Qurat-Ul-Ain Shamim Assignment for 6th Semester Materials and Construction

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR A STAIRCASE

All risers should be maintained at the same height, staggering or varying heights cause disorientation and tripping All treads should also be ensured to be of the same depth and of a non- slip surface. In case of wooden stairs, any loose paneling or nails sticking out should be immediately repaired. In case of a carpeted stairway, the carpet should be firmly fixed and any loose or torn areas should be repaired or replaced promptly. It should be made sure that stairways are well lit and there are light switches at both the top and the bottom of the staircase. Landings should be provided at every sixth to eighth step to avoid fatigue while climbing the stairs, and to break a fall in case of a fall. The edge of each stair should be clearly defined. Stairways should be kept clear of all clutter, telephone wires and electric cords should be kept out of the way Any broken balusters should be dismantled and replaced immediately. Balusters should not have a gap larger than 4 inches, to prevent babies and children passing through

Height of handrail should be based upon the height of the staircase, i.e. the higher the staircase goes; the more cautiously the handrail should be heighted. In case of public buildings or any building inhabited by the elderly, handrails must necessarily be provided along the wall of a stairway. If a staircase mostly for public buildings is 8 feet or above, a handrail should be provided in the center. In public buildings, contrasting nosings should be provided in order to identify the edge of a step. External fire escapes should be weather-proofed, i.e. should not be prone to rust, moss. Algae, water, ice, frost etc. in order to minimize any slip risk. Spiral and helical stairs should be avoided, because of increased risk of slips and trips. Helical and spiral staircases should not be used for escape purposes, especially in buildings where there are a high percentage of either children, or the elderly. In public use which are used also at night e.g. hotels, restaurants, auditoriums, the risers should incorporate a light such that it highlights the treads clearly. In public use buildings, fire escape routes should be clearly distinguishable and should have a fire rating of at least ten hours. Also, the fire escape route should be designed such that the basement is distinguishable from ground floor. Egress is always provided on the ground floor.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/health-and-safety/SG34_Part_B_Oct_08.pdf 2. http://www.at.ford.com/SiteCollectionImages/2011_U.S._Plant_Pages/Kansas%20City%20Asse mbly/Safe%20Use%20on%20Steps%20and%20Stairways%20SPLV2%20(2).pdf 3. http://www.pwm.wfadv.com/files/11881/Home%20Safety%20Considerations%20for%20the%2 0Elderly.pdf