The Overlooked Stair Detail That Could Fail Your Compliance Inspection Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Nick Bishop My name is Nick Bishop - your aluminum Access Solutions Advisor on the Commercial team. I have 9 years of experience at Upside Innovations. I specialize in access to warehouses, distribution centers and commercial buildings. With my expertise—where aluminum meets access, brilliance follows. May 09, 2025 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Understanding IBC 504.6 and the Critical Role of Visual Contrast in Stair Nosing At Upside, we engineer our ADA/IBC-compliant aluminum stair systems to meet every detail of building code requirements. This includes one of the most frequently misunderstood – and often overlooked – details of the International Building Code (IBC): Section 504.6 – Visual Contrast on Stair Nosings. We break down the code requirements, explain the importance of compliance, explore common pitfalls in the market, and demonstrate how Upside Innovations ensures our stair systems exceed expectations for safety, durability, and inspection-readiness. What Does IBC 504.6 Require? IBC Section 504.6, titled “Stair Treads and Risers,” governs the visual marking of stair nosings. The IBC code mandates the following: Contrast Strip Location: A visual contrast marking must be applied to the leading 1 to 2 inches (25 to 51 mm) of the tread or landing, measured horizontally from the nosing. Contrast Requirements: This strip must visually contrast with the remainder of the tread. Either light-on-dark or dark-on-light color schemes are acceptable. Width: The marking must extend the full width of the step or landing. Durability: The material must be long-lasting and at least as slip-resistant as the surrounding tread. Luminance Contrast: Though not numerically specified by IBC, the industry standard generally expects a minimum 30% luminance contrast to meet best practices and align with accessibility guidelines such as those in the ADA and ANSI A117.1 standards. IBC Stairs Code & Requirements Is Visual Contrast Always Required? While visual contrast is not explicitly required by the ADA except in certain transportation applications (e.g., escalators as specified by ASME A17.1), IBC 504.6 mandates it for most stairways in commercial buildings. The difference matters: ADA = civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities, often enforced via complaints or lawsuits.ADA requirements for businesses IBC = building code, enforced through inspections, permitting, and local jurisdiction approvals. Non-compliance with IBC 504.6 can lead to denial of occupancy, liability exposure, or forced retrofits. Why It Matters: Safety and Compliance Stair-related injuries are one of the most common causes of falls in public and commercial buildings. The lack of a clear visual delineation at the nosing can be a serious hazard for individuals with limited depth perception or low visual acuity. Benefits of Visual Contrast Reduces Missteps: Clear step edge visibility reduces the likelihood of tripping or misjudging step depth. Supports Low-Vision Navigation: Aids in orientation and safe navigation for individuals with partial sight. Passes Inspection: Non-compliant nosings are a common source of inspection failure and may result in fines, rework costs, or denial of occupancy. Real-World Application: Why It Matters Let’s say a school retrofits its modular classrooms with a new aluminum stair system. If the nosings are not clearly contrasted and wear-resistant, an inspector may flag them- even if the steps themselves meet dimensional and structural standards. That delay alone could affect classroom occupancy or result in unexpected fines. With Upside’s systems, customers avoid this scenario entirely. Where Others Fall Short Many stair manufacturers neglect to implement IBC 504.6 fully. These shortcomings can easily lead to code violations, inspection delays, and long-term safety risks, particularly in environments like schools, healthcare, or public infrastructure, where compliance is mandatory. How Upside Delivers Full Compliance At Upside Innovations, our stair systems are designed from the ground up to comply with IBC, ADA, and OSHA requirements. When it comes to visual contrast, we don’t cut corners: Full-Width Coverage: Our nosing strips run the entire width of the stair, ensuring complete visibility. Code-Compliant Width: Contrast strips are precisely 1 to 2 inches wide, as specified by code. High Visual Contrast: We offer light-on-dark and dark-on-light combinations with proven luminance differentials. Integrated Slip Resistance: Our strips are fabricated from non-slip material that meets or exceeds the tread’s grip performance. Engineered Durability: Whether indoor or outdoor, Upside’s stair nosings are made from industrial-grade aluminum and durable insert materials, resistant to wear, corrosion, and weathering. Prefabricated and Modular: All systems are bolt-together – no on-site welding, custom fabrication, or guesswork needed. With Upside, your stair solution is delivered pre-engineered for compliance, minimizing delays, avoiding costly fixes, and passing inspection the first time. FAQs Is IBC 504.6 enforced in all U.S. states? Most jurisdictions adopt IBC codes as part of their building regulations. Check your local enforcement agency, but