Installation of Stairlifts in existing staircases Subject No: 14 Subject: Installation of Stairlifts in existing staircases Question: Does the installation of a stairlift in an existing stairwell require Building Regulation Approval? Answer: Applications/enquiries are often received for the provision of a stairlift within the stair well of existing buildings - particularly flats but sometimes public buildings e.g.: Libraries. The principle issue that Building Control Officers have to determine is whether the "work" would result in a building not complying with a relevant requirement (Part B, K1) where previously it did. Refer Regulation 3. The provision of a stairlift within an existing building or new building will be assessed using the guidance referred to below to establish the principles of compliance with the relevant requirements of Part B1, K1. Flats & Maisonettes How many persons are likely to be effected by such an installation? Can the persons using the stair wait within the stair well (a protected area) for a reasonable time whilst the chair lift returns to park? The carriage rails only intrude at low level, therefore, if persons can pass in single file within the normal escape time of 3 minutes (for a building built to Building Regulation standards) then Clause 3.30 can be deemed to be met. The degree of compartmentation/phased evacuation. The chair should fail-safe to park if there is a mains failure. Existing Emergency Lighting levels to be reassessed. Other Buildings Section 5, Clause 5.6 of the Approved Document B, gives specific minimum widths for other stairs (Table 6). Clearly the number of persons using these stairs may be considerably higher than in common stair situations and, the need to design simultaneous evacuation of all floors may result in Building Control Officers determining that stair lift intrusions cannot be considered acceptable. In these cases a varying of provisions and consultation with the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service would be necessary and each case will need to be dealt with on its own merits.

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