 30% luminance contrast. Slip resistance would also not be met

11 Page 11 of 16 The gold stair nosings on these stairs would not comply. If you squinted your eyes at this staircase trying to emulate vision impairment you would have difficulty determining the edge of the step. This image would not meet luminance contrast as the treads are made of ceramic, but the rolled concrete stair nosing does not offer a high degree of colour contrast or Contrast strip extends across the full length of the stair nosing and is a minimum of 50 mm All of these photos show the required minimum luminance contrast and depth of treatment on the nosings of the treads/goings. I.e. 30% + on luminance contrast and minimum of 50mm wide insert extending the full length of the tread Luminance Contrast insert is more than 30% when compared to the light reflecting off tiled stairs

12 Page 12 of 16 Issue 2. Misconceptions about 10 mm riser on Stair Nosing Some manufacturers do not have a solid contrast band of colour but providing that the dividing strip is so minimalistic so as not to affect overall 30% luminance contrast then it is acceptable. The depth of the stair nosing is NOT limited to 10mm at the front such as the image below: Image one and two Two profiles with 10 mm risers, both comply with solid band of colour, providing a colour contrast as it highlights the difference in the light/dark qualities of two adjoining surfaces rather than just their colours. The crème stair nosing cannot be installed on a crème carpet, as the light/dark qualities are similar and would not provide a 30% contrast. REMEMBER: Clause 11 of the Standard specifically addresses requirements for stairways and stair nosings and in this regard focuses almost entirely on promoting luminance contrast at the leading edge of step treads together with the avoidance of overhang at the front of stair treads. The nosing below is perfectly acceptable, as the luminance contrast [black] does not extend down the face of the riser by more than 10mm. The misconception is that the riser itself must not extend more than 10mm down the face of the riser but that is incorrect; it is entirely related to the luminance contrast. The riser in this case is 25 mm. However, you must pay attention to the colour of the face of the profile and the background of the stair riser.

13 Page 13 of 16 The stair nosing above with the aluminium face is the same that is installed on the ceramic tiles in the above photo. As the face of the nosing [aluminium] does not contrast more than 30% to its surrounding background of the stair riser, a visually impaired person would not have difficulties determining where the leading edge of the step is. This image shows a similar profile that has a 33mm face/riser. The problem is that the contrast strip that they used which was light grey with an aluminium stair nosing riser makes it difficult to determine which is the tread and which is the riser, as it all appears grey The insert is a light grey. Using the squint test could you a visually impaired person safely determine where the leading edge of the step is? The nosing on the right is problematic as the contrast colour of black [luminance contrast] on grey concrete aggregate pavers does extend the riser by an additional 15mm; total of 25 mm. This could pose a problem as a visually impaired person may be confused as the where the top of the step starts.

14 Stair Nosing Australia Page 14 of 16 Just remember the rule: The body of the stair nosing can extend any distance down the riser. If the luminance contrast strip is located at the front of the stair nosing then that strip cannot extend down the riser more than 10mm. This limitation is to avoid confusing the location of the leading edge of the tread. The body of the stair nosing, so long as it is clearly differentiated from the luminance contrast strip, can extend to any depth on the riser, like this: In many ways prior to 2009 stair nosing inserts varied, were tiger striped, and in some cases in multiple colours, as well as some inserts were not 50 mm wide, nor did they extend the full width of the nosing. Some manufacturers have kept the tiger nosing but have anodized the colour of the clear aluminum to black to ensure conformance to specifications. such as this image on the left <== The problem here is that the entire strip must have a 30% contrast to surroundings steps. If you used this Tiger Striped nosing as shown on the left then most likely the black would provide a 30% contrast but the clear aluminum stripes or photo luminescent inserts wouldn't. This actually creates a strobing effect and as it does not have a solid band of colour does not comply. Problems with Misinterpretation of the 10 mm Luminance Contrast Riser Everyone has interpreted the 10 mm luminance contrast down the face of the riser recommendation in Clause 11, as meaning that the stair nosing or stair tread can only be a MAXIUM of 10 mm. This is so not true. Take a look at the terrible examples below. The image below shows that of a 10 mm riser of a stair nosing that is installed on a common concrete paver. Common sense tells you that it is not going to work. The nosing 10 mm riser cannot absorb the irregularities of this typical concrete/quartz paver. This nosing is highly unsafe; it would rock, be unstable, and no amount of strong adhesive would hold it in place.

15 Page 15 of 16 This image below shows the same paver with a stair nosing that is wider and has a 33 mm riser / face. From a compliance point of view, it ticks all the boxes. AS1428.1, Clauses 11.1(f) & 11.1(g). 1. Solid band of colour Contrast Luminance of 30% minimum of 50mm in width on the tread of the stair nosing 1. There is no colour in this case down the face of the riser [in this case brown] more than 10 mm which means you won t get confused as to where to place your foot. 2. The aluminium profile on the riser blends in to the background of the concrete so it is very clear where the edge of the step begins 3. No open risers therefore opaque 4. No protruding or overhanging treads. Note that because the paver is grey in colour and the nosing is 25mm aluminium, it is compliant, as it is clear that the tread has a minimum of 30 % contrast and the face of the nosing blends into the background; so there is no confusion as to where the leading edge of the step is. Issue 3. Open risers and Overhanging treads Open risers in stairways cause particular access difficulties for people with a vision impairment, especially if there is a light source coming from behind the stairs. Open risers or overhanging treads/goings that result in lips on each step also make upwards movement very difficult for people with mobility disabilities who are able to use stairs. Open risers can cause people with certain types of vision impairment to experience vertigo as they ascend a flight of stairs due to the strobing effect of the stair treads/goings and the light between each tread/going. People using walking sticks can also experience difficulties if their stick slides from the step into the opening. People who have a prosthesis or a disability that limits limb movement face a much greater risk of catching their toes under the lip and losing balance when trying to retrieve their foothold The Building Code of Australia (BCA) in refers to stairways in D3.3(c) and requires compliance with AS for stairways that are required to have access features. The Commission s view is that all stairways should have these features for access and safety reasons. AS specifies technical details on the construction of stairways including requirements for opaque risers. Opaque risers are those that are NOT able to be seen through or are not transparent. Achieving Best Results for Opaque Risers To be effective stair design must be within the design criteria set out in AS This is achieved by ensuring:

