Anti-Slip Products: Stair Nosings, Tape, Paint & Custom Treads

Application Guide: Which Product for Which Surface? — Quick Reference

Quick reference for anti-slip products, drawn from the detailed section below.

Why Anti-Slip Products Matter

Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries in Australia. Safe Work Australia data shows they account for around 23% of all serious workers' compensation claims. On stairs, ramps, loading docks and wet floors, the risk is predictable — and preventable.

Beyond the human cost, there's a legal dimension. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires businesses to eliminate or minimise foreseeable risks at the workplace. Slip hazards on stairs and floor surfaces are squarely in scope. For public buildings and commercial premises, the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard AS 1428.1 impose specific requirements on stair nosings and slip resistance ratings that carry compliance obligations.

This guide covers every category of anti-slip product — tape, stair nosings, paint and coatings, and custom-fabricated industrial treads — with guidance on which product suits which application, how to read the compliance requirements, and where each solution sits on the cost and permanence scale.

Anti-Slip Product Categories at a Glance

Anti-Slip Tape and Strips

Anti-slip tape is the most accessible and fastest-to-deploy anti-slip solution. It consists of an abrasive surface — typically silicon carbide or aluminium oxide grit — bonded to a durable backing with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It can be applied to stairs, ramp edges, floor areas, ladder rungs, and any surface where additional grip is needed without structural modification.

Grit Levels

Grit level determines how aggressive the surface texture is. Higher grit numbers mean finer abrasive (less aggressive); lower numbers mean coarser texture (more grip). Industrial and outdoor applications typically call for coarser grit. Most anti-slip tapes are rated to AS 4586 slip resistance classifications — look for P3 minimum for indoor stair use and P4 or P5 for external or wet environments.

Indoor vs Outdoor Tape

Not all anti-slip tape is suitable for outdoor use. For external applications, confirm the product is:

• UV-stable (non-UV grades yellow and delaminate)
• Weather-resistant adhesive (standard indoor adhesive fails under moisture cycling)
• Rated P4 or P5 for wet conditions (AS 4586)

For indoor use, conformable grades are more comfortable underfoot and less likely to catch on footwear in low-traffic areas. For industrial or workshop stairs where steel-capped boots are worn, coarse grit performs better and lasts longer.

Surface Preparation — The Difference Between Success and Failure

Surface preparation is the single most important factor in how long adhesive anti-slip tape lasts. Tape applied to a dusty, oily, or damp surface will fail within weeks regardless of product quality. For a lasting installation:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly — degrease with a solvent cleaner and allow to dry completely
2. For concrete or painted surfaces, lightly abrade to improve adhesion
3. Apply in temperatures above 10°C for adhesive to bond correctly
4. Firm down every edge with a roller or the heel of your hand — air pockets at edges are where peeling starts
5. Allow 24 hours before heavy foot traffic where possible

View anti-slip tapes and strips: Anti-Slip Safety Tapes

Stair Nosings

A stair nosing is a durable edge profile fitted to the leading edge (nose) of a stair tread. It serves two functions: protecting the stair edge from wear and impact, and providing a visually contrasting, slip-resistant surface at the most dangerous point of a stair — the leading edge where feet strike first on descent.

For commercial, public access, and multi-residential buildings, stair nosings are not optional. The National Construction Code and AS 1428.1 specify requirements that must be met for compliant stair design.

Stair Nosing Materials

Australian Standards Compliance: AS 1428.1 and AS 4586

For any building with public access — commercial, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, multi-residential — stair nosings must comply with AS 1428.1:2021 (Design for Access and Mobility) and the slip resistance requirements of AS 4586:2013.

Key AS 1428.1 requirements for stair nosings:

• Luminance contrast strip: A single, continuous contrast strip between 50 mm and 75 mm wide must span the full width of the path of travel
• Position: The contrast strip must be placed no more than 15 mm from the front edge of the tread
• Contrast: Luminance contrast between the nosing and the stair surface must be a minimum of 30%
• No multiple strips: Only one continuous strip is permitted — multiple narrow strips do not comply
• Riser extension: If the nosing extends down the riser face, it must not exceed 10 mm (to avoid creating a visual confusion about where the step edge is)

AS 4586 P-ratings for slip resistance:

When specifying stair nosings for compliance, require both the AS 1428.1 luminance contrast certification and the AS 4586 P-rating for your application. Many standard aluminium nosings with a carborundum or silicon carbide insert are supplied with P5 ratings, making them suitable for both internal and external use.

