Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Service providers under the DDA need to be aware of physical adjustments that could be made to their premises, as from 2004 they will be required to consider making 'reasonable adjust-ments' to remove or alter physical barriers to access to their goods and services. Many service providers are using the time between now and 2004 to plan and implement physical adjust-ments, so that by 2004 they can be confident that they have responded positively to the Act. Approval may be necessary for adapting steps or stairs at the front of a building. Particularly if the building is listed or in a conservation area any proposed design will also need to be in character with the building, which may impose additional constraints, particularly where space is limited. Lighting should be located at the side of the flight and should not cause anyone to negotiate the stairs in their own shadow.
Straight flights are easier to negotiate than curved or dogleg flights.
Handrails should be provided however short the flight. Max 45-50mm outside diameter, to both sides, continued on landings and extended 300mm beyond the top and bottom steps returning to the wall or with a positive end. Tactile information can indicate through touch where the stairs is about to end. Handrails should be made from materials that are not cold to the touch, such as hardwood or nylon-coated steel. Nosings should be used on the front face as well as on the top of each step so that they are visible when ascending and descending.