Discover how FRP non-slip stair treads improve rooftop safety in data centers, reducing fall risks and meeting OSHA codes.
In data centers, chillers, packaged rooftop units, cooling towers, and exhaust systems are often mounted on the roof to save ground space, improve airflow, and reduce noise at street level. Non-slip stair treads are essential in data centers where rooftop equipment is standard.
Whether in a single-story or multi-story data center, rooftop configurations effectively turn the roof into a functional workplace for technicians. Routine inspections and maintenance require staff to ascend stairways and platforms to access critical systems. Common hazards include wet or icy steps, condensation from cooling equipment, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. To mitigate these risks, OSHA walking-working surface requirements and ADA guidelines underscore the importance of safe, slip-resistant pathways to these areas.
Regular access to rooftop equipment increases the risk of slips and falls. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and prolonged UV exposure worsen these hazards by degrading traditional stair materials and making surfaces slippery
Metal stairs can rust and lose traction over time while concrete and wood may crack, spall, or wear down. Installing outdoor non-slip stair treads can help ensure safe footing, reduce the risk of accidents, and support compliance with safety codes.
Fibergrate stair treads use a bonded grit coating that delivers dependable slip resistance in wet, icy, or high-traffic conditions. By withstanding freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and heavy use without frequent repair or replacement, maintenance needs decrease, and the long-term value increases.
FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) outdoor non-slip stair treads combine corrosion resistance, durability, and light weight, making them well-suited for rooftop environments. When paired with FRP walkways and handrails, stair treads form continuous, defined safe routes across the roof. This integration ensures workers always have a reliable, visible path to follow.
A UK data center renovation required custom outdoor non-slip stair treads and stair safety treads to enable safe worker navigation around extensive rooftop cable trays and equipment. The FRP access system, featuring non-slip stair tread solutions along with crossovers and service riser gratings, protected the roof membrane while ensuring safe access to critical fiber-optic infrastructure without disrupting the facility's ongoing operations. Read the full case study.
Industrial stairways often experience significant wear due to heavy foot traffic, moisture, and exposure to chemicals. Traditional materials like steel and aluminum can corrode or weaken under these conditions, leading to safety risks and increased maintenance.
FRP stair treads offer a dependable alternative. Their slip-resistant surfaces support safer footing, even in wet or oily environments, while their corrosion resistance reduces the need for frequent repairs. Lightweight construction also makes installation and handling easier, lowering labor requirements over time.
Together, these qualities make FRP stair treads a practical choice for facilities that need durable, low-maintenance solutions to keep workers safe and operations efficient
Safe rooftop stairs must follow OSHA stairway requirements, which mandate uniform riser heights, consistent tread depths, and proper handrails. Walking-working surface rules require that access routes remain free of hazards such as snow and ice.
See OSHA’s walking-working surface requirements and stairway regulations here. ADA and ANSI standards provide further guidance on slip resistance and stair safety features.
Rooftop equipment is part of nearly every modern data center, which means technician access is constant. Non-slip stair treads are not an afterthought - they are a frontline defense against slips, falls, and costly downtime.
By specifying FRP stair safety treads along with coordinated walkways and handrails, data center operators can ensure safe, compliant, and reliable access to the systems that keep facilities running.
Contact Fibergrate Composite Systems to explore the best non-slip stair tread solutions and rooftop access solutions for your data center.
Rooftop access is required in data centers because mechanical systems such as chillers and cooling towers are often roof-mounted, requiring regular technician access.
Their gritted or textured surface maintains traction in rain, snow, and icy conditions, reducing slip hazards.
OSHA rules for walking-working surfaces and stairways apply, and ADA/ANSI standards provide additional design guidance.