Defect type
·6 observations
Critical · 3–5/5
Missing or Non-Compliant Handrail on Stair Flight
I inspected a stair flight of four or more risers (or any stair with an open side or a drop greater than 1m) and found no continuous handrail, or I measured the top-of-rail outside the 865-1000mm band I reference from NCC 3.9.2. I also note handrails that terminate short of the top or bottom nosing, flat-topped timber caps wider than 50mm I cannot grip from above, or rails removed during renovation and never reinstated. In my experience this defect is a leading contributor to domestic fall injuries I see, especially on external deck stairs and split-level entries.
Causes
- Handrail removed for painting or renovation and never refitted
- External deck stair built without a handrail on the open side
- Split-level step run treated as a landing feature rather than a stair
- Decorative rail installed at wrong height for the occupant demographic
- Handrail profile chosen for aesthetics rather than graspability
Symptoms to look for
- Flight of four or more risers with no handrail I can grip along one side
- I measured handrail top at less than 865mm or greater than 1000mm
- Handrail terminates short of the top or bottom riser nosing
- Flat-topped timber cap wider than 50mm across - I cannot close my hand over it
- Open drop beside the stair greater than 1m with no adjacent balustrade
Remedies
- Install a continuous graspable handrail along the full flight length
- Adjust bracket heights so top-of-rail sits between 865mm and 1000mm
- Extend handrail returns past the top and bottom risers
- Replace flat cap with a round or oval profile 40-50mm diameter
- Add a balustrade where the stair has an open side with drop ≥1m; reference NCC 3.9.2
Critical
Get an inspector through this property.
Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Same category