Stair safety at Drömtrappor - guidelines and rules for safe stairs

Drömtrappor's commitment to stair safety

Stair safety is paramount, especially when it comes to protecting our homes and public spaces. At Drömtrappor, stair safety is of the highest priority and we always strive to offer stairs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet Swedish rules and guidelines. Our aim is to combine design with functionality to ensure safety at every step.

At Drömtrappor, stair safety is of the highest priority, and as an industry leader, we see it as our task to lead development in the area. We ensure that all our stairs comply with the Swedish rules and guidelines for stair safety according to the Swedish Housing Agency's building regulations (BBR). This includes requirements for handrails, step depth and slope, as well as reducing the risk of falls and accidents, especially for children. By offering expertise and advice to our customers, we ensure that their stairs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet all safety requirements.

Safety rules and responsibility when buying stairs - important aspects to consider

Laws and regulations regarding stair safety vary between different countries. In Sweden, for example, the regulations forbid railings to be designed so that they invite climbing and that the distance between the ladders and other openings must be designed so that children cannot squeeze through and get stuck. This means that individual images on the Drömtrappor website may therefore show designs that are only allowed in certain countries.

When buying a staircase, it is important to be aware of these rules, as you may find yourself liable if you install a staircase that has safety deficiencies.

Sometimes we are asked to manufacture stairs with a design that deviates from the regulations - usually for aesthetic reasons. However, we always recommend following the requirements and always inform the customer of current standards and safety requirements.

The Housing Authority's building regulations for stairs and safety - minimize the risk of falls and accidents

Boverket's building regulations (BBR) ensure that stairs in Sweden are designed for maximum safety, which minimizes the risk of falls and accidents. The rules cover everything from measurements and inclination to the design of railings and openings, with a focus on child safety. Complying with these requirements is crucial to creating safe environments both at home and in public.

According to Boverket's building regulations (BBR) section 8:232, stairs and ramps in, or adjacent to, buildings must be designed so that people can move about safely. Stairs, ramps, balconies and the like in spaces where children can stay must be designed so that the risk of child accidents is limited.
(section 8:232 BBR)

A significant proportion of accidents and deaths in homes and society occur on stairs. In order to reduce the risk of falls and tripping, the Swedish Housing Agency's building regulations (BBR) require the design of steps, both indoors and outdoors. These rules specify, among other things, how deep the steps must be to minimize the risk of accidents.

Step depth and slope of the stairs

In order for the stairs to be safe, the slope of the stairs, length and the ratio between the height and depth of each step, the so-called step depth, are important. The step depth is measured in the walking line. The walking line is an imaginary line 300 mm from the inside of the handrail. Indoors, the step depth should be at least 0.25 m and outdoors at least 0.30 m. The movement in the walking line should be natural with a comfortable slope.

It is also important that you can clearly see where the stairs start and end. The stairs become safer with daylight and good lighting.

The opening of the stairs between steps

A staircase must always be built with children's safety in mind. To protect children from falling through or getting their head stuck between the steps in the stairs, there are rules regarding the size of the opening. The opening between the steps must not be wider or higher than 10 cm - where this is the case, a child safety strip should be fitted.

Child safety

A staircase must always be built with child safety in mind. In order to protect children from falling through or getting their head stuck in any of the various parts of the stairs, there are rules regarding how large openings may occur. Between steps it must not be wider or higher than 10 cm - where this is the case, a child safety strip should be fitted. The stairs need handrails where there is a risk of falling, these handrails must not promote climbing or be designed in a way that provides openings larger than 10cm.

Stair railing

Stairways, staircases, ramps and balconies that are not bounded by walls must have railings that limit the risk of personal injury as a result of falls. Railings with fasteners must withstand the dynamic impact of a person.
(section 8:2321 BBR)

This means that the railing and its fasteners must withstand a significant load from a person tripping and falling on the stairs or landing.

Handrails

Ramps and stairs must have balance support in the form of handrails. The handrails must be easy to grasp.
(section 8:2322 BBR)

By following the Swedish Housing Agency's building regulations and our own high standards, we at Drömtrappor ensure that each staircase is not only aesthetically pleasing but also maximally safe. We are committed to offering stairs that combine design and functionality to create safe environments in both homes and public spaces. Choose Drömtrappor for peace of mind in every step.

Source: Boverket - Build child-proof, stair safety
Read more about stair safety at the Housing Authority