Difference Between ADA and OSHA 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. Dec 16, 2019 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes We use the terms “ADA” and “OSHA” so often when referring to our access products, and sometimes we forget that people might not know the difference. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, and retail locations. There is a set of regulations that public buildings must follow. Below are the key ADA-compliant regulations for steps: All steps should have uniform riser heights and tread widths Stair treads should be no less than 11″ wide (measured from riser to riser) Open risers are not permitted Handrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34” and 38” with railing height above stair nosings The ends of the handrails should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. These regulations apply to steps that are used by employees only, not steps that are open to the public. The minimum dimension for landings is 22” wide x 30” deep All stairs with four or more risers are required to have handrails and guardrails Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed .25″ in any stairway Stairways must be installed between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal Whether you need ADA steps for public access or OSHA steps for workplace safety, Upside has the solution. Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022 StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022
Calculating Multi-Story Stairway Width 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. May 07, 2019 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes If you haven’t read our IBC Stair Width Calculation article, I recommend reading that first so that you can see the IBC codes we reference. If you have already read it, below is a scenario in which we calculate the required width of multiple stairways that serve multiple floors. Scenario: We need exit stairs for a building that has 3 floors that have varying occupant loads. There is a sprinkler system, but the system was not installed per code requirements. The occupant loads are as follows: Floor 1: 40 occupantsFloor 2: 480 occupantsFloor 3: 110 occupants The required total stairway width per floor is as follows: Floor 1: 40 occupants x 0.3” = 12” (BUT the minimum stairway width for a floor serving less than 50 occupants is 36”. Can you imagine trying to walk down a 12” wide stairway?)Floor 2: 480 occupants x 0.3” = 144”Floor 3: 110 occupants x 0.3” = 33” (BUT the minimum stairway width for a floor serving more than 50 occupants is 44”.) What do we do when each floor requires a different width? We use the largest minimum width because we don’t want to create a bottleneck effect where a wide stairway leads into a narrower stairway. Therefore, we want to use the 144” measurement for the minimum combined stair width. We will need two stairways because we have an occupant load between 1 and 500 per story. The 144″ width can be divided between the two stairways. BUT in case a stairway is destroyed or inaccessible during an evacuation, the remaining stairway needs to be at least half of the required minimum (144″). We cannot have a stairway that is 60” wide and the other one is 84”. Why? If we lose the 84” stairway to a fire, we only have the 60” stairway which is less than half the required width. Summary: We calculate the minimum required combined width by multiplying the occupant load of each floor by 0.3″ and using the largest number, which is 144″. We need two stairways, so we can divide the 144″ between the two stairs. However, since we only have two stairways, each stairway must be at least half of the 144″. View IBC Stairways StairsTools & Resources IBC Stair Width Calculation Read More » May 6, 2019 StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022
Calculating Single-Story IBC Stairway Width 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. May 07, 2019 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes If you haven’t read our IBC Stair Width Calculation article, I recommend reading that first so that you can see the IBC codes we reference. If you have already read it, below is a scenario in which we calculate the required width of a multiple stairways serving one floor. Scenario: We need exit stairs from the second story of a building. There is a sprinkler system, but the system was not installed per code requirements. The occupant loads are as follows: Floor 1: 175 occupantsFloor 2: 300 occupants The required total stairway width per floor is as follows: Floor 1: Not applicable because this floor is ground level.Floor 2: 300 occupants x 0.3” = 90” We will need two stairways because we have an occupant load between 1 and 500 per story. The 90″ width can be divided between the two stairways. BUT in case a stairway is destroyed or inaccessible during an evacuation, the remaining stairway needs to be at least half of the required minimum (144″). We cannot have a stairway that is 44” wide and the other one is 46”. Why? If we lose the 46” stairway to a fire, we only have the 44” stairway which is less than half the required width. Summary: We calculate the minimum required combined width by multiplying the occupant load of the floor by 0.3″, which is 90″. We need two stairways, so we can divide the 90″ between the two stairs. However, since we only have two stairways, each stairway must be at least half of the 90″. StairsTools & Resources IBC Stair Width Calculation Read More » May 6, 2019 StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022
