Public (Stairs) Building Codes & Rules


- Discover stair compliance: treads, risers, landings, handrails, tactile indicators, and more. Tools™ simplifies NCC with interactive graphics for efficiency.


Fall

Zone for Service & Fittings

Soffit

Balustrade (Barrier)

Nosing line

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D8 (1) (a)

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D8 (1) (a)

Nosing line

TGSI

Property Line

1

to surface below

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (e)

300AS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (e)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)

2NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)

AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (e)

600AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (e)

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.1 (d)

25AS 1428.1:2021, 8.1 (d)

Riser

3

Tread

Non-Climbable Zone

Handrail

Landing

Primary School 2nd Handrail

Continuous Handrail

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (d)

300AS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (d)

AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

300±10AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.4

300 / 600AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.4

AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

300±10AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

Allow for Service & Fittings

to surface below

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (d)

1

going

widthAS 1428.1:2021, 8.2 (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7

≥ 1.98mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)

500NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D8 (1) (a)

≥ 1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D8 (1) (a) / ≥ 600

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)

NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)

2m clearNCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (1) (d)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (2) (b) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D17 (1) (d)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.3 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)

NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)

2m clearNCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)

RNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)

GNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)

> 4mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (3)

865

to

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (3)

865

to

1mNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)

760NCC 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)

1:50NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)

150NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.4 (8) (a)

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 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)

18NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (2)

≥750NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (2)

Fall (Exterior)

1 : 100

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D1P2

Safe Movement requirements within a BuildingNCC 2022 Vol 1, D1P2

  • Walking surfaces with safe gradients
  • Doors installed to avoid the risk of occupants
  • Stairways & ramps with slip-resistant & handrails
  • Landings to avoid undue fatigue
  • Landings where a door opens from or onto ramp & stairway without any obstruction

Fire Door

Clear Width


  • ≥ 1m Public Stair[1]
  • ≥ 600mm non-habitable[2]


Landing CLEARANCES


NCC 2022 V3


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)

  • ≥ 1m clearance between handrails (public)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5
  • Mid landing must not be narrower than flight
  • Larger clear width may be required by NCC
  • ≥ 500mm clear from a door leaf opening into a fire stairNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D8 (1) (a)

Storage Under Stairs


  • Fire-isolated Stair
  • Not allowed[1]
  • Required non Fire-isolated Stair
  • 60/60/60 FRL[2]


Enclosure Under Stair RULES


NCC 2022 V1


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D3D9 [2019 D2.8]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D9 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D9 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D9 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D9 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D9 (2) (a)

Handrails


  • 865mm to 1m high[1]
  • Ø 30 to 52mm[2]
  • < 1m high stair not required (private)[3][4]
  • Required both sides if width > 2m (public)


Handrail PRIVATE STAIR


NCC 2022 V1


Class 1 - 4 & 10 (Private)


NCC 2022 D3D22 & HP11.3.5 [2019 D2.17 & 3.9.2.4]


May 2023



  • < 1m high stair does not require a handrail
  • Handrail to at least 1 side
  • Handrail continuous if possible, but can stop at newel posts or where barrier terminates
  • No requirement to shape but must be able to be gripped

Handrail ACCESSIBILITY


NCC 2022 V3


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 D3D22 & HP11.3.5 [2019 D2.17, 3.9.2.4]


May 2023



AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (b)

AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (b)

  • Handrails to be provided in compliance to the NCC
  • Ø 30 to 52mmAS 1428.1:2021, 9 (b)
  • Both sides if width of stair is > 2m (Public)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (1) (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 1428.1:2021, 9 (b)

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"

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D18 (2) (b)

AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (b)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (6) (b)

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)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D20 (1)

Handrail Termination


  • Required in an Accessible Path of Travel or an Accessible Sole Occupancy Unit[1]


Handrail TERMINATION


NCC 2022 V1


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D3D22 & 11.3.5 [2019 D2.17, 3.9.2.4]


May 2023



AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (g)

AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (c)

AS 1428.1:2021, 9 (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D22 (5)

Treads & Risers


  • 2 to 18 risers in a single flight[1]
  • 115 to 190mm Riser[2]
  • 250 to 355mm Going (240mm if a private stair)
  • ± 5mm per tread & ± 10mm overall Tolerance[3]
  • Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass through an open riser[4]
  • Opaque Risers mandatory for DDA compliance[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 V5


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)

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 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (c) (ii)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.2 (1) (d)

AS 1428.1:2009, 11.1 (c)

Nosings



Nosing RULES


NCC 2022 V3


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D3, H5D3 & 11.2 [2019 D2.0, 3.9.1]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, S15C4 (b)

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.1 (e) (ii)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (e) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H5D2

AS 1428.1:2021, 8.1 (d)

Nosings - Private Stair


NCC 2022 V1


Class 1 & 10


NCC 2022 11.2.4 [2019 3.9.1.4]


