Alternating Tread Stairs
A safer alternative to ships ladders that provides maximum safety, minimum space. With lead times as fast as 3-days for powder-coated carbon steel stairs.
Alternating Tread Stairs
The Original Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair provides maximum safety, minimum space.The Original Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair
Since 1981, our patented alternating tread stair design has set the industry standard for safe, ergonomic, compliant industrial access.
Maximum Safety. Minimum Space.
The code-compliant handrails on alternating tread stairs meet OSHA requirements for fall protection and improve ease of use. Read the safety reports.
The 8 1/2" tread depths on the alternating tread stair gives users firm, full-footed support.
Alternating tread stairs are designed to be used as a standard stair with users facing the direction of travel when climbing up and down.
Alternating tread stairs require a smaller overall footprint than standard stairs because of their steeper slope of either 56 or 68 degrees
Our experts will make sure your alternating tread stars are designed and engineered to meet OSHA and IBC requirements.
Alternating tread stairs have a built-in, cushioned, central stringer designed to protect users and reduce the risk of trips and falls
Alternating Tread Stair Applications
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The Alternating Tread Stair In Use
Alternating Tread Stair Code Compliance
OSHA Compliance
Alternating tread stairs are allowed when a standard stair is not feasible for regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment.
IBC Compliance
Alternating tread stairs are allowed as a means of egress from small mezzanines, guard towers, observation stations, control rooms, and as access to unoccupied roofs.
When placed against ships stairs & fixed vertical ladders, the alternating tread stair is the safe alternative, when space is at a premium
OSHA classifies alternating tread stairs (alternating tread devices) as non-standard stairs and states they are acceptable to use in applications where it is not feasible to use standard stairs.
Versus a Ships Stair
Virginia Tech conducted a study comparing alternating tread stairs to ship stairs and concluded that alternating tread stairs have a clear comfort and safety advantage over ship stairs.
Versus a Fixed Ladder?
Ladders are consistently one of OSHA's top ten most cited violations for general industry. The need to address the hazard they present in the workplace was one of the reasons for the 2017 update to the Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Source: Federal Registry, Vol. 61, No. 223
Versus a Standard Industrial Stair
Less space? Choose an alternating tread stair for applications where space is limited. The 68° alternating tread stairs require the least amount of space but the steeper angle is less comfortable to use. The less steep angle of 56° alternating tread stairs is more comfortable to use while also requiring less space.
Ladders & Fall Injuries, Musculoskeletal Disorders
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) as a soft-tissue injury caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions.
Instructions, Drawings, Designs, Specs
Search alternating tread specifications, data sheets, design, technical, installation files
Measuring guidelines, sample prints, standard dimensions, connection details, and more.
Space Savings vs. Standard Industrial Stair
| VERTICAL HEIGHT/RISE | HORIZONTAL RUN | ||
| STEEL, 56° | STEEL, 68° | STANDARD STAIR | |
| 4' | 3'11" | 2'2" | 4'3" |
| 6' | 4'5" | 2'11" | 5'10" |
| 8' | 5'9" | 3'9" | 8'2" |
| 10' | 7'1" | 4'7" | 9'9" |
| 12' | 8'6" | 5'4" | 12'2" |
| 14' | 9'10" | 6'2" | 13'9" |
| 16' | 11'2" | 7' | 16'1" |
| 18' | 12'6" | 7'10" | 17'8" |
| 20' | 13'10" | 8'7" | 20'1" |
Alternating Tread Stair Options, Materials and Finishes
Handrail Options
| Heights | Angles | Handrails | ||||||
| Min | Max (Single Run) | 56° | 68° |  |  |  | ||
| Powder Coated Carbon Steel | 36" | 240" |  | | | | | |
| Galvanized Carbon Steel | 36" | 240" | | | | | | |
| Stainless Steel | 36" | 240" | | | | | | |
| Aluminum Steel | 24" | 216" | | | | |||
Powder Coated Carbon Steel
Our most popular and most used type of alternating tread stair Ideal for most indoor applications.
Design Specifications & Options
Hot Dipped Galvanized Carbon Steel
Carbon steel alternating tread stairs with a galvanized finish, ideal for outdoor applications.
Design Specifications & Options
Stainless Steel
Ideal for food processing and sanitary conditions.
Ideal for food processing and sanitary conditions.
Design Specifications & Options
Aluminum
About aluminum alternating tread stairs
Design Specifications & Options
