Handrail for stairs on deck

[dan76n]

Hi all,
Does anyone know what the guidlines are in QLD for the requirement of a handrail on open stairs on a timber deck?
I have a timber deck which I will be adding a set of stairs to to lead down to my current deck im building
I will be using a pair of steel stringers with timber stairs, the drop will be around 1500mm from deck to deck.
will I need hand rails on this?

[pawnhead]

I believe that if the drop is more than a metre, then you need a handrail, minimum 1000mm, or 865mm to tread nosing for a staircase handrail. And a 125mm sphere should not be able to pass through any gaps, including between treads I believe.

A couple of threads that may interest you:

http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=33578
http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=43422

ausdesign (http://www.woodworkforums.com/member.php?u=4325) is well versed in current regulations.
Handrail height min. 1000mm to landings etc - 865mm to steps.
Tread min. 240mm max. 355mm

[dan76n]

I will have to open a pool fence to go down the stairs, does that have any impact on the requirements?