IBC Stair Width Calculation Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Liam Hindley May 06, 2019 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes ARE YOU MEASURING STAIR EGRESS WIDTHS CORRECTLY? Stair egress measurements are commonly misunderstood and can be complicated because it is determined by the building’s occupant load. Should stairs be measured between handrails since this is where occupants can walk, or is it the entire width of the treads? This article is a simplified version of the IBC codes and addresses common questions associated with stair egress width. Egress Width Factors How do I determine my “calculated stair egress width”? IBC Section 1005.3.1 requires that “the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairway by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch per occupant”. Exceptions are if there is a compliant sprinkler system installed and equipped with an emergency voice/alarm system for all occupancies other than Group H (High Hazard) and I-2 (Health Care), multiply the occupant loads by 0.2 and 0.15 inch per occupant, respectively, not 0.3. For stairs serving one floor, multiply the floor’s occupant load by 0.3. For stairs serving multiple floors, multiply the occupant load of the floor that serves the most people by 0.3. These calculations give you the required COMBINED width of all exit stairs serving that floor. However, the minimum clear width between handrails is 44″. If the stairway serves a floor with an occupant load of less than 50, the minimum clear width is reduced to 36″. Multi-story stairs Single-story stairs Here’s where it gets tricky. There is a minimum number of exits that is based on the occupant load per story: Occupant Load Per StoryMinimum Number of Exits or Access to Exits from Story1-5002501-1,0003More than 1,0004 The combined width calculation performed above must be distributed between the minimum number of required exits while still meeting the minimum width requirement. AND if one exit stairway is “lost” (i.e. occupants cannot access it due to a fire) the remaining stairway width(s) cannot be reduced to less than half the required combined width. This applies typically when there are only two stairways because if you lose one, there is only one stairway left. If you originally have three stairways and lose one, you still have two stairways left. Summary: calculate the total width per floor you need by multiplying the occupant load by 0.3″ and in some cases 0.2″. Take the largest width that you calculate, and use it for the entire stairway system. Keep in mind, the minimum clear width is typically 44″, but it is sometimes reduced to 36″ for low-capacity floors. Then, figure out how many exits are required by referencing the chart above, and divide the required width between the required number of stairways. That’s it! Reference the IBC codes below to check your work. Calculating Single-Story IBC Stairway Width Scenario: We need exit stairs from the second story of a building. There is a sprinkler system, but the system was not installed per code requirements. The occupant loads are as follows: Floor 1: 175 occupantsFloor 2: 300 occupants The required total stairway width per floor is as follows: Floor 1: Not applicable because this floor is ground level.Floor 2: 300 occupants x 0.3” = 90” We will need two stairways because we have an occupant load between 1 and 500 per story. The 90″ width can be divided between the two stairways. BUT in case a stairway is destroyed or inaccessible during an evacuation, the remaining stairway needs to be at least half of the required minimum (144″). We cannot have a stairway that is 44” wide and the other one is 46”. Why? If we lose the 46” stairway to a fire, we only have the 44” stairway which is less than half the required width. Summary: We calculate the minimum required combined width by multiplying the occupant load of the floor by 0.3″, which is 90″. We need two stairways, so we can divide the 90″ between the two stairs. However, since we only have two stairways, each stairway must be at least half of the 90″. Calculating Multi-Story Stairway Width Below is a scenario in which we calculate the required width of multiple stairways that serve multiple floors. Scenario: We need exit stairs for a building that has 3 floors that have varying occupant loads. There