Main stairs should be designed to accommodate occupant loads as per 6A2.051. Widths dictated by the Codes are only a minimum, therefore, a main stair may need to be wider for overall safety and security. Stairs should also be well lit with adequate foot-candles of illumination.
Solid handrails create hiding places on stairs and landing areas. Open handrails allow visual access to immediate areas on both sides of the stairwells. Handrails should be designed to discourage people from sliding on them which can result in inadvertent damage or possible injury.
Risers must be enclosed as per 6A2.053(6), and to prevent people from grabbing the ankles of those on the stair. The entire area under all stairs should be enclosed, and made inaccessible for any use.
Consideration should be given to enlarging stair landings beyond minimum code requirements to prevent overcrowding and unsafe conditions.
All enclosed stairwells should have surveillance equipment to provide motion detection at main access points. This will allow schools to minimize security system requirements on upper levels.