Enhancing access while minimising safety risks, stair nosings are a mandatory compliance requirement.
Public stairways account for over 60% of slip, trip, and fall deaths in buildings. They require the installation of precise visual cues to help people ascend and descend steps safely. Poor stair design and construction principles, combined with poor lighting or wet conditions, present imminent risk factors when not proactively addressed.
Stair nosings are a great way to ensure stair and floor safety for everyday pedestrian traffic. The ‘nose’ of a step is where people put their feet and weight on the stair, leading it to wear out over time. Installed to prevent the risk of slips and falls, stair nosings are profiled strips of material, commonly aluminium, fitted to the edge of steps (a.k.a. the ‘nose’) to provide an anti-slip surface.
Installing high-quality stair nosings minimises costly safety risks, adds a sense of security, and helps prolong the wear of the stair tread and the floor-covering product used on the stairs. Of even greater importance, all stairways must be designed to empower those with vision impairments and disabilities with confident and safe access.
Are stair nosings mandatory?
Yes, they are.
According to AS1428.1, Australian Standard Design for Access and Mobility Part 1, stair nosings are a general requirement for access across all new building work. The standard also sets out the minimum requirements according to layout and application, providing access for more people with disabilities and addressing a wide range of building design elements.
Where are the standards applicable?
The AS1428.1:2021 and AS4586:2013 standards are applicable in various environments where public access is provided, including but not limited to;
- All commercial developments
- Any residential apartment development
- Rental and holiday properties with public access
Summary of the current Australian Standards – AS1428.1:2021 requirements
AS1428.1 – Visibility
Stair nosings must:
- Stair nosings must span the full width of the path of travel.
- Use a single, continuous contrast strip between 50 and 75mm wide. Do not use multiple strips.
- Place the contrast strip no more than 15mm from the front edge of the step.
- If the contrast strip extends down the front of the stair, it should not exceed 10mm to avoid confusion about the step’s edge.
- If the nosing body blends in with the step and is clearly different from the contrast strip, it can extend any distance down the riser.
AS1428.1 – Luminance Contrast
Outlining the specific requirements for Luminance Reflectance Value (LRV) of stair nosings, AS1428.1:2021 details how reflective and visibly contrasting stair nosings should be. Luminance Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the contrast between the stair nosing and the surrounding surfaces, helping people with vision impairments see the edges of stairs better.
- To ensure good contrast, stair nosings should have a different light reflectance value (LRV) from the nearby walking surface.
- The contrast strip should always have at least 30% luminance contrast with the floor or background.
- If the vertical edge (turndown) is more than 10mm, the contrast strip should have at least 30% luminance contrast with both the turndown and the stair surface.
AS1428.1 – Dimensions for Installation
- If the stair nosing goes beyond the face, it counts as part of the riser – the riser can be vertical or slanted backward up to 25 mm.
- The maximum riser height for any stair is 190 mm. A finished riser height of 185 mm is recommended to accommodate 5 mm for additional floor finishes and stair nosings.
AS1428.1 – Slip-Resistance Rating
Stair nosings should have a slip-resistant surface to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Measured using a pendulum slip resistance tester, stair nosing materials must meet or exceed the required slip-resistance rating.
AS4586:2013 covers specific slip resistance requirements and classifications, the slip ratings range from P0 to P5. The higher the number, the lower the risk of slipping. Stair nosings with a P3 slip rating are suitable for internal stairs, while stair nosings with a P4 or P5 rating have a very low slip risk when wet and are therefore suitable for exterior use.
You may need to provide certification and documentation of slip resistance test results to show compliance with the standard.
AS1428.1 – Stair Nosing Profile
Stair nosing profiles can have the following:
- A sharp edge
- A rounded edge with a radius of up to 5mm
- A bevelled edge up to 5mm x 5mm at the tread/riser intersection
AS1428.1 – Durability
Stair nosings must be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Proper cleaning, maintenance, and periodic testing are also recommended to ensure ongoing slip resistance compliance.
Outline of Fire Safety Requirements (according to NCC 2022)
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) assigns fire resistance ratings (FRR) to building materials, including stair nosings, based on their ability to withstand exposure to fire without failure.
The ratings indicate the duration for which a material or assembly can maintain its strength, integrity, and insulation during a fire. Building materials, including stair nosings, must pass fire resistance tests per the testing standards outlined in the BCA.
In addition to the compliance guidelines set by Australian Standards for stair nosings, understanding and adhering to the BCA’s fire safety requirements is essential for stairway safety and accessibility.
AS1657-2018 Australian Standards for Stairs
To ensure compliance, select and specify your stair nosing before designing and building your staircase. The Australian Standards state that the maximum riser height for any staircase is 190 mm, so you must account for any additional height added by the stair nosing beforehand.
AS1657-2018 outlines essential stair tread and riser requirements affecting your stair nosing selection.
If your staircase has already been built with risers at the maximum height of 190mm and you still need to add stair nosings, don’t panic! The team at Classic Architectural Group can still offer practical, compliant solutions.
Classic Architectural Group can help you achieve your stair nosing compliance requirements.
Partnering with Classic Architectural Group ensures your stair nosing compliance needs are met with precision. Their expertise extends to stairs, floors, bike storage, bollards, and car park safety, providing comprehensive compliance solutions. With over 40 years of industry experience, Classic Architectural Group is a trusted authority.
Their in-house services and tools are designed to keep your projects compliant and on track. Additionally, their website features a resource hub with downloadable technical documents, including the Classic Stair Nosing Compliance Guide. This guide simplifies compliance by detailing relevant codes, standards, and applications, making it an invaluable resource for your projects.
