INTERIORS © BWF Stair Scheme


HANDRAILS Trips and slips on the stairs can often be prevented by providing something for someone to hold onto when they lose their balance – particularly for properties where vulnerable persons may be using the staircase. Handrails should be incorporated into the design at an early stage so that they can become an attractive design feature. The railing should be positioned where it can be easily reached at all points on the staircase.


should be protected by guarding. The material used for the guarding should be strong enough to withstand someone falling into it and high enough to stop anyone falling over it. For properties where children will be using the staircase, the gaps in the guarding should be less than 10 cm in width and height to prevent them from falling through.


SURFACE FINISH The finish of a staircase can be the final touch for a truly breathtaking design, but it can also significantly influence the risk of slips. For example, a shiny varnished wooden floor will be more prone to becoming slippery in comparison to a carpet. The ongoing maintenance of the stairs should also be considered when selecting the surface finish, as wet and dusty surfaces, worn or thin carpets and various types of hard flooring can all wear differently and increase the risk of trips and falls.


Stair safety does not need to be a


restricting factor on design creativity. In fact, by incorporating features of interest including handrails and guarding, unique staircase designs can be created to


By incorporating features including handrails and guarding, unique staircase designs can be created to further enhance the focal point of any home


further enhance the focal point of any home. The BWF Stair Scheme promotes best practice in stair design and has a wealth of information on its website to help you ensure that beauty and safety are carefully balanced.


Kevin Underwood is technical director of the British Woodworking Federation


86 www.sbhonline.co.uk


nov/dec 2020


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