Render of Stairs with Cleaning Products

How to Clean Aluminum Stairs

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Cleaning Untreated Aluminum Steps

Aluminum is a light but strong material common for outdoor stair applications because it is weather-resistant. It is weather-resistant in that it doesn’t rust, but it forms a natural layer of oxide through the process called “oxidation.”

Oxidation can be a baffling occurrence because it is a natural chemical reaction. Unlike corrosion on other metals, it does not weaken the aluminum but strengthens the material. This makes aluminum superior to other metals because of its inherent quality. The galvanizing process protects other metals, wherein a zinc coating envelops the base metal like iron or steel to slow down oxidation.

IMPORTANT – Do not use abrasive cleaning pads on aluminum stairs or ramps

Oxidation creates a protective barrier against water and rust, but it can make the aluminum less attractive over time. If you know how to clean aluminum stairs properly, it will decrease the chances of severe oxidation.

Step 1: The first step is to ensure that all debris, including mud, dust, and leaves, is cleared off the steps. To do this, you must start at the top landing of the steps with a stiff-bristled broom and sweep all the debris over the side of the platform or down the steps one by one; the stringers that run along both edges of the steps may make it difficult to push the debris over the sides. The stiff-bristled broom is recommended to clean out the grooves of the step treads, but don’t try to scrub them with the broom as it might scratch the aluminum.

Step 2: After sweeping the debris off the aluminum stairs, rinse it with water and a mild detergent such as dish soap. Use a generous amount of dish soap over the length of the staircase, and put a concentrated amount on tough spots. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, hose off or lightly pressure wash the steps to remove the soap and dirt. If possible, it is suggested to use filtered water because unfiltered water may contain sulfur, chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that could damage the aluminum over time. Ensure all dish soap is washed off before the steps are used because the soap and water make the aluminum slippery.

Step 3: If dirt is still on the stairs, scrub the area with a towel and dish soap. Do not use steel wool or scouring pads because these materials can scratch the aluminum and give it a dull appearance. Do not use harsh cleaners like baking soda or alkali-based cleaners, as these can cause discoloration. If you want to try a new type of cleaner, test an area on the underside of the staircase to see if it discolors the aluminum.

Step 4: If the aluminum has already oxidized, try spot-treating the oxidized areas with an aluminum cleaner like Aluma Kleen or Aluma Bright.

Cleaning Powder-Coated Aluminum Steps

Cleaning aluminum metal stairs that are powder-coated is similar, but the powder-coating is a little more delicate than the aluminum. If the aluminum steps are powder-coated, there is less chance of oxidation because the powder-coating provides an extra layer of defense. However, if the coating is scratched, oxidation spots can still form.

Aluminum switchback ramp with powder coating

Step 1: Brush off the steps, moving from top to bottom, with a stiff-bristled broom. Do not try to scrub the steps with the broom, as it might scratch the aluminum.

Step 2: The most efficient way to clean outdoor aluminum steps with a powder-coated finish is by using filtered water at low pressure with a pressure washer. Use a mild detergent such as dish soap, and DO NOT use chlorine or harsh cleaning solutions. High water pressure and aggressive cleaning products can damage the powder-coated finish. The commercial cleaning solutions will clean the surface, but they also remove micro-layers of finish. The layer might later become hard and crack while losing its protective barrier.

Step 3: As stated above, use a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface; do not use anything with stiff bristles or a scratchy pad.

Step 4: To keep powder-coated steps looking nice, try a high-grade, non-abrasive car wax that contains a U.V. blocker and/or U.V. inhibitors. Be sure to wipe off residual wax because it could bake in the heat and cause permanent staining. As with any other product applied to the staircase, making a test area on the underside of the steps is recommended.

fall-safety

Avoiding Falls, Trips, and Slips in the Workplace

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), slips, trips, and falls inflict 700 fatal injuries and many more accidents in the workplace each year. While mishaps can occur in any setting, managers can avoid these workplace accidents by taking the necessary measures, detecting dangers, and training their personnel. Here are some workplace safety tips to help you avoid slips, trips, and falls:

Make Walkways and Work Areas Free of Obstructions

The best way to avoid slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is to make sure everyone on your team cleans up the places where they walk and work. Maintain a clutter-free workplace by encouraging staff to “clean as they go” and reminding them not to obstruct heavily used areas with garbage, cables, or equipment.

Preparing for Bad Weather Conditions

Weather can lead to a higher risk of workplace accidents, such as slips and falls, because water and ice can make paths slippery. Check to see if your business, firm, or building has measures in place to cope with bad weather in a safe manner.

  • In winter conditions, make sure to spread salt, especially in high-traffic areas such as the entry and parking areas.
  • In rainy and snowy circumstances, lay mats at the door and consider installing fans to prevent slick patches at the entry.

Most of us are aware that items like salt and doormats may help prevent slip, trip, and fall dangers, but not every company has someone whose job it is to ensure that these measures are followed. Assigning these activities to a single individual will guarantee that these tasks are completed when conditions are less risky.

Require Workers to Wear Appropriate Shoes

Adequate footwear may go far toward keeping employees safe in the workplace. Ensure your staff understands what kind of shoes are appropriate for your workplace. In general, shoes with soft rubber soles are preferable for reducing the risk of workplace falls. Encourage employees to wipe their shoes on a rug when coming in from wet, rainy, or snowy circumstances and keep their shoes clean to regain traction.

Recognize hazards and utilize warning signages to alert employees

Trip risks exist in any environment, no matter how skillfully or properly it has been built. Identifying trip risks and putting up prominent signages can assist in reducing the likelihood of slip, trip, and fall occurrences near metal stairs and ramp landings.