is a sprinkler system, but the system was not installed per code requirements. The occupant loads are; Floor 1: 40 occupants, Floor 2: 480 occupants and Floor 3: 110 occupants The required total stairway width per floor is as follows: FloorOccupant LoadRequired total stairway width1st4040 occupants x 0.3” = 12” 36″*Minimum width for less than 50 occupants is 36”2nd480480 occupants x 0.3” = 144”3rd110110 occupants x 0.3” = 33” 44″*Minimum width for a floor serving more than 50 occupants is 44” What do we do when each floor requires a different width? We use the largest minimum width because we don’t want to create a bottleneck effect where a wide stairway leads into a narrower stairway. Therefore, we want to use the 144” measurement for the minimum combined stair width. We will need two stairways because we have an occupant load between 1 and 500 per story. The 144″ width can be divided between the two stairways. BUT in case a stairway is destroyed or inaccessible during an evacuation, the remaining stairway needs to be at least half of the required minimum (144″). We cannot have a stairway that is 60” wide and the other one is 84”. Why? If we lose the 84” stairway to a fire, we only have the 60” stairway which is less than half the required width. Summary: We calculate the minimum required combined width by multiplying the occupant load of each floor by 0.3″ and using the largest number, which is 144″. We need two stairways, so we can divide the 144″ between the two stairs. However, since we only have two stairways, each stairway must be at least half of the 144″. Referenced IBC Code: 1005.3.1 Stairways The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story. Exceptions: For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. 1005.4 Continuity The maximum capacity required from any story of a building shall be maintained to the termination of the means of egress. 1005.5 Distribution of Minimum Width and Required Capacity Where more than one exit, or access to more than one exit, is required, the means of egress shall be configured such that the loss of any one exit, or access to one exit, shall not reduce the available capacity or width to less than 50 percent of the required capacity or width. 1011.2 Width & Capacity The required capacity of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than 44 inches. See Section 1009.3 for accessible means of egress stairways. Exceptions: Stairways serving an occupant load of less than 50 shall have a width of not less than 36 inches. 1022.1 Exits Once a given level of exit protection is achieved, such level of protection shall not be reduced until arrival at the exit discharge. StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 Stairs Calculating Multi-Story Stairway Width Read More » May 7, 2019
5 Styles of Industrial Work Platforms 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. Feb 27, 2018 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Our industrial work platforms give employees safe access to equipment and machinery in both indoor and outdoor applications. The step platforms feature partial or full adjustability, rust-free aluminum, and fall protection systems for optimal safety. Click on the standard industrial work platform options below to see product details. How does the fully adjustable step platform work? Fully Adjustable Step Platform With Handrail On One Side The Omni Steps are fully adjustable and can accommodate any height within the given range. They are perfect if the required height is unknown or if they need to be moved frequently. The standard Omni Step ranges are: 1) Small Omni Step: 21″ – 26″2) Medium Omni Step: 28″ – 35″3) Large Omni Step: 35″ – 44″ Small Omni Step Platform Medium Omni Step Platform Large Omni Step Platform Get More Info Portable Stairs Fully Adjustable Step Platform With Handrail On Two Sides The T-Bone Omni Steps have the same adjustability as the standard Omni Steps, and the only difference is the added handrail. Depending on the application, you may want handrails on one or both sides. The standard T-Bone Omni Step ranges are: 1) Small T-Bone Omni Step: 21″ – 26″2) Medium T-Bone Omni Step: 28″ – 35″3) Large T-Bone Omni Step: 35″ – 44″ Small T-Bone Omni Step Platform Medium T-Bone Omni Step Platform Large T-Bone Omni Step Platform Get More Info Fully Adjustable Crossover Step Platform With Handrails The Crossover Steps are made of two adjustable T-Bone Omni Steps with an interconnecting work platform; these industrial work platforms are commonly used because they give employees convenient access from two sides to the equipment or machinery. Standard Crossover Steps are fully adjustable and can accommodate any height within the given range: 1) Small T-Bone Omni Step: 21″ – 26″2) Medium T-Bone Omni Step: 28″ – 35″3) Large T-Bone Omni Step: 35″ – 44″ Small Crossover Step Platform Medium Crossover Step Platform Large Crossover Step Platform Get More Info Partially Adjustable