View stair nosings and anti-slip safety solutions: Anti-Slip Safety Solutions — Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces

Custom-Fabricated Metal Stair Treads — Made to Order

Standard off-the-shelf stair nosings and tape work well for commercial fit-outs and light industrial applications. But for heavy industrial environments — mine sites, processing plants, mezzanine platforms, structural steel stairs, loading bay access — standard profiles often fall short. The stairs are non-standard sizes, the loads are higher, and the environment is harsh enough that conventional products fail prematurely.

This is where custom-fabricated metal stair treads come in. AIMS Industrial supplies made-to-order anti-slip stair treads fabricated to your exact specifications: the right stair width, correct step depth, specified tread pattern (open grating, chequer plate, or serrated bar grating), material selection (mild steel, galvanised, stainless, or aluminium), and fixing method (bolt-through, weld-on, or clamp fixing).

When to Specify Custom Metal Treads

• Industrial stairs on platforms, mezzanines, and walkways where standard tread widths don't match structural steel spans
• Replacement treads on existing fabricated stairs where the original has worn, corroded, or been damaged
• Mine site, processing plant, and chemical facility access stairs requiring load-rated, corrosion-resistant construction
• Marine and coastal installations where aluminium or stainless steel construction is required
• Stairways subject to hose-down, chemical wash, or submersion where open-grating construction is required for drainage
• Non-standard or heritage stair refurbishment where no standard profile fits

Tread Patterns and Materials

Material options: mild steel (paint or hot dip galvanise), 316 stainless steel (marine / chemical), aluminium (lightweight / coastal), or duplex stainless (extreme corrosion duty).

How to Order Custom Treads

To get an accurate quote, you need to provide:

• Tread width (clear span between stringers)
• Tread depth (front to back of step)
• Quantity
• Fixing method preference (bolt-through, weld-on, or clamp)
• Material and finish (mild steel galvanised, stainless, aluminium)
• Any load rating requirements or Australian Standard references (e.g. AS 1657)
• Site conditions (coastal, chemical exposure, washdown)

Request a quote for custom anti-slip stair treads: Request a Quote

Turnaround, pricing, and minimum order quantities depend on specification — contact us with your dimensions and we'll respond with a detailed quote typically within one business day.

Anti-Slip Paint and Epoxy Coatings

Anti-slip paint and epoxy coatings add grip to large floor areas where tape and nosings are not practical: concrete workshop floors, warehouses, car parks, loading docks, and external concrete surfaces.

There are two main approaches:

Anti-Slip Epoxy Floor Coatings

Epoxy coatings are the commercial-grade choice. A two-part epoxy system provides a hard, chemically resistant surface with an anti-slip aggregate either blended into the topcoat or broadcast on while wet. Properly applied epoxy coatings bond to the substrate and provide a seamless, durable surface that handles fork truck traffic, heavy foot traffic, and washdown. Service life of 5–10 years in typical industrial environments.

The SafeStep 100 Medium-Duty Anti-Slip Epoxy Floor Coating is suitable for concrete floors, workshop areas, and commercial floor surfaces requiring anti-slip protection. It provides a hard-wearing, chemically resistant surface with anti-slip aggregate for improved traction in wet or contaminated conditions.

Anti-Slip Paint (Solvent or Water-Based)

Standard anti-slip paints are a simpler, lower-cost alternative for areas where full epoxy preparation is not practical. They contain grit additives (silicon carbide or fine sand) in a paint matrix. Performance is lower than epoxy — expect 2–4 years in moderate-traffic areas — but the application is straightforward and requires no specialist equipment.

For exterior concrete steps, paths, and decking, anti-slip paint provides a cost-effective upgrade over bare concrete. Ensure the product is specified for exterior use and rated for your expected traffic level.

Application Guide: Which Product for Which Surface?

Compliance Summary: What the Standards Require

AS 1428.1 — Design for Access and Mobility

Applies to all new building work with public access. Requires a single continuous luminance contrast strip on every stair tread: 50–75 mm wide, maximum 15 mm from the front edge, with a minimum 30% luminance contrast against the stair surface. Step edges on ramp heads and feet also require a contrast strip.

