UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide

1st Jun 2025

UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide: Legal Compliance & Safety Standards

Whether you're specifying stair nosings for a commercial property, public space, or residential development, it's vital to meet UK legal requirements. This guide outlines all the key regulations and standards you need to follow.

Why Compliance Matters

Failing to meet UK stair regulations can result in:

Legal liability under the Equality Act 2010
Insurance issues or failed building inspections
Increased risk of accidents or injuries

Correct stair nosings are a key part of safe, inclusive building design — and they're often required by law.

Key UK Regulations for Stair Nosings

Approved Document K — Protection from Falling

Stair risers and goings must be consistent throughout a flight
Nosings should be clearly visible and not slippery

Approved Document M — Access to and Use of Buildings

Applies to public and commercial buildings
Steps must include a 30–55mm wide contrasting strip on the nosing
The strip must visually contrast with the tread by 30+ LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

BS 8300-2:2018 — Inclusive Design Standards

This British Standard supports best practices for accessible environments
Recommends:

Visual contrast on nosings
Anti-slip surfaces
Uniform dimensions
Avoiding open risers

Equality Act 2010

Requires reasonable adjustments for disabled users
Poorly contrasted or missing nosings could be considered discriminatory in public spaces

Light Reflectance Value (LRV): What It Means

LRV is a measure of how much visible light a surface reflects. For stair nosings:

The nosing should contrast with the stair tread by at least 30 LRV points
This helps visually impaired users identify step edges

Tip: Use a light-coloured nosing on dark stairs or a dark nosing on light stairs.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

✅ Nosing strip is too narrow or missing
✅ No LRV contrast (especially with darker tiles or carpets)
✅ Nosing insert is slippery or worn
✅ Nosings vary in size or placement across steps

Final Checklist for Compliance

[ ] Does the nosing have 30–55mm contrast strip?
[ ] Is it clearly visible and non-reflective?
[ ] Does it offer at least 30 LRV contrast?
[ ] Are all steps consistent in size and placement?
[ ] Does the nosing have anti-slip properties?

Related Resources

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