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Bricklaying & Repointing

Garden stairs 3 year old child

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.59 PM

I have a 3 year old son what height would be a comfortable rise so he doesn't fall? would like the answer to be factual not a guess please, what does the law state uk guidlines. Thank you Hi Thank you for your reply it is considered a new build as the old stairs had been taken out and they were 16cm high. They came and did the stairs Wednesday, I wanted four stairs and a landing, I asked them to do this so it was the same as previous like for like but wanted the tops to match my new patio. The wall either side is 10 bricks high and a row lock on top, i had intended the step bricks laid first and in line with each 2 bricks at the side, 2x5=10 if you get my drift, then the slabs to go on last. So if they had done as I asked the stairs would still have been 16cm high. However the builders decided to do 3 stairs and a landing and the steps are 22cm high, I also have concerns with the overlap at the front, I specified a 10mm bull nose and some are 30mm. I just wanted to check with someone who would know the regulations. My eldest son is disabled and with all this information they did not taken any thing on board. From what i can tell in regulations the nose is 5mm over and the raise should have been between 15-17 cm. Would you know if I am correct. Just to add I originally had the intentions of building the stairs myself(wish I had now) but my illness has got worse and its hard with the little man around. Forgot to say that little man fell down the stairs yesterday and was lucky not to have broken his neck, very bruised though. My dog has also take a tumble but seems ok.

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1 Answer

Building Restoration Specialist

Rating: 5 out of 5

Liskeard

Hi Shelbee, The Law - if it's a new build the Local Authority Building Control Officer will advise exactly, but I believe it only applies to Part M of the Regs (access for mobility impaired etc), which would be between 75mm and 150mm risers, with 'going' no less than 280mm. There is no detail regards children and steps. As a guide, a stepped approach with risers @ 140mm and going @ 400mm gives a gradient at circa 19.3 degrees. At 110mm risers and 550mm going the gradient is circa 12.4 degrees. If it is not a new build - the applicable Law is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is the datum for assessing hazards and risks in dwellings. This is enforced by the local authority Private Sector Housing team. There are 29 hazard bands, which include 'falls on stairs and steps'. So, the LA Officer would consider whether there is a risk, in accordance with the HHSRS Guidance documents. If you google Housing Health and Safety Rating System/Operating Guidance/Version 2, page 136, you can read the 'ideal' position in trying to reduce 'likelihood' of a harm outcome as a result of falls on stairs and steps. Obviously handrails etc as suitable must be provided. Ideally, there should be NO opening on the handrail / balustrade system which would allow a 100mm object to pass through (gap between balustrades). Clearly, to prevent a fall altogether would mean not allowing the 3 year old to use any such steps. As you want to allow your 3 year old to use the steps, there will always be a risk of falling. It's just a question of how one reduces that risk as far as reasonably practicable. Coincidentally, I am currently constructing my garden steps. I originally set them out at 200mm risers, but, my 3 and 6 yr olds were in the garden yesterday so I had them go up the steps with me helping them. I actually thought the 200mm was too great a rise, so, today, am going to reduce the rise nearer to the 150mm. Hope that helps and provides food for thought. My comments above represent my current thinking only, I have not checked the detail to determine if it is exactly in accordance with any specific legislation. You should satisfy yourself by taking other competent advice to answer your specific posted question. Many Thanks, Jason. Update, but it's not a 'New Build' as far as Local Authority are concerned. Sounds like the contract has not been performed as agreed, therefore straightforward breach, unless you have in any way implied or accepted the work which was done. Ask the Builders to redo as it was agreed, and perhaps add your concern / frustration at the risks which now exist. Also, maybe worth asking the advice of the local Occupational Therapsit regards your and your eldest's mobility on the stairs. They will advise heights, treads, rails etc.

Answered11 October 2015