Safety is critical in any workplace, and part of your effort to keeping everyone protected should involve the worker access stairs you use. These steps can be used anywhere, including for getting to generators and other maintenance spots or rooftops. But as versatile as these steps can be, you’ll have to know how safe they will be. REDD Team respects the needs worksites have to keep people safe, and we’ll be there to build worker access stairs that will fit everyone’s needs.
The Right Physical Structure
The first part of building safe stairs is ensuring the steps aren’t hard to go up or down. The stairs should feature risers of 9.5 inches or less to keep them from being too tough to climb. The steps should also be at least 9.5 inches deep, which is enough room to allow someone’s feet to stay on it without risking slipping.
A Proper Angle
The steps should also be placed at a safe angle so that a person can go up and down without losing one’s balance. The angle of the steps should be from 30 to 50 degrees.
The angle is a measure of the arc between the bottom part of a step and the surface the step is over. For example, if you were to lay the stairwell down on the ground, you’d have to prop it up to a suitable degree. A layout from 30 to 50 degrees will be safe for people to handle, as it won’t be too steep to where someone could trip and fall.
Safe Handrails
Your worker access stairs will also require safe handrails. OSHA rules require the rails to be about 42 inches off the floor, although a three-inch margin of error is acceptable. You’ll also require balusters with a minimum gap of 19 inches throughout the rails.
A Proper Surface
The surface on your steps should also be safe while preventing slipping. Our workers at REDD Team use aluminum materials that can be shaped to include a non-stick and non-slip surface that will keep you from sliding while using the steps. All materials will also be smooth, so the risk of anything being caught on the steps will be minimal.
Secure Installation
The last point for safe worker access stairs covers how you’re installing those steps. The stairs should be installed so they won’t risk vibrations, shifts, or other sudden changes. REDD Team can build steps that are easy to assemble and attach to your worksite. You can specify where your steps will go, and we’ll identify the necessary fasteners and other attachment features for your project.
Everything we provide is specifically for your unique site. You won’t require other tools or items outside what we ship, as we prefabricate all the parts and components for your steps.
Safe worker access stairs are a necessity for all worksites. REDD Team respects the value of these steps and can help you design and build great stairs you can install in your space. We’re open online for consultations, plus you can call us at 800-648-3696 if you require further assistance. We want to help you find a plan for your steps that works for you and keeps your workers safe.
