Do I have to have nosing on one step?

Do I have to have nosing on one step?

People often ask whether two steps can be classified as a stairway. To answer this question, we must first clarify what defines a stairway.

What defines a stair way?

According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume 1, a stairway is defined as having “not more than 18 nor less than 2 risers in each flight” (BCA, Clause D2.13).

Therefore, based on this definition, we can conclude that two steps do qualify as a stairway under the BCA.

In summary, the classification of a stairway includes both two steps and a larger number of risers, as specified by the BCA guidelines. Consequently, when considering the issue at hand, it is clear that two steps fit within the definition of a stairway.

Yes, even a single step, when part of an access path or stairway, is subject to the requirements of Australian Standard AS 1428.1, particularly regarding riser height, tread depth, and other accessibility features. 

However, if it is part of an access or pathway into a building it must have a stair nosing.

One step is a stairway when it provides access to a building.

While a single step might seem simple, it’s still considered part of a stairway when it’s part of an access path or provides access to a building.

What is interesting about the picture  is that it is residential, so the client didn’t have to put in a stair nosing. The ceramic tiles were dangerous, as they were hard to differentiate. The client chose to leave the wooden steps  and only do the ceramic tiles steps.

According to BCA standards as the steps do not provide public access to a building they for not require stair nosing.