in general, 504.6 is widely required for commercial and public structures. What materials are used for Upside stair nosings? We use aluminum substrates with contrast materials that provide long-term slip resistance and high visibility, tested for durability in demanding environments. Can existing stair systems be retrofitted? Yes. Adhesive tape is available. How does visual contrast get measured? While IBC doesn’t specify a contrast ratio, ANSI and ADA suggest a minimum of 30% luminance contrast – a value we exceed with our standard configurations. Is color contrast required for stair nosings? Visual contrast on stair nosings aids people with low vision but isn’t required by accessibility standards – except for escalators in rail and guideway stations, which must follow ASME A17.1, requiring yellow lines (max 2” wide) on step edges. Stairs IBC Stairs Code & Requirements Read More » July 2, 2024 News Navigating the Complexities of Code Compliance for Multi-Use Facilities Read More » February 27, 2024
Upside’s Access Solutions for Cold Storage Buildings Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Silvana Gold Silvana is Upside's Marketing Analyst - qualifying leads that come through the website and assisting in marketing initiatives. With experience in copywriting and a degree in Marketing, her expertise is at work. Jun 13, 2024 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes At Upside Innovations, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality aluminum access products tailored to meet unique requirements. Our loading dock stairs, stair towers, and canopy products are the perfect addition to ensure safe access in and around these buildings. Enhancing Cold Storage Buildings With the increasing demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable goods, cold storage buildings are becoming more vital than ever. Outdated cold storage buildings are also receiving improvements. These facilities require specialized environments to maintain low temperatures, ensuring the integrity and longevity of stored products. However, managing these environments also necessitates robust and reliable access solutions that can withstand harsh conditions. Why Choose Aluminum? Aluminum is an ideal material for access products in cold storage buildings for multiple reasons: Rust/Warp Free: Aluminum will never rust, warp, or rot. Making this material favorable over steel or wood. This can be crucial in cold storage environments where moisture and temperature fluctuations are common. Low Maintenance: Aluminum stair towers and loading dock stairs require minimal maintenance compared to steel alternatives, translating to lower long-term costs and fewer operational disruptions. Cost Savings: Our prefabricated solutions often come in at a lower price than steel fabrication. The products are turn-key solutions and do not require on-site welding. Upside is able to deliver across the country and install. Aluminum Stair Towers: Safe and Efficient Access Our aluminum stair towers provide safe and efficient vertical access on the interior or exterior of cold storage facilities. Designed with safety in mind, these stair towers offer: Non-Slip Surfaces: Safety is paramount in cold storage environments. Our stair treads feature non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents, even in icy or wet conditions. We also offer open-tread decking, we have a grip strut decking and bar grating decking. Both designed to allow rain and snow to pass through or create a grip for foot traffic. Compliance with Codes: All Upside products meet ADA/IBC-compliance or OSHA-compliance, ensuring peace of mind for facility or safety managers. Project Specificity: Although our products are prefabricated, our sales team quotes a configuration specific to your elevation height and footprint. Then, our engineers create project specific drawings for your approval. Aluminum Loading Dock Stairs: Streamlining Operations Loading docks are a hub at cold storage facilities, where goods are constantly moved in and out. Our aluminum loading dock stairs are designed to facilitate this critical function: Easy Access: Our stairs provide employees with easy and safe access to loading docks, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents. Heavy Duty: Built to withstand heavy foot traffic and the rigors of daily use, our loading dock stairs are a dependable choice for busy cold storage facilities. Prefabricated: Our heavy duty loading dock stair design is manufactured to be a turn-key solution for easy install, unlike steel loading dock stairs that require welding on-site. Aluminum Walkway Canopies and Awnings: Protection from the Elements Our walkway canopies and cantilever awnings are other essential products to assist in operations of cold storage facilities: Internal Drainage: Both our walkway canopy and cantilever awning are equipped with internal drainage, no need for attaching a gutter. The walkway canopies drain through the posts and the awnings have internal drainage in the frame, using a scupper plate to redirect the water. Unique Layouts: We can achieve any length with each canopy product. The walkway canopies have a maximum width of 12’ between the posts and we can connect canopies side by side with shared posts. The cantilever awning has a maximum 5’ projection off the building using