The legal duty for access to a building and its facilities is the responsibility of the owners.

The guidance is provided in approved documents such as approved Document M, which is based on BS8300:2001. The related details of approved Document M are outlined below, together with the Treads recommendation.

"People with impaired sight risk tripping or losing their balance if there is no warning that steps provide a change in level. The risk is most hazardous at the head of a flight of steps when a person is descending."

The change in level can be clearly highlighted with a nosing that contrasts with the surrounding tread and riser materials. Our method of installation means changing top step insert colours is a formality. The colour variant should be at least 30 points (where black to white is 100 points) on all treads.

"All nosings are made apparent by means of a permanently contrasting material 55mm wide on both the tread and riser."

The 55mm measurements is only a guidance. Other considerations, such as step size and type, should be taken when choosing a nosing.

Our nosings have Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) available for all its stair nosing inserts.