Stairs
In General | Visibility | Steps | Handrails | Checklist

In General

Avoid small changes of levels, especially single steps.

Make sure doors do not swing over any steps.

Avoid sudden changes of views and visual distractions from stairways.

Make steps visually prominent so that their presence is obvious.

Use safety glazing for glass that could be hit in a fall on a stairway.

When possible, locate steps only where they are necessary and logical.

Visibility

Avoid visually distracting patterns on the stair surface.

Paint edges of outdoor steps white to see them better at night.

Paint edges of indoor steps, too, even if they're carpeted.

Stair lighting:

• Provide lighting that makes tread nosings distinctly visible.
• Provide lighting that does not cause glare or strong shadows.
• Have light levels on stairs at least as high as on adjacent areas.
• Reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially closing blinds and curtains.
• Provide light switches at each point of stairway access, unless stairs are continuously lit or lights turn on automatically.
• Install permanently illuminated night lights on stairs.

Steps

Avoid small changes in level going from room to room.

Avoid single steps, e.g., into a sunken living room.

Check the condition of the steps and coverings.

Remove thick (3/8 inch, or more) carpets and underpads on treads.

Fix tread coverings securely, especially at the leading edges of treads.

Provide slip-resistant (rough) finish on stair treads subject to wetting.

Make doors adjacent to steps open away from steps rather than over the steps.

Handrails

Provide at least one handrail, even if there's just one step, on the right side as you face down the stairs.

Extend the handrail, without a break, the full length of the stair between floors. If the handrail doesn't extend continuously the full length of the stairs, people who are not aware of this might think they have come to the last step when the handrail stops. Misjudging the last step can cause a fall.

Augment any decorative stair railing system with a functional handrail.

The handrail should provide a comfortable grip.

Maintain adequate hand clearance between the handrail and nearby walls/surfaces.

Position handrails at about adult elbow height, 36-39 inches.

Provide handrails that are visually prominent.

Repair or replace broken handrails.

Tighten fixtures that hold handrails to the wall. You should be able to bear your entire weight on the handrail without damaging the handrail.