Model Building Code and special building codes with requirements for stairs and railings.
See how fast it worksBuilding structures of all kinds, with certain exceptions, are governed by the respective State Building Code (LBO). This means each federal state has its own State Building Code. To harmonize them, these are largely derived from a federal-level Model Building Code (MBO). However, this is only a template (model) and has no direct legal effect.
Note: To make things more complex, there are special building codes for certain building types, again at the state level. Each state has a different selection of special building codes and different content. And, as with the State Building Code, there are model regulations again.
The Model Industrial Building Guideline regulates fire protection requirements for industrial buildings and, in this context, also for the stairs and stairwells there. No additional structural or dimensional requirements beyond the MBO are specified.
The Accommodation Ordinance regulates stairs as part of the escape route. No further structural or dimensional requirements beyond the MBO are made.
Here too, with regard to stairs, the regulations concern stairwells as escape routes.
The Retail Premises Ordinance contains provisions in § 11 on the structural design of stairs (fire protection) and on dimensional requirements (stair flight width). Further provisions on stairwells and stairwell extensions can be found in § 12.
§ 8 of the Places of Assembly Ordinance contains requirements for stairs regarding fire protection, stair width, structural design, and handrails.
The School Building Guideline regulates in Section 3.4 stairs as part of the escape routes with regard to their width. In Section 4, stairs are addressed in terms of width, execution, and guard height.
Again, the focus is on the staircase as an escape route and on fire protection aspects.
Implementation notes for stairs with the aim of enabling patients to climb stairs safely. Again, stairs as escape routes. The ordinance contains structural specifications (e.g., handrail design) and dimensional specifications.
