One of the integral parts of commercial buildings is the staircase. It plays an important role in the architecture of a building as it provides a safe and convenient way to jump up floors.
In any business premises, stairs are essential as it divides the height between floors into manageable steps, creating a pedestrian path. Although it goes mostly unnoticed when building, choosing the right materials is not a simple task because you have a bunch of factors to consider.
Material selection is a serious business that should not be taken lightly. Inadequate understanding of them increases the risk of problems affecting the structure, durability and ability of the stairs to meet the requirements.
Here are the important aspects to consider when choosing industrial stairs for your business.
1. Budget
Budget is one of the most important considerations in choosing stairs for your business. When purchasing different materials, your budget should take priority. You can compare prices from different manufacturers to determine which offers value for money. This way you can also assess how much you will need to purchase materials.
If you plan to install your stairs in an outdoor area, make sure that the structure can withstand all weather conditions and business activities. While other materials may cost relatively less, it is important to assess the possible costs of future repairs. Unless costly maintenance and repairs are allotted to a staircase that is wrongly built for outdoor use, it’s best to purchase materials that can last for a more efficient business.
2. Materials
There are different types of materials that can be used to design stairs. Marble, steel, wood or even concrete are also options. Some companies even use glass for their stairs, which looks lovely but is more expensive. Your staircase must be able to hold the weight on it to be safe safety.
The metal and wood staircase layout has remained the most prominent feature over the years. That’s because of its environmental friendliness, stability and durability, as well as its relatively low installation costs. However, depending on the style of the area where the stairs are located, different combinations of these materials with glass, common stone or manufactured stone and plastic are often used to form the stairs.
3. Stair design
Stairs are a fundamental element in architectural design. The main function of the stairs is to provide an easy and convenient means of travel between different floors of the building. A well-designed staircase can add value to any facility as it ensures people are comfortable and safe going up and down the stairs. In addition to adding to the building’s aesthetic, it also acts as a cost-effective option for transporting people and items from one floor to another.
Your staircase design must meet the nature of your business. If your business is in a corporate environment, you can use designs like the ones we often see in office buildings. If you are a manufacturer of raw materials, you can use a staircase design that can support heavy loads when in use.
4. Building Code
The International Building Code (IBC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have their own set of criteria that may differ. It is best to know the local laws that apply to your project’s jurisdiction, as there may be additional requirements.
There are a few differences between the IBC and OSHA standards. At least 22 inches wide is the minimum requirement set forth by OSHA. The angle of the stairs to climb determines the height and altimeter measurement. For example, climbing 45-degree stairs requires a minimum height and height of 8.75 inches. OSHA compliance ladders may be left open. Since these types of stairs are not intended for children, they must have handrails and balustrades, however, there may be gaps between the handrails. All stairs required for exits must comply with OSHA standards. The IBC applies to any stairway serving an occupied segment of a building, whether or not it is part of an exit system.
To be more specific, a “vehicle exit” is an unobstructed exit from a structure, Building, or region. Therefore, even one step out of the building must comply with the regulations.
OSHA stairs typically come in 8-inch openings and 9-inch treads, with the latter being the most common. Minimum OSHA stair width is 22 inches.
In most cases, IBC stairs have a 7-inch sealed tread as well as an 11-inch tread length. Expect a minimum of 44 inches for stair width in most cases and 36 inches in places where the average population is under 50.
Furthermore, following the exact measurements of the compliant staircase ensures both the effectiveness of its structure and the safety of those using it. As indicated previously, local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements that are not covered by the IBC or OSHA standards.
5. Area
Evaluate the amount of space available in your area. If you have a limited space, this can guide you in creating a design that doesn’t take up too much space. If your area is larger, you might consider placing a larger staircase to maximize the space.
Conclusion
To ensure building safety and optimize workflow, stairs must meet the needs of your business. Furthermore, it also needs to comply with the standards set by the law to ensure its structural integrity.
With the above sharing, we hope to guide you in choosing the right staircase design for your business.
