Fixed access for areas used every day

Staircases Australia

A fixed staircase is often the right choice when people need regular access to plant, mezzanines, platforms or raised work areas. It is easier to use than ladder access, especially when people are carrying tools, parts or equipment.

Workplace Defender assesses the site, designs the access path properly, then manufactures and installs a staircase that fits the building and the way it is actually used.

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When Does a Staircase Make Sense?

A staircase is usually worth considering when access is regular, people are carrying equipment, or the existing access route is awkward to use.

Common triggers include:

  • Access to mezzanine floors, plant decks and raised service areas
  • Maintenance routes used every week or every day
  • Areas where people need to carry tools or replacement parts
  • Existing ladder access that is difficult for regular use
  • Audit findings around access, handrails or movement between levels
  • External access paths that need to be reliable in all weather

Not every raised area needs a staircase. If access is only occasional, another system may be more practical. The right answer depends on how often the area is used and what people need to do once they get there.

How Staircase Systems Work

A fixed staircase is more than just the stair itself. The handrails, landings, barriers, fixings and surrounding platform all need to work together.

Typical staircase systems include:

  • Stair flights sized to suit the available space
  • Landings where direction changes or longer rises are involved
  • Handrails and edge protection
  • Slip-resistant treads and visible nosings
  • Structural supports and fixings
  • Connections into platforms, walkways or work areas

Internal staircases are often used for mezzanines and plant rooms. External staircases are more common for rooftop plant areas, loading zones and raised service areas.

For plant and maintenance access, staircases are commonly designed around AS 1657 requirements.

What We Commonly Find on Site

A staircase can look fine at first glance but still be awkward or unsafe to use.

Some of the more common issues we see include:

  • Stairs that are too steep for regular access
  • Landings that are too small or badly positioned
  • Missing handrails or edge protection
  • Corrosion on external stairs and fixings
  • Slippery or worn treads
  • Access routes that do not line up properly with platforms or walkways
  • Stairs installed into the only available space rather than the right space

In a lot of cases, the problem is not the staircase itself. It is the surrounding platform, landing or access point that needs to be redesigned so the whole route works properly.

Practical Access Starts With the Whole Route

We look at how the area is used, how often it is accessed, what people carry, and how the staircase needs to connect into the rest of the site.

That lets us assess the site properly and work out whether a staircase is the right option, or whether another access system makes more sense.

We often find that changing a landing, platform or barrier layout creates a better result than simply trying to fit stairs into a tight space.

Work We’ve Done

Staircase FAQs

Do I need a staircase instead of a ladder?

Not always. If the area is used regularly or people need to carry equipment, a staircase is often the more practical option. For occasional access, another system may be enough.

Can a staircase be added to an existing platform?

Usually, yes. The important part is making sure the platform, landing and handrails all work together.

What standard usually applies to fixed stair access?

For access to plant, platforms and service areas, AS 1657 is commonly the main standard used.

How often should a staircase be inspected?

That depends on how often it is used and the environment it is in. External staircases and heavily used industrial stairs generally need more regular checks.

Technical Specifications

Workplace Defender – StaircasesDownload

Get Clear on What the Site Actually Needs

If you have an audit report, an awkward access point, or a raised area that needs regular use, we can help you work out the most practical way forward.
We assess the site, look at how the area is actually used, and recommend the access system that makes sense for the building and the budget.