Stairs going
Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact defines the ‘going’ of stairs as the depth from front to back of a tread, less any overlap with the next tread above.
NB: For ramps the going is the length of the ramp between landings.
The steepness, rise and going, handrails, headroom, length and width of stairs should afford reasonable safety to people gaining access to and moving about buildings.
The standard of provision needed to give an acceptable level of safety for access and use depends on the circumstances. It may need to be higher in a public building than in a dwelling, because people may not be familiar with the building and there may be more users. A lower standard may be acceptable where access is required only for maintenance, because greater care can be expected from the people requiring to gain access.
[Image: measuring rise and going]
Treads should be level and the rise and going of each step should be consistent throughout a flight of steps.
[Image: rise and going minimum and maximum values]
For tapered treads, consecutive tapered treads, should use the same going. If a stair consists of straight and tapered treads, the going of the tapered treads should not be less than the going of the straight treads.
[Image: measuring tapered treads]
Requirements for alternating stair treads are shown below.
[Image: alternating stair tread]
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.