Steel Walkways, Stairs and Access Platforms

Safe access is part of every working building. Steel walkways, stairs, ladders and platforms give operators and maintenance staff a safe route to mezzanines, roof equipment, cranes, conveyors and plant. They are designed with handrails, guardrails and toe boards that meet the code for the occupancy and use.

Stairs are typically formed from steel stringers with grating, checker plate or pan treads filled with concrete. Ladders, with or without cages or fall-arrest systems, are used where space is limited and access is occasional. Platforms and walkways use gratings or plates on steel framing, supported from the building structure or on their own columns.

Roof platforms and catwalks support refrigeration units, fans and other equipment, and give access across fragile roof areas. Crane access platforms and walkways along runway beams allow inspection and maintenance of the crane and its rails.

Loads, clear widths, headroom, riser and tread dimensions, and guardrail heights are set by the governing code and the owner requirements. The project engineer designs the framing and connections, and the supports are coordinated with the main frames and purlins.

World Steel supplies walkways, stairs and platforms as part of the building package, with galvanized or painted finishes chosen for exposure. Grating, plate and handrail details are shown on the drawings so that installation is straightforward.

In a request for quotation, describe each access route, its purpose and loads, the floor type, guarding needs and the finish. Where equipment platforms are needed, provide equipment weights and footprints so the framing and supports can be designed correctly for the use.