Metal Stair Treads Blog
Metal stair treads are used in almost every industry. There are so many different choices and different style, how do you choose the right type of metal stair tread for your particular application?
Metal stair treads are used in almost every industry. There are so many different choices and different style, how do you choose the right type of metal stair tread for your particular application?
Aluminum plank has many characteristics that will allow easy adaptation into any environment. Aluminum plank is offered in an unpunched pattern, allowing 100% foot to surface contact, or a punched pattern allows for the passage of air, light, heat and moisture. Aluminum plank is also available with diagonally punched holes that not only allow the passage of air, light, heat and moisture, but also complies with ADA requirements for wheelchairs and foot traffic.
Bar grating has many uses and many applications. It has been used for applications such as walkways, drainage decks, stairways and marine applications, among many more. Bar grating is so diverse because of the many styles that are readily available:
Imagine trying to work quickly in an environment where thick slippery oil, fat or grease covers the floor and surrounds you. Envision trying to work efficiently on intricate pieces of machinery while trying to keep your balance. Many professionals can imagine this because these are the conditions they encounter on a daily basis. Whether in industrial settings, food processing facilities, or other industries, workers are often expected to work meticulously and expedite services by working as quickly as possible. Crossovers, conveyors, mezzanines, and stairs are used as a means of transportation to get goods from one location in a factory to another. Transporting goods can be difficult when fats, oils and greases line stairways or narrow catwalks.
There are many types of industrial grating that claim to be slip resistant, durable and long lasting, but only one stands out and proves to stand up in all conditions.
According to an article entitled “Trends in Hard-Floor Care” by Glen Franklin, “manufacturers of floor coverings have developed products that are designed to provide facilities with slip-resistance features. Some products are specifically designed for traction and safety and are manufactured with a textured surface layer that might include chips of a mild abrasive material, such as aluminum oxide.” Non slip aluminum floor plate is an option that many facilities use to provide a slip resistant surface to help keep their employees safe.
Non-slip floor grating comes in a plethora of options to fit any project’s requirements. Floor grating has many different styles available to fit any requirement or application. Below are just a few styles readily available:
Many options for floor gratings are available, but when it comes to slip resistance, there is one clear option that will meet and exceed all needs and requirements.
Slip Resistance: Set Pattern or No Set Pattern?There are many alternatives to diamond floor plates that offer just as much, if not more slip resistance. Slip resistant treatments and options range from quick fixes to more industrial permanent solutions. Quick fixes are typically taped-on products to painted-on products that need to be replaced after a certain amount of wear. In contrast, solutions that are more permanent range from diamond floor plate to smooth metal plates that are coated with an all-metal slip resistant surface.
According to OSHA Docket No. S-775 A on Steel Erection; Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel: “OSHA received evidence that workers were slipping and falling when working on painted or coated structural steel surfaces. The Agency decided that requiring the use of slip resistant coatings on these surfaces would help address the slipping and falling hazard.” OSHA is stating that painting or powder coating metal materials, such as steel floor plates, would only provide a temporary solution until the paint or powder coating wears or chips after years of use. Slip resistant steel floor plates would provide a permanent slip resistant solution for workers, regardless of their work environment, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.