Ensuring the safety and accessibility of public spaces is not just a recommendation but a mandate in Canada, governed by stringent codes and standards. Among these, the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) codes stand out as critical guidelines for making staircases accessible and safe for everyone, particularly for the visually impaired and people with disabilities. As a leading supplier of Tactile Warning or attention domes and Guidance or Wayfinding bars systems, Tactile Solution Canada is committed to helping you navigate these essential compliance requirements.
Staircases present unique accessibility challenges for building owners. While stairs are necessary for multi-level structures, they can easily exclude those with mobility limitations if not designed thoughtfully. This blog discusses the accessibility requirements for staircases according to the guidelines set out by CNIB and AODA. By understanding these regulations, builders and renovators can ensure all patrons can safely and comfortably navigate their properties.
Many accessibility issues pertain specifically to stairs. Uneven risers, sharp nosings, narrow treads, and lack of handrails pose trip and fall hazards. Proper staircase design is crucial for safety. Understanding code compliance helps architects, designers, and contractors meet these vital accessibility standards.
The CNIB guidelines and AODA are legislation with enforceable minimums. But they also recommend best practices surpassing basic accessibility. Their combined guidance creates an attainable continuum towards universal design accommodating people of all abilities to the greatest extent feasible.
TWSIs are crucial for providing non-visual cues to individuals with visual impairments. According to the CNIB's "Clearing Our Path" guidelines, TWSIs must be installed at the top and bottom of staircases to warn users of the change in level.
Dimensions and Placement: The Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs) must extend the full width of the stairs. They should be positioned at least 6 inches from the edge of the top and bottom steps, in accordance with AODA standards, which also require a minimum depth of 24 inches as specified by the CSA. In other provinces, the minimum depth required is 12 inches.
Colour Contrast: There must be a high contrast between the TWSIs and the surrounding flooring to ensure they are detectable by individuals with low vision. The CNIB recommends a contrast of at least 70%.
Follow these guidelines for stair nosings:
Nosings should project no more than 25 mm.
Where nosings project, they should be sloped to the riser at an angle greater than 60 degrees to the horizontal.
For rounded nosings, the radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread should be a maximum of 13 mm.
Steps should be made of slip-resistant material and have nosings or inserts made of non-slip material.
Stair nosings should have a color/ brightness-contrasted strip across the leading edge of the tread that is 40 – 60 mm deep. The color/brightness between the contrast strip and the surface of the tread should be at least 50 percent. The contrast strip should extend to the front edge of the nosing.
It should not extend down the front face of the nosing/riser by any more than 10 mm. On stairs, light-colored strips used on dark treads are preferable to light-colored treads used on dark strips. People with vision loss don't easily notice dark strips on nosings.
Uniform risers and treads minimize risk of tripping or losing footing on the stairs. Codes cap riser height at 180mm and require a minimum tread depth of 280mm. These regulated dimensions support a steady climbing pace. Variations disrupt gait.
Tread nosings must be slip-resistant. Durable nosing material reduces chance of slipping. High-traction surfaces increase safety, especially in inclement weather. Code mandates nosing projection not exceeding 38mm. Projection beyond this invites catching toes. Rounded or beveled nosings 25mm radius maximum also prevent toe injuries.
CNIB and AODA recommend optimizing riser/tread dimensions for seniors. Namely, risers no higher than 165mm and minimum tread run 290mm. Shallower risers and deeper treads ease stair traversal.
Exterior stairs must have visual/textured warnings, non-slip tread nosings, and grip-able handrails between 865-915mm on both sides. Adequate lighting ensures safe outdoor stair traversal.
When planning any project involving staircases, addressing accessibility requirements is crucial both in new constructions and retrofitting existing structures. Best practices for planning should consider the unique needs of each scenario:
Consult Experts: Engage accessibility consultants, architects, or CNIB representatives to review your project plans for both new builds and retrofits to ensure full code compliance.
Identify Problem Areas: For new constructions, integrate compliant designs from the start. In retrofits, evaluate existing staircases to identify non-compliant elements such as irregular treads or missing handrails that need upgrading.
Prioritize Recommendations: Based on expert assessments, prioritize modifications from most critical to least to develop a phased compliance implementation plan suitable for both new and existing structures.
Consider Alternative Designs: For significant renovations or when retrofitting, explore design alternatives like replacing stairs with ramps or lifts to enhance accessibility.
Set Budgets Accordingly: Allocate sufficient funds to cover full compliance upgrades in both new constructions and retrofits. Factor in potential government grants that may offset project costs.
Select Durable Materials: Opt for code-approved, slip-resistant materials such as metal, porcelain, or rubber for Tactile Walking Surface Indicators, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance across all projects.
Proper planning and consultation from the outset help avoid last-minute modifications and budget overruns, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget while achieving the highest standards of accessibility and safety for all users.
To successfully implement CNIB and AODA staircase codes, it's important to source high-quality commercial-grade tactile products:
Our AccessTile polymer tiles and ArmorTile made from diamond hard vitrified polymers offer ultimate durability for heavy traffic areas with a longer design life.
Porcelain tiles provide an elegant aesthetic upgrade while resisting stains, chips, and chemical deterioration better than other indoor materials in commercial, public, and institutional environments.
Rubber Tactile Tiles are a great indoor retrofit solution and are flexible enough to handle thermal expansion on stairs exposed to temperature fluctuations.
Our stainless steel tactiles will never rot, rust, or delaminate like other alternatives and are good for esthetical reasons in both retrofit & new built indoors.
Ecoglo Photoluminescent Stair Nosing provides ultimate anti-slip glowing radiance during blackouts assisting evacuation.
We offer the largest selection of code-compliant solutions in Canada, with drawings, specifications, certifications, and installation instructions for every product to simplify compliance.
Compliance with CNIB and AODA codes is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to create safe and accessible environments for all individuals. By implementing these guidelines in your staircases, you contribute to a more inclusive society and enhance the overall safety and usability of your building. At Tactile Solution Canada, we are here to support you every step of the way, providing top-notch tactile products and expert guidance to ensure your compliance and satisfaction.
For more information on our products and services, visit Tactile Solution Canada. Let's work together to make every step safe and accessible for everyone.
