When it comes to commercial property safety, there’s one feature often overlooked until it’s too late: stair nosing. A small detail at the edge of every step, stair nosing plays a big role in preventing slips, trips, and falls. In the UK alone, falls on stairs account for thousands of workplace injuries each year, with many leading to legal claims, compensation payouts, and damage to a business’s reputation.
Imagine a customer tripping down a poorly marked staircase in your building. Not only are you facing a potential injury claim, but if your stair nosing fails to meet UK compliance standards. Compliance isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s about keeping people safe and protecting your business from legal and financial risk.
This blog will explore the key legal requirements, the hidden dangers of non-compliance, and how choosing the right stair nosing can make a significant difference in safety and long-term property management. Whether you're a facilities manager, building owner, or specifier, this guide will help you navigate stair safety confidently and responsibly.

UK Stair Nosing Laws Every Property Owner Must Know

Keeping your commercial property compliant with stair safety laws in the UK isn’t just about meeting building codes — it’s about preventing injuries, protecting your business, and demonstrating responsibility. Understanding what the law expects is the first step in ensuring your staircases are both safe and legal.

BS 8300, Part M, and the Equality Act 2010

In the UK, three primary frameworks govern stair nosing compliance:

• BS 8300 – This British Standard outlines how to design environments that are accessible and inclusive. For stairs, it mandates:
• Clearly visible nosings with a 30-point Light Reflectance Value (LRV) contrast
• Part M (Access to and use of buildings) – A part of the Building Regulations, Part M focuses on usability for all, including those with visual impairments. 

What Makes a Stair Nosing “Compliant”?

To ensure stair nosing meets UK standards, here’s what to look for:

• Width: Nosing should be between 50 mm and 65 mm, with 55 mm as the standard.
• Visibility: Contrasting colour (30+ LRV difference from surrounding stair material)
• Material: Durable and anti-slip — common options include PVC, aluminium, and rubber.
• Slip Resistance: A Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36+ is considered suitable for pedestrian safety.
• Consistency: Nosings must be uniform across all steps to avoid tripping hazards.

Meeting these standards is crucial during inspections and legal audits. Failing to comply could mean fines, injury claims, or loss of building certification.

The Dangers of Non-Compliance

Ignoring stair nosing regulations might seem harmless — until someone falls. Non-compliance isn't just a technical issue; it poses serious safety risks, financial liabilities, and legal consequences for commercial property owners.

Safety Risks and Real Lawsuit Examples

Every year in the UK, thousands of people are injured on stairs in commercial buildings. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips, and falls remain one of the top causes of workplace injuries many of which involve poor stair design or inadequate nosing.
When nosings are too narrow, too slippery, or not visually distinct, they increase the chance of missteps particularly for older adults or people with visual impairments. These risks become especially pronounced in emergency situations, where visibility is reduced.

Insurance, Audits, and Brand Damage

Insurance companies are becoming stricter with stair safety compliance. In the event of a claim, insurers often inspect whether building standards like Part M or BS 8300 were followed. If the stair nosing is non-compliant, insurers may:

• Reduce claim payouts
• Increase future premiums
• Refuse coverage altogether

Property audits, especially during annual safety inspections or when leasing to new tenants, will often include stair safety checks. If your property fails, you may be forced to make urgent and costly upgrades.

Choosing the Right Stair Nosing for Your Building

Once you understand the legal and safety importance of stair nosing compliance, the next step is choosing the right solution for your commercial property. But not all stair nosings are created equal — selecting the wrong type can lead to early wear, visibility issues, or even non-compliance.

Comparing Materials – PVC, Aluminium, Rubber

Each building has unique needs depending on traffic volume, indoor vs outdoor use, and design aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials used in UK commercial stair nosings:

PVC

• Affordable and widely used in light-traffic areas
• Comes in multiple colours for LRV contrast
• May wear faster than metal in high-traffic zones

Aluminium

• Extremely durable and ideal for high-traffic environments
• Often paired with anti-slip inserts (like carborundum or rubber)
• Sleek, professional look; suitable for both internal and external stairs

Rubber

• Naturally slip-resistant and flexible
• Good for wet environments (like leisure centres or kitchens)
• Can lose shape in extreme temperatures over time

The best material depends on your building type. For example, retail spaces benefit from visible, stylish nosings, while hospitals prioritise hygiene and safety over appearance.

When to Upgrade: Retrofits, Renovations, or Legal Triggers

Even if your stair nosing was compliant years ago, standards evolve. Knowing when to upgrade is key:

• During Renovations: Any updates to staircases require you to meet current BS 8300 and Part M standards — especially in public-facing properties.
• Post-Incident: If a fall has occurred, it's critical to assess and upgrade immediately to avoid repeat incidents or legal scrutiny.
• Accessibility Audits: If your building is being audited for DDA or Equality Act compliance, non-compliant stair nosing will be flagged.
• Insurance Reviews: Many insurers now expect updated safety features as part of their risk assessments.

Upgrading may involve replacing nosings, adding tactile strips, or ensuring proper luminance contrast. Though the upfront cost might seem high, it's far less than the financial hit of a claim or a failed inspection.

Conclusion

When it comes to commercial property safety, stair nosing compliance is a small detail that makes a big difference. It's not just about ticking a regulatory box — it's about creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone who walks through your building. From employees to customers, visitors to tenants, compliant stair nosing can prevent life-altering injuries and protect your organisation from avoidable legal and financial risks.
The laws are clear: UK regulations like BS 8300, Part M, and the Equality Act 2010 set strict standards for visibility, contrast, slip resistance, and safety. Ignoring these can lead to lawsuits, failed audits, and damaged reputations. But the good news? Compliance is completely achievable — and it often adds value to your property.
Choosing the right stair nosing doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're retrofitting an older building or planning a new construction, the right materials and design choices will help you stay within the law, reduce accidents, and lower long-term costs. Durable nosings in the right colour contrast can also enhance the visual appeal of your space — proving that safety and style can go hand in hand.

Take action now:

• Audit your current stair nosing setup
• Compare it against UK standards
• Consult a compliance expert or supplier for tailored recommendations

Visit Commercial Stair Nosing The UK’s trusted provider for modern, compliant stair nosing solutions.