Stair systems, steps and associated fasteners

A prefabricated stair system consists, e.g., of steps, landings, stringers, handrails, balustrades and fasteners.

The following stair systems are distinguished: stairs supported by load-bearing bolts, string stairs, cut string stairs ('Bucher' stairs), stairs with structurally contributing handrail, spiral stairs and cantilevered stairs.

The fasteners serve to fix the stair components to each other, e.g. fixing of steps to stringers.

Regulatory framework

In many cases, stair systems, steps and the associated fasteners are covered by technical rules.

DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ) for stair systems, steps and the associated fasteners if

  • they deviate significantly from the Technical Building Rules (cf. MVV TB, Part C) or
  • no Technical Building Rules nor generally recognised technical rules exist for them.

European Technical Assessments (ETAs) can also be issued for stair systems, steps and the associated fasteners. Relevant European Assessment Documents (EADs) are already available for prefabricated stair kits.

DIBt grants general construction technique permits (aBG) for construction techniques comprising the above-mentioned products for which there are no conclusive technical rules.

Please also refer to the applicable design and execution rules, cf., in particular, MVV TB, Part A 1.

EAD 340006-00-0506 Prefabricated stair kits (29 pages ) Version: April 2016; OJEU 2016/C 172/03; EOTA

National procedure

A national technical approval (abZ) and/or oder general construction technique permit (aBG) is granted upon application (see Model Building Code (MBO), Sections 16a(2) and18(2) and (4)). This also applies to amendments and supplements to, or renewals of existing approvals and/or construction technique permits.

No formal requirements apply. The following information is needed: name and address of the applicant, description of the product and/or construction technique and its field of use or application, type of decision required (new decision, amendment or supplement to, or renewal of, an existing decision).

Please feel free to use the template below.

European Technical Assessment (ETA)

To start the ETA procedure, please submit the form below. We will then check if the prerequisites for issuing an ETA are met, i.e., in particular, if the product is not fully covered by an existing harmonised standard. If the prerequisites are met, we will check whether a European Assessment Document (EAD) covering the requested assessment scope already exists or still needs to be developed. If an EAD needs to be developed or amended, a complete technical file needs to be established before the procedure can begin.