How to Prevent Slip-And-Fall Accidents With Non-slip Stair Treads
Understanding the Slip-and-Fall Hazard
Stairs—while tremendously helpful—are an inherently hazardous element of most buildings. As a result, people often end up falling, getting hurt, and, in some more severe cases, dying from a fall. Although the vast majority of stairway falls happen due to loss of balance, one common contributing factor is neglecting to use the handrail.
There are four potentially responsible parties in slip-and-fall claims:
The designer: Stairs should always be designed based on the building code of the relevant jurisdiction.
The contractor: They are responsible for following the design drawings to build the stairs.
The owner: They are responsible for maintaining the stairs to ensure they continually meet the requirements of the building code.
Stair users: Stairs should always be used as intended.
In most cases where a slip-and-fall event occurs, the party responsible is generally easy to determine.
The Importance of Non-slip Stair Treads
Non-slip stair treads are used to cover existing steps for added safety. To ensure this purpose is fulfilled effectively, a variety of different materials are used. The main reason non-slip stair treads are installed is to improve the stability and grip of each step while also providing an additional amount of traction.
When installed properly, these treads act as an extremely effective method for reducing the risk of slipping or falling on a staircase.
The benefits of adding non-slip stair treads include the following:
● Extending the life of your staircase: They protect against the wear and tear of daily traffic, minimizing scuffs, scratches, and stains that mar the surface.
● Easy to replace: Even when they have become worn out and damaged, they can easily be replaced with new ones, keeping the surface underneath highly protected.
● Easy availability: Most non-slip stair treads come in custom sizes and an array of colours to match your desired home decor.
Choosing the Right Non-slip Material
Durability
Treads—especially those meant for the outdoors—must be able to withstand the effects of general wear, as well as the elements. These may include the sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings.
For the most durability, it’s important to look for non-slip treads that are made from heavy-duty materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC. The aim is to choose ones that won’t crack, peel, warp, or deteriorate over time.
Grip
In order to actually prevent slips and falls, treads must have a good grip pattern. This can include ones with small grid or diamond shapes, and angled edges to provide traction. It’s best to avoid smooth, flat plastic that lacks abrasive mineral coatings like aluminum oxide.
Easy Installation
Look for DIY-friendly treads that screw into place without requiring any extensive installation and/or speciality tools or construction. Any designs with pre-drilled holes are ideal for simpler application. For wood or concrete applications, it’s better to choose treads that include hardware, such as corrosion-resistant screws.
Proper Installation Techniques
1. Know where treads are needed
Not every situation requires non-stick stair treads to be installed. To make the most out of your stair tread installation, it’s important to know where and when they are needed. These may include:
● Any uncovered staircase.
● Any area that receives a large volume of visitor traffic.
● Stairs that lead to or away from an entryway.
● Locations most prone to dirt, debris, and moisture accumulation.
2. Choose the right adhesive
Choosing the correct adhesive is crucial in completing a non-slip stair tread application that will be sturdy, resilient, and trustworthy over time. Long-lasting caulking products are recommended as long as they come equipped with the ability to affix treads and/or risers to staircases.
3. Temperature requirements
The temperature during installation can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of non-slip stair treads. For this reason (among others), it is highly recommended that the room be at a minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) to ensure the tread and adhesive apply properly.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Clearing Debris
As with any space in your home, debris can be expected to accumulate over time on non-slip stair treads. Regularly clearing this build-up from stair treads will help enhance traction, thus increasing overall safety and slip prevention.
Washing
Most non-slip stair treads are easily cleaned using soap and water. You can either find a cleaning solution in the store or make one yourself. This will help remove any dirt, grease, or oil that has collected on the surface.
A combination of regular dish soap or floor cleaner will do the trick. Once finished cleaning, it is important to ensure the whole surface is dried to prevent accidental slippage.
Applying Primers or Coatings
Covering non-slip stair treads with paint or coatings not only preserves their lifespan but can also help make your staircases more aesthetically pleasing. Before you apply any paint, be sure to remove excess rust from the material beneath to ensure optimal coverage and long-term durability.
Ensuring Safety Through Regular Inspections
Regular inspections of stairways and non-slip stair treads help minimize potential hazards down the line. An inspection looks for any missing steps, loose handrails, corrosion, holes, grease, spills, or loose carpets.
Inspectors may also provide additional tips for preventing potential injuries while using staircases. These could include the following:
● Use handrails when walking on the staircase.
● Always walk facing forward, never backwards.
● Avoid loitering on staircase landings.
● Stick to the right-hand side of the staircase.
● When carrying objects on the stairs, keep them as close to your body as possible.
● Always keep a line of sight, making sure not to carry items in front of your face.
● Walk single file if there are two directions of traffic on the staircase.
● Walk, never run, while going up or down the stairs.
● If you spill anything on the staircase, clean it up right away.
● Wear appropriate footwear and always tie your shoelaces before ascending the stairs.
Enhance Your Stairway With Non-slip Treads
Non-slip stair treads are the best option to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. While some people prefer aesthetics and low maintenance over cushioning and sound-dampening, there are non-slip tread materials available for every type of project.