Step Platform With Handrail On One Side The Dual Steps are partially adjustable in the sense that the work platform can be set at either of the two specified heights. Standard height options include: 1) Small T-Bone Dual Step: 28″ or 35″2) Medium T-Bone Dual Step: 35″ or 42″3) Large T-Bone Dual Step: 42″ or 49″ Small Dual Step Platform Medium Dual Step Platform Large Dual Step Platform Get More Info Partially Adjustable Step Platform With Handrail On Two Sides The T-Bone Dual Steps have handrails on both sides of the step platform and are partially adjustable in the sense that the work platform can be set at either of the two specified heights. Standard height options include: 1) Small T-Bone Dual Step: 28″ or 35″2) Medium T-Bone Dual Step: 35″ or 42″3) Large T-Bone Dual Step: 42″ or 49″ Small T-Bone Dual Step Platform Medium T-Bone Dual Step Platform Large T-Bone Dual Step Platform Get More Info Need a custom quote? No problem. Contact us for details on custom industrial work platforms. RECOMMENDED POSTS Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022 StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022
Exterior Stairs – 5 Reasons Property Owners Prefer Aluminum 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. Feb 21, 2018 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes More and more commercial and industrial property owners are switching from galvanized steel to aluminum exterior stairs. Here are five reasons why: 1. Long product life Unlike steel, galvanized steel, and wood, aluminum will never rust, warp, or rot, so the structural integrity and original appearance remain intact longer than other common materials. Explanation: Unlike any other material, aluminum is corrosion resistant; when it reacts with oxygen in the air, a thin layer of oxide forms and naturally protects the material from elemental corrosion. The oxide layer may make the aluminum appear dull, but it does not impact the structural integrity. When damaged, the oxide layer is self-repairing and provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than other bare metals. Until the use of aluminum, galvanized steel was popular because it was somewhat corrosion-resistant. A protective zinc coating applied to the material in the galvanization process prevents rusting initially; however, the zinc coating eventually develops a natural carbonate on its surface from the process of atmospheric sulfur dioxide combining with rainwater, resulting in sulfuric acid – the main component of acid rain. Sulfur dioxide is emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels, which means there is a higher concentration in highly-industrialized areas (which is typically where these stairs are used) due to the high volume of vehicles. The carbonate on the surface of the galvanized steel becomes brittle and eventually splits, exposing fresh zinc that corrodes. Since the zinc coating is thin, the base metal is also often exposed and corrodes as well. Takeaway: In highly-industrialized areas with a high volume of freight trucks, galvanized steel experiences corrosion, while aluminum maintains structural integrity. It’s also a good ADA-compliant material for industrial walk ramps and maintenance platforms. 2. No required maintenance Aluminum is more corrosion-resistant than any other material and does not require regular maintenance. Explanation: The only maintenance for aluminum stairs is to ensure that the pathway is free of snow, leaves, and other natural elements. For snow removal, we recommend a magnesium chloride ice melt because most typical ice melts are too harsh for aluminum and can damage the surface. This is in contrast to the routine maintenance required for galvanized steel stairs which will begin to rust if the protective zinc coating is scratched. Therefore, it is recommended to routinely apply a protective coating so that the barrier between the water and the metal is maintained. Property owners have expressed dissatisfaction with this required maintenance of galvanized steel. When stairs are located in a region where it snows, removal of ice and snow can be problematic because all ice melts eat away at the zinc coating. Takeaway: Property owners report that steel is extremely hard to maintain, especially in climates where it rains and snows often, and aluminum is much less work. 3. Simple installation Our product is prefabricated, requiring only a few bolts for assembly. While steel prefabricated solutions exist, aluminum is much lighter, so the aluminum exterior stairs are easier and faster to install and require less manpower. Check out our dock step installation guide to see how easy it is. Someone without experience could assemble a dock-high stair system in a couple of hours. 