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Advanced Staircase Safety Systems for High-Rise Buildings

The staircase in a high-rise tower is the most important, but most-neglected part of the building. Most people do not need to use the staircase in normal times, but in case of unlikely re, the staircase becomes the most important life-saving conduit to transport the people to safety. Hence some guidelines were drawn for construction as well as maintenance of staircases in high-rises so that they are safe in times of dire need.

GUIDELINES FOR FIRE PROTECTION AND MEANS OF EXIT REQUIREMENTS (INCLUDING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS)

Internal Staircases:

  • Shall be composed of non-combustible materials throughout.
  • The external wall of the building shall constitute one of its sides.
  • Shall not be arranged around a lift shaft.
  • Minimum height width=1000mm, Maximum height width=2000mm.
  • Minimum tread = 250mm, Maximum riser=190mm, Minimum Head Room=2200mm. (varying slightly based on classification of buildings)

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS – 15M in Height or Above

Construction

  • All materials of construction in load-bearing elements, stairways and corridors and facades shall be noncombustible.
  • The interior finishes should not have a flame spreadability rating exceeding Class 1.
  • The internal walls or staircase shall be of brick or RCC with a minimum of 2H fire rating.
  • The staircase shall be well ventilated.
  • The roof of the shaft shall be one meter above the surrounding roof with re resistance rating of 2h.

The above are the minimum specifications for a staircase in India.

Why does the staircase need special treatment?

 It is a normal practice to cover staircases with kota stone, ceramic or synthetic tiles etc. They do not provide special functional requirements needed for providing re and other safety features, which are:

  • Protection of concrete from carbonation or chloride attack.
  • Providing anti-slip characteristics even in wet conditions.
  • Cost-effective as well as least execution time

The National Building Code, which is a document containing standardized requirements for the design & construction of most types of building in US species minimum guidelines for the protection of life and property.

Types of Staircase Safety System:

However, in the developed world, there are more stringent requirements for staircases and these changes & additions to the means of egress requirements have been introduced in the International Building Code for high-rise buildings.

Three types of the staircase safety system are considered here:

  • Anti-skid epoxy coatings in staircases and landings.
  • Staircase nosings.
  • Photo-luminescent Markings.

Written by; Mr.B.M.Nagarajan Director, NEOCRETE TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD.

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