UK Fire Exit Stair Nosing Regulations | Safety Rules for Commercial Buildings

Q: Are stair nosings mandatory on fire exit stairs in the UK?

Yes. UK Building Regulations and BS 8300 require visible, anti-slip stair nosings on fire exits in commercial buildings.

Q: What colour should fire stair nosings be?

Stair nosings must contrast visually with the stair tread and riser, typically using bright colours like yellow or white with an LRV contrast of ≥30 points.

Q: Do stair nosings need to be anti-slip?

Yes. To comply with safety regulations, stair nosings on fire exits must have anti-slip properties with a minimum PTV of 36 in both dry and wet conditions.

2nd Jul 2025

UK Fire Exit Stair Nosing Regulations: Safety Rules for Commercial Buildings

In commercial buildings, fire exit stairs must be safe, visible, and easy to navigate. One often overlooked—but critical—component is stair nosing, which prevents slips, enhances visibility, and supports accessibility during emergency evacuations.

Diagram of compliant fire exit stair nosing with anti-slip strip and 30mm visual contrast

Why Is Stair Nosing Critical on Fire Exit Stairs?

During emergencies, stairways can become hazardous due to panic, smoke, and low visibility. Stair nosings help:

Improve visibility with high-contrast colour strips
Prevent slips with anti-slip inserts (PTV ≥ 36)
Reinforce stair edge durability under heavy foot traffic

Explore accessibility regulations for compliant stair nosing design.

Key UK Regulations & Standards

1. Building Regulations (Approved Document K & M)

Stair nosings must visually contrast with tread and riser
Anti-slip features are essential on fire escape routes
Overhangs must not exceed 25 mm

2. BS 8300-2:2018

Requires 30–55 mm wide, contrasting nosing strips
Nosings must be non-reflective and slip-resistant
Key for inclusive access and emergency evacuation

3. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Employers must ensure all fire exits and escape stairs are safe. Non-compliant stair nosings can result in injury and legal consequences.

Best Practice Recommendations

Install anti-slip stair nosing for high-traffic fire exits
Use visually contrasting 30–55 mm strips (LRV-compliant)
Use fire-retardant materials in high-risk zones
Inspect and maintain regularly for damage or wear

Download LRV Stair Nosing Guide (PDF)

Looking for Compliant Fire Exit Stair Nosings?

We stock a wide range of anti-slip stair nosings ideal for fire escapes in commercial environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are stair nosings mandatory on fire exit stairs in the UK?

Yes. Fire stair nosings are required under UK Building Regulations and BS 8300 for visibility and slip prevention.

What colour should fire stair nosings be?

They should contrast clearly with stair treads and risers, often in bright yellow or white, and must meet a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) contrast of at least 30 points.

Do stair nosings need to be anti-slip?

Yes. Regulations require stair nosings on escape routes to have anti-slip properties with a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36 or higher.