Private (Stairs) Building Codes & Rules
- Enhance stair safety and accessibility with Tools™. Navigate Class 1 stair requirements and optimise design for Classes 2-9. Maximise compliance, minimise risk.
Handrail
Nosing line
To Surface Below
Landing Level
To surface below
Framing Overview
Allow for Service & Fittings
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (3)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)
NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)
Nosing line
- Avoid single Risers
Landing
Balustrade (Barrier)
Zone for Service & Fittings
Soffit
Tread
NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)
NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)
Low use
Non-Climbable Zone
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
Fall
Riser
Tools™ Best Practice
≤ 1:50Tools™ Best Practice
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)
Balustrade
Required
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)
Handrail
Required
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (a)
Flight 2 to 18 RisersNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.6
Thresholds
- ≤ 230mm step (private)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.6
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (2) (a) (i)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (2) (a) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (a)
Winders
- ≤ 3 steps in place of a quarter landingNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (b)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (2) (a) (i)
- ≤ 6 steps in place of a half landingNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (a)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (2) (a) (ii)
- Depth varies from straight treads, but goings of winders must be consistentNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (3) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
Fall (Exterior)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (5)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (i)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (2)
Glazing
- Grade A Safety Glass[1]
Glazing FALL SAFETY
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 B1D4 & HP8.4.2 [2019 B1.4, 3.6.4.1]
May 2023
AS 1288:2021, 5.16 (b)
AS 1288:2021, 5.16 (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
NCC 2022 HP, 8.4.2
- Safety Glazing Assemblies to be structurally sound to the NCCAS 1288:2021, 5.16 (b)AS 1288:2021, 5.16 (a)
- Grade A safety glass if
- < 2m from bottom Riser of Flight, andNCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- < 1m above Nosing lineNCC 2022 HP, 8.4.2
AS 1288:2021, 5.16 (b)
- Grade A Safety GlassAS 1288:2021, 5.16 (b)
Treads & Risers
- 2 to 18 risers in a single flight[1]
- 115 to 190mm Riser[2]
- 240 to 355mm Going[3]
- ± 5mm per tread & ± 10mm overall Tolerance[4]
- Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass through an open riser[5]
Slip RATING
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D15 & HP11.2.4 [2019 D2.14, 3.9.1.4]
May 2023
null
Riser & Going RULES
NCC 2022 V7
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D14 [2019 D2.13]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (e)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (f)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (f)
AS 1428.1:2009, 11.1 (c)
- Solid treads are required if
- > 10m high stairwayNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (e)
- > 3 storeys connectedNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (f)
- Opaque RisersAS 1428.1:2009, 11.1 (c) required in a Continuous Accessible Path of Travel
Tread & Riser BEST PRACTICE
NCC 2022 V2
- No single Riser Stairs
- Generally not permitted
- ≤ 1 : 50 gradient to landing
- Step ramp 1 : 10 at ≤ 190mm height preferred
- For stairways adjoining a sloping walkway
- DO NOT allow the last tread to follow the sloping gradient
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (5)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (5)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (c) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (d)
- 2 to 18 risers in a single flightNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (5)
- 115 to 190mm RiserNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (5)
- 240 to 355mm GoingNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (a)
- ± 5mm per tread & ± 10mm overall ToleranceNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (c) (ii)
- Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass through an open riserNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (d)
Landing
- Allows for stairway direction change[1]
- Serves as a rest area for stairway user[2]
- ≤ 1:50 gradient ensures the landing is relatively level but also provides a slight slope for drainage[3][4]
Landing CLEARANCES
NCC 2022 V4
Class 2 to 9
NCC 2022 D2D8 & HP11.2.5 [2019 D1.4]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)
EFSG 2.0
EFSG 2.0
- ≥ 1m clearance between handrails (public)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5
- ≥ 500mm clear from a door leaf opening into a fire stairNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)
- Mid landing must not be narrower than flightEFSG 2.0
- Larger clear width may be required by NCCEFSG 2.0
Landing (Private Stair)
NCC 2022 V3
Class 1 - 4 & 10 (Private)
NCC 2022 HP11.2.5 [2019 3.9.1.5]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (c)
- Landing not required ifNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (c)
- ≤ 3 risers, or
- ≤ 570mm cumulative riser height
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)
Informative
Informative
- Allows for stairway direction changeNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15
- Serves as a rest area for stairway userNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)
- ≤ 1:50 gradient ensures the landing is relatively level but also provides a slight slope for drainageInformativeInformative
Non-climbable zone
- 4m or more fall risk must include a NCZ[1]
Non-climbable Zone (NCZ)
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D20 [2019 D2.16a]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
- 4m or more fall risk must include an NCZ with no footholds including brackets, hinges, hardwareNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
- 150 to 760mm above finished levelNCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
- 4m or more fall risk must include a NCZNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
