Committees responsible for this British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Elements and Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Committee (ECB/-) to Technical Committee ECB/2 upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aluminium Federation

British Woodworking Federation

Concrete Society

Department of Health and Social Security

Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory

Department of the Environment, Housing and Construction

Energy Industries Council

Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association

Greater London Council

Health and Safety Executive

Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Institution of Structural Engineers

Joinery Managers’ Association Ltd.

London Transport Executive

Royal Institute of British Architects

Scottish Development Department

Spiral Stair Manufacturers’ Association

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, through subcommittees and panels:

Institution of Building Control Officers

Co-opted members

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of the Elements and components (of Diverse materials) for Buildings Standards Committee, was published under the authority of the Board of BSI and comes into effect on 31 January 1984

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:

Committee reference ECB/2 Draft for comment 82/12150 DC

Foreword

This standard has been prepared under the direction of the Elements and Components (of Diverse Materials) for Building Standards Committee. As a consequence of the publication of this Part of this standard, the number of the existing BS 5395:1977 has been changed to BS 5395‑1. BS 5395‑3 covers industrial type stairs, ladders and walkways.

This standard is based on accepted good practice by designers and manufacturers of helical and spiral stairs, It should be borne in mind that helical and spiral stairs are not normally permitted for use as means of escape where large numbers of persons are involved.

In drafting this standard the committee acknowledged the need for research into the structural behaviour of stairs.

Appendix A describes a recommended procedure for load tests on stairs. Further investigations are required to determine the appropriate loads for each stair category.

The proper functioning and durability of a prefabricated stair designed in accordance with this standard depends on care in handling during transportation and on site, as well as careful site storage, correct installation and temporary protection, and subsequent proper maintenance. Some general advice is given in BS 5395‑1, but the manufacturer should inform the purchaser in writing of the precautions necessary.

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

1 Scope

This Part of this standard gives recommendations for the design of helical and spiral stairs, to be used internally or externally in all types of building constructions. It covers only stairs which are circular on plan and does not deal with ramps.

NOTE 1 Appendix B gives guidance on the geometry of helical and spiral stairs.

NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed on the inside back cover.

2 Definitions

3 Alternative materials, components and methods of design and construction

4 Materials

5 Design

5.1 General.

5.2 Relation between rise and going.

5.3 Rise.

5.4 Going.

5.5 Clear headroom.

5.6 Clear width.

5.7 Landings.

5.8 Guarding of stairs and landings.

5.9 Passage of large objects.

5.10 Deflection.

5.11 Accuracy.

5.12 Nosings.

6 Fire protection and means of escape

Publications referred to

BS 5395-2:1984

Stairs, ladders and walkways - Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairs

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Jan 1984