- Assess your situation:
- Are you fixing a previous steel walkway or starting fresh? If you need to redo the surface, you may want to look into retrofitting options.
- If you are unsure, get your co-workers involved with the project. They may know what specifications need to be addressed.
- You may benefit from having a safety professional visit your site before and make further suggestions.
- Where is your steel walkway going to be installed?
- The industry and environment the walkway will be installed in will determine the type of steel needed.
- For example: the Oil and Gas Industry might choose heavy duty steel grating for its ability to drain slippery liquids and yet hold a lot of weight.
- Another example: the Manufacturing Industry might choose heavy duty steel plates where heavy utility vehicles, heavy foot traffic and machinery are being used.
- Degree of slip resistance:
- If a non-slip steel walkway is desired, there are three grades available varying from light duty applications to heavy duty applications.
- Grade 1 (Fine) is used in very light duty applications or areas where minimum surface roughness is desired.
- Grade 2 (Medium) is used for almost any application, providing maximum traction and durability.
- Grade 3 (Coarse) is used in most demanding environments and offers maximum durability and longevity.
- What type of finish is needed?
- A steel walkway is available with numerous finishes such as mill, galvanized, painted or customizable. Each finish serves different environments. If your walkway is outdoors, then galvanized steel would be your ideal choice as it protects against corrosion.
- What are your dimensions?
- Steel walkways can be purchased in stock sizes or can be cut to size and custom formed in order to meet specific requirements for your walkway.
- Walkways can be made of plates, grating and perforated plate. Expanded metal could also be retrofitted over an existing walkway.
- If you do not have the dimensions, you may want to have a contractor or safety professional visit your site.
- Research companies:
- Finding the right company for your project may require some comparing and contrasting but will be worth it in the end. If you are looking for a slip resistant steel walkway, you should ask for samples that you could install and test within your facility. This will give you an idea of the quality and surface grade.
- Always ask questions regarding pricing, safety and reputability. They should be able to give you a list of references.
- Make sure your findings meet OSHA and ADA standards:
- Contacting OSHA and ADA will guide you in the right direction, giving you recommendations and standards that need to be met.
Choosing the Correct Steel Walkway
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