6.7 Stairways, escalators and travellators
6.7.1 Steps and Staircases
Staircases and steps should not be used as the main means of vertical circulation if alternative means such as ramps (6.7.1a) or lifts (6.7.1b) are feasible. This is because staircases cannot be used by wheelchair users and are not easily negotiated by a number of users, e.g. ambulant disabled persons, pregnant women, young children and elderly.

PNAP 266 - The 150mm level difference between the floor next above the external ground or adjoining flat roof as required under B(C)R 35 and 49(1) may be exempted if means to guard against the ingress of water to the inside of the building are provided. Slopes not steeper than 1:20 or ramps not steeper than 1:12 should be used to replace the 150mm step at all entrances/exit to buildings wherever feasible. The priority choices in means of access provision are shown in the table below (6.7.1c).

An alternative accessible route, e.g. by means of a lift or a ramp, should be provided nearby within sight from the position of the staircases. If the accessible route is not available within sight, appropriate signage (6.7.1d) should be provided to guide users in need to the accessible route.

Stairlifts are not means of barrier free access. Facilities requiring barrier free access will not be considered satisfying the barrier free access requirement if only stairlifts are provided without an alternative accessible route. Stairlifts (6.7.1e) should not be used in any new design of buildings. The use of stairlifts in existing building should be the last option to be considered only if all other means, such as ramps, lifts, alternative routes, lifting platforms and provision of alternative facilities, are not feasible.

If staircases or steps must be used as means of vertical circulation, the recommended design requirements in the current version of the Design Manual for Barrier Free Access should be followed as far as practicable. DMBFA97 4.4.2(a) to (g)