Dave
Thank you for your reply. Does this mean the existing banister, spindles
and newel post should all be replaced at 900-950mm? Another query
concerning the same stair case. The upper part of the banister rail forms a
half height barrier on the first floor landing, with the stair case directly
below. This could be a potential hazard if someone was to lean over and
fall down to the ground floor. Are there building standard requirements
for this banister section to be replaced with a wall?
Regards
Karen Tuff
----- Original Message -----
From: "Croft Consultants" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Karen Tuff" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 9:24 AM
Subject: Re: Banister height in residential homes
> Hi Karen
> yes an upper rail at 900-950 is essential as people use the handrail to
> support them when climbing or descending stairs and 680 is too low for
> safe use by adults.
> people with visual and mobility impairments often descend facing
> backwards and support themselves on the rails. Similarly older people
> often need support for their forearm to provide additional support.
> If you are fitting a new handrail consider making it oval cross section
> type as this gives better support.
>
> Regards
> Dave Croft
>
>
>
> Karen Tuff wrote:
>
> >Dear all,
> >I have recently visited a residental home, which is expanding its
> >facilities to include the adjoining Victorian house. The additional part
> >of the home is currently being adapted to house 11 residents with
> >Dementia. I will be recommending an additional stair rail for use on the
> >communal stairs, which allows access to the 1st floor bedrooms and
> >bathrooms. The existing banister height is quite low, 680mm to the stair
> >nosing. Is there a requirement for the additional rail and the existing
> >banister rail to be at 900mm high? Or is it acceptable for the stair
rails
> >to remain at 680mm.
> >
> >
> >Karen Tuff, Calido OT Services Ltd
> >
> >----------End of Message----------
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> >Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the
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> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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