Stair Safety

Stair safety is an important aspect of avoiding accidents in the home. Since stairways are integral parts of a home's traffic routes, they increase the risk of injury. There are several things to consider when maintaining stair safety.

Railings

If there are children in the house,an ideal child-safe stairway would have two parallel handrails on each side. One would be placed at a comfortable level for adults, and a lower one placed where it can easily be used by the children.

You can buy railings and brackets at a building supply outlet. The brackets have to be screwed securely into wall studs.

If you have an open railing with balusters, children can get a good grip on them as they use the stairs. The spaces between the balusters should not be wide enough for small bodies to squeeze through them.

If this is the case, you can increase your safety by attaching a piece of clear acrylic or styrene plastic to the balusters with cables or screws.

Lighting

Walking up and down stairs in relative darkness does nothing to promote stair safety, and is not a good idea. Yet people do it because it is inconvenient to walk to where the light is. Be sure all stairway areas are well lit, without glare or shadows.

Three-way light switches will allow you to turn lights on and off from either end of the stair. If your house is not wired for this, use night lights. Use as many as necessary to get some light at the top and at the bottom of the stairs.

Treads & Risers

For greater stair safety, the treads should have slip-resistant surfaces. Wall-to-wall, low-pile carpeting is soft, and gives some cushioning in case of a fall.

Stairs with open risers are dangerous for young children, who might crawl through them. Be especially watchful if your home has such a staircase.

You should also be cautious if you have a sprial staircase. These can be difficult to negotiate because of the tight turns. Metal spiral staircases can have hard, sharp edges. Block all such staircases (any open staircase for that matter) at top and bottom with fixed safety gates.

Keep all stairs free of clutter. You'll create risk if you use the stairs to collect items that need to go to another floor. Regualarly remove obstacles, eliminate throw rugs, and install non-slippery surfaces underfoot. Clean up spills immediately and prevent your child from walking on wet floors.

If there are toddlers in the house, you might see them trying to use the stairs on their hands and knees. To a toddler, climbing stairs is a satisfying accomplishment, as well as an exercise which develops coordination and muscle strength, - and it's fun.

Small children have to be taught how to go up and down stairs properly. Crawling down backwards is safest. You should stay with them while they perfect their technique.

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