Expanded Metal Specifications

Stair treads are a major source of slip and fall accidents.  Nosing’s may wear down, taped on slip resistant products can rub off and countless other factors may attribute to these accidents.  Slip resistant expanded metal can be installed over existing smooth plate or grating treads where slip and fall accidents can impair productivity and cause employees to miss work.

Consider each point before deciding to retrofit SLIPNOT expanded metal over existing surfaces:

  • Measure each stair
    • By measuring the length and width of the stair, you are able to get a customized solution that will not require further fabrication in the field.  You also need to determine if you would like to cover the whole stair or just place an expanded metal nosing on the edge.
  • Determine the quantity needed
    • Make sure there is enough material to cover every stair.  The material should cover where the shoe makes contact with the surface.
  • How will the expanded metal be attached to the existing stairs?
    • Bolted Down – SLIPNOT expanded metal can be bolted down to existing grating by using a bolt and an oversize washer.
    • Welded – Expanded metal coated with SLIPNOT may also be tack welded to existing stair treads made from smooth plate or grating.
  • Determine material type needed
    • Steel – steel expanded metal can be used in applications where oil, water and other types of moisture may pool.  Steel has been utilized for applications in steel mills and manufacturing plants, as well as in countless other facilities.  Steel needs to be galvanized if it will be used in a predominately wet environment so it will not corrode.
    • Aluminum – aluminum is a lightweight, naturally corrosion resistant material.  Aluminum is a cost effective material that can instantly create a safe surface on stair treads when combined with the SLIPNOT non-slip coating.
    • Stainless Steel – stainless steel is a chemically and corrosion resistant material that has been used in food processing plants, in clean rooms, and testing labs among other applications.
  • Choose the grade of slip resistance needed
    • Grade 1 – Grade 1 (fine) is the finest grade of the SLIPNOT coating.  It is used in light duty applications where a fine slip resistant surface is needed.
    • Grade 2 – The Grade 2 (Medium) surface is applicable to nearly every situation.  The Grade 2 surface provides a high traction, durable surface that retains slip resistance when completely coated in oil, water and other forms of moisture.
    • Grade 3 – Grade 3 (coarse) is offered only in steel.  Grade 3 is used in the most challenging environments.  Grade 3 is used in areas where high traffic is prevalent and durability is necessary.
  • Nosing depth
    • You need to determine how deep a nosing you need for each stair in order to create a safe walking surface.
  • Determine the style of nosing
    • Do you need an L shaped nosing or a C shaped nosing? The L shaped nosing stops at the bottom of the tread, whereas the C shaped nosing wraps around the bottom.

By following the steps listed above, you can create a safe walking surface on stairways using SLIPNOT coated expanded metal.  SLIPNOT products last years longer than any other taped on or painted on surface.  By retrofitting expanded metal over stairways, a high traction walking surface is instantly created with little or no down time between beginning and end of installation.

Latest from our Safety Blog

View All Safety Blogs

Let's get started

The SLIPNOT team is efficient, expert and focused on providing you with the
right safety solution. Please take a minute to complete this form to request a
quote or sample. One of our safety professionals will be in touch to help guide
you in making the right choice.