16 Page 16 of 16 Risers are enclosed and without lips. Each riser is opaque. None of the stairways in photos in 2 5 meet the requirements of stairways suitable for people with disabilities in AS Photos 2, 3 and 4 show open risers, with 3 and 4 showing light sources coming from behind the stairways, thus creating a strobing effect as one ascends the stairways. People using walking sticks or canes could also lose their footing if their stick slipped through the openings. Photo 5, although showing enclosed and opaque risers this stairway still presents as a problem for people with a prosthesis or someone with ambulant disabilities that restricts leg movements due to the protruding lip which might catch someone s toe. The image below shows a set of stairs that are bull nosed with a bull-nosed stair nosing applied.

17 Page 17 of 16 This installation complied with luminance contrast but does it still pose a hazard to the visually impaired who may catch their stick on the bull nose edge? As you know the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) does not include technical specifications that can be used to check for compliance, as the DDA does not set up regulations but advice to explain how people with a disability benefit from good design and construction and why precise application of relevant technical specifications is necessary to achieve the greatest level of access for the greatest number of people. These days to overcome this potential hazard suppliers are installing strips on step edges instead of bullnosing Issue 4 Glow in the dark stair nosings-contrast strips Glow in the dark stair nosings that have a strip edge contrast are acceptable providing they are not set back more than 15 mm from the edge of the step. Image one below shows nosings that are compliant. The step edge contrast strip is not set back more than 15 mm from the edge of the step. The insert is a solid band of colour and runs the full length of the tread. Image two below is compliant in terms of the fact that the step edge contrast is not set back more than 15 mm from the edge; BUT the insert is less than 50 mm. Compliant: Glow in the dark insert not set back more than 15mm from leading edge of step Compliant Non-Compliant Non-Compliant: Glow in the dark insert isn t set back more than 15mm from leading edge of step BUT the insert is less than 50 mm.

18 Page 18 of 16 All of the above is compliant- Contrast step edge glow in the dark strip is not set back further than 15 mm, solid band of colour not less than 50 mm. Profiles are 10 mm and 33 mm but the luminance contrast does not extend beyond 10 mm down the riser of the stair nosing. The image below is a full glow in the dark stair nosing. It is compliant in terms of a solid band of colour/luminance contrast. You would need to be wary, that this type of nosing provided a minimum of 30% luminance contrast to the background/stair that you were installing it onto. The image is a full glow in the dark stair nosing. It is Compliant in terms of a solid band of colour/luminance contrast. You would need to be wary, that this type of nosing provided a minimum of 30% luminance contrast to the background/stair that you were installing it onto. Key points to remember Stairs must have opaque risers as indicated in Issue 4. Open risers and Overhanging treads Stair nosings are not allowed to project beyond the face of the riser [that is such as a bull-nose or protruding lip] Issue 4. Open risers and Overhanging treads The riser itself may be vertical or splay backwards to a maximum of 25mm.

19 Page 19 of 16 Risers splayed backwards in stair construction Vertical Risers in stair construction The nosing profiles may have a sharp intersection, a radius up to 5mm, or up to a 5 5 chamfer. Radius of up to 5mm 5 x 5 Chamfer Sharp intersection Stair Slip Rating Please also note that BCA, Clause D2.13(a)(v) requires a class P4/5 slip-resistant surface provided to each general access stair or fire-isolated stair nosing strip or stair tread, where there is the potential for the area to be wet (i.e. outside) carborundum P5 Slip Compliant

20 Page 20 of 16 P3 when the stair is in dry conditions (AS4586:2013 Australian Standards) If the stairs are inside then a typical PVC vinyl insert is fine.

21 Page 21 of 16 Issue 5 Can I install just trims or strips on the edges of the stairs? You can install stair nosing strips that have a minimum P3 slip rating for internal applications, or if outdoors P4 minimum. They must also be a minimum of 50 mm in width and not set back more than 15mm from the edge of the step. +30% Finally, they must comply with the luminance contrast standards of Issue 6 Can you paint the edge of a step in a contrasting colour for example yellow? Many people believe that is they paint the edge of the step then this will comply. This is not necessarily true. The slip rating may not comply. Painting the edge of the step in bright yellow in an enamel paint would be downright dangerous. Using paint and grit as an anti-slip coating on stairs and ramps can be a waste of time Often some builders believe if they use a gritty epoxy style anti-slip paint on the edge of the step then this will comply and work. All paint especially on step edges will deteriorate and fade quickly Issue7 Can I use tape to put on the edge of a step to satisfy AS standards? You can use carborundum tape and install that on stairs. If the tape is a carborundum tape and it is adhered with a strong adhesive then yes this would suffice. HOWEVER the tape will quickly come off if the surface is dirty, sandy, flaky. Often just with weather conditions alone the tape will deteriorate. Summary Stair nosings are not just meant to aid the visually impaired, they are a major slip deterrent so common sense must prevail. Whilst it is important to comply with AS standards in relation to adhering to best practices in line with the Disability Discrimination Act, it is also a practical and OHS practice.