Is a handrail required?

[prs26]

I am writing to ask if a handrail is required by any law/regulation for a wide flight of three marble stairs, each about 14cm in height well spaced apart and each with a doormat inset into the centre, which go up to the front entrance door of a residential block of 4 flats. Thank you.

[ash72]

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

[prs26]

Fantastic! Thank you so much. Do you know the legislation/regulation for this so I can quote it to those concerned, please?

[ash72]

https://assets.publishing.service.go...93/2077370.pdf

Part K of the Building Regulations - Protection from falling, collision and impact

[prs26]

Thank you that's very much appreciated.

[prs26]

I have spoken to the council and apparently because the flats were built years ago and no action has been taken in the last 2 years we can't use these regulations to enforce the putting up of a handrail now. As some of the residents are elderly I think we have to argue health and safety as the alternative unless there is any other way?

[Section20z]

prs26,

Indeed, probably best state how many people have been killed or seriously injured in all those years to explain why a handrail is suddenly essential

[ash72]

I'm sure they would put them up if they knew a negligence claim was coming their way.

[Section20z]

I'm sure they would put them up if they knew a negligence claim was coming their way.

As long as any issues in the H&S report have been addressed they have no need to tend to one tenant's request