May 2023



Non Slip TESTING & MAINTENANCE


NCC 2022 V1


Material SAFETY


NCC 2022 V1


NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.4 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D14 (1) (e) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 2, H5D2

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S15C4 (b)

Glazing


  • Grade A Safety Glass[1]


Glazing FALL SAFETY


NCC 2022 V1


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)

AS 1288:2021, 5.16 (b)

Balustrade


  • ≥ 1m height[1]
  • Ø 125mm sphere unable to pass between landing or nosing line & bottom rail of barrier[2][3]
  • 4m or more fall risk must include a NCZ[4][5]


Balustrade RULES


NCC 2022 V1


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)

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)

Class 7 & 8 Balustrade RULES


NCC 2022 V1


Class 7 & 8


NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 [2019 D2.16a]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (3) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (3) (b)

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

Fire-isolated Stair RULES


NCC 2022 V3


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D3D17 to 21 [2019 D2.16]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (4)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (3) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D19 (2)

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, D3D17 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D16

ThresholdsNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D16

  • No step allowed if required to be accessible
  • ≤ 190mm step if onto an open space
  • ≤ 25mm door sill above FFL in Class 9a
  • ≤ 1:8 ramp gradient for ≤ 25mm height of threshold in Class 9c
  • Compliant to AS 1428.1

Tactile indicators (TGSI)


  • 300±10mm from nosing[1]
  • 600 to 800mm depth[2]


Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI)


NCC 2022 V2


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D4D9, S15, & I2D11

[2019 D3.8, D3.6, H2.11]


May 2023



AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.4

  • Changes in direction to be tangibly indicated in compliance to the NCC
  • Starts 300±10mmAS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (c) from nosing, &
  • Full width of StairAS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.4
  • 600 to 800mm depth if an open Stair, or
  • 300 to 400mm depth if an enclosed Stair with Landing ≤ 3m
  • Not required where outer handrail is continuous & Landing ≤ 3m
  • Not required in a fire stair
  • Must be within property boundary

Tactile Indicator OPTIONS


NCC 2022 V1


AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (e)

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)

NCC 2022 HP, 10.3.1 (1) (f)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, F5D2 (8) (c)

Tools™ Best Practice

Treads & Risers Best PracticeTools™ Best Practice

  • Allow for drainage around Nosings
  • Avoid single Risers

Tactile Indicators (TGSI)


  • 300 ± 10mm from nosing[1]
  • 300 to 400mm depth if
  • Landing ≤ 3m, or[2]
  • Outer handrail not continuous


Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI)


NCC 2022 V2


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D4D9, S15, & I2D11

[2019 D3.8, D3.6, H2.11]


May 2023



AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.4

  • Changes in direction to be tangibly indicated in compliance to the NCC
  • Starts 300±10mmAS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.3.3 (c) from nosing, &
  • Full width of StairAS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, 2.4
  • 600 to 800mm depth if an open Stair, or
  • 300 to 400mm depth if an enclosed Stair with Landing ≤ 3m
  • Not required where outer handrail is continuous & Landing ≤ 3m
  • Not required in a fire stair
  • Must be within property boundary

Tactile Indicator OPTIONS


NCC 2022 V1


AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.4

AS/NZS 1428:2009, 2.3.3 (c)

Doors


  • Must swing in direction of Egress[1]
  • ≤ 500mm encroachment on required width[2]
  • ≥ 1.98m unobstructed door height[3]


Door Egress Clearance RULES


NCC 2022 V1


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 D2D7 to 11 [2019 D1.6]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (c)

  • ≥ 1.98m heightNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7
  • Required unobstructed exit width - 250mmNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (c)
  • ≥ 750mm for most Class 2 to 9 where unobstructed exit width ≥ 1m
  • Width increases where the aggregate width of unobstructed exit > 1m
  • No requirements if access is only to a sanitary compartment or bathroom

Door Swing RULES


NCC 2022 V1


Class 2 to 9


NCC 2022 D3D25 [2019 D2.20]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (b)

  • In a required exit must not encroachNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a)
  • > 500mm swing path into the required width
  • > 100mm when fully open (including handles)
  • Must swing in the direction of travel unlessNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (b)
  • Serves ≤ 200m² building area & has a Hold Open Device
  • Serves a Sanitary Compartment or Airlock

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (b)

Tools™ Best Practice

Balustrade Best PracticeTools™ Best Practice

  • Avoid wire Balustrades

Landings



Landing (Private Stair)


NCC 2022 V1


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 CLEARANCES


NCC 2022 V3


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)

  • ≥ 1m clearance between handrails (public)NCC 2022 HP, 11.3.5
  • Mid landing must not be narrower than flight
  • Larger clear width may be required by NCC
  • ≥ 500mm clear from a door leaf opening into a fire stairNCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 HP, 11.2.5 (2)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D15 (a) (i)

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