Nosings
Nosings - Private Stair
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 to 4 & 10
NCC 2022 11.2.4 [2019 3.9.1.4]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2)
- Slip resistanceNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (ii)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2)
- P4 or R11 subject to wetting
- P3 or R10 dry conditions
Non Slip TESTING & MAINTENANCE
NCC 2022 V1
Material SAFETY
NCC 2022 V1
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2)
- Slip resistanceNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (ii)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2)
- P4 or R11 subject to wetting
- P3 or R10 dry conditions
Balustrade
- ≥ 865mm height if landing ≤ 500mm length[1][2]
- Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass between landing or nosing line & bottom rail of barrier[3][4]
- 4m or more fall risk must include a NCZ[5][6]
Non-climbable Zone (NCZ)
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D20 & HP11.3.4 [2019 D2.16a, 3.9.2.3]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
- 4m or more fall risk must include an NCZ with no footholds including brackets, hinges, hardwareNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
- 150 to 760mm above finished levelNCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
Balustrade RULES
NCC 2022 V4
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D17 to 21 [2019 D2.16]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (4)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D21
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (1)
EFSG 2.0
- ≥ 1m highNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)
- ≥ 1m or more fall risk requires a balustradeNCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (4)
- Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass between landing or nosing line & bottom rail of barrierNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D21NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (1)
- Wire barriers to be spaced & tensioned to ensure complianceEFSG 2.0
Balustrade BEST PRACTICE
NCC 2022 V2
- Any balustrade system to withstand expected loads
- Must be designed and structurally certified
- Dependent on the location and use
- Glazed systems rely on a common rail or specialized laminated glass to prevent fall if a panel fails
- Confirm acceptance of system & selection with owner & certifier
- Where a balustrade meets a window or other uneven element, mullion or transom, openings may become larger than allowed
- Ø 125mm opening compliance may be affected
- Risk for climbing
- Fixed furniture, taps etc. must not be installed near a balustrade
- Wire balustrades
- Avoid as this requires regular maintenance
- Have high certification failure rate & facilitate climbing
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (4)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (b)
- ≥ 865mm height if landing ≤ 500mm lengthNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (b)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)
- Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass between landing or nosing line & bottom rail of barrierNCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (4)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)
- 4m or more fall risk must include a NCZNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (1)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (b)
Clear Height
Bulkhead Clearance
NCC 2022 V1
- ≥ 2.1m height clearance above nosing line to bulkheads
Height Clearance RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 F5D2 & HP10.3.1 [2019 F3.1]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2
NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)
- Clear height for stairways measured above nosing line
- Services & fittings must NOT encroach
- Allow tolerance for construction deviations, future finishes & fittingsNCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)
NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)
- ≥ 2m clear heightNCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)
Handrails
Handrail ACCESSIBILITY
NCC 2022 V6
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D22 & HP11.3.5 [2019 D2.17, 3.9.2.4]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (b)
AS 1428.1:2009, 12 (b)
AS 1428.1:2009, 12 (c)
- Handrails to be provided in compliance to the NCC
- Ø 30 to 50mmNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (b)
- Both sides if width of stair is > 2m (Public)AS 1428.1:2009, 12 (b)
- Any stair in an Accessible Path of Travel or an Accessible Sole Occupancy Unit to have handrails to both sides
- Both handrails continuous around landings except at doors, fire services etc.
- Exposed edges & corners ≥ r 5mmAS 1428.1:2009, 12 (c)
Handrail GEOMETRY
NCC 2022 V2
- Balustrade height measured from top of a hob, if higher than adjacent floor level
- ≥ 900mm down stair flights &
- ≥ 1.05m at landings & balconies
- Design the Balustrade to be slightly higher than the minimum
- Just 1mm too low can make the rails defective & unsafe
- At a mid-landing with a change of direction
- Locate the the first upward riser 1 going length from the landing
- This allows for improved handrail geometry
Handrail DURABILITY
NCC 2022 V2
- If within 200m from a coastline, select stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium products
- Always use stainless steel fixings, washers, packers, & spacers
- Polished stainless steel finishes will reduce "tea staining"
Handrail PRIVATE STAIR
NCC 2022 V3
Class 1 - 4 & 10 (Private)
NCC 2022 D3D22 & HP11.3.5 [2019 D2.17 & 3.9.2.4]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (e)
- < 1m high stair does not require a handrailNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)
- Handrail to at least 1 sideNCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (1) (a)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (a)
- Handrail continuous if possible, but can stop at newel posts or where barrier terminatesNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (e)
- No requirement to shape but must be able to be gripped
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)
AS 1428.1:2009, 12 (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)
- 865mm to 1m highNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)
- Ø 30 to 50mmAS 1428.1:2009, 12 (b)
- < 1m high stair not requiredNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)
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