LLONSSON LIMITED T +44(0)1883 622068

49 Court Farm Road, F +44(0)1883 623280

Warlingham, Surrey E sales@llonsson.co.uk
CR6 9BL United Kingdom W www.llonsson.co.uk

VAT Registration No: 515 1657 59

Mezzanine floors: Part ‘K’ and Part ‘M’ staircases

Does your mezzanine floor need a part ‘K’ or part ‘M’ staircase?

What are part ‘K’ and part ‘M’ staircases?

Part ‘K’ and part ‘M’ refer to the parts of the building
regulations that deal with the design of staircases. Part ‘K’
relates to standard staircases, whilst part ‘M relates to
‘ambulant’ staircases designed for disabled access.
In principle it should be possible for anyone with a disability
to gain access throughout your premises, however there are
circumstances where this is not necessary.
Storage and industrial applications
If a mezzanine floor is used for a purpose where staff must be able bodied to undertake
their duties such as storage, then an access statement can be made as part of the
building regulations application and a part ‘K’ stair should suffice.
Office applications
If the mezzanine floor is to be used for office space, then a part ‘M’ ambulant staircase
will usually be necessary, however a part ‘K’ staircase may suffice if the uses on the
mezzanine are duplicated elsewhere so that a disabled employee could undertake the
same role in a more accessible location.
Public access and retail
If there is public access to the mezzanine floor, as in retail applications, then the main
staircase should be of part ‘M’ ambulant design.
If more than one staircase is required, then additional stairs can usually be part ‘K’.
Part ‘M’ stair dimensional considerations
Bear in mind that part ‘M’ staircases occupy more plan space as they are wider,
shallower and have intermediate landings.

Prepared by: Llonsson Ltd © Llonsson Ltd 2009 1

LLONSSON LIMITED T +44(0)1883 622068
49 Court Farm Road, F +44(0)1883 623280
Warlingham, Surrey E sales@llonsson.co.uk
CR6 9BL United Kingdom W www.llonsson.co.uk

VAT Registration No: 515 1657 59

Get advice
These are general guidelines relating to mezzanine floor staircases, and do not address
requirements for stairlifts or personnel lifts which may be required for larger floors.
It is always prudent to discuss your specific project with the approved inspector or
building control officer prior to commencing work.
Mezzanine floor advice and support
If you would like advice regarding the specific requirements for your project and someone
to liaise with building control on your behalf, call Llonsson Ltd on 01883 622068.

Prepared by: Llonsson Ltd © Llonsson Ltd 2009 2