Is the Alternating Tread Stair Safe?

How Safe are Ladders?

Comparing the Alternating Tread Stair

Ever since the Original Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair set the standard for industrial access and efficiency in 1981, our commitment to improving workplace safety and compliance continues to lead the industry.

vs. Ships Stairs

A Virginia Tech study concluded that alternating tread stairs have a clear advantage.

vs. Caged Ladders

Ladders are consistently one of OSHA's top ten most cited violations for general industry.

Hear What the Reports Have to Say

Lapeyre Stair · A Comparative Analysis of Staircase Designs

What do the reports conclude?

Ships Ladders Have Issues with Balance

The Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair is superior to the traditional ship’s ladder with respect to balance and a tendency to rotate away or towards the ladder/stairs. – Saturn Ergonomics Consulting, LLC, Auburn University, September, 2022.

Ships Ladders Cause Missteps

“In summary, the users’ subjective data and the objectively measured frequency of missteps consistenly and clearly demonstrate the comfort and safety advantage of the Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair over the conventional ship’s ladder.” – Huan Factors Engineering Laboratory, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, July 1988.

Caged Ladders do not Protect Workers

Studies have shown that cages do not protect workers. Employers should consider replacing caged ladders with alternative means of fall protection. Optimally, employers should consider replacing ladders with stairways whenever possible.

Even OSHA has said it’s Time to Eliminate Ladders

In a 2017 update, OSHA stated, “Employers should provide stairs for regular or routine operational use including access to equipment.”

Still not sure? Contact a stair expert to learn about testing one in your facility.

Cited Sources

Virginia Tech's Study

OSHA Code 1910.25

Saturn Ergonomics Report

Still Using Ladders?

Don't just take our word for it

Our standard product designs incorporate interchangeable components that are pre-engineered to comply with applicable codes and standards.

Testimonials

We extensively use alternating tread stairs from Lapeyre Stair instead of ladders in our plant because they are safer and easier to use. Working with Lapeyre Stair is easy and convenient. We just give them the height and the angle we need and they return with a drawings and quote. We ok the layout, provide a PO number, and the order arrives in two to three weeks. Lapeyre Stair is a pleasure to work with.

We have used alternating tread stairs from Lapeyre Stair for years and are finding new places to install them all the time. They are safer and easier to climb than a ladder and, when you run out of room for a long set of stairs, they are a great alternative. Customer Service has always been great; they are very patient and helpful; and my orders are correct when they arrive and include all the parts. Alternating tread stairs are easy to install and assemble. I just measure the height of the platform and decide what degree I want. Customer Service quickly responds with a print for approval, we issue a PO, and the order is produced.

We decided to switch to the alternating tread stair from caged ladders to access our equipment because it provides a safer, easier, and more efficient means of access to the equipment for our clients. The team at Lapeyre Stair has been great to work with. They are very responsive and their quick turnarounds on drawings and fabrication schedules have met the demands of our fast-paced projects.

Alternating tread stairs from Lapeyre Stair provide access to our machines that is safer and more comfortable than ladders while also saving space over a traditional stair. Lapeyre Stair is our preferred vendor for all of our stair needs. They custom build their products to our exact specifications; their web site makes getting CAD files and ordering easy; their shipping is timely and reliable; and assembly of the stairs is simple.

Alternating Tread Stair Specifications

To ensure complete compliance with OSHA and IBC standards, alternating tread stairs are built to exact, vertical heights measured from where the top landing of the stair attaches to the upper, finished floor to the lower, finished floor where the foot of the stair will be secured.