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Nine Compliance Hurdles Architects Need to Know – #8 The 2m Walk-Off Rule for Ladders
The answer is a definite no. While the NZBC and 1657 don’t specify a clearance for ladder walk-offs, NZBC does require an 1800mm landing to arrest falling users in D1 4.3.6(c). However the industry standard – passed down from the older ‘3m drop/2m back’ rule – is to allow a minimum of 2m from the...
Nine Compliance Hurdles Architects Need to Know – #5 Ladder Clearances: Toes and Cages
This is another instance where the NZBC makes clear the distances required for best safety and usability. If you’re designing a rung-type ladder, D1 5.3.1-e-iv tells you the toe clearance to any wall or solid object behind the stair needs to be a minimum of 200mm. The 200mm rule gives good space for the average...
Nine Compliance Hurdles Architects Need to Know – #7 When do I need a Step?
While a ramp can be the best solution for transitioning a gradient, sometimes a series of levels – with a step or two introduced – can be a more efficient or more attractive way to establish a walkway. Let’s say you’re transitioning between two levels that are 400mm different in height. Since steps need to...
Nine Compliance Hurdles Architects Need to Know – #6 How Wide is a Walkway?
Under Section 3.1.5 you’ll see what dimensions are considered minimum for best practice for widths. According to 3.1.5.1, a ‘platform’ should have a minimum clear width of 600mm. This is often considered the best practice across New Zealand – it’s a good width to start designing platforms and walkways, since it allows the average person...
Nine Compliance Hurdles Architects Need to Know – #4 What do I do When My Roof has Skylights?
When facing skylights on a larger scale, a bit of common sense will go a long way – especially when it comes to providing barriers and handrails for the best safety. This is because large skylights are considered ‘open edges’, and therefore under similar rules as any drop of over a metre. Larger skylights, such...
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