4. Optimal strength-to-weight ratio Aluminum meets the capacity requirements, and it’s easier than steel to install because it is lightweight. Explanation: Aluminum is approximately 1/3 the density of steel and weighs much less. Upside Innovations’ distributed load is 100 lbs. per square foot with a point load of 300 lbs., the load requirements specified by the International Building Code for new construction means of egress. While galvanized steel is stronger than aluminum, aluminum exceeds the requirements for pedestrian access applications and is preferred because of its many other benefits. 5. Potentially cut costs Property owners can save money upfront by switching from galvanized steel exterior stairs to aluminum. Typically steel stairs are manufactured by small, local companies with less capital, which means higher prices. Explanation: One of the world’s largest commercial real estate companies, Prologis, just changed its new construction specifications from galvanized steel dock-high steps to Upside Innovations’ aluminum dock-high steps. Switching to aluminum will save them roughly 20-30% upfront and an additional variable amount from reduced yearly maintenance costs. The cost per unit for the previously used galvanized steel stairs was high because the stairs were produced on a project-to-project basis by local, custom steel fabricators that didn’t have large-scale production capabilities. Upside Innovations has a large-scale manufacturing operation of aluminum stairs for nationwide delivery, meaning that the cost per unit is drastically lower than the aforementioned galvanized stairs. There are instances when the upfront price of aluminum exterior stairs is not always less expensive than galvanized steel because the raw material is typically more expensive; however, the cost of aluminum stairs over the course of their life will be less because galvanized steel incurs routine maintenance costs whereas aluminum does not. Takeaway: Over time, aluminum has proven to be less expensive because galvanized steel requires yearly maintenance costs. StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 News Best ADA Ramp Material Read More » February 12, 2018
ADA Stair Landing Requirements 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. Feb 14, 2018 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes This guide will help you determine the required ADA stair landing width and length to accommodate door swing and an area of refuge. We refer to the International Building Code (IBC) for new construction because it covers ADA landing requirements. ADA Stair Landings A landing must be at the top and bottom of each stairway. A landing is required every 12′ of vertical stairway rise. The landing should be at least as wide as the stairway that it serves. How wide does my stairway need to be? The length (measured in the direction of travel) should be greater or equal to the width. For a stairway that has a straight run through a platform, the platform does not need to exceed 48″ in length. The landing surface should not be sloped steeper than 1:48 in any direction. Need an ADA stair and landing? ADA Stair Landings with Doors: Landings should be at least as wide as the stairway or the door, whichever is greater. When a landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, doors in any position should not reduce the landing size to less than 1/2 the required width. When the door is fully open, it should not project more than 7″ into the required minimum landing dimensions. *Required when the stairway serves more than 50 occupants 1011.6 Stairway landings – There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of landings, measured perpendicularly to the direction of travel, shall be not less than the width of stairways served. Every landing shall have a minimum depth, measured parallel to the direction of travel, equal to the width of the stairway or 48 inches (1219 mm), whichever is less. Doors opening onto a landing shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half the required width. When fully open, the door shall not project more than 7 inches (178 mm) into a landing. ADA Stair Landings that Require Area of Refuge: If the stairway requires an area of refuge, you must have a 30″ x 48″ space for every 200 occupants. Access to any required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge cannot be obstructed by more than one adjoining wheelchair space. The area of refuge cannot overlap the required width of the landing. The door swing cannot overlap the area of refuge. Sources: IBC Chapter 10 Means of Egress 1009.3 Accessible Means of Egress: Stairways 1010.1.6 Doors, Gates, and Turnstiles: Landings at Doors 1011.2 Stairways: Width and Capacity 1011.6 Stairways: Stairway Landings 1011.8 Stairways: Vertical Rise StairsTools & Resources IBC Stair Width Calculation Read More » May 6, 2019 News Area of Refuge vs. Area of Rescue Requirements Read More » May 24, 2019
