Fiberglass Stairs Improve Slippery Stairways

Public parks are designed to make nature accessible and enjoyable for visitors. Like any natural environment, a park&#;s landscape is not easily controlled. Trails can become difficult to navigate after inclement weather or heavy traffic. Manmade structures like fishing piers, boardwalks, bridges, and stairs can become slick from rain or mildew. Whether guests are hiking, biking or taking a leisurely stroll, safety is always a top priority for park&#;s staff.  

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Problem: Slippery Wooden Steps Cause Visitor Complaints 

When safety concerns regarding outside wooden stairs were brought to the attention of park officials, they began researching preventative measures to mitigate the risk of slips, trips and falls in that area. The stairs, found on a heavily traveled path, were reported by patrons as being slick due to inclement weather and moisture build-up.  

To combat the weathering and constant foot traffic, park maintenance would clean the stairs and apply a fresh coat of paint with some added anti-slip grit. This safety precaution, while effective in the short-term, would eventually deteriorate. Additionally, paint can only be applied during warmer, drier weather conditions. However, this solution needed to be applied during the winter months.

Park officials ultimately reached out to Sure-Foot Industries to explore low-maintenance, cost-effective durable anti-slip solutions that could keep visitors safe, even during harshest Midwest winters.   

Solution: Fiberglass Step Covers Improve Slippery Stairways 

Before suggesting possible anti-slip products, they first collected information about the problem area including stairway location, dimensions, traffic type, and volume.  

Sure-Foot approached the park project much the same way as other hazardous areas in industrial or maritime environments. 

Once a better understanding was gained about the project location, the Sure-Foot team immediately ruled-out certain anti-slip products. While our anti-slip tape may have provided rugged traction, tape cannot be properly applied in cold and wet conditions.

It was quickly determined that Sure-Foot&#;s fiberglass product was the answer to the park&#;s safety requirements. Unaffected by cold or moisture,  Sure-Foot&#;s Fiberglass Step Covers will withstand varying weather conditions while providing heavy-duty anti-slip protection. The product installed was the 11.75&#; anti-slip step&#;cover in a medium grit surface.  

Implementation: Designing a Custom Anti-Slip Fiberglass Solution 

Sure-Foot&#;s non-slip fiberglass step covers are designed to provide reliable, durable and safer footing in some of the worlds most demanding environments.

A custom fiberglass solution was created to fit the exact dimensions of the park&#;s unique steps. The finished step covers were manufactured with a medium grit surface and included a front yellow edge with a black back to draw the attention of unaware pedestrians who may not recognize the stairwell.  

The product was delivered to the park&#;s maintenance department ready to be drilled and installed.  After reviewing Sure-Foot&#;s simple installation instructions, the maintenance team chose to use a combination of adhesive and screws to securely fasten the step covers to the existing steps.

Results: Customer Loves Quick Installation and Lasting Non-Slip Solution  

Park maintenance was pleased with how fast and easy the Sure-Foot FRP product could be implemented. They felt it made life easier, not only during initial installation. They realized it would provide a long-lasting, maintenance-free solution that wouldn&#;t require constant attention in the coming years.  

The park officials were so impressed with the ease of installation, lifetime value, and results provided by Sure-Foot&#;s FRP step covers; they called for the installation of more anti-slip products throughout the park system to improve visitor safety.  

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Shengfei are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

If you are interested in the long-lasting safety benefits of Sure-Foot&#;s Fiberglass Step Cover&#;solutions, &#;request a sample&#;today. 

Ladders are made of three materials: fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. This post focuses on the differences between fiberglass and aluminum ladders.

Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladder &#; What&#;s best?

Aluminum ladders are preferred because they are lightweight and cost-effective. Fiberglass is non-conductive and best for electrical work.

Here&#;s an overview comparing aluminum and fiberglass ladders

Aluminum LaddersFiberglass LaddersWeight/Portability&#;
Lightweight&#;
HeavierStrength&#;
While fiberglass is stronger, all aluminum ladders are sufficiently strong when used correctly.&#;
Generally stronger and sturdier than aluminumDurability&#;
Will not rust or corrode, though natural oxidation may occur&#;
Highly durable

&#;
Can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to UV sunlightSustainability &#;
Can be recycled and likely made from recycled materials&#;
No recycling optionsCost&#;
Less expensive&#;
More expensiveSafety&#;
Shows visible signs of wear or damage, which can be crucial for safety

&#;
Conductive when doing electrical work&#;
Non-conductive, Ideal for electrical work

&#;
Impact damage is not always visible

Aluminum Ladders

Pros

• Lightweight: Easier to transport and handle, making them suitable for various applications where mobility is essential.
• Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than fiberglass ladders, offering good value for general use.
• Durability: Aluminum is resistant to rust and can withstand various environmental conditions without corroding.
• Visible Damage: Shows impact damage clearly, allowing for easy identification of potential safety hazards.
• Recyclable: The ladder is likely made of recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of its life, making it an environmentally friendly option.
• UV Resistant: Unlike fiberglass, UV radiation does not affect aluminum, maintaining its integrity over time.

Cons:

• Conductive: Not safe for electrical work as aluminum conducts electricity, posing a risk in environments with electrical hazards.
• Heat Conductive: While not a major concern, especially for homeowners, aluminum can become hot to the touch when exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures.

Our Ladder Products

Fiberglass Ladders

Pros:

• Electrical Safety: Non-conductive material makes fiberglass ladders safe for electrical work, protecting users from electrocution.
• Strength and Rigidity: Generally stronger and more rigid than aluminum, providing a stable platform, especially useful in step ladders.
• Durability in Sunlight: Although susceptible to UV degradation over time, fiberglass does not corrode or rust, making it suitable for outdoor use.
• Non-Visible Impact Resistance: While impacts may not be visibly apparent, fiberglass can handle certain types of impacts better than aluminum.

Cons:

• Heavier: More difficult to move and transport, especially in larger sizes, which can be a drawback for tasks requiring ladder mobility.
• More Expensive: Typically costlier than aluminum, which may be a significant factor for budget-conscious consumers.
• UV Degradation: Fiberglass can deteriorate when exposed to prolonged sunlight, potentially weakening the ladder in time.
• Hidden Damage: Impact damage may not always be visible, posing a risk as internal fibers could be compromised without outward signs.

If you&#;re working on a roof in a commercial or industrial environment, use handrail systems to be OSHA compliant.

Resources:
Choosing the right ladder americanladderinstitute.org

Comparing Aluminum and Steel &#; ErectaStep

For fall protection &#; fixed ladder fall arrest system 

Not all work environments and tasks are the same. Consult a ladder manufacturer&#;s ratings, recommendations, and OSHA guidelines when considering your options.

The company is the world’s best fiberglass stair supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.