Building and DDA Regulations

Light Reflectance Values (LRVs)

The legal duty for access to a building and its facilities is the responsibility of the owners.

The guidance is provided in approved documents such as approved Document M, which is based on BS8300:2001. The related details of approved Document M are outlined below, together with the Treads recommendation.

"People with impaired sight risk tripping or losing their balance if there is no warning that steps provide a change in level. The risk is most hazardous at the head of a flight of steps when a person is descending."

The change in level can be clearly highlighted with a nosing that contrasts with the surrounding tread and riser materials. Our method of installation means changing top step insert colours is a formality. The colour variant should be at least 30 points (where black to white is 100 points) on all treads.

"All nosings are made apparent by means of a permanently contrasting material 55mm wide on both the tread and riser."

The 55mm measurements is only a guidance. Other considerations, such as step size and type, should be taken when choosing a nosing.

Treads Stair Nosings has Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) available for all its stair nosing inserts.

Order code	Stair nosing	LRV
1	Oxford Blue	6.56
2	Slate	12.00
3	Airforce Blue	14.38
4	Light Grey	28.57
5	Grey	26.99
6	Black	6.00
7	Brown	6.00
8	Olive	29.53
9	Buff	21.00
10	Mushroom	38.59
11	Claret	11
13	Conker	8.15
14	Orange	28.00
15	Luminous	41.00
16	Yellow	84.00
17	Red	10.39
18	Mist	42.09
19	Ivory	53.27
20	White	86.00
21	Black Scoured	6.00
22	Slate Scoured	10.75
23	Grey Scoured	23.49
24	Blue / Grey Scoured	21.00
25	Indigo Scoured	11.00
26	Navy Scoured	10.00
27	Dark Green Scoured	13.00
28	Brown Scoured	9.00
29	Burgundy Scoured	12.50
31	Clay	50.00
32	Putty	53.98
33	Duck Egg	50.00
34	Sky	52.63

We work in partnership with NCS Colour Centre to establish the LRVs of our stair nosing inserts. NCS Colour Centre is licensed to use the international colour system (ICS), enabling clear communication and accurate measurement of colour. Tests are carried out in accordance with BS8493:2008 Light Reflectance Value method of test.