UK Stair Nosing Regulations Guide: Legal Compliance & Safety Standards

Whether you are specifying stair nosings for a commercial property, public building, or residential development, meeting UK legal requirements is essential. This guide explains the key regulations, standards, and best-practice requirements for stair nosings, helping architects, specifiers, and facilities managers ensure safety and full compliance.

Why Stair Nosing Compliance Matters

Failure to comply with UK stair nosing regulations can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Legal liability under the Equality Act 2010
• Failed building inspections or enforcement action
• Increased risk of slips, trips, and falls
• Insurance complications following an incident

Correctly specified stair nosings play a critical role in creating safe, inclusive environments and are often a legal requirement in public and commercial buildings.

UK Stair Nosing Regulations & Legal Requirements

Approved Document K – Protection from Falling

• Stair risers and goings must be consistent throughout a flight
• Step edges should be clearly visible
• Nosings must not be slippery or create a trip hazard

Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings

• Applies to public, commercial, and communal residential buildings
• Steps should incorporate a 30–55mm wide contrasting strip on the nosing
• The nosing strip must visually contrast with the stair tread

This guidance supports safe navigation for visually impaired users and improves overall stair visibility.

BS 8300-2:2018 – Inclusive Design Standards

• Provides best-practice guidance for accessible environments
• Recommends:
  • Clear visual contrast on stair nosings
  • Slip-resistant surfaces
  • Uniform step dimensions
  • Avoidance of open risers

For a deeper explanation of how these standards apply in practice, see our guide to stair nosing accessibility and DDA compliance.

Equality Act 2010

• Requires reasonable adjustments to ensure access for disabled users
• Poorly contrasted or missing stair nosings may be considered discriminatory in public spaces

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) Requirements for Stair Nosings

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures 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 contrast helps visually impaired users identify step edges safely

Tip: Use a light-coloured nosing on dark stairs, or a dark nosing on light stairs, to achieve sufficient contrast.

For specifiers and facilities managers, we have produced a detailed guidance document explaining LRV and slip resistance requirements:

Download LRV and Slip Resistance guidance for stair nosings (PDF)

Common Stair Nosing Compliance Pitfalls

• Nosing strips that are missing or too narrow
• Insufficient LRV contrast, particularly with dark tiles or carpets
• Slippery or worn nosing inserts
• Inconsistent nosing size or placement across a flight of stairs

Many of these issues arise from incorrect fitting. Our guide on how to install stair nosings correctly explains how to avoid common installation errors.

Stair Nosing Compliance Checklist

• Does the nosing include a 30–55mm wide contrasting strip?
• Is the nosing clearly visible and non-reflective?
• Does it provide at least 30 LRV contrast with the tread?
• Are all stair nosings consistent in size and position?
• Does the nosing offer effective slip resistance?

This guidance is based on current UK Building Regulations, BS 8300-2:2018, and Equality Act 2010 requirements. Always consult building control officers or access consultants for project-specific advice.

Compliant Stair Nosing Solutions

If you are sourcing products that meet UK accessibility and safety standards, explore our range of DDA compliant stair nosings and commercial stair nosings designed for regulatory compliance.

Related Resources

• Stair Nosing Selection Checklist (PDF)
• Complete UK Stair Nosing Guide
• Have a compliance question? Contact us