Interiors
Expert warning issued over this one illegal hallway feature
The little-known law parents should know about if they have Ranch Style stairs in the home!
Parents are being urged to take a fresh look at one of the most overlooked and dangerous features in the family home, the staircase. According to staircase expert Lucie Levesley, director at Jackson Woodturners, a little-known UK law means that certain staircases are actually illegal. Yet, many households still have them in place, unaware of the risks.
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Traditional but, outdated “Ranch style” staircases used to be popular and can still be found in UK homes. However, the horizontal panels that make up this once common staircase style, can act as ladders for children, dramatically increasing the risk of falls and accidents in the home.
Lucie Levesley, director at Jackson Woodturners warns,
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“Many people don’t realise that traditional “Ranch style” staircases are actually illegal and a category 1 hazard in the UK, as they can be used as a ladder by children, who climb up and over them or slide off them easily. If you have one of these styles, you should upgrade your staircase to avoid accidents in the home.”
Parents urged to check staircases as survey finds 1 in 5 find them hardest are in the home to childproof
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With falls remaining the number one cause of non-fatal injury for children aged 0-19, experts are warning parents to check their stairs and ensure they meet safety standards, from secure handrails to properly spaced spindles. Lucie continues,
Lucie Levesley, Director at
Jackson Woodturners
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“If your staircase is steep, lacks a secure handrail, or has wide or climbable spindles, it’s worth reviewing your setup. Handrails should be securely fixed and easy for both adults and children to grip. Handrail heights should be at 900mm for both stairs and landings.”
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“In addition, UK Building regulations are in place to protect children, Lucie mentions that spindles should be expertly fitted to ensure that spindles are close enough together to avoid small limbs and bodies squeezing through Spindles should be no more that 100mm apart, a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass between spindles at any point to ensure child safety.”
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“It’s also worth paying attention to what’s underfoot. Loose rugs on landings can easily lead to slips. While a shiny floor polish might look great, it can also increase the risk of falls; especially for little ones running around in socks.”
Jackson Woodturners understand how important staircase design is. Not just in terms of looks, but safety too. They offer a range of handrails, balustrades, and spindles that are sturdy, reliable, and built to meet modern standards.
For further tips and guidance on child safety within the home, visit the Jackson Woodturners blog.
