First reported 8 May 2014•Latest report 27 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes deficiencies in the design, provision, accessibility, dimensions, positioning or operational protection of handrails serving steps or access ramps, including failures to guide staff or stewards so that handrails remain unobstructed.
Not included
Excludes general falls, stair-surface, lighting or access hazards where handrail safety is not the identified unsafe condition.
Excludes handrails on bridges, balconies or other elevated edges where the primary function is fall prevention rather than support during use of steps or access ramps.
Excludes generic staffing, stewarding, maintenance or documentation failures unless they directly impair the availability, accessibility or safe use of a handrail.
Excludes handrail deficiencies in clinical equipment, vehicles or non-access structures.
Reports
5
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
5
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
8
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport1
Durham County Council1
Gravesham Borough Council1
Landlord1
Manchester United Football Club Limited1
Sai Skn Limited1
Trafford Borough Council1
Private limited company2
English district council1
English metropolitan district council1
English unitary authority1
Ministerial department1
Type not available1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Absence of external, easily accessible handrails on the access ramp
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Install fixed grab rails on both sides of the entrance to improve customer support and stability.
Stated by Sai Skn LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 7 April 2026.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised1
Failure of the handrail to provide adequate height for people descending steps
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
North West Kent
Concerns raised1
Failure to provide a handrail with sufficient end support on the external staircase
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Remove the steps and platform from the walkway to return it to ground level.
Stated by Gravesham Borough CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 December 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Completed works are considered sufficient to address all concerns raised in the Regulation 28 report.
Stated by Gravesham Borough CouncilExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Lack of guidance on steward placement to keep handrail access clear
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Publish the sixth edition of the Green Guide with expanded guidance on vomitories, steward positioning, widths, control measures, and steward training.
Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and SportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Action
Amend Green Guide section 9.8e to specifically address spectator access to handrails during vomitory ingress and egress.
Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and SportStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Action
Deliver continuing steward briefings with increased emphasis on the Code of Conduct, situational awareness, customer engagement, unimpeded vomitories and accessible handrails.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Action
Deliver detailed positioning guidance to vomitory stewards covering handrail access, movement to clear passage and maintaining awareness during matches.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Action
Conduct proactive checks limiting vomitory staffing to two stewards except in exceptional circumstances and positioning them to maximise handrail accessibility during heavy footfall.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Action
Conduct match-by-match proactive and live audits of vomitory steward positioning and compliance with the Stewards Code of Conduct.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 December 2018.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
The SGSA considers Trafford MBC and MUFC’s identified safety issues and steps taken to address them sufficient, subject to ongoing monitoring.
Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and SportExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
The content of the Green Guide is a matter for the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, not the Club.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
The Sports Grounds Safety Authority and DDCMS are expected to provide the substantive response on Green Guide content.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The Club remained satisfied that steward positioning was appropriate, supported by established practice and regulator observation, while issuing guidance to codify it.
Stated by Manchester United Football Club LimitedExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Absence of a handrail on steps
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
A handrail cannot readily be installed because the narrow path would be further obstructed and the adjoining walls are unsuitable for attachment.
Stated by Durham County CouncilUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
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Includes deficiencies in the design, provision, accessibility, dimensions, positioning or operational protection of handrails serving steps or access ramps, including failures to guide staff or stewards so that handrails remain unobstructed.