Curbs and paths with variations in height are two major workplace trip risks. Employers should educate workers to observe warnings when going past a danger by bright paint on the curb or signs that specify elevation changes.

Fall protection is everyone’s business in the workplace setting, and everyone needs to do their share to maintain the safety of the workplace environment. 

Picture of Solar Panels

Big-Time Solar Panel Contractor Cited for OSHA Violations

A well-known solar panel contractor has been cited for exposing workers to dangerous fall hazards. The company headquartered in Louisiana is one of the leading solar panel installers in the nation. OSHA issued a third-party citation after an investigation found that it violated federal workplace safety requirements despite being previously cited twice in two years.

Following an inquiry by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Marc Jones Construction LLC – also known as Sunpro Solar – for a repeat safety violation after inspectors discovered employees exposed to falls, the most common cause of death and severe injuries in the construction business. Furthermore, the government agency cited the firm for permitting staff to climb up and down extension ladders while holding items that may have prompted them to fall and for screwing up to offer employees a fall safety program.

Marc Jones Construction LLC had received two repeat violations prior, which are issued when an employer previously experienced a similar breach of the same standard or regulation. OSHA referred the Louisiana-based company for similar violations twice in Texas, San Antonio in January 2021, and El Paso in April 2020. “This is another example that falls continue to be one of the leading causes for death and serious injury in construction work,” said DOL OSHA Regional Administrator Condell Eastmond. The OSHA fined the company almost $161,000 in penalties for the violations it committed.

side-view-commercial-metal-awning

Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, Marc Jones Construction LLC is a business and residential solar panel installation firm with operations in 21 states. Sunpro Solar, formed in 2008, was named second on “Solar Power World” magazine’s rank of leading home solar installers in the United States in 2021.

After receiving the citations and fines, the organization has 15 business days to cooperate, seek an informal meeting with OSHA’s local director, or appeal the allegations before the independent OSHA commission.

Roofing contractors have become a target of OSHA inspections. At least five roofing contractors were cited in 2018 for violating workplace safety requirements, including one in Kentucky. The installation of metal awnings is being considered to be prone to fall hazards. This is the reason why Upside Innovations is providing experts to ensure that there are no untoward incidents in your workplace or your facilities. Upside Innovations stays committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and protecting the environment through safe work practices.

Roof-mounted railings are a common type of safety measure employed by contractors. Guardrails with safety swing gates are generally placed six feet from the edge of the roof. If anything near the border, like a condenser unit, barriers are needed right up to it.

It may be unappealing to put bright yellow barriers around the perimeter of the roof. There are methods to meet OSHA standards without resorting to such measures. Galvanized rails, for example, are less obtrusive visually but might be prone to corrosion. This is why aluminum handrails are recommended for them to be more durable in weather conditions on the rooftop.

The use of guardrails is also an architectural problem. Some building owners, for example, surround the roof with bright yellow rails. It is under OSHA standards, but it gives the impression that the facility is always under construction and distracted from other structure areas. There are several alternative products available to assist building owners in acquiring OSHA permits. What is important is that building workers and visitors are kept safe in case of stair accidents or slips happen in these building areas.

Elevated walkway stairs

Aluminum Generator Access Platform

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A generator access platform and the steps are important for providing safe, compliant access to the employees who provide maintenance to generators. Platforms and steps typically comply with walking-working surfaces and OSHA regulations for fixed stairways which means that there are several regulations for tread depth, tread width, riser height, platform size, guardrail height, and more.

Rendering of an APEX generator access stairs

A generator access platform requires a guardrail system if the platform is more than 4′ above the ground or lower level. Still, for optimal safety, many employers choose a guardrail system regardless of the platform height. The guardrail system consists of top rails and midrails (or some other intermediate object between the top rail and platform). The top edge of the top rails must be between 39″ and 45″ above the walking surface, while the midrail must be installed at the midpoint between the walking surface and the top edge of the top rail.

Generator Platform OSHA-Compliant Dimensions

Typical OSHA-compliant dimensions for generator steps:

  • 6.5″ riser height
  • 11″ tread depth
  • 38″ tread width
  • 38″ clearance between handrails
  • 36″ handrail height

Read the OSHA regulations for fixed stairways to view all generator access step regulations.

Upside Innovations worked on a project involving two generators that required OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps. The end-user wanted the two generators to be connected by the platform so that maintenance personnel wouldn’t have to go up and down each generator’s set of steps. Upside designed a custom solution so that employees could access both generators via a continuous platform.

OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps
OSHA-compliant access consisting of platforms and steps
Ramp Decking Material

Modular Classroom Access – ADA Steps and Ramps

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Our team designs, manufactures, and installs ADA steps, ADA ramps, and canopies for modular classrooms. We work on all types of projects from single classrooms to large, modular school complexes.

Modular Classroom Access – ADA Steps and Ramps

Case Study:

We manufactured and installed steps, ramps, and a canopy for modular classroom access in West Virginia. The modular classrooms were a temporary solution because the original school building had water damage from the 2016 flood. FEMA helped provide resources for the school, and the organization contracted Modular Genius to supply the modular classrooms.

In total, the Modular Genius supplied 45,000 square feet of space. After installing the modular classrooms, Modular Genius purchased aluminum steps, ramps, and a canopy from us. Below are overhead images of the completed project.

In total, we supplied 10 ADA steps, 3 ADA ramps, and a walkway canopy. We installed the steps and ramps throughout the complex, so each building had ADA access. We installed the canopy over the shared walkway, which connected three of the modular classrooms together.

Ramps and steps for modular classrooms
Ramps, Steps, and Canopy provided by Upside Innovations
Orange dot = ADA-compliant steps; Black dot = ADA-compliant ramps

Check out Upside’s ADA stairs and ADA ramps.

Our Services

Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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