Submitted by: Submitted by divajj
Views: 328
Words: 1261
Pages: 6
Category: Other Topics
Date Submitted: 11/15/2010 01:57 PM
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
THE PURPOSE OF STAIRS
The purpose of stairs may vary to some professionals such as designers, engineers, architects etc. as opposed to a regular person. However, the general purpose of stairs is to get people/items from one floor or level to the next. In a professional’s (such as an engineer, designer, architect) perspective, the purpose of stairs is correlated to the usage of the stair. Such as, is the stair to be used as an emergency exit route? Will it be used mainly by the disabled, children etc.? Is it to be used as a main entrance or even an entrance to the basement/attic? Based on the required usage, the stairs’ primary usage may be to move people, storage access, amenities access, emergency route or even the main route/center of attraction to a building.
All buildings are classified by the building regulations into purpose groups according to the use of the building. Referring to the Approved Document K of the Building Regulations 2000, it classifies stairs in the following groups:
• Private stairs are intended to be used for only one dwelling with a maximum rise of 220mm and a minimum going of 220mm. A maximum pitch of 42º is also stipulated. Private stairs are intended for domestic/residential purposes. There are three types of private stairs:
o Main private stairs/Common stairs: A private stairway intended to provide access to and between frequently used spaces.
o Minor private stairs/ Service stairs: A private stairway not on a main thoroughfare, and intended to provide occasional access to a single room which is not a living area or kitchen.
o Secondary private stairs: A private stairway other than a main or minor private stairway, intended to provide access to another floor containing only bedrooms, bathroom or similar accommodation.
• Institutional/Assembly/Accessible stairs: Any rise between 135mm and 180mm used with any going between 280mm and 340mm. An...