 Checklist for Stairways in Homes
General
[ ] Locate steps only where they are necessary and logical.
[ ] Avoid small changes of levels, especially single steps.
[ ] Use safety glazing for glass that could be impacted in a fall on a stairway.
[ ] Arrange for any doors adjacent to steps not to swing over any steps.
[ ] Install gates to prevent infant and toddler use.
[ ] Avoid sudden changes of views and visual distractions from stairways.
[ ] Make steps visually prominent so that their presence is obvious.
Steps
[ ] Make sure step risers are no more than 7 inches high.
[ ] Make sure step tread are at least 11 inches front to back.
[ ] Keep the size of risers and treads consistent to within 3/16
inch.
[ ] Mark inconsistently sized steps (for example, paint
a contrasting stripe 1 to 2 inches wide at the leading edges of the treads
so that the difference stands out).
[ ] Remove thick (3/8 inch, or more) carpets and underpads on treads.
[ ] Fix tread coverings securely; coverings must be tight against the nosings.
[ ] Remove/repair projecting screws or nails on treads and anything else
you might trip on.
[ ] Provide slip-resistant (rough) finish on stair treads that could get
wet.
Visibility
[ ] Have slightly rounded nosings (maximum radius 0.5 inch) for
visibility and injury reduction.
[ ] Avoid tread materials and coverings with visually distracting patterns.
[ ] Make sure nosings are distinctly
visible. A painted stripe works well. Tape isn't good enough.
[ ] Make sure tread nosings are well lit without glare or strong
shadows.
[ ] Have light levels on stairs at least as high as on adjacent areas.
[ ] Provide light
switches at each point of stairway access, unless stairs are continuously
lit or lights turn on automatically.
[ ] Install night lights
on stairs.
Handrails
[ ] Provide at least one handrail on each stair regardless of the
number of steps. Consider having handrails on both sides.
[ ] Continue handrails between stair flights at the shortest path of travel.
[ ] Extend the handrail the full length of the stair between
floors.
[ ] Augment any decorative stair railing system with a functional handrail.
[ ] Install a handrail that's easy to hold onto. (A loop of measuring tape
around the handrail should measure no more than 6 1/4 inches for adult hands.)
[ ] Maintain adequate hand clearance between the handrail and nearby surfaces.
[ ] Position handrails at adult elbow height, usually 36-39
inches.
[ ] Make sure handrails are visually prominent.
[ ] Repair or replace broken handrails.
[ ] Fix handrails securely to walls and posts. You should be able to bear
your entire weight on the handrail without damaging the handrail.
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Stairs
