ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
One accessible route is required in every building that has public access that is over one level. An accessible route is defined as a route having features for use by people with disabilities. Buildings required to be accessible shall have at least one accessible stairway leading off an accessible route whether or not a lift is provided.
The New Zealand Building Code 11.0.1 Accessible routes refers to NZS 4121:2001 as the acceptable standard for accessible routes. There are two clauses relating to stair nosings. In addition to Access route requirements, accessible routes shall: NZBC D1.3.4 (h) “have stair treads with leading edge which is rounded.” NZBC Compliance Document Clause D1/AS1 4.1.7 (a) “Leading edges of treads or nosings (if any) on accessible stairways shall be rounded to avoid a sharp edge.
NZS 4121:2001:8:STAIRS 8.1.1 states in what building an accessible route is required. “Any stair or floor covering that is not rounded to 5mm (min) to 10mm (max) as shown in the diagram below requires a stairnosing. NZBC D1.4.1.7 (b) “Leading edges of treads or nosings (if any) on accessible stairways shall be colour contrasted with the rest of the tread.” Unsure what’s considered colour contrasting? Well, there is no specific contrast value set by NZBC. It is up to the building inspector to determine. As this is open to interpretation, we recommend following the Australian Standard as a guideline AS 4128.1-2009 which indicates compliant contrasting colours. This will ensure definite compliance. All Tredsafe stair nosings comply.
ESCAPE ROUTES
Stairs, among other specified features in escape routes, must be made “reasonably visible” during failure of the main lighting. Access and/or Accessible routes are required inside the building, outside the building and in between buildings.
The New Zealand Building Code Clause F6 Visibility in Escape Routes. This document outlines the requirements for visibility in specified features. There are two clauses relating to stair nosing. NZBC Clause F6.2 “Specified features in escape routes must be made reasonably visible by lighting systems, other systems, or both, during failure of the main lighting.” Tredsafe Lumitred Inserts are visible long after the light visibility has decreased. The glow pigment is co-extruded into the product giving it an increased lifespan and all round glow performance. Visual acuity test conducted up to 300 minutes which is over 3 times the test requirement.
ACCESS ROUTES
Access routes are required in every building that has public access. An access route is defined as a continuous route that permits people and goods to move between the apron or construction edge of the building, to spaces within a building, and between spaces within a building.
New Zealand Building Code Compliance Document D1 Access Routes. This document outlines the requirements and acceptable solutions for an access route. There are two clauses relating to stair nosings in the Building Code: NZBC D1.3.3(d) “Have adequate slip-resistant walking surfaces under all conditions of normal use.”
NZBC Compliance Document Clause D1/AS1: Access Routes 4.1.4 (c) “Acceptable stair treads have slip resistant surfaces complying with table 2.”
Table 2 refers to the COF (coefficient of friction) adequate slip resistance when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3661.1:1993. Testing results for both wet and dry conditions must not be below 0.4 COF. Tredsafe stair nosing inserts are slip resistant.
NZBC D1.3.3(g) “Have stair treads with a leading edge that can be easily seen.”
Unsure what’s considered easily seen? Well, there is no specific value set by NZBC. It is up to the building inspector to determine. As this is open to interpretation, we recommend following the Australian Standard as a guideline AS 1428.1-2009 which indicates compliant contrasting colours. Consult with your local building authority for more information. Tredsafe have an extensive range of insert colours to make the leading edge easily seen.
