Situation:

University of Michigan – Flint (UM-Flint) began in 1944, when the Flint Board of Education requested an extension of the Ann Arbor location.  UM-Flint started off as a two-year college, which offered baccalaureate degree programs in liberal arts, science, education and business.  As time passed, the Flint location became the first college outside of Ann Arbor to expand to a four-year institution.  While academics are important to UM-Flint, so is safety.  UM-Flint’s parking garage stairways often became slippery, due to the amount of water being tracked in.  To help resolve a potential slip or fall, UM-Flint contacted a construction company that specializes in waterproofing and restoration for a possible solution.  The contractor then contacted SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring, who was specified for the job.

Solution:

To guarantee accuracy, the contractor provided SlipNOT® with detailed specifications and prints.  SlipNOT® reviewed the  specifications and determined the material and quantities desired for the stairwell application.   SlipNOT® provided (21) twenty-one 3/16” x 12” x 42” Grade 2 (Medium) galvanized steel stair treads with 1-1/2” nosing and riser.  The galvanized coating was added to prevent rust.

Galvanized steel stair treads have a file hard surface of between 55 – 63 on the Rockwell “C” scale and have a bond strength of at least 4,000 psi.  The durability and rust protection will ensure a safe surface for students and faculty.

Impact:

The galvanized steel stair treads allowed for easily installation, creating a slip resistant stairway in the enclosed parking structure at UM-Flint.  No matter what the galvanized stair treads come in contact with, the non-slip surface will stand strong and resilient for students and faculty.