Designing Safer Public Spaces: How Architects and Specifiers Use Stair Nosings, Tactile Paving & Corner Guards
6th Jun 2025
Designing Safer Public Spaces: How Architects and Specifiers Use Stair Nosings, Tactile Paving & Corner Guards
In the UK, over half of all accidents on public stairs are caused by slips and falls — many of which could be prevented with proper edge protection and surface cues.
Whether you're developing a train station, school, hospital, or retail complex, integrating products like stair nosings, tactile paving, and corner guards at the design stage ensures compliance, accessibility, and above all, user protection.
This guide outlines how to specify these products correctly, aligning with UK regulations like Part M, BS 8300, and the Equality Act, while also enhancing durability and finish.
1. Stair Nosings: Making Steps Safer and Compliant
Poorly marked stair edges are a leading cause of accidents. Stair nosings are not just a design feature — they are a compliance essential.
- Material: Aluminium for commercial durability, PVC for budget-sensitive jobs, GRP for outdoor/high-slip-risk zones.
- Insert Colour: Must contrast with stair surface (30 LRV points difference per BS 8300).
- Profile Shape: Square, round or ramped — depending on flooring type.
Tip: Use stair nosings with slip-resistant inserts and bull-nose profiles to reduce trip hazards.
Ensure your stair nosings meet UK accessibility regulations. Learn more about accessibility compliant stair nosings and how they enhance safety.
Read the Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide
2. Tactile Paving: Guiding the Visually Impaired Safely
Tactile surfaces provide non-visual cues to people with vision impairments. Their correct placement and specification is a regulatory requirement.
- Material: Stainless steel studs for durability and contrast in high-traffic areas.
- Pattern: Blister for hazard warning; Corduroy for directional change.
- Fixing: Surface-mounted studs or integrated tactile plates depending on substrate.
Specifiers should follow BS 8300 and DfT guidance to position tactile paving correctly near kerbs, steps, or crossings.
Explore Why Stainless Steel Tactile Studs Are the Gold Standard
3. Wall & Corner Protection: Durable, Hygienic, Impact-Resistant
Corner guards,bumper rails and wall protection strips reduce maintenance and safeguard walls and corners in high-traffic areas.
- Material: PVC for standard use; Aluminium for commercial or prestige projects.
- Height: Typically 800mm–1200mm depending on impact zone.
- Fire Rating: Consider fire safety and hygiene for medical or public spaces.
See the Complete Guide to Corner Guards
4. UK Regulations That Influence Public Space Safety Design
- BS 8300: Inclusive building design guidance (stairs, nosings, tactile surfaces).
- Part M: Legal access requirements in Building Regulations.
- Equality Act 2010: Duty to ensure equal access and prevent discrimination.
- DfT Guidance: Tactile paving layout and spacing requirements.
Your product choices must support both compliance and real-world usability.
5. Product Specification Checklist
Here’s a practical checklist to help architects and specifiers get it right:
- ✅ Stair nosing colour contrast, slip resistance, and correct profile
- ✅ Blister or corduroy tactile paving as required
- ✅ Wall and corner guards installed at correct heights
- ✅ Fire-rated and hygienic finishes where applicable
Download the Public Safety Specification Checklist (PDF)
6. Conclusion: Safety by Design
Designing safer public spaces is about more than compliance — it’s about protecting people. When stair nosings, tactile paving, and wall corner protection are correctly specified, you build environments that are accessible, inclusive, and built to last.
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