New Warehouse Steps 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. Feb 08, 2018 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Rust is another name for iron oxide. The process of oxidation occurs when a metal reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture in the air. Given enough time and exposure to oxygen and water, any iron mass will convert to rust and disintegrate. The life of the product can be prolonged by galvanizing the metal which provides a protective layer of metallic zinc. However, galvanization often fails at seams, holes, and joints where there are gaps in the coatings. Therefore, galvanization provides protection for only a limited period of time. The chipped paint is most likely due to age, which is unavoidable. As time goes on, the cohesive bond strength continues to develop. Cohesion, in laymen’s terms, means that the paint particles are sticking to each other better and better over time. Therefore, the cohesive bond strength can overwhelm the adhesive strength of the coating to the metal. The steps are no longer compliant with OSHA regulations since the concrete and metal have created uneven step treads along with large “lumps” in the tread nosing. ADA-compliance is typically necessary for loading dock steps because non-affiliated delivery workers may use the steps to drop off small loads. Since the stairs are used by non-employees, ADA regulations must be followed. Upside Innovations makes every product from aluminum because of its weather-resistant properties and high tensile strength. More benefits of aluminum are: Aluminum oxidizes when exposed to oxygen and moisture, but the result is not rust. Oxidation on aluminum actually strengthens the material instead of deteriorating it. This means that over time, aluminum becomes stronger. The powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat. This makes the coating form a “skin” that is much less likely to experience the cohesion and chipping that paint experiences. For a loading dock application, ADA-compliant warehouse steps are usually required. All of Upside’s loading dock steps are compliant with the latest ADA regulation. If ADA is not required for the application, the OSHA-compliant step is available. News Best ADA Ramp Material Read More » February 12, 2018 StairsTools & Resources How to Clean Aluminum Stairs Read More » July 31, 2022
Aluminum Generator Access Platform 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 16, 2018 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes A generator access platform and the steps are important for providing safe, compliant access to the employees who provide maintenance to generators. Platforms and steps typically comply with walking-working surfaces and OSHA regulations for fixed stairways which means that there are several regulations for tread depth, tread width, riser height, platform size, guardrail height, and more. A generator access platform requires a guardrail system if the platform is more than 4′ above the ground or lower level. Still, for optimal safety, many employers choose a guardrail system regardless of the platform height. The guardrail system consists of top rails and midrails (or some other intermediate object between the top rail and platform). The top edge of the top rails must be between 39″ and 45″ above the walking surface, while the midrail must be installed at the midpoint between the walking surface and the top edge of the top rail. Stairs for generator access Platform run and generator access stairs Steps leading to generator Generator Platform installation for Northwood Ravin in Tampa, FL Generator Platform OSHA-Compliant Dimensions Typical OSHA-compliant dimensions for generator steps: 6.5″ riser height 11″ tread depth 38″ tread width 38″ clearance between handrails 36″ handrail height Read the OSHA regulations for fixed stairways to view all generator access step regulations. Upside Innovations worked on a project involving two generators that required OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps. The end-user wanted the two generators to be connected by the platform so that maintenance personnel wouldn’t have to go up and down each generator’s set of steps. Upside designed a custom solution so that employees could access both generators via a continuous platform. Get a Quote Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022 NewsStairsTools & Resources How a Catwalk Walkways Can Improve Workflow in Your Facility Read More » June 28, 2024
