Industrial stairways contribute to your warehouse’s access network, creating safe and efficient pathways and egress routes throughout your workspace. Industrial stairs grant access to mezzanines, landings, stories, pits or wells, roofs, machinery repair, product picking, platforms, and over trenches or equipment.
Warehouse stairs come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, including fixed industrial stairs, mobile stairs, ladders, crossovers, and more. Finding the perfect stair system for your warehouse can be challenging. Stairway features and regulations like handrails, stair width, and tread can add to the stress of selecting metal warehouse stairs.
Keep reading to learn about the many types of industrial staircases, and call WPRP for questions or to get a quote!
Types of Industrial Stairs and Ladders
- Fixed industrial stairways
- Portable stairs
- Inplant office/mezzanine stairs
- Loading dock stairs
- Commercial stairs
- Crossover stairs and platforms
- Roof access stairs
- Rooftop stairs
- Generator stairs
- Stair towers
- Rolling ladders
- Pick ladders
- Roof access ladders
- Alternating tread stairs
Factors to Consider When Choosing Industrial Stairways
Stair Orientation
Stair orientation is the direction your stairs face and the number of turns incorporated into the staircase. Depending on your industrial stairway’s footprint and the space available, you may need to adjust the orientation. Here are some common stair orientations:
Stair Features
There are numerous interchangeable stair features to choose from when designing and implementing industrial metal stairways in your warehouse. Factors such as material, tread, width, and more can affect your staircase’s overall cost and stability. Here are some standard features and things to consider when customizing your industrial stairs:
- Stair material – steel, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel
- Stair tread – non-slip tread, tread depth, stair tread covers, anti-slip tapes
- Stair stringers – provide load-bearing support for the treads and risers. Framework.
- Handrails – railing fittings, railing thickness, railing material, extended handrails
- Posts – post material, post thickness, OSHA-compliance
- Platforms – decking and dimensions
- Decking – extruded, slip-resistant, grip strut, fiber grate, bar grate decking options
- Base plates – thickness, padding, anchoring, and more
- Stair width – depends on the application and local safety codes
- Paint – powder coat, galvanized, stainless steel
Mezzanine and Industrial Stair Manufacturers
Industrial stair manufacturers build stairs in different styles — often to be compatible with their mezzanines and storage products. Here are the top mezzanine and industrial stair manufacturers to consider. Get a quote through WPRP today!
Industrial and Commercial Stair Code Requirements
OSHA stair regulations govern system specifics such as handrails, stair tread, vertical clearance, riser heights, and stair depth. Before installing industrial or commercial stairs in your facility, study OSHA regulations and adhere to any local codes.
IBC stair codes fall under chapter ten, “Means of Egress.” The IBC is another regulatory agency to adhere to when designing and installing your industrial or commercial stairways.
Cost of Metal Warehouse Stairs
A typical straight-run OSHA or IBC staircase to a second-story landing, mezzanine, or floor can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the material, tread, number of stairs, handrail, etc. OSHA stairs are generally more cost-effective than IBC stairs, saving companies up to 30% because OSHA requires fewer treads, a shorter horizontal run, and less run of handrail.
IBC stairs are typically larger and take up more space, requiring extra handrails and deeper tread. For a standard staircase, installation adds approximately $1,000.
Find Industrial Stairways Today!
For help finding or quoting an industrial or commercial stairway, call 888-578-1579 or complete an online quote form today!