hanger rods to tie back to the building. Standard or Custom Color: Powder-coating the aluminum product allows for a clean look. Our standard colors are white or black and other custom colors can be requested. Conclusion At Upside Innovations, we are committed to providing top-quality aluminum products that enhance the safety and efficiency of cold storage buildings. Whether you need aluminum stair towers for vertical access, loading dock stairs for streamlined operations or a canopy to protect material or employees from the elements – our solutions are designed to meet the challenges of these essential facilities. As the demand for cold storage grows, you can trust Upside Innovations to deliver the access solutions you need to stay ahead. Take a look at this recent project for a cold storage facility. One of our sales representatives Brittany Dozier sold the walkway canopy pictured in the far right of the loading dock, to a facility in Georgia. Have a similar project you need to be quoted? Reach out to Brittany at bdozier@upsideinnovations.com Interior Stair Tower for Roof Access Warehouse Rooftop Stair Tower Installation Loading Dock Stair for Man Door Cantilever Awning spanning over Loading Dock Area StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 Project Profile Dry Van Storage – The Ideal Trailer Access Ladder Solution Read More » February 21, 2025
Safety with Every Step: Stair Tread Depth vs. Stair Riser Height Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Oct 10, 2022 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Stair Riser and Stair Depth Building Codes Following building codes specific to stairs is essential in any new construction or remodeling project to ensure safety for everyone. This article outlines staircode requirements to make it easy for builders to meet relevant regulations and safety standards. Stair Tread Depth The depth of a stair tread is the horizontal distance from the vertical planes of the foremost projection to adjacent stair treads, as seen from a 90-degree angle to the leading edge of a tread. It measures the available surface area for a person’s foot to rest when ascending or descending the stairway. Stair DepthRiser HeightOSHA9.5″ (240 mm) Minimum9.5″ (240 mm) MaximumIBC11″ (279 mm) Minimum4″ (102 mm) – 7″ (178 mm)Minimum – MaximumIBC Occupancy ExceptionsGroup R-2, R-3, and U (see chart below)10″ (254 mm) Minimum7-3/4″ (197 mm) Maximum Occupancy ClassificationGroupResidential transient – occupancies containing sleeping units where the occupants are primarily transient. Structures like hotels, motels, and boarding housesR-1Residential permanent – occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanentR-2Residential group – occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent and not classified as Group R-1, R-2R-3Utility and Miscellaneous – General Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy.U Standard Stair Tread Depth The Industrial Building Code (IBC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have varying tread depth specifications for various stair types. In its 2017 revision to the required walking-working surfaces, OSHA added minimum tread depths. On the other hand, IBC has long mandated a minimum tread depth. OSHA and IBC use research on stairways with varying tread and riser dimensions to determine the minimum tread depths and maximum riser heights. According to OSHA, a standard stair refers to any fixed or permanent stairway aside from alternating tread stairs, ship stairs, or spiral stairs. Standard stairs must, at minimum, maintain a tread depth of 9.5 inches, or 24 cm, under OSHA 1910.25(c)(3). IBC 1011.5.2, on the other hand, stipulates that stair treads must be at least 11 inches (27.94 cm) deep, measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of consecutive treads and perpendicular to the leading edge of the treads. The minimum tread depth must be 10 inches in all group R-3 occupancies, all dwelling units in R-2 occupancies, and all group U occupancies supplementary to either group R-3 occupancies or individual dwelling units in R-2 occupancies. Most multi-family dwellings intended to get occupied permanently must adhere to the standard of a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (25.4 cm). Stair Riser Height The riser height is the height from the step surface to the step surface. Standard Stair Riser Height Depending on the type of stairway, OSHA and IBC also have varying maximum stair riser height regulations. Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Standard stairs must have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm) following OSHA 1910.25(c)(2). IBC 1011.5.2 stipulates that the minimum and maximum stair riser heights must be 4 inches (10.16 cm) and 7 inches (17.78 cm), respectively. In groups R-3, R-2, and U auxiliary occupancies, the maximum riser height is 7-3/4 inches. Conclusion The purpose of building codes for metal stairs is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses them. Any safety risk will significantly decrease if all steps and stairs have the same tread depth and riser height parameters. For more than 13 years, Upside Innovations has been creating modular metal stairs and platforms. When it comes to design and innovation for a variety of prefabricated metal stair kits as well as custom solutions, Upside Innovations is unmatched in the industry. StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 News Navigating the Complexities of Code Compliance for Multi-Use Facilities Read More » February 27, 2024
