Circulation – vertical circulation 8.1 Introduction

Management and designers should consider all aspects of vertical circulation.

The disposition, design and management of stairways, ramps, lifts and escalators at sports grounds should be such as to provide smooth and unimpeded circulation for spectators under all conditions.

This chapter should therefore be read in conjunction with Chapters 6, 7, 9 and 10 on circulation and Chapters 12-14 on spectator accommodation.

8.2

Stairways and gangways

It is emphasised that for the purposes of design and assessment, the criteria applying to stairways at sports grounds are, in part, different to those pertaining to radial gangways. The following definitions should therefore be noted:

a. Stairway

A stairway is that part of a structure which is not a radial gangway but which comprises of at least one flight of steps, including the landings at the head and foot of stairways and any landings in between flights.

b. Radial gangway

A radial gangway is a stepped or sloping channel for the circulation of spectators through viewing accommodation, running between terrace steps or seat rows. c. Lateral gangway

A lateral gangway is a level channel for the circulation of spectators through viewing accommodation, running parallel with terrace steps or seat rows.

Further guidance on the provision and design of gangways can be found in Sections 12.9­ 12.11 (for seated accommodation) and Sections 13.4–13.6 (for standing accommodation).

8.3

Design of stairways

Movement on stairways, especially downward movement, poses a considerable potential risk to crowds both in normal circumstances, such as at the end of an event, or in an emergency. The effects of stumbling, pushing, jostling and congestion are potentially dangerous if, as a result, the crowd suddenly surges forward or if, for any reason, any individuals suddenly change direction.

For new construction: in order to minimise hazards the design of stairways should comply with all the relevant requirements of the current Building Regulations.

For new and existing construction: the specific needs of sports grounds require that stairways should meet the following basic specifications:

a. the stairway width should be uniform (see Section 8.5)

b. all goings and risers on each stairway should be uniform between floors c. open risers should not be used

d. winders (that is, tapered treads) should not be used

e. stair treads should be slip-resistant, have durable edgings, and, where appropriate, have adequate drainage. Detailed guidance on slip resistance can be found in the CIRIA publication – Safer surfaces to walk on (see Bibliography)

f. all nosings should be clearly marked

In new construction, and where possible in existing construction, this should be by means of a permanently contrasting material 55mm wide on both the tread and the riser, which should not constitute a trip hazard.

g. adequate separation should be provided between channels so that there is no overspill from one channel to another

h. stairways should be positioned to take advantage of natural light and ventilation, but where the natural lighting is deficient the stairway should be adequately illuminated by artificial light (see also Sections 17.10 and 17.13).

Further guidance on flights of stairways, and certain of the above requirements (including specific dimensional criteria), can be found in the following sections.

8.4

Flights of stairways

Flights of stairways should not provide long, uncontrolled paths down which crowd pressures and surges can be created. For this reason:

a. Number of risers

For new construction: Individual flights should consist of no more than 12 risers. However, where the stairway is a secondary stairway for escape only, this may be increased to 16 risers. Reference should also be made to the Building Regulations.

For existing construction: Individual flights should consist of no more than 16 risers. b. If there are more than 36 risers in consecutive flights, the path of the stairway should

change direction of travel by at least 30°.

8.5

Dimensions of stairways

The design of stairways (and stairway channels) at sports grounds should comply with the following dimensions:

a. Widths

For new construction:

For existing construction:

Minimum width: 1.1m Maximum width: 1.8m

Existing stairways and stairway channels of between 1.8m and 2.2m wide should,

wherever possible, be narrowed to no more than 1.8m by the installation or relocation of suitable barriers.

Existing stairways and stairway channels wider than 2.2m should be divided into channels in order to meet the width requirements above.

b. Goings

Minimum depth: 280mm Preferred depth: 305mm

c. Risers

For new construction:

Minimum height: 150mm (this is also the preferred height) Maximum height: 170mm or 180mm where the stairway is a

secondary stairway for escape only. Reference should also be made to the Building Regulations.

For existing construction:

Minimum height: 150mm (this is also the preferred height)

Maximum height: 190mm

d. Landings

The going of each landing, at the head and foot of stairways, and between flights, should be not less than the width of the channel of the flight.

e. Headroom

Minimum headroom dimensions are provided in Section 6.5.

8.6

Barriers and handrails – definitions

It is emphasised that in terms of their dimensions and design loadings, barriers are not handrails, even though in certain situations – see Section 8.7.b – in practice they might be used by people as handrails.

For the purpose of the Guide, a barrier is any element, whether permanent or temporary, intended to prevent people from falling, and to retain, stop or guide people (see

Section 8.7).

A handrail is a rail normally grasped by hand for guidance or support (see Section 8.8). Further guidance on barriers is provided in Chapter 11. Further guidance on handrails used in gangways in seated areas can be found in Section 12.11.

8.7

Barriers on stairways

As illustrated in Diagram 8.1, barriers are used for two different purposes on stairways. a. Barriers to stop people falling

Where stairways are situated next to, or in the middle of, open wells, or open spaces, barriers designed to prevent people from falling should be provided on the open side or sides. These barriers should be not less than 1.1m high.

At grounds where small children are likely to be in attendance, additional guarding which is non-climbable and has no openings through which a 100mm sphere can pass should be provided.

b. Barriers to divide stairways into channels

Stairways separated into channels must be divided by the provision of barriers. Such barriers may be designed to a height of 1.0m, in which case they can also function as a handrail.

If installed to a height of greater than 1.0m, however, separate provision for handrails should be made in the design, as specified in Section 8.8 and shown in Diagram 8.1.

In both the above situations, the barrier heights should be measured from the pitch line, or from the surface of the landing. The barriers should also be designed to resist a horizontal imposed load as specified in Table 11.1.

8.8

Handrails for stairways and ramps

As stated in Section 8.6, a handrail is provided for people to grasp, for guidance or support. If the handrails are to serve only as handrails for stairways or ramps – that is, they are not barriers as described in Section 8.7.b – the design should meet the following requirements:

a. Handrails of the same height should be provided on both sides of stairways, landings and ramps.

b. For new construction: handrails should be a minimum height of 900mm, and a maximum height of 1.0m, measured vertically from the pitch line or from the surface of the landing.

For existing construction: handrails should be a minimum height of 840mm, and a maximum height of 1.0m, measured vertically from the pitch line or from the surface of the landing.

c. Wherever possible, handrails should project no more than 100mm into the width of the stairway or ramp. If the projection is greater than 100mm the usable width of the stairway should be measured between the handrails, and should be at least 1.1m (1.2m recommended for new construction).

d. Handrails should extend by at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of any stairway, measured from the vertical of the first and last risers, or from the start and finish of the ramp.

e. Handrails should be robust, securely fixed, and their fixings designed to be fit for purpose.

300 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 300

A barrier is installed to prevent people falling over the open side. Because this barrier has to have a height of 1.1m, a handrail is attached at a lower level for guidance or support. The handrail’s height of between 0.9m and 1.0m measured from the datum (that is, from the pitch line). Note that each end of the handrail bends around the ends of the barrier, and that if small children are likely to use the stairway, additional guarding should be provided (see Section 8.7.a).

Another handrail is fixed to the wall. This too is fixed at a height of between 0.9m and 1.0m above the datum. Particular care has to be taken when fixing such a handrail, in order to prevent it pulling away from the wall.

Finally, the central barrier, which divides the stairway into channels, is classed as a barrier, and is therefore subject to the loading requirements of Table 11.1. As stated in Section 8.7.b, a barrier in this location may be designed to a height of 1.0m, thus enabling it to be used also as a handrail.

Whatever the design of the central barrier, the handrails on either side of any stairway channel should be the same height.