HANDRAILS - A handrail is loose, incomplete, missing, splintery. Deck stairways may be open on both sides, missing handrails and guardrails may pose serious risks.
TREADS - Treads are cracked, uneven, worn, loose, or poorly supported.
RISERS - Risers are of uneven height.
LIGHTING - Lighting is poor, shadows are numerous, or the corridor leading to the stairs is dark. It’s helpful to have a light switch installed at the top and bottom of each staircase.
SURFACES - The floor is waxed, increasing the chances of slipping.
- Exterior steps are not sloped to prevent water settlement and icing.
- The stair carpeting slides because it is not firmly affixed to the stairs.
BALUSTERS - Balusters are spaced more than 4 inches apart, allowing a child to potentially slip through.
DESIGN - The stairs are not ergonomically designed.
- The stairs are too steep.
- The platform or landing surface is not slip-resistant.
- The nosing is missing, broken, worn, patched, loose, slippery, or not installed properly.
- Sharp corners are on stair elements.
- Headroom is insufficient.
SAFETY GATES - There is no safety gate at the top of the stairway in a home with small children.
- Remove trip hazards, such as clothes, shoes, toys and/or books from stairs and other places where you walk.
- Improve the lighting around the stairs. Lampshades or frosted bulbs will reduce glare.
- Senior citizens should wear shoes that provide good support and have thin, non-slip soles.
- Do not carry heavy items up and down stairs, especially if the item blocks your view of the steps.
- Install a second handrail for additional support. A second handrail will also provide support for two individuals as they pass each other.