The Stair Handrails Regulations in Europe
There are some regulations or standards for stair handrails in Europe, but they may vary depending on the country, the type of building, and the design of the staircase. Here are some examples of the regulations or standards :
• In Ireland, the Technical Guidance Document K – Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards provides guidance on the requirements for handrails in relation to Part K of the Building Regulations 2014. According to this document, a handrail is required for flights of stairs that rise over 600mm. The handrail should be securely fixed and located in accordance with the design, be a vertical distance of 900mm–1000mm above the pitch line, have a 25mm minimum clearance from any surface, ensure a firm handhold, have rounded ends or be returned to the wall, and be continuous, smooth and unobstructed.
• In the UK, the NHBC Standards 2023 provide guidance on the requirements for handrails in relation to staircases. According to these standards, a handrail is required for flights of stairs that rise over 600mm. The handrail should be securely fixed and located in accordance with the design, be a vertical distance of 900mm–1000mm (or 840mm–1000mm in Scotland) above the pitch line, have a 25mm minimum clearance from any surface, ensure a firm handhold, have rounded ends or be returned to the wall, and be continuous, smooth and unobstructed.
• In Germany, there is no specific regulation or standard for stair handrails, but there are some general recommendations and guidelines that can be followed. For example, the DIN 18065 standard specifies some dimensions and criteria for staircases and handrails in buildings. According to this standard, a handrail should be at least 30mm in diameter, have a minimum clearance of 50mm from any surface, be a vertical distance of 900mm–1100mm above the pitch line or landing level, and be continuous and easy to grip.
• In France, there is no specific regulation or standard for stair handrails either, but there are some general recommendations and guidelines that can be followed as well. For example, the NF P01-012 standard specifies some dimensions and criteria for staircases and handrails in residential buildings. According to this standard, a handrail should be at least 30mm in diameter, have a minimum clearance of 40mm from any surface, be a vertical distance of 800mm–1000mm above the pitch line or landing level, and be continuous and easy to grip.
