Ramps and Stairs

Question 1

What is a tread in stair construction?

Answer 1

The flat component that is stepped on.

Question 2

What is a nosing on a staircase?

Answer 2

The part of the tread on an open staircase that overhangs the back edge of the tread below.

Question 3

What is the minimum overhang required for the nosing on a staircase?

Answer 3

The nosing must exceed a minimum of 15mm over the back edge of the lower tread.

Question 4

What is the maximum overhang allowed for the nosing on an open staircase?

Answer 4

25mm

Question 5

What is a riser in stair construction?

Answer 5

The vertical member between treads.

Question 6

What is the rise in stair construction?

Answer 6

The measurement from the top of one tread to the top of the next (height of each step).

Question 7

What is the total rise of a staircase?

Answer 7

The overall height of the staircase.

Question 8

What is the going of a staircase?

Answer 8

The measurement from the front of the tread to the riser or back of the tread for open staircases.

Question 9

What is the total going of a staircase?

Answer 9

The overall distance where the stairs start and end.

Question 10

What is the pitch of a staircase?

Answer 10

The angle of the stairs.

Question 11

What is a stringer in stair construction?

Answer 11

The side member that treads and risers are connected to. The angle of the stringer is the pitch of the stairs.

Question 12

What is the maximum pitch for common staircases?

Answer 12

37 degrees

Question 13

What is the maximum pitch for accessible staircases?

Answer 13

32 degrees

Question 14

What is the minimum width between handrails for common staircases?

Answer 14

900mm

Question 15

What is the minimum depth required for a landing?

Answer 15

1200mm deep and clear of swinging doors.

Question 16

What are the maximum and minimum dimensions for treads and risers in a common staircase?

Answer 16

Maximum rise: 190mm
Minimum tread depth: 280mm

Question 17

What are the maximum and minimum dimensions for treads and risers in an accessible staircase?

Answer 17

Maximum rise: 180mm
Minimum tread depth: 280mm

Question 18

What is the maximum safe gap allowed between treads?

Answer 18

The gap must not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through.

Question 19

What is the required colour contrast for the nosing (leading edge) of stairs?

Answer 19

The nosing must be of a contrasting colour.

Question 20

What is the maximum allowable ratio/pitch for a ramp?

Answer 20

1:12 ratio

Question 21

What is the minimum width for a ramp?

Answer 21

1200mm

Question 22

What is the maximum distance allowed between landings on a ramp?

Answer 22

A landing is required at every 750mm rise, as well as at the top and bottom of the ramp.

Question 23

What are the minimum length requirements for a ramp landing?

Answer 23

Landings must be at least 1200mm long.

Question 24

What is the required height for edge protection on a ramp?

Answer 24

Handrails must be 900mm high with a minimum 300mm overhang at the top and bottom of the ramp.

Question 25

What is the purpose of a 75mm upstand on the edge of a ramp?

Answer 25

To prevent wheels from rolling off the edge of the ramp.

Question 26

What type of surface finish or treatments are required for ramps to ensure slip resistance?

Answer 26

Slip resistance can be achieved by grooves in timber, special paint coating, or other approved non-slip applications like meshing.

Question 27

What is the name of the New Zealand Building Standard that contains specific details about accessibility?

Answer 27

D - Access