Problems With Open Risers Stairways
Here's a short list of
some of the problems you could have with an open stairway, depending upon
where it's located and what its primary use is.
1. The biggest problem with an open stairway has to do with any
fires
near or underneath the stairs. This is the primary reason why exit
stairs need to have closed treads. Could you imagine opening the door
to a second or third story building, only to find out there's fire
coming up in between the stair treads, simply because they're open and
weren't closed.
2. If the space between the stair treads is larger than 4 inches, you
could end up having a problem with a child's getting their head or body stuck in
this area. You would be surprised at how many people and animals have
got stuck in these areas.
3. You could also end up with problems walking under stairs with open
risers. I've seen construction projects on three or four story buildings
where the stairs stack on top of each other, going floor to floor and if
something falls on the stairway above or is dropped from someone using the
stairway, then there's a chance of it getting kicked through the open risers
and down to the next level.
The problem here would be anyone walking
in that specific area, during the time something fell. This would be a
problem you wouldn't have with closed risers.
Attention: Don't forget to check with
your local building department to verify any building codes on this
website. This information could be incorrect or outdated. Building codes
are updated regularly and to some building departments have different
interpretations for certain building codes.