Continuing Education – Efficiencies with Prefabricated Stairs, Access Platforms & Ramps Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Oct 05, 2022 Estimated reading time: 1 minute UPSIDE’S Continuing Education Step It Up: Increased Efficiency with Prefabricated Modular Stairs, Access Systems, & Ramps Does your project need to step it up when it comes to stairs and safety? Our CE course discusses prefabricated modular metal stairs, access platforms, and ramps that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Participants will not only learn about relevant codes from OSHA, IBC, and ADA regarding stairs, ladders, and handrails, but they will also learn how to specify modular stair components and configurations to best facilitate code compliance and increase site productivity. Take Online Course for CE Credits Learning Objectives: Compare and contrast conventional stairs versus modular stairs and access systems as they relate to efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.Determine which modular stair components and configurations will best suit your application for improved flexibility now and in the future.Identify relevant and updated codes from OSHA, IBC, and ADA regarding stairs, ladders, handrails, and ramps and discuss how modular stair and access systems can help facilitate code compliance.Illustrate the cost- and time-efficiency possible through the utilization of modular stairs and access systems by analyzing case studies. Design Category (CSI Division): (05) Metals StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 Stairs Maximizing Space with Innovative Mezzanine Floors Read More » November 26, 2023
Means of Egress Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Jan 03, 2020 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Estimated reading time: 3 minutes The means of egress, as outlined in the International Building Code (IBC), are essential for ensuring safe and efficient evacuation from buildings during emergencies. These requirements stipulate not just the existence of exit paths but also their design, number, and dimensions, which vary across different buildings. A well-structured egress route is crucial for guiding occupants from any occupied area to the exterior swiftly and safely. Compliance with these building codes and safety standards is vital, as it safeguards lives during critical situations. This introductory guide explores the intricacies of egress pathways, their importance in emergency preparedness, and the regulations that govern their implementation. What is means of egress? A means of egress is a continuous, clear path from any occupied portion of a building, structure or space to a public way, such as an outdoor sidewalk. A means of egress consists of three parts: exit access, exit, and exit discharge. Means of egress A means of egress consists of three parts: The exit access – path within the building that leads to an exit The exit – doors to the outside, enclosed exit stairways, and horizontal exits The exit discharge – the route from the exit to the public way Part 1: Exit Access Exit access is defined as a corridor, hallway, or path in a room to an exit. When the IBC talks about “accessible,” it means that somebody in a wheelchair can use whatever thing they are referring to. Therefore, an “accessible space” means that a person in a wheelchair can enter and exit that space via an “accessible means of egress” (i.e. walkway, ramp, or elevator). Accessible spaces must have two accessible means of egress, and they are typically required to be no less than 36″ wide. For Non-accessible spaces, which are floors above or below the ground floor, the accessible pathway must lead to an exit stairway, elevator, or horizontal exit. These areas serve as an Area of Refuge where emergency responders will come to help people in wheelchairs. The required number of means of egress is determined by occupant load: Occupant LoadRequired Means of Egress<5002500-9993>1,0004*Exception: Buildings that have a low occupant load, such as mercantile spaces, only require one exit. Part 2: Exit The exit consists of an exit stairway or elevator with standby power. The exit is separated from other interior spaces by fire-resistant construction. Refer to the IBC stair and handrail specifications sheet and the refuge areas to ensure your means of egress are compliant. Part 3: Exit Discharge The exit discharge consists of either an accessible route, such as an ADA ramp or walkway, or a stair and platform with a refuge area. Can be inside the building such as the main lobby or outside to an egress court, courtyard, alley, or public way. A public way is defined as an area outside the building between the exit discharge and a public street with a minimum clearance height and width of at least 10 feet. Related Links IBC Stair Width CalculationArea of Refuge RequirementsWheelchair Ramp Definition – Common TermsDifference Between ADA and OSHACalculating Single-Story IBC Stairway Width News Area of Refuge vs. Area of Rescue Requirements Read More » May 24, 2019 News Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Read More » September 4, 2022