Modular Classroom Access – ADA Steps and 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. Dec 20, 2017 Estimated reading time: 1 minute Our team designs, manufactures, and installs ADA steps, ADA ramps, and canopies for modular classrooms. We work on all types of projects from single classrooms to large, modular school complexes. Get a Quick Quote Case Study: We manufactured and installed steps, ramps, and a canopy for modular classroom access in West Virginia. The modular classrooms were a temporary solution because the original school building had water damage from the 2016 flood. FEMA helped provide resources for the school, and the organization contracted Modular Genius to supply the modular classrooms. In total, the Modular Genius supplied 45,000 square feet of space. After installing the modular classrooms, Modular Genius purchased aluminum steps, ramps, and a canopy from us. Below are overhead images of the completed project. In total, we supplied 10 ADA steps, 3 ADA ramps, and a walkway canopy. We installed the steps and ramps throughout the complex, so each building had ADA access. We installed the canopy over the shared walkway, which connected three of the modular classrooms together. Ramps, Steps, and Canopy provided by Upside InnovationsOrange dot = ADA-compliant steps; Black dot = ADA-compliant ramps Check out Upside’s ADA stairs and ADA ramps. News Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Read More » September 4, 2022 Project Profile ADA Accessibility Ramps at Virginia State University Read More » August 5, 2024
Crossover Metal Stairs for Industrial Applications 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. Nov 21, 2017 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Crossover metal stairs have at least two sets of stairs that are connected by one or more platforms and are designed to allow employees to safely travel up and over physical barriers in the workplace. Without stairs that provide access over the barriers, employees could be injured if they try to climb over or crawl under the object. The crossover stairs must comply with OSHA regulations to ensure that employees will not fall. Aluminum is the most common material used for crossover steps because it is lightweight yet strong, and it won’t rust in a wet or humid environment. Steel is sometimes used, but it will rust, it is more expensive, and it’s bulkier than aluminum. Crossover metals stairs commonly provide access over barriers such as conveyor belts, industrial pipes and ducts, and walls that don’t extend all the way to the ceiling. There are a variety of common crossover stair layouts that can accommodate a variety of barrier sizes, locations, and configurations. Simplified Crossover Layouts: C-SHAPE CROSSOVER H-SHAPE CROSSOVER STRAIGHT CROSSOVER L-SHAPE CROSSOVER Z-SHAPE CROSSOVER The C-shape layout below was designed to help employees cross over a conveyor belt that moved materials through a small opening and into another room. The crossover platform was designed to be high enough to give enough clearance underneath so that the materials could still fit through the opening. This is the final set of crossover metal stairs installed to give access over the conveyor belt. The step risers are of equal heights, and guardrails are provided for fall-protection. Upside Innovations will custom design a set of crossover metal stairs to meet your specifications whereas many suppliers offer a standard product that may not fit your unique application. The Upside Crossover Steps can utilize either a Grip Strut walking surface or an extruded, aluminum decking. Grip Strut is more of an aggressive tread with holes in the surface, and extruded decking is a solid surface with little raised strips for traction. Roof crossover stairs Factory line crossover Crossing over parapet Access stair Rooftop crossover stairs StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 StairsTools & Resources Exterior Stairs – 5 Reasons Property Owners Prefer Aluminum Read More » February 21, 2018
Stairs for Mobile Office Trailers 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. Nov 14, 2017 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Our stairs for mobile office trailers are the best option for temporary jobs such as construction sites because they are adjustable. They are unlike other portable stairs in the market because when they adjust, they keep an even height between all treads. The difference between our stairs and others’: Our Omni Stairs: Every tread adjusts at the same time, so there are even step heights. Other stairs: Only the bottom tread adjusts, so it will have a different height than the rest of the treads. The stairs are fully adjustable, so they will fit on a range of heights. There are two main benefits of being able to fit multiple door threshold heights: 1) The stairs can be used for other jobs after they are no longer needed on the current site. 2) If the trailer door height is not measured correctly or the ground is sloping, our stairs will still work if the door height is within the range. View our mobile office stair sizes. How it works: The video below demonstrates how the 28″ – 35″ Omni Step works. The stairs have a pivoting riser assembly that can adjust anywhere between two outer limits. Then, simply attach the stair platform to the threshold, hook the step riser onto the platform, and let the steps pivot down to the ground. Do you need portable stairs for your mobile office? Get a Quick Quote StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 Stairs 5 Styles of Industrial Work Platforms Read More » February 27, 2018
