Stair safety is one of the most critical and frequently underestimated aspects of building design. Each year, thousands of accidents occur on domestic and public staircases, often due to poor construction, missing handrails or inadequate guarding. According to recent research, 43% of UK adults reported experiencing a stair-related accident within the last 12 months, with around 60% of these incidents occurring in the home. The most common causes included slippery surfaces and the absence of continuous, accessible handrails.

These figures highlight a vital truth: a well-designed staircase is about far more than aesthetics. It’s a functional safety feature that must meet regulatory standards, provide stability and ensure accessibility for users of all ages.

The role of the balustrade in safety and design

A balustrade’s primary purpose is to prevent falls but it can also serve as a striking architectural feature. The best systems combine form and function, ensuring compliance without compromising on looks.

In domestic properties, building regulations require handrails to be positioned 900 mm above the pitch line on stairs and 900 mm on landings. In public or commercial environments, that height increases to 900 mm on stairs and 1100 mm on landings to provide additional security. Any drop exceeding 600 mm must be guarded and no gap within the balustrade should allow the passage of a 100 mm sphere.

This rule is designed to prevent young children from slipping through or becoming trapped. Equally important, balustrades should not be designed in a way that encourages climbing, which is why horizontal rails or ladder-style layouts are unsuitable in homes with young families.

Strength tested for safety and reliability

All Richard Burbidge balustrade systems are independently tested and, when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, conform fully to UK Building Regulations. Every component is engineered to meet the 0.36 kN horizontal load requirement specified in Approved Document K, which ensures the balustrade can safely withstand everyday use without deflection or failure.

For contractors, this provides an important reassurance. Using components from a single, tested system eliminates the risk of incompatibility and guarantees a consistent level of safety and performance. Each Richard Burbidge system is designed, manufactured and strength tested as a complete unit, giving installers and homeowners peace of mind that the finished staircase is compliant, robust and built to last.

The importance of continuous handrails

Handrails are often the first line of defence in preventing stair-related accidents. To be effective, they must run continuously along the flight, be positioned within easy reach and allow users to steady themselves quickly if they lose balance.

Wall-mounted handrails have become increasingly popular in enclosed staircases and they are particularly valuable in homes with older residents or people with limited mobility. Every Richard Burbidge handrail design can be wall-mounted, offering flexibility and a unified appearance across both open and enclosed stair sections.

“Safety and accessibility are at the heart of everything we design,” explains Kris, Technical Sales Support at Richard Burbidge. “Our handrails are crafted from timber, a naturally warm, tactile material that allows for a smooth, continuous run between posts. It gives users confidence and control while also complementing the overall look of the staircase.”

Lighting, surfaces and overall safety

Beyond the balustrade and handrail, other design elements can significantly affect safety. Good lighting ensures that users can see tread edges and changes in level, while non-slip step surfaces reduce the risk of slipping.

Builders should aim for even light distribution and avoid excessive glare or shadows, particularly in enclosed stairwells. Adding contrasting nosings or finishes can also help to make edges more visible, improving both safety and accessibility.

Design support for professionals

Richard Burbidge recognises that even experienced contractors and designers benefit from expert technical support. To help ensure safe, compliant and visually cohesive results, the company offers a dedicated design service for the trade.

This bespoke service provides professionals with tailored advice, design drawings and product recommendations for any project, whether it’s a domestic renovation or a large-scale commercial build. The design team works closely with builders and specifiers to ensure that every installation meets UK Building Regulations while achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.

To contact the technical support team call 01691 678 232 or click here