Injuries caused by trips, slips, or falls on stairs account for over half of the reported accidents in the workplace or at home. They result in thousands of accidents requiring hospital treatment. However, with careful planning and the introduction of the right stair nosing, these risks can be significantly reduced.
Stair nosing, also known as stair tread, stair edging, and stair trims, can be fitted to stairs to assist with both anti-slip properties and clearer visual distinctions of the edge on stairs, both indoors and outdoors.
In this article, we explore how stair nosing can help to reduce the risk of trips or falls on staircases with various surfaces.
Safety stair edging for carpets
Carpeted stairs, particularly those in high footfall areas such as hotels, restaurants, or public houses, will wear down over time, with the potential to fray or tear. The stairs can become unsightly and, if the weave of the carpet is exposed, it can create a trip hazard.
Fitting stair nosing to these areas can help to slow down the rate of wear and also deliver a stylish look to the staircase. With a range of finishes available, the results can be both practical and in keeping with the existing décor.
Anti-Slip Heavy Duty Stair Nosing for outdoor stairs
The Anti-Slip Heavy Duty Stair Nosing has been created to endure high levels of footfall and provides a highly resilient anti-slip stair tread for additional safety.
This stair trim has been specially designed for both internal and external use, with a particular feature of being suitable for wet conditions, which is especially useful for external staircases.
The Anti-Slip Heavy Duty Stair Nosing is the ultimate metal stair edge for public areas where the risks of slipping are increased by wet surfaces.
Stair nosing for wooden stairs
Installing the correct stair edging for wooden stairs can completely transform the look of the staircase and, more importantly, provide an additional safety feature to reduce the risk of trips or falls.
The smooth surface of wooden stairs can create a slippery surface if liquids are accidentally spilled; therefore, stair nosing can help to create a helpful non-slip surface. Additionally, the stair nosing will create a clearly defined edge to each step, assisting those with visual impairments.
Stair nosing / stair tread materials
The types of materials available for your new stair nosing, along with the finishes, mean it is possible to meet the high levels of safety and non-slip requirements without sacrificing style.
The materials available for stair edging include brass and aluminium, with a wide range of textured and coloured inserts and finishes to complement any contemporary or traditional interior décor.
Stair trim colour differences
Colour differences are an important factor to consider when installing the right stair nosing. The Light Reflective Value (LRV) determines the measurement that shows the amount of light reflected from a surface and is expressed as a percentage. This is a particular element that needs to be considered to support people with visual impairments.
Useful links to learn more about stair nosing regulations
Simply click here to learn more about the LRV standards and the Document M building regulations.