Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Case Study - Health Sector

Project: Royal Hallamshire Hospital
Client: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Design team: Estates Design Team

The use of Laidlaw systems

An internal audit of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals central campus in relation to Health and Safety and duties under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) identified that the height of the existing stainless steel handrails and balustrades on the staircases of the 19-storey, concreteframed Royal Hallamshire Hospital was lower than required by current Building Regulation guidance and British Standard recommendations. It was, therefore, necessary to replace the handrails and the staircase balustrades.

The in-house Estates Design Team needed a component system that was quick to install and, ideally, easy to clean, simple and safe to use. The system also needed to be aesthetically pleasing and durable but, above all, fully in accordance with BS 8300 and Approved Document M.

The Laidlaw Nylon system was selected so that the handrails and the top rail of the balustrade would not be cold to touch. Tactile elements were introduced into the handrail and the top rails of the balustrade to help people with impaired vision identify the last riser at each landing level.

Trespa infill panels, an attractive but practical option for areas of heavy use, were chosen to complete the railing system on one staircase. Glass infill panels were used on the second staircase so the natural daylight coming through the windows could illuminate the risers.