Hi Susan
Gradus is the UK leading manufacturer of stair nosings.
We are experiencing an increase in questions from specifiers and architects asking as to whether the top and bottom nosing should be a different colour from the rest. The practice of providing the top and bottom (and intermediate) stair nosing in a different colour (usually yellow) is something which is mainly found in transport environments. It is not a practice that is based, as far as we can establish, on any particular published guidance or research findings.
Experts believe that is not good practice and could lead to confusion, especially if the top and bottom landing area also has yellow hazard lines in close proximity to the steps. In such situations the user may well think that the bottom step has been reached.
Until new research indicates otherwise, we would recommend that all stair nosings on a flight of stairs should be the same colour and show a difference in light reflectance value of 30 points to that of the floor covering on the remainder of the tread and riser.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Keith Oakes
Technical Director
Gradus Ltd
Park Green
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK117LZ
Tel 01625 428922
Fax 01625 425226
Mobile 07768 210297
----------End of Message----------
Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
http://www.surface.salford.ac.uk
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
|