The problem we regularly see on site is that the first ascending riser needs to be setback into the next flight of stairs the distance of one tread (or going). This ensures that the internal handrail transitions around over the landing and maintains a consistent height throughout the stair landing.

AS1428.1-2009 Clause 11.2(c) says that “Handrails shall have no vertical sections and shall follow the angle of the stairway nosings, as shown in Figure 28(b)”.

AS1428.1-2009 also says in Clause 12(e) that “The height of the top of the handrail, measured in accordance with item (d), shall be consistent through the ramp (or stairs) and at any landing”.

If a stair isn’t designed in this way, then the internal handrail will have a steeply angled section, which could result in a near vertical section of handrail to make up the height of the first rise or step in this flight.

The only way for the internal handrail to comply when the first ascending riser is not set back the distance of one tread (or going) is to increase the depth of the stair landing (1250mm deep) to allow the handrail at the top of the first flight to extend the distance of one going, before turning 180 degrees and going up the second flight. This is another method to keep the handrail at a consistent height.