1. STAIRS – RULES AND REGULATIONS
D2.1: Application of Part
Except for D2.13and D2.16, this part does not apply to-
A Class 1 or Class 10 building; or
the internal parts of a sole occupancy unit in a Class 2 or Class 3 or a class 4 part
Classes of Building
Class 1a buildings are town houses, Villas, semi-detached, or terraces or similar
Class 1b building are boarding houses, guest houses or hostel or the similar with total floor areas not exceeding 300m2 and in which not more than 12 persons would ordinarily be resident,
Which is not located located above or below another dwelling or another Class of building other than a private garage.
Class 2: a building containing 2 or more sole-occupancy units each being a separate dwelling.
Class 3: boarding houses, Hotel/motel, school boarding facilities, nursing homes or similar and hospitals.
Class 10: A non-habitable building such as a garage, carport or shed.
This section D2 applies to office buildings used for professional or commercial purposes including doctors surgery, high rise office tower shops, cafes, hairdressers, public carparks, public buildings such as town halls and auditoriums and laboratories
D2.2: Fire isolated stairways and ramps:
A stairway or ramp that is ( including any landing) that is required to be in a fire resisting shaft must be constructed-
of non-combustible materials and;
so that if there is local failure, it will not cause structural damage to, or impair the fire resistance of the shaft
AS – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders- Design construction and installation.
Specifies requirements for the elements (in terms the terms of the above) as they relate to places of work such as industrial situations. Typically, it has specifications for component sizes and spacings for guardrails and walkways. Think about oil refineries, breweries and chemical plants as an example.
Stair design is regulated under the BCA 1990
See section D2
Australian Standard AS fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders
The BCA covers :
Fire escape stairs construction
domestic and commercial stair construction
ramps and balconies
Stairs sizes and setting out

2. STAIRS AS FIRE ESCAPES In building of more than two storeys
Must be made from fire proof material eg. Concrete or steel
Steel to be no less than 6mm thick
Or timber to be no less than 44mm thickness all parts with a mass of 800kg /m3

3. Stairs flights must be connected by a full landing.
Must have a fire rating of at least 60/60/60. (3 hours)
Must have external ventilation and cannot have enclosed spandrels.
Other points relating to fire isolated stairs can be found in D2- 4,5,6,7,& 8.

4. Stairs Sizes Stair widths :
to be measured clear of any obstructions including handrails.
When more than 2mtrs wide it should have a dividing handrail.

5. STAIR SIZES
Clear head room of 2030mm must be present throughout the flight.
2030mm
This staircase complies

6. NO Rules and Regulations Does it comply ?
The stairs must comply with the basic regulation:
The formula for testing the pitch of a flight of stairs is:
2 (R) + G = 550 to 700
For example: R = 180
G = 350
= = 710
Domestic stairs in residential construction must follow BCA D2.13 and section D2.16 which give the limits of tread and riser height(D2.13) and balustrade requirements (D2.16)
Note Open Riser stairs can only have a maximum clear space between threads of 125mm. NO
Does it comply ?

7. YES Rules and Regulations Does it comply ?
The stairs must comply with the basic regulation:
The formula for testing the pitch of a flight of stairs is:
2 (R) + G = 550 to 700
For example: R = 150
G = 310
= = 610
YES
Does it comply ?

8. RULES AND REGULATIONS LANDINGS Minimum length 750mm
Must have non slip finish at least near the edge of a descending flight of stairs
In class 9a building be 2mtrs long and 600mm wide. Sufficient to move a stretcher.
Landing
The landing is an area of flooring part way up a staircase. It can be used as:
§                    a resting place
§                    a way of changing direction of the stairs
§                    breaking a fall.
Regulations may require a landing in a long flight.

9. RULES AND REGULATIONS BALUSTRADES:
Must be provided on open sides of all stairs and landings, if over 1mtr rise or 5 stairs
Must not have footholds for children and should
prevent objects from being kicked off accidentally.
Must be NOT LESS THAN 865mm measured from the front of the nosing. At balconies 1mtr is essential
Distance between balusters is to be NO MORE than 125mm. Depending upon building class and height of rise