Existing outdoor stairs, very steep – access?

Existing outdoor stairs, very steep – access?

9:34 AM, 23rd February 2023, About A year ago 3

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Hello, We own a mansion block of flats made up of Ground Floor, First Floor and Second Floor flat.

The GF flat currently has access to the garden.

There are stairs from the FF to the garden, historically we have agreed with FF tenants that the stairs are only for emergency use. Thankfully they’ve never been used.

The stairs are old and steep – I don’t have exact measurements but they definitely couldn’t pass any new build regs these days.

We are thinking of reconfiguring the garden so that the bit of the garden where the stairs land is fenced off and it is a private garden for the FF.

This would move the stairs from “emergency use only” to “regular use”.

Short of knocking the stairs and rebuilding, what can we do to cover ourselves from any potential claims from tenants who may hurt themselves on the steps?

NRLA phone line has suggested local Building Control, but I’m not sure they’re relevant as the stairs exist and have existed for 100+ years, and I imagine will continue to exist for a long time to come!

Intrigued on others’ thoughts on this.

Thank you,

NI


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Comments

Ian Cognito

12:43 PM, 23rd February 2023, About A year ago

If the steps are unsuitable for regular use, then either re-configure them or ensure they continue to be for emergencies, only.

reader

13:55 PM, 23rd February 2023, About A year ago

Hello,
I have four stories above ground in a block very much like the accompanying photo. Old and a little steeper than modern staircases. They are the only means of access.

To “improve” them I added an additional handrail on the wall from bottom to the top, ensured the original rail was secure, added additional automatic lighting and made sure the carpeting was of fully intact and safe. No other options available.

Crossed_Swords

16:11 PM, 23rd February 2023, About A year ago

Building control relates to the standard of the structure, nothing to do with their longevity. You should have a fire and safety review done regularly so ask the inspector

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