AS 4586 — Slip Resistance Classification

Classifies floor surface materials and coatings from P0 (negligible) to P5 (very high) based on pendulum test results. For compliance: P3 minimum for internal stairs, P4 for external stairs and ramps, P5 for wet or contaminated environments. Products should be supplied with a test certificate confirming their P-rating.

AS 1657 — Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders

Applies to industrial fixed access structures. Specifies minimum tread dimensions, nosing requirements, handrail heights, and slip resistance for platforms, mezzanines, and industrial stairways. Custom-fabricated metal treads for industrial use should be designed to this standard.

WHS Act 2011 (and State Equivalents)

Requires elimination or minimisation of foreseeable slip and fall hazards at workplaces. Meeting the technical standards above demonstrates due diligence but does not substitute for regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement of worn anti-slip products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between anti-slip tape and a stair nosing?

Anti-slip tape is an adhesive-backed abrasive strip applied to an existing surface. It is a retrofit solution: quick to install, lower cost, and easier to replace. A stair nosing is a structural profile that replaces or caps the front edge of a stair tread. Nosings are more durable, provide better edge protection, and are the compliant solution for public access buildings under AS 1428.1. For new construction or commercial fit-outs, nosings are standard. For temporary, low-traffic, or residential applications, tape is practical and effective.

What P-rating do I need for outdoor stairs?

A minimum of P4 is required for external stairs and ramps where wet conditions are expected. P5 is recommended for industrial sites, coastal environments, or anywhere water, oils, or other contaminants are present. P3 is the minimum for internal stairs. These ratings are defined in AS 4586:2013 and tested using a pendulum slip resistance tester on the product surface.

What is the luminance contrast requirement for stair nosings in Australia?

Under AS 1428.1:2021, stair nosings in public access buildings must have a single continuous contrast strip between 50 mm and 75 mm wide, positioned no more than 15 mm from the front edge of the tread. The luminance contrast between the strip and the adjacent stair surface must be at least 30%. Only one continuous strip is permitted — multiple narrow strips do not comply. The strip must span the full width of the path of travel.

Do I need stair nosings in my building?

For any new building or refurbishment with public access, yes — AS 1428.1 and the National Construction Code (NCC) require compliant stair nosings as part of accessible design. This includes commercial offices, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and multi-residential buildings. Private residential dwellings and existing buildings not undergoing work may not be required to upgrade, but the duty under the WHS Act to manage foreseeable hazards still applies in workplaces.

What is the difference between aluminium and FRP stair nosings?

Aluminium nosings are the standard choice for commercial fit-outs, offices, and public buildings: lightweight, available in a wide range of profiles and colours, and easy to cut and install. FRP (fibreglass reinforced plastic) nosings are the industrial choice for corrosive, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments where aluminium would corrode. FRP is also more impact-resistant and the anti-slip grit is through-coloured and embedded in the material — it cannot be knocked out or worn off the surface the way a surface-applied coating can. FRP is standard in food processing, offshore, and marine environments.

When should I specify custom-fabricated metal stair treads?

When standard stair nosing profiles don't fit your structure, or when the application demands more than a surface treatment can deliver. Typical cases include industrial platform and mezzanine stairs with non-standard spans, replacement of worn or corroded grating on fabricated steel stairs, mine site and processing plant access where open-grating drainage is required, and coastal or chemical environments requiring stainless steel or aluminium construction. Custom treads are fabricated to your exact dimensions and fixing requirements and can be designed to meet AS 1657 load and dimensional requirements.

How do I install anti-slip tape so it doesn't peel?

Surface preparation is the critical factor. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, dust, and old adhesive. Degrease with a solvent cleaner and allow to dry completely. Apply in temperatures above 10°C. When laying the tape, press firmly across the full surface, paying particular attention to edges and corners where peeling starts. Use a hard roller or the heel of your hand to firm down every millimetre. Avoid foot traffic for at least a few hours after application, and allow 24 hours before heavy use. Tape applied over paint in poor condition will only hold as well as the paint — if the substrate is flaking, prepare it first.

Can anti-slip tape be used outdoors?

Yes, but only if it is specified for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated anti-slip tape uses UV-stable materials that resist discolouration and degradation in sunlight, and a weather-resistant adhesive that handles moisture cycling, temperature extremes, and rainfall. Standard indoor tape will fail outdoors: the adