Facilities need equipment to keep production flowing, operations running smoothly, and workers performing their jobs efficiently. Industrial equipment can include manufacturing machinery, processing systems, large mechanical equipment above the ground, storage platforms, and much more. Workers will often require safe access to equipment or areas that sit above ground level. Aluminum platform stairs for equipment access in industrial facilities are one of the best ways to keep workers safe and provide efficient access to elevated equipment.
Having safe access to equipment doesn’t just make things more convenient for workers. It also improves safety, efficiency, maintenance time, and even OSHA compliance. Many facilities use improper temporary ladders or make-shift equipment to give employees access to elevated equipment. Not only is this unsafe for employees that need to inspect equipment or perform repairs, but it also creates unnecessary risk when workers need to access equipment during daily operation.
Aluminum platform stairs are specifically designed to keep workers safe and provide easy access to equipment. In this article, we’ll explore why they are a must-have.
The Importance of Safe Equipment Access
Industrial employees can spend their workdays performing tasks around large equipment, machinery, platforms, and more. Maintenance staff will need safe access to check motors, make repairs to processing equipment, access tanks, or monitor large machinery that is elevated off the ground.
When there is no safe access, workers will typically use ladders or other unsafe methods of climbing to their desired height. Climbing equipment with tools in hand or carrying replacement parts can create additional safety concerns for employees.
Falling off of ladders or elevated platforms is one of the leading causes of worker injury in industrial facilities. Even a short fall can cause serious injury to workers which can lead to expensive downtime and liability. Platform stairs help eliminate many of these risks by providing a safe walking surface, handrails, and stable platforms for workers to stand on.
Benefits of Aluminum Platform Stairs
Aluminum is one of the most commonly used platform stair materials for industrial access needs. Aluminum offers strength, durability, and corrosion resistance for any facility. When compared to other materials used for equipment access, aluminum offers many benefits that most other materials can’t compete with.
Corrosion resistance is one of the biggest benefits of using aluminum platform stairs. Industrial facilities are exposed to moisture, chemicals, washdowns, humidity, and more that can destroy some materials over time. Aluminum doesn’t rust or become damaged from frequent exposure to the elements.
Another benefit of aluminum is weight. Aluminum platform stairs are significantly lighter than steel platforms. This makes them much easier to install and move if necessary.
The last key benefit of aluminum is durability. Industrial facilities have employees using their access systems every day. Equipment platforms need to be durable enough to support constant use.
Keeping Maintenance Safe
Maintenance staff should always have safe access to the equipment they need to inspect, repair, or monitor. Equipment that sits above ground usually requires regular maintenance to ensure it doesn’t break down during production.
Platform stairs allow employees to safely stand on the stairs or platforms while they work. Wide aluminum stair treads, slip-resistant walking surfaces, and strong handrails allow employees to safely climb up and down while using tools.
Platforms also give workers a sturdy place to stand while performing maintenance or completing repairs. Ladders usually force employees to twist or reach while performing work, but platforms allow workers to stand securely.
Easy access to equipment also reduces employee fatigue. If employees do not have to worry about climbing off balance or trying to use ladders with tools in their hands, they will use less energy during a task. This can help improve efficiency throughout the facility as well.
OSHA Compliance
OSHA standards are put in place to protect employees from working in unsafe environments. When working with equipment that is above ground or elevated from the floor, OSHA requires employers to have safe access installed.
Platforms typically come equipped with guardrails, handrails, proper spacing, and slip-resistant walking surfaces. All these features will help your facility become OSHA compliant while keeping employees safe.
If your facility is cited for an OSHA violation related to access or working from heights, you could be liable if a worker becomes injured. Having aluminum platform stairs installed by professionals can help prevent these situations.
Ensuring your employees have safe access shows them that you care about their safety and well-being. This can help improve employee confidence when performing daily tasks and can help build a strong safety culture within your facility.
Where Platform Stairs are Used in Industry
Almost every industrial facility can benefit from aluminum platform stairs. Manufacturing facilities are commonly use platform stairs to access equipment such as conveyors, large machinery, or elevated work areas.
Food processing facilities may use platforms to access tanks, walk above processes, or reach elevated control stations. warehouses and distribution centers frequently use platform stairs around mezzanines, conveyor systems, and even employee maintenance stations.
You can even find aluminum platforms installed outdoors. Because aluminum doesn’t rust or corrode with moisture and sunlight, these platforms can last many years outdoors. Facilities with rooftop equipment, water treatment facilities, or outdoor processing equipment commonly use aluminum platform stairs.
Platform stairs can even be custom designed to fit your unique equipment setup or access requirements. Custom platforms allow you to get exactly what you need for safe equipment access.
How Aluminum Stairs Improve Efficiency
No industrial facility likes to waste time. If employees have to wait for access to equipment or spend too much time performing maintenance, it could hurt production.
Installing aluminum platform stairs allows your employees to access equipment quicker. Platforms give workers something sturdy to stand on while they perform daily tasks. Repairs and maintenance can often be completed faster when employees have proper access to the equipment they’re working on.
Accessibility also comes into play with preventative maintenance. Some facilities skip inspection simply because it’s too time consuming to access equipment. If there is an easy access platform for your maintenance employees to use, they will be able to get there quicker and return to their next task.
Minimizing downtime and improving maintenance will have a positive impact on your facility over time.
Selecting Your Platform Stair System
Every facility and application will be different when it comes to customizing your platform stair system. There are many different factors that need to be considered when selecting a system.
Some things to consider are height requirements, load capacity, environmental conditions, space, and employee traffic. All these factors play an important role in the design of your custom platform stair system.
By working with a knowledgeable provider you can ensure your system is designed properly and installed by professional technicians. A custom platform stair system should be a long-term investment that improves safety for your employees and makes accessing equipment easier.
Aluminum platform stairs for equipment access in industrial facilities are just one of the many access products we offer to keep industrial facilities safe. If you need safe equipment access for your facility, our team can help you find the right solution to keep workers safe and provide access to elevated equipment.
Contact REDD Team at (800) 648-3696 or reach out to us online to speak with someone today.