From 1 May 2016, the Queensland variation of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume 2 for slip-resistance on stairs lapsed.
Australian Standard 4586 - 2013 ‘Slip-resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials’ will now apply to class 1 and 10 buildings in the 2016 edition of the BCA. Prior to this, the requirements have only applied to building classes 2–9 within Volume 1 of the BCA, as adopted in 2014. Since that time, the differences in slip resistance between Volume 1 and 2 have been aligned in the draft 2016 BCA. Slip-resistance classifications are now proposed for all stair treads, ramps and landings for all building classes. For contractors in the residential sector, application of finishes to these areas must have documentary evidence to prove the classification. This applies to all finishes and surface types, including carpet, tiles, timber, vinyl, concrete and metal. What do contractors have to do?
Currently, the classifications are applicable as follows: Volume 1 – Class 2 to 9 This requires a classification not less than that listed in Table D2.14 for:
Application Surface Conditions Dry Wet Ramp steeper than 1:14 P4 or R11 P5 or R12 Ramp steeper than 1:20 but not steeper than 1:14 P3 or R10 P4 or R11 Tread or landing surface P3 or R10 P4 or R11 Nosing or Landing edge strip P3 P4 Volume 2 – Class 1 & 10 The current performance requirements are: A slip-resistant walking surface is required for ramps, and on stairways treads or near the edge of the nosing. The current Table 3.9.1.1 only gives a classification for treads and a nosing strip. The 2016 BCA draft suggests classifications will be included in Volume 2 for stair treads, ramps and landings. Table 3.9.1.1 Slip resistance classification Application Surface Conditions Dry Wet Ramp not steeper than 1:8 P4 or R10 P5 or R12 Tread surfaceP3 or R10P4 or R11 Nosing or landing edge strip P3 P4 Is the product compliant?For products like carpet, tiles, slate, vinyl, concrete and metal, not altered during installation, the manufacturers laboratory test, as per AS 4586, may be appropriate. You should seek evidence of a test report before purchasing any product. Tests reports are not acceptable unless provided by a NATA organisation or a JAS–ANZ certification body. Non-compliant test reports are unacceptable to building certifiers and in-situ wet pendulum testing may be required. Depending on the location this could be impractical with no guarantee that the classification can be achieved. The only solution being to install a tested nosing strip. For timber surfaces any pre‐coated finish supplied by the manufacturer could be pre‐tested to AS 4586. Again, check the documentation before proceeding. Timber stairs with polished treads as constructed on‐site will be problematic to test if not impossible. Therefore options, such as the application of nosing strips, adhesive tapes assessed through laboratory tests, per AS 4586, may be the only solution.
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