Backup power systems play a crucial role in hospitals, data centers, manufacturing plants, municipal facilities and countless other commercial buildings. Even the highest-quality generator equipment requires routine inspection, testing and maintenance. Safe aluminum stairs for backup generator maintenance access make it easier and safer for maintenance teams to access overhead generators while also helping facilities comply with workplace safety regulations.
Generators are commonly located on elevated concrete pads, rooftops, platforms or inside equipment yards. Without access stairs or other systems, technicians may need to rely on portable ladders which can lead to slips and falls and other accidents. Quality aluminum stair systems provide better access to equipment while reducing the chance of workplace injuries.
Why Generator Access Safety Should Matter to You
Backup generators are only useful when the power goes out. During an emergency, you need equipment that will start immediately and continue running until power is restored. Regular maintenance ensures generators will perform as expected when your facility needs it most.
Maintenance professionals must be able to access controls, check fluid levels, load test units and make repairs. Climbing unsafe ladder systems to reach commercial generators puts workers at risk. Providing easy access to equipment will help you improve safety while also making maintenance more efficient.
Aluminum Generator Access Benefits
There are many factors to consider when choosing materials for generator access stairs. From durability to cost, facility managers weigh different options to identify the right material for their application. Aluminum generator access is a popular choice for many reasons.
Corrosion Resistance
Most backup generators are located outdoors, exposing access systems to rain, humidity, UV radiation and temperature extremes. Aluminum won’t rust like untreated steel and is naturally corrosion-resistant.
Lightweight Material
Access aluminum weighs about one-third as much as steel. Not only does this make aluminum easier to transport and install, but it also reduces structural loading. This can be especially beneficial for rooftop generator installations.
Low Maintenance
No painting or regular corrosion protection is required. Aluminum maintenance access stairs will stay looking like new for years with minimal maintenance.
Long Lifespan
When properly designed and installed, aluminum access stairs can last for decades. They won’t corrode or degrade like some other materials.
Common Backup Generator Installations
Generators come in all shapes and sizes, which means there are many different applications for aluminum generator access stairs. Some systems are even designed to wrap around obstacles while still providing safe access. Here are a few common applications:
- Rooftop generators
- Elevated platforms
- Hospitals
- Utility Substations
- Telecom Facilities
- Water Treatment Plants
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Municipal Facilities
- Data Centers
- Industrial Process Facilities
Maintenance Teams Will Love This
Moving around your generator while conducting routine maintenance can be challenging. Climbing ladders with tool belts or carrying equipment up and down can severely limit what technicians can bring. When you provide easy access to your generator, maintenance can be more efficient. There’s less downtime while technicians wait for a ladder to be moved or search for tools.
Access stairs also allow maintenance teams to perform visual inspections more frequently. These routine inspections can identify problems before they become serious. Catching issues like fluid leaks, corrosion, loose connections and wear & tear early can reduce the chance of equipment failure and improve the long-term reliability of your generator.
Keep Your Technician Safe With These Features
Safety should always be your number one priority. That’s why not all aluminum access stairs are created equal. Maintenance around backup generators requires special features to keep technicians safe.
Handrails & Guardrails
Generator access stairs should include handrails for support when climbing the stairs. They should also have guardrails to prevent falls when working on elevated platforms.
Slip-Resistant Treads
You don’t want your maintenance crews slipping and falling while trying to repair your generator. For this reason, many manufacturers of aluminum access stairs offer slip-resistant aluminum grating or tread systems.
Platforms
Having a solid landing platform is essential for performing maintenance. Platforms not only provide space for tool placement, but they also create a safe place for technicians to stand while working on the generator.
Safety Gates
If you don’t want anyone accidentally walking off the platform, self-closing safety gates can be installed at the top of each set of stairs.
Toe Boards
Toe boards are installed on platforms to prevent tools and materials from falling and hurting someone below.
OSHA-Compliant Accessories
Facilities have to follow workplace safety standards when designing access to rooftops, elevated platforms and other commercial equipment. This often includes things like stair dimensions, guardrail system, platform specifications, maximum loading capacities and more.
Partnering with the right access manufacturer helps ensure your stair system will be up to code. Not only does this help you avoid any potential citations, but it also helps keep your employees safe.
Get a Custom Design That Meets Your Facility’s Needs
Backup generators aren’t all installed in the same location. The equipment can be placed in mechanical yards, on rooftops or even inside buildings. Because every installation is unique, custom aluminum access stairs can be designed to fit your facility’s needs.
Things like nearby equipment, clearance requirements and elevation changes can all be accommodated through custom design. Custom aluminum generator access stairs don’t have to be expensive, and they offer benefits that off-the-shelf systems can’t match.
Maintaining your generator properly can extend the life of your equipment. Safe aluminum stairs for backup generator maintenance access from REDD Team make it easier and safer for maintenance professionals to access your generators.
Give REDD Team a call at (800) 648-3696 or connect with us online to discuss your project. We’ll work with you to design and fabricate custom aluminum access solutions that keep your workers safe and your generators running smoothly.