"Over half of stair falls happen because of misjudged foot placement." This stat speaks volumes, highlighting how something as small as a stair nosing can change everything.When it comes to stair design, it’s about more than aesthetics. It's about safety.
A well-designed stair nosing doesn’t just protect the steps—it protects the people using them. Whether you're designing a hospital, commercial building, or public infrastructure, stair nosings play a crucial role in preventing falls, particularly for older adults or those with mobility impairments. With more than 80% of falls occurring during stair descent, the choice of stair nosing is critical.
The Importance of Stair Nosings in Modern Design
At Prospec Specialties, we know that stair nosings aren’t just functional details. They’re lifesavers, literally! When people navigate a stairwell, especially those with low vision (PLV), the first thing they need to detect is the stair edge. Without a clear demarcation, the result is uncertainty and potential injury. Contrast stripes or stair nosings act as a visual guide, helping people confidently place their foot, control their gait, and avoid missteps.
But here’s the challenge: Not all stair nosings are created equal.
Safety Challenges with Stair Nosing Design
A misjudged step can cause a fall. Research shows that the shape of a stair nosing can significantly influence foot placement. For instance, a tapered nosing, which slopes gently back to the riser, offers better foot clearance and reduces the risk of tripping. On the other hand, round nosings, while good for creating more space on the tread, can lead to dangerous slip risks due to greater variability in foot placement.
In a study analyzing different nosing shapes, it was found that tapered nosings provide the best balance of safety, especially for older adults and people recovering from strokes. These shapes promote smoother stair navigation by increasing horizontal foot clearance and minimizing foot overhang. This reduces the risk of a slip, trip, or fall, making the stairs safer for everyone.Key Considerations for Selecting Stair Nosings
To ensure your stairs are as safe as possible, here are some best practices for choosing and installing stair nosings:
Contrast Stripes: High-contrast nosings make stair edges easier to see, particularly for people with low vision. Choose a single color that contrasts with the tread, ensuring at least a 30% luminance difference.
Material Matters: The stair nosing material should not only be durable but also non-slip. Materials like aluminum with integrated anti-slip inserts work exceptionally well for high-traffic areas.
SNO-01 Stair edge nosing Shape Selection: As the research shows, tapered nosings are ideal for reducing trip hazards. They offer better foot accommodation and less overhang, providing a safer walking surface for users.
SNQ-03 Stair edge nosing Stripe Placement: Make sure the contrast stripe is directly on the edge of the stair and extends the full width. Anything less could mislead users, particularly those relying on visual cues or canes.
The wide, high-contrast stripes don't extend across the full width of each step
Making a Difference One Step at a Time
Stair nosings are more than just another building code requirement. They’re a key element in creating safe, accessible spaces. Whether you’re designing for schools, hospitals, or commercial spaces, understanding how nosing shapes and contrast work together can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
At Prospec Specialties, we believe that stair safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. With the right design, we can create stairs that are both beautiful and functional, allowing every step to be a safe one.
To learn more about our range of stair edge nosings; email us at info@prospecspecialties.com
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