What is a general access stair?
What Exactly is a General Access Stair? Unraveling the Definition, Codes, and Design Implications
A general access stair, in essence, serves as the primary pathway for daily movement between floors within a building. It caters to all users, ensuring safe and convenient access for everyone, regardless of age or mobility level.
Defining a General Access Stair
- Purpose and Functionality: A general access stair is designed for regular, everyday use by all occupants of a building. It is distinct from specialized stairs like fire escapes or service stairs that serve specific purposes or limited user groups.
- Accessibility: While general access stairs are meant for everyone, they are not necessarily fully compliant with accessibility standards for people with disabilities. Building codes often mandate that buildings include at least one accessible route, which may incorporate features like ramps or elevators in addition to stairs. However, even general access stairs are expected to adhere to certain minimum safety and usability standards to ensure that they can be navigated by the majority of people without undue difficulty.
Key Building Code Requirements for General Access Stairs in the USA
- Width: Adequate width is crucial for safe movement and accommodating two-way traffic. Building codes typically mandate a minimum width for general access stairs, often ranging from 36 to 44 inches, depending on occupancy load and whether the stairs serve as part of an accessible means of egress.
- Riser Height and Tread Depth: The dimensions of risers (vertical portion) and treads (horizontal portion) significantly impact stair safety and comfort. Codes stipulate maximum riser heights (usually around 7-7.75 inches) and minimum tread depths (typically around 10-11 inches) to ensure comfortable and safe strides.
- Handrails: Handrails are essential safety features. Building codes generally require at least one handrail on stairs, with additional handrails mandated for stairs wider than a certain measurement (often 44 inches).
- Landings: Landings provide resting points and facilitate changes in direction on stairs. Codes specify minimum landing sizes and their placement within a stair flight.
- Lighting: Proper illumination is critical for safe navigation. Building codes typically dictate minimum lighting levels for stairs and landings.
- Other Requirements: Additional code requirements may pertain to aspects such as headroom clearance, fire resistance ratings, and guardrail heights.
Design and Remodeling Trends
While codes provide a baseline for safety, modern design and remodeling trends often aim to go beyond mere compliance:
- Open Risers: Open riser stairs, where the space between treads is left open, have gained popularity for their modern aesthetic. However, they can pose safety concerns, particularly for young children or individuals with visual impairments. Building codes often impose restrictions on open riser designs.
- Floating Stairs: The illusion of floating stairs, achieved through concealed structural supports, creates a visually striking design element. However, these designs often demand careful engineering and adherence to strict structural codes.
- Glass Railings: Glass railings offer an unobstructed view and contemporary appeal. However, they must be designed and installed with safety in mind, using tempered or laminated glass and secure fixings.
- Natural Materials: Incorporating natural materials like wood or stone can add warmth and elegance to a staircase. However, it’s important to ensure that these materials meet fire safety requirements and are properly sealed and maintained to prevent slips.
Conclusion
A general access stair is the backbone of a building’s circulation, providing safe and convenient access for all occupants. While building codes set the minimum standards for safety, thoughtful design and remodeling can create a staircase that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the overall ambiance of a space.