1. Q1. Name one function of a stairs?
The function of stairs is to provide easy walking access from one floor or level to another in safety.
Stairs must be strong enough to carry the weight of people using them and also the weight of any equipment or furniture being moved from one level to another.
Stairs must be fire resistant for a sufficient length of time to provide a safe means of escape for the occupants of the building.
Q2. What are the four classifications of stairs?
Private Stairway - A stairs within a building or
providing access to only one dwelling.
2. Common Stairway - A stairs providing access
to more than one dwelling.
3. Accommodation Stairway - A stairway connecting not more than 2 stories in a building.
4. Escape Stairway - Stairs forming part of a fire escape route.
Q3. Of the many aspects to be considered when a stair is designed, name two that should receive prime consideration?
The sitting of the proposed stair – whether there is enough room;
Construction and installation details muct conform with current Building Regulations;
Suitable material for the stair members;
The finished appearance (asthetics).

2. Q4. Name threee different types of stairs?
1. Straight Flight
2. Straight Flight with
Winders at the top
3. Quarter space landing
4. Dog-leg stair with
Half-space landing
5. Open-well stair with
Landings
Q5. To check that the rise and going dimensions comply with the Two quarter-space
Building Regulations, what is the formula is used to do so?
The sum of twice the rise plus the going (2R+G) should be between 550mm and 700mm with an optimum (ideal) 600mm.
Q6. What are the regulations for the going, rise and pitch for a stairs?
Make sketch to show detail..
. Dimensions for Going 220 mm min. (250 mm optimum).
Dimensions for Rise 220 mm max. (175 mm optimum).
Angle of pitch: 420 max (350 optimum).
Nosing 16mm min
Pitch line
Going
220mm
min
Rise
220mm
max
Pitch 420 max

3. Landing at bottom of stairs at Least 400mm clear of door swing
Q7. Make sketchs of the regulations in relation to landings on stairs and on the bottom of the stairs, Guarding, handrail height, and headroom.
Landing at bottom of stairs at
Least 400mm clear of door swing
Landing width not less than
800mm or width of stairway
Or whichever is greater
Ensure that a 100mm
Diameter sphere cannot
Pass through any opening
In the balustrade or guarding
Private stairs should have a width of not less than 800 mm.
A handrail should be fitted between 840 mm and 900 mm
vertically above the pitch line. A handrail must be fixed
on each side of a stairs if it is 1 meter wide or more.

4. Handrail
Handrail mm
Measured vertically
Above the pitch line
Pitch line
Headroom 1.5 m measured
Perpendicular to the pitch
line
Headroom 2 m
Measured vertically
Above the pitch line
1.8 Min – short flights only

5. Q8. Whats the maximum amount of risers in a single flight of stairs?
There should not be more than sixteen risers in anyone flight. This is the maximum number of step, that the average person can climb safely without requiring a rest. A flight containing one or two risers should be situated at the bottom of the stairs.
Q9. Using the sketch of the stairs calculate the risers and treads making sure it complys with the building regulations.
Assume 14 risers
= 2700/14
= 192.8
=193mm each
13 treads
= 3000/13 =
= 231mm each
Check: (2R+G)
= (2 x )
= 617mm
Which is within the
Regulations.
Q10 Make a labeld sketch of the string, handrail and newel post showing
all construction detail?
Handrail
Newel
Extended
Newel