What is a stair tread?
The horizontal part of a staircase on which someone walks is known as the stair tread. A stair tread can be composed of a variety of materials according to the setting and intended use.
While stair treads are often covered in carpeting in residential properties, they commonly feature non-slip covers when used in commercial and industrial environments, areas with high footfall, and public places. This safety feature reduces the risk of accidents happening on a staircase and may even mitigate the possibility of legal action should a user suffer an injury.
What are the benefits of anti-slip stair treads?
There are multiple benefits to anti-slip stair tread covers both indoor and outdoor. From easy installation to extreme durability, anti-slip stair tread covers are used to enhance safety and security in many settings.
Stair tread covers are simple to fit over stair treads including the front edge of most types of stairs and steps. Some stair tread covers also come with a contrasting edge which makes them easier for visually impaired people to navigate.
The benefits of stair treads include:
- Extreme anti-slip and high traction features
- Can be installed on almost any surface material
- Resistant to fire, oil, grease, corrosion, and general wear and tear
- Enhanced visibility
- Manufactured to size
Where are anti-slip treads used?
Anti-slip stair treads are popular in a large number of settings where a risk of slips, trips, and falls is present. From school stairways to pedestrian railway bridges, stair treads provide an effective safety solution for the commercial and industrial sectors as well as the leisure industry. They can also be used for domestic stairways where additional grip is required.
There are many locations where anti-slip treads are used to improve safety and security such as:
- Pedestrian bridges
- Factory floors
- Marinas
- Fire escapes
- Access ramps
- Golf and sports clubs
What is a stair nosing?
A stair nosing is the horizontal, protruding edge of the stair tread that takes the highest amount of foot traffic. Stair nosings are a quick and easy solution for making steps and stairways safer for pedestrians. Not only do they provide anti-slip qualities that greatly improve grip and protect the lip of a stair tread, but they are also highly visible to aid visually impaired users and are especially effective in dark areas like railway stations at night.
Occasionally, stair nosings will form part of the stair tread itself. However, they can also be fitted retrospectively and are available as thin strips of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), rubber, wood, or other materials. These strips are placed on the edge of each step to make them less slippery and more visible to pedestrians and other users.
It is a statutory requirement that nosings should be visible in normal conditions where stairs are illuminated by artificial or natural light. For this reason, all stair nosings have a Light Reflectance Value which should be different from the riser and tread so the edges of the treads are easily identifiable.
While stair nosings are not a legal requirement, it’s generally accepted that any commercial or public property with a high volume of footfall such as schools, hospitals, leisure centres, and railway stations should have nosings installed. Should an accident occur on a stairway because the stairway is unsafe or the nosings were installed in an incorrect position, you may be held liable for any injury-related damages.
What are the benefits of stair nosings?
The key benefit of stair nosings is their strong anti-slip features which make stairs safer for users, particularly in wet and slippery conditions. Stair nosings can be installed indoors and outdoors and are usually designed to comply with the Equality Act/DDA Regulations in relation to disabled access and Building Regulations Part M which ensures people can access buildings and use their facilities.
Stair nosings can be manufactured or cut to specific sizes and also serve to highlight stair edges to make them safer for visually impaired people to use.
Some of the benefits of stair nosings include:
- Excellent traction
- High visibility
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Fire retardant
- Oil, grease, corrosion, and impact-resistant
- Suitable for almost any walking surface
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Where are stair nosings used?
Stair nosings can be used in most indoor or outdoor locations where anti-slip measures are required to keep users safe such as schools, colleges, and universities. By providing excellent traction and high visibility, stair nosings are commonly installed in areas where public safety is paramount such as staircases and walkways.
Nosings are installed in a variety of settings including:
- Pedestrian walkways
- Staircases
- Footbridges
- Railway platforms
- Ramps
What is a stair riser?
A stair riser is the vertical area between each step of a staircase. Stair risers may be either closed or open depending on the design of the stairs. Along with the stair tread, a stair riser is an intrinsic part of the completed structure of the staircase.
Stair risers do not require anti-slip features as they are not designed to be walked on. However, choosing a riser in a different colour to your stair tread and nosing will highlight the edges of the staircase so that users and the visually impaired can safely ascend and descend the stairs.
Why are stair treads, nosings, and risers important for people’s safety?
Stair treads, nosings, and risers perform vital functions in the safety and design of staircases. To make staircases safe, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive lists anti-slip surfaces among their recommendations for reducing the chance of accidents happening. That’s why various anti-slip materials such as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) are used when creating stair treads, nosings, and risers for use in areas with high foot traffic like railway stations, car parks, and public buildings.
Stair treads and nosings have become integral to public safety and deliver many other advantages including enhanced feel for visually impaired users. Stair treads and nosings can also extend the lifespan of heavily used staircases as they act as defensive covers against the high level of footfall, thus protecting the stairs and limiting damage.
To make staircases safe, property owners often seek advice from experts in anti-slip solutions to make navigating stairs safe for everyone.
Improve the safety of your stairs today with GripClad
At GripClad we have over two decades of experience in providing effective anti-slip solutions for a range of industries and sectors. Our stair treads and stair nosings help keep people safe and avoid slips, trips, and falls. Contact us today.