Retrofitting Non-Slip Industrial Stairs

Non-slip industrial stairs can usually be achieved by retrofitting the existing steps – often the quickest and most cost-effective solution. Stairs are among the most common accident locations on industrial sites: worn treads, wet gratings and poorly visible edges quickly lead to missteps.

Suitable protective equipment: safety shoes with a ladder grip zone (LG) for fixed ladders, platforms and grating steps.

We supply products that are fitted onto existing steps: GRP stair tread covers, stair nosing profiles, anti-slip strips and coatings. This secures both the tread and the step edge without having to replace the staircase. Depending on the type of step, environment and loading, we combine the products to suit your stairs.

Typical Hazards on Industrial Stairs

• Steel grating stairs with smooth or worn treads
• Chequer plate and tread plate steps when wet or oily
• Metal stairs outdoors in rain, leaves and ice
• Poorly visible step edges, especially in low light
• The first and last step, where attention often lapses
• Missing or slippery grip on the handrail

Solutions for Retrofitting Non-Slip Industrial Stairs

GRP Stair Treads for Industrial Stairs

GRP stair tread covers with a gritted surface are screwed or bonded onto existing steps. The yellow edge makes each step clearly visible. For outdoor stairs, you will find details on our stair tread covers page. We manufacture non-standard step sizes as a custom-made solution.

Retrofitting Non-Slip Steel Grating Stairs

Grating steps can be covered with GRP anti-slip sheets or stair tread covers. Alternatively, the treads can be replaced with anti-slip grating. Which option suits depends on mesh size, condition and loading.

Stair Nosing Profiles

The step edge is a particularly critical point when walking downstairs – it is where the foot lands first. Anti-slip stair nosing secures the edge and marks it in a high-contrast colour, which also helps in poor lighting.

Anti-Slip Strips for Quick Retrofitting

Self-adhesive anti-slip strips are a simple solution for solid steps made of sheet metal, concrete or timber. They are applied to the cleaned tread. Under heavy loads, screw-fixed solutions are often more durable.

Coating for Chequer Plate Steps

On chequer plate and tread plate steps, an anti-slip coating for chequer plate increases grip across the entire tread.

Handrails and Winter Maintenance

A secure handhold is also part of stair safety. Anti-slip protection for handrails improves grip in wet conditions. For advice on protection against snow and ice, see winter safety for stairs and paths.

Choosing the Right Solution: What Matters

Slip Resistance

Under German regulations, ASR A1.5 and its Annex 2 provide guidance on the slip resistance ratings R9 to R13 for work areas. Testing is carried out to DIN EN 16165:2023; older certificates sometimes still refer to DIN 51130. For outdoor metal stairs and areas with oil, a high rating is usually advisable. Your risk assessment is the deciding factor.

Substrate

Grating, chequer plate, concrete or timber each call for different products and fixings. Step width, going depth and the shape of the front edge also matter. Check the condition, corrosion and load-bearing capacity of the steps before retrofitting.

Cleaning

Coarse surfaces provide good grip but also hold dirt. Clarify how the stairs will be cleaned. Versions with a chemical resistance test certificate are available on request.

Fixing

Screw fixing is usually the more robust choice for grating and heavy loads. Bonding avoids drilling but needs a clean, dry surface. Make sure covers do not change step heights unevenly – uneven risers are a trip hazard in themselves. Wherever possible, retrofit all the steps in a flight in the same way.

How Your Enquiry Works

1. Describe the situation: tell us about the affected surfaces, steps or rungs, the substrate and the ambient conditions. Photos and approximate dimensions help with the initial assessment.
2. Agree the solution: we propose suitable products, versions and fixing methods, and clarify any test certificates you need at the same time.
3. Receive your quote: you receive a tailored quotation with dimensions, quantities and specification. Then you can decide in your own time.

FAQs: Retrofitting Non-Slip Industrial Stairs

How can I make steel grating stairs non-slip?

Usually with GRP stair tread covers or anti-slip sheets screwed onto the grating steps. Alternatively, the treads can be replaced with anti-slip grating. We check suitability based on measurements and photos.

Are GRP stair treads for industrial stairs also suitable where there is oil?

Generally yes – the gritted surface provides grip even when contaminated. Whether a version is suitable for specific oils or chemicals depends on the product; versions with the relevant test certificate are available on request.

How do I make outdoor metal stairs safe?

Outdoor metal stairs can be secured with stair tread covers, stair nosing profiles and a grippy handrail. In snow and ice, gritting and clearing are still necessary.

Do industrial stair treads need refurbishing, or is retrofitting enough?

Retrofitting the surface is often enough, as long as the steps are structurally sound. Steps that are deformed or badly corroded should be replaced. Base the decision on your risk assessment.

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Want non-slip industrial stairs or need to refurbish individual steps? Send us photos, dimensions and a short description. Let us know whether the stairs are indoors or outdoors and what kind of contamination occurs. We will propose a suitable solution for your stairs.