What are secondary and primary staircases?

Question

Accepted Answer

German building regulations distinguish between **primary staircases** and **secondary staircases**:

**Primary staircases** (necessary staircases) are the permanent connections between habitable rooms and serve as escape routes in case of fire. DIN 18065 specifies:
- Tread width: at least **1 m**
- Riser height: **14--19 cm**
- Going depth: **26--37 cm**
- Railing height: at least **90 cm**
- Clear openings in the railing: maximum **12 cm**

**Secondary staircases** lead to ancillary areas such as attics, basements, or galleries and do not serve as escape routes. The standard permits smaller dimensions for these: minimum width from **50 cm** and riser heights up to **21 cm**.

HTS manufactures both primary and secondary staircases to measure -- the respective standard requirements are of course met.