When it comes to stair safety and long-term performance, stair nosings play a far more important role than many realise. At Quantum Flooring, we understand that the right stair edging not only improves durability and finish\u2014it also ensures compliance with key UK building regulations, health and safety requirements, and modern sustainability expectations.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we break down the core performance and compliance criteria that specifiers and contractors must consider when selecting stair nosings.<\/p>\n
BS 8300 provides guidance on how to design inclusive and accessible environments, particularly for people with reduced mobility or visual impairments. For stair nosings, the standard requires:<\/p>\n
Clear visual contrast<\/strong> between the nosing and the tread (30 points LRV difference recommended)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Consistent placement and depth to ensure visual cues are easily recognised<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Resistance to slips in both wet and dry conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Quantum\u2019s stair nosings are designed to meet or exceed these standards, making them suitable for use in public, commercial, and regulated environments.<\/p>\n Part M of the Building Regulations supports inclusive access in buildings and mandates that stairways must be designed to:<\/p>\n Have clear, slip-resistant nosings<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Be easily distinguishable<\/strong> from the rest of the stair<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Support safe use for people with vision impairment or reduced mobility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Quantum stair nosings support Part M compliance through a range of high-visibility inserts, precision manufacturing, and multiple profile types suited to different stair constructions.<\/p>\n Although now superseded by the Equality Act 2010, the DDA<\/strong> still influences design decisions. Stair nosings that support visibility, slip prevention, and safe navigation for all users\u2014including those with disabilities\u2014are essential in meeting the spirit of the legislation.<\/p>\n Slip accidents on stairs remain one of the most common causes of injury in public and commercial buildings. That’s why all Quantum stair nosings are designed with anti-slip inserts<\/strong> that meet or exceed industry recommendations.<\/p>\n Surface roughness (Rz) and Pendulum Test Values (PTV)<\/strong> are used to assess slip resistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Many Quantum inserts achieve PTV \u2265 36<\/strong>, meeting guidelines for low-slip risk surfaces.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Options include Textured, TreadSafe, and Glow in the Dark<\/strong> inserts for added safety and visibility in low-light environments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n By using Quantum nosings, specifiers can reduce liability, improve user confidence, and support long-term building safety.<\/p>\n Fire safety is another critical consideration, particularly in multi-storey buildings, transport hubs, and residential complexes.<\/p>\n Quantum stair nosings use materials and components that are rigorously tested to meet applicable fire performance standards<\/strong><\/p>\n However there is no fire test for stair nosings or flooring accesssories.<\/p>\n This means Quantum stair nosings can be confidently specified in schools, hospitals, and commercial premises where fire-rated materials are a requirement.<\/p>\n Sustainable design isn\u2019t just a trend\u2014it\u2019s a responsibility. At Quantum, we\u2019re committed to helping specifiers meet environmental targets without compromising on safety or performance.<\/p>\n\u2705 Building Regulations Part M<\/h3>\n
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\u2705 The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)<\/h3>\n
\n2. Slip Resistance: Safer Steps, Reduced Risk<\/h2>\n
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\n3. Fire Rating: Peace of Mind in High-Risk Areas<\/h2>\n
\n4. Sustainability: Making Responsible Choices<\/h2>\n
\u267b\ufe0f Key sustainability features:<\/h3>\n