Design for Access and Mobility Standards 2021
- Single Strip
First, use one continuous strip of color for the nosing.
- Width
Next, ensure the strip measures between 50mm and 75mm wide.
- Luminance Contrast
Additionally, maintain a minimum luminance contrast of 30% with the background.
- Position
Furthermore, set the strip back no more than 15mm from the front edge of the step.
- Slip Resistance
Moreover, stair nosings must have a slip resistance rating of P4 or higher.
- Durability
Finally, choose materials that can endure heavy foot traffic.
Design for Access and Mobility Standards 2021
Many certifiers and architects are still using the old draft standards from 2009, which causes serious problems. For example, I often see diagrams in documents and online that can mislead people into trusting the two figures (Figure 27A and Figure 27B) from that standard. As a result, relying on outdated information can lead to the use of rules that are no longer safe or correct. There are now three referenced diagrams.
To avoid these problems, it’s important for professionals to stay updated with the latest standards. In addition, the third diagram mentioned in the 2021 standards shows a stair nosing profile with a vertical turn down of more than 10 mm. This is a key update that people should include in their current practices.
Moreover, architects and certifiers need to focus on using the newest guidelines to prevent safety risks and make sure their designs follow the proper rules. By taking part in ongoing training and finding new resources, industry professionals can make this change and keep high safety and quality standards in their work. In the end, being aware of the latest standards will help protect the safety of everyone who uses the spaces they build.