Installing staircases for a commercial building – whether it’s an office or an entertainment district – is one of the most fundamental features in any property. Staircases play a pivotal role in providing a secure and simple means of moving between levels. 

When the installation is done right, it’s rarely given a second thought, but the responsibility of choosing the suitable materials is not a task you can do on a whim. Securing a custom metal industrial staircase for a building, warehouse, facility, and more can be tricky, especially since various terms can make the process between the procurement and production phases a convoluted experience. 

How Understanding Critical Industrial Staircase Terms can Make a Difference 

Without the proper understanding of the project, there is a higher risk of running into complications that can compromise the staircase’s design, durability, and ability to meet Australia’s standards. 

By refreshing your know-how on the essential glossary of industrial staircase terminology, you are better equipped to manage and make wiser decisions during the fabrication of your stairs. Here are some terms you should know: 

1. Handrail 

One of the essential features of a staircase, a handrail describes the entire length of piping that acts as a support or guide for the flight of stairs. The bar should be continuous and easy to grip since it is responsible for keeping people secure. It should be set at a comfortable height and must have little-to-no interruptions if you want to meet industrial standards. 

2. Nose 

The nose is characterized by the wooden Tread or molding that typically sticks out of the riser, designed to define the steps and mitigate potential falls. Not only does it give more room for your feet to steadily stand on, but it also protects exposed areas from wear-and-tear due to heavy foot traffic. 

3. Open Riser 

If you strive for an open layout in your building, then open risers are right up your alley. It does not interrupt your line of sight and welcomes more light to bask the building’s interiors due to the opening between treads. 

It can be a dangerous feature if you don’t build it according to the International Residential Code standards, stating that the spacing should not permit any items, pets, or persons beyond a four-inch-diameter. 

4. Tread  

Another critical component of a staircase that can make or mar a person’s safety, the treads are the horizontal, flat, stepping surface that provides the necessary contact when climbing to the next level. Seeing as it completes the step support, treads should always provide non-slip surfaces to minimize the risk of accidents for industrial staircases. 

5. Tread Run 

This describes another flat surface that makes up the distance between one edge of a tread to another. 

6. Platform 

If treads provide the necessary surface for your feet to land on while taking the next step, the platform is a large area you often find at the beginning and end of an industrial staircase. Its purpose is to provide a breathing room between a long flight of stairs, allowing workers a safe space to rest in between runs. It’s also a safety feature that seamlessly connects staircases that change in direction. 

7. Railings 

Handrails act as a supporting hold, while railings are another key feature that prevents falls in areas that have no wall brackets. It should be strong enough to withstand a considerable amount of force, primarily since its purpose is to keep people, materials, and other objects from falling over the ledge. 

Crucial Specifications You Should Know When Installing an Industrial Staircase 

All industrial staircases must meet the SOHA minimum standard and regulation, which refer to the necessary height, thickness, durability, width, and other important features of the stairs, handrail, and railing. 

It also includes the recommended engineering design for the treads to ensure it provides the proper traction. In that regard, here are some basic elements you need to consider: 

1. Handrails 

• Fixed stairs that have four or more risers should have stair railings or handrails;
• The height of the railing from the treads to the riser should be 33.3 inches/83.82 cm;
• Handrails should not go lower than 30 inches in height; 
• Handrails should be continuously graspable throughout the long run of the stairs and must be present on both sides of the ramp and the landings;

2. Stair Risers 

• Stair risers should meet the standard height of 6 to 7.5 inches;
• Open risers are not permitted; 

3. Stair Tread

• According to the OSHA, the stair tread should have a depth of 9.5 inches and a minimum width of 22 inches; 
• The minimum should be 11 inches as required by the IBC;

There are some of the essential considerations you need to know when specifying an industrial staircase.

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Getting in on the Loop with Your Industrial Stairs by Understanding the Basic Terms 

Installing an industrial staircase is not a simple task since it involves critical safety features that can make or mar the entire building’s entire security. Seeing its importance, it helps to do your homework on the basic glossary of industrial staircase terms as it will help you understand the rules and regulations involved. 

It also plays a part in speeding up the project’s approval and simplifies your experience working with a reliable subcontractor. 

How Can We Help?

We’re custom staircase manufacturers in Perth that offer a premium and extensive selection of BCA staircases for homeowners and industrial properties. We can tailor your options to suit your unique needs and style, and for building owners on the hunt for the perfect galvanized steel staircase to complete your commercial property, we’re the right experts in the industry to call. 

Our stainless steel stairs, balustrading, residential or commercial handrails are built to impress with its stylish and durable design, so get in touch with us at 0861535353 and see what else we can do to improve your premises.