Ensuring employee safety around platforms, machinery, rooftops, mezzanines, and production equipment is crucial to operating an industrial facility. Providing access stairs is one of the best ways to eliminate workplace hazards and keep employees safe. OSHA-compliant access stairs for industrial work environments provide safe and reliable access to elevated work areas while helping facilities stay compliant with workplace safety standards.
Industrial maintenance technicians, employees, contractors, inspectors, and more often need to access multiple elevations throughout the day. While temporary ladders and makeshift access equipment can pose unnecessary safety risks, proper access stairs create safer work environments and help facilities stay compliant.
OSHA-compliant access stairs are used in manufacturing facilities, process plants, distribution centers, utilities, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
Why Access Stairs Are Important in Industrial Facilities
Workplaces with multiple elevations typically require access stairs so employees can reach equipment or perform routine maintenance. Industrial facilities often have one or more elevated work areas that need to be accessed daily.
Platforms, machinery, mezzanines, rooftops, storage units, and more all require safe access for maintenance and operations. Without access stairs, workers may use ladders or other options that aren’t designed for repeated use.
Access stairs provide:
- Safe vertical and horizontal travel
- Increased stability for workers
- Quicker equipment access
- Fewer fall hazards
- Increased productivity
Installing permanent access stairs helps facilities stay compliant and allows employees to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Understanding OSHA-Compliant Access Stairs
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory body that manages safety standards for industrial and commercial facilities. Their standards are designed to help mitigate safety issues like fall hazards and risks associated with walking-working surfaces.
OSHA standards for stair systems involve:
- Stair layout
- Step depth
- Rise height
- Angle of the stairs
- Weight capacity
- Handrail specifications
- Guardrail requirements
- Platform requirements
- Specifications for walking surfaces
Partnering with an access stair manufacturer who has experience with OSHA compliance is the best way to ensure your stair system meets compliance standards.
Applications for OSHA-Compliant Access Stairs
Industrial access stairs are found in just about every industry. Here are some of the most common applications.
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Utility substations
- Water treatment facilities
- Wastewater facilities
- Chemical plants
- Food processing facilities
- Data centers
- Telecommunications facilities
- Commercial rooftops
- Equipment platforms
- Generator access
- Mechanical access
Types of facilities that use access stairs will vary depending on the industry and unique application needs.
How OSHA Access Stairs Reduce Fall Hazards
Falls are a serious concern for industrial facilities. Slippery surfaces, elevated equipment, and difficult to navigate conditions can lead to accidents. Providing OSHA-compliant access options helps reduce trip and fall hazards.
Some of the ways access stairs can help reduce fall hazards include:
Ensure Safe Employee Access
Standardized stair dimensions create consistent walking surfaces. Industrial workers won’t have to worry about irregular step heights or depths that can cause accidents.
Durable Construction
REDD Team’s stair systems are engineered to provide stable and secure access. The solid platform and stair construction creates a sturdy walking surface designed for everyday use.
Equipment Access
Employees can safely climb stairs while carrying tools and equipment. Instead of trying to navigate ladders with equipment or materials in their hands, workers can use access stairs.
Confidence Improvements
When employees have access to safe stairs, they can feel confident going about their work. Providing proper access will help employees feel safer which can improve performance.
Reduce the Risk of Falls
When employees are safer on the job, there’s less chance they’ll suffer a fall-related injury. Falling can cause employees to lose work time and potentially lead to workers’ comp claims.
Features to Look for in OSHA Compliant Access Stairs
Industrial access stairs are equipped with several features to help ensure worker safety.
Handrails provide something for workers to grab as they’re climbing up and down the stairs. Having handrails can significantly improve worker stability.
- Guardrails are installed to protect workers from falls around platforms and the tops of stairs. They act as a barrier to prevent people from accidentally falling over.
- Slip-resistant treads improve traction on the stairs. Industrial areas can be dirty or exposed to moisture which creates slippery walking surfaces. Stair treads should always be slip-resistant.
- Landings provide a place for workers to pause as they navigate access stairs. They can be found in the middle of longer stair systems.
- Safety Gates are installed at the top of some access stairs to prevent people from falling off the platform. They typically use self-closing latch systems.
- Toe boards are installed along the edge of platforms to prevent tools and equipment from falling off and injuring someone below.
These features and more help ensure employees have safe access to multiple elevations.
Benefits of OSHA-Compliant Access Stairs
When you install OSHA-compliant access stairs in your facility, you’ll realize benefits that last for many years. Facility owners often see:
- Safer working environments
- Fewer employee injuries
- More efficient maintenance operations
- Easier equipment access
- More productive employees
- Lower maintenance costs
- Increased reliability
Access stairs are used every day. That’s why providing safe and efficient access can have such a big impact on your facility.
OSHA compliant access stairs for industrial work environments are necessary for any industrial facility that has multiple elevations. They provide safe, reliable access to equipment, rooftops, platforms, and more. Not only do access stairs help facilities stay compliant, but they also help keep employees safe. REDD Team can fabricate custom access stairs to meet the unique needs of your facility. Contact us online or call (800) 648-3696 to speak with a product specialist today.