Every year, countless workplace accidents are caused by something as simple as a slippery stair. In industrial environments, where safety is non-negotiable, stairs often present hidden risks—especially when wet, oily, or worn. One misstep on a metal or concrete stair without proper protection can lead to serious injury, downtime, and even legal consequences.
This is where GRP stair tread covers come in. Made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), these stair covers are engineered to provide a durable, anti-slip surface that dramatically reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Whether it’s a warehouse in Birmingham, a dock in Liverpool, or a factory in Manchester, GRP treads offer a fast, cost-effective way to improve stair safety and meet strict UK health and safety regulations.
GRP is not only strong and impact-resistant—it also holds up against harsh weather, chemicals, and heavy foot traffic. Unlike metal or wooden treads that corrode, rot, or wear down, GRP solutions are built for long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Their non-slip surface is bonded with grit and often includes bright, contrasting nosing for maximum visibility.
Whether you're responsible for a multi-level construction site or a public transport hub, GRP stair tread covers ensure your stairways are compliant, visible, and above all—safe.

What Are GRP Stair Tread Covers and Why They’re Essential

GRP stair tread covers are prefabricated safety components made from Glass Reinforced Plastic, designed to fit over existing stairs—whether concrete, wood, or metal—to provide a high-traction, anti-slip surface. They are especially crucial in industrial and commercial environments, where high foot traffic, spills, and weather exposure make stair safety a constant concern.
Let’s explore what makes these covers such an essential safety upgrade:

Material Benefits of GRP – Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and Longevity

GRP, or fibreglass reinforced plastic, is a composite material that’s both lightweight and incredibly durable. Unlike metal, it won’t rust or corrode, and it doesn’t rot like timber. This makes GRP an ideal solution for wet, chemical, or outdoor environments—including factories, food processing plants, marine docks, and oil rigs.The material's high tensile strength allows it to handle significant weight without cracking or flexing. Additionally, it can withstand UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and harsh cleaning agents, giving it a far longer lifespan than traditional stair surfacing materials.

Anti-Slip Properties – Ensuring Safety in High-Risk Areas

The standout feature of GRP stair tread covers is their permanently bonded anti-slip surface, typically made using a heavy-duty grit finish. These grit levels (standard, coarse, or fine) are chosen based on the environment—coarse for oily factories, fine for indoor public areas.The covers are tested to meet or exceed the UK’s minimum slip resistance for wet conditions. With visibility-enhancing nosing—often coloured bright yellow or white—GRP stair covers not only prevent slipping but also help users clearly see the stair edge, further reducing fall risks.

Standards & Compliance – Meeting UK Building & Safety Regulations

In the UK, compliance Building Regulations Part K and M, and the Equality Act 2010 is essential for public and industrial spaces. These laws require clear, consistent stair nosings and safe, non-slip surfaces.
GRP stair tread covers are designed with this in mind. High LRV (light reflectance value), and slip-resistant surfaces ensure compliance across most industry sectors—from transport and education to heavy industry.

Choosing, Installing & Maintaining GRP Stair Treads

Once you’ve decided that GRP stair tread covers are the right safety upgrade, the next step is understanding how to choose the right type, install them properly, and maintain them for long-term use. This section breaks down each of these essential aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing the Right Type – Grit Levels, Sizes & Nosing Colours

GRP stair covers come in various specifications to match different environments:

• Grit Levels: Choose fine grit for indoor or office environments, standard grit for general use, and heavy-duty coarse grit for industrial areas with oil, water, or heavy machinery.
• Sizes: Custom cut-to-size options are available for irregular stairs.
• Nosing Colours: High-contrast colours such as yellow, white, or black help meet visual contrast requirements under the Equality Act. Yellow is popular in factories; white is more common in public areas.

Always check the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference between the nosing and stair surface to ensure it meets BS 8300 standards.

Installation Made Easy – Cut-to-Size, Adhesives & Fixings

Installing GRP stair treads is straightforward and can often be done without removing existing stairs:

• Cut-to-size: Treads can be trimmed with standard power tools (using appropriate blades)
• Fixings: Most installations use a combination of screw/bolt fixings and high-strength adhesives like polyurethane or MS polymers. For metal stairs, self-tapping screws are common; for concrete, plugs and bolts work best.
• Time-saving: Most installations are “walk-on-ready” within hours, reducing downtime—ideal for public buildings, factories, or transport stations.

Some suppliers even provide full kits that include pre-drilled treads, screws, adhesive, and instruction manuals.

Maintenance & Cost-Efficiency Over Time

One of the major advantages of GRP stair tread covers is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike metal that rusts or paint that fades and chips, GRP treads retain their grit surface and color for years.
Routine cleaning with a stiff brush or mild detergent is usually enough. They’re also resistant to moss, algae, and most chemicals, making them perfect for outdoor or food-grade areas.
From a cost-efficiency perspective, GRP treads are a smart investment. While the initial cost per tread might be higher than basic paint or rubber covers, the longer life span and reduced injury risks mean they pay for themselves over time.

Conclusion

In industrial and commercial spaces, where safety is a top priority, stair-related accidents remain one of the most preventable causes of injury. Installing GRP stair tread covers is a simple yet highly effective way to eliminate slip hazards, enhance visibility, and ensure your facility complies with UK safety standards.

We’ve explored how these Glass Reinforced Plastic covers offer unmatched durability, weather and chemical resistance, and a strong anti-slip grip that performs in even the harshest environments. Whether you manage a busy warehouse, a public transport hub, or an offshore platform, GRP treads provide peace of mind by reducing the risk of falls and ensuring safe passage for workers and visitors alike.Not only are these covers easy to install, they also require minimal maintenance, saving you time and money over the years. With options available in various grit levels, colours, and sizes—many of which meet DDA and BS 8300 compliance—you can tailor your safety solution to meet both functional and legal requirements.

At the end of the day, safety isn’t just a regulation—it’s a responsibility. GRP stair tread covers offer a durable, practical solution that keeps your team safe, your facility compliant, and your maintenance costs low.

Ready to upgrade your stairs?

Explore UK suppliers like Grating Products Safe tread, or Stop Slip to get tailored quotes, fast delivery, and installation kits. Your stairs deserve more than a fresh coat of paint—give them the protection and performance they need.