What You Need to Know About Step Edge Markings
As a part of everyday life, descending a flight of stairs can present a real sense of danger. Slips and trips down the stairs happen every day, and often times result in injury. Add in the chaos and anxiety of an emergency egress and getting down a flight of stairs can be dangerous!
Step-edge markings, however, are installed to increase stairway safety, helping to prevent slips and trips, under all conditions.
What are Step Edge Markings?
Applied to the leading edge of the step, step edge markings can be made from a variety of materials, largely dependent on the application. A continuous strip of non-slip material, photoluminescent material, aluminum or even FRP composite is applied to clearly define the step-edge. In addition to ensuring step-edge visibility, this also protects the most used part of the step from becoming worn out.
What is Their Purpose?
Step-edge markings have been introduced in many building codes and design standards in order to increase step-edge visibility, which improves foot clearance and reduces slips and falls.
Locating the step-edge can be difficult in areas of low lighting, where the step covering is patterned, and for persons with visual impairments. The installation of step-edge markings ensures that step-edge remains clearly visible in conditions, by delineating the tread edge from the rest of the tread.
Installation Locations
The balance between providing step-edge visibility and minimizing tripping hazards caused by stair nosings can be found in several code compliance guidelines. According to the International Building Code, in order to minimize tripping hazards, stair nosing must not project more than 1 1/4 inch beyond the tread below, and must all be of a uniform size.
Additionally, step-edge markings should provide a stark color contrast against the step. Aluminum step-edge markings applied on dark steps is a good example of good color contrast.
Installation Materials
Step-edge markings are available both photoluminescent and non-photoluminescent. Luminous step-edge markings can be installed with or without an accompanying strip of non-slip material, depending on the building codes in your jurisdiction.
Set into an aluminum frame, step-edge markings are made more durable, which is ideal for venues with high foot traffic.
When it comes to providing your building with the highest levels of safety, installing stair nosings is a must. Not only do stair nosings enhance step-edge visibility, but they also offer a non-slip grip to further prevent the risk of accidental slips and falls.
Ecoglo® provides a wide range of industry-leading non-slip stair nosings that can easily be applied on any substrate, and not only enhance the safety of your building but provide an elevated look and feel to any space.
Available with a photoluminescent strip, Ecoglo®’s stair nosing exceeds all relevant building codes and are an approved luminous egress path marking. To enhance step-edge visibility and provide a non-slip grip, Ecoglo® also provides step-edge nosings without a luminescent strip.
Make the visibly better choice and choose Ecoglo® non-slip stair nosings for your building!