Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations

BUILDING (GENERAL) REGULATION 2008 (NO 3 OF 2008) - REG 26

    (1)     The unaltered part of a substantially altered building complies with the alternative stair requirements if it complies with each of the following:

        (a)     the dimensions of goings and risers (other than winders and tapered treads in a spiral stair) are constant throughout each stair flight;

        (b)     winder dimensions are constant throughout the stair flight;

        (c)     for a spiral stair—tapered tread dimensions are constant throughout the flight;

        (d)     riser dimensions are not taller than 250mm;

        (e)     if the stairway is more than 10m high or connects more than 3 storeys—the treads are of solid construction (for example, not mesh or other perforated material);

        (f)     a 125mm ball cannot pass between the treads of a riser opening;

        (g)     all treads have a slip-resistant finish or a suitable non-skid strip near the edge of the nosings;

        (h)     if the stair flight is more than 1m high and does not comply with the building code, volume 2, part 3.9.1.4 (which is about riser and going dimensions), whether or not it is required to comply with the part—

              (i)     the stairway has handrails; and

              (ii)     the handrails comply with the building code, volume 1, part D2.17 (which is about handrails), whether or not they are required to comply with the part.

Note     An example is part of the regulation, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

    (2)     In this section:

"flight" means part of a stair with a continuous series of risers, including risers of winders, not interrupted by a landing or floor.

"going" means the horizontal dimension from the front to the back of a tread, less any overhang from the next tread above.

"riser "means the height between the consecutive treads.

"tapered tread" means a stair tread with a walking area that becomes smaller towards 1 end of the stair.

"winders "means treads within a straight flight that are used to change the direction of the stair.