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In industrial facilities, staircases are critical safety assets. From processing plants and mining operations to utilities and heavy industry, stair treads must perform under constant load, environmental exposure, and operational wear. Material selection directly affects safety compliance, maintenance requirements, and long-term reliability.
At Treadwell, our Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) stair treads are engineered specifically for industrial environments. Designed as a single, integrated component, Treadwell FRP stair treads deliver strength, slip resistance, and durability where traditional materials may fall short.
Treadwell FRP Stair Treads in Industrial Applications
Treadwell’s FRP stair treads are built to withstand repeated foot traffic, impact loads, vibration, and exposure to moisture or chemicals — often simultaneously.
High Strength with Reduced Structural Load
Treadwell FRP stair treads provide high load-bearing capacity at approximately one-third the weight of steel. This strength-to-weight advantage reduces dead load on stair stringers and supporting structures, simplifying both new installations and retrofits.
Single, Integrated Safety Component
Treadwell FRP stair treads are manufactured as a one-piece, monolithic unit with an integrated anti-slip nosing and gritted surface. The nosing is not a secondary attachment or applied treatment — it is part of the tread itself.
This single-component design eliminates risks associated with loose fixings, delamination, or worn adhesive products, ensuring consistent safety performance over the life of the staircase.
Impact Resistance for Industrial Use
FRP has inherent elasticity, allowing Treadwell stair treads to absorb impact without permanent deformation. This makes them well suited to industrial environments where dropped tools, vibration, and heavy usage are common.
Key Benefits in the Australian Context
1. Corrosion and Environmental Resistance
Steel treads are prone to rusting at the bolt holes, while concrete can crack and spall due to reinforcement corrosion. FRP is chemically inert; it does not rust, rot, or support the growth of mould, making it ideal for external environments.
2. Safety and Visibility (AS 1657 Compliance)
Safety is the primary driver for installing FRP treads. In accordance with AS 1657 (Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders), stair edges must be clearly visible and slip-resistant.
- High Visibility: Treadwell Group offer treads with permanent, high-contrast yellow nosing (such as the StairSAFE® range). This ensures that the leading edge of each step is visible even in low-light or dusty conditions.
- Permanent Traction: The quartz or silicon carbide grit embedded in the resin provides an R13 slip-resistance rating, which remains effective even when the surface is wet, oily, or covered in frost.
3. Electrical and Thermal Insulation
In rail corridors or power substations, the non-conductive nature of FRP is a vital safety feature, eliminating risks related to faulty electric circuits or lines. Additionally, FRP has low thermal conductivity; unlike metal stairs that can become scorching hot in the Australian summer, FRP remains at a safer temperature for industrial environments.
4. Maintenance and Longevity
Treadwell FRP stair treads are designed to minimise maintenance over their entire service life. Unlike steel stair systems that rely on protective coatings and secondary anti-slip products, Treadwell stair treads are manufactured as a single, integrated FRP component.
Steel stairs typically require:
- Ongoing repainting or re-galvanising to manage corrosion
- Regular inspections and repairs at fixings and cut edges
- Replacement of worn or peeling adhesive anti-slip tapes
In contrast, Treadwell Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) stair treads require only basic cleaning. Colour is pigmented through the material, eliminating chipping or coating failure, while the anti-slip grit is embedded into the tread during manufacture — not applied afterwards.
The result is a stair tread that maintains its safety performance and appearance for the life of the structure, without the recurring maintenance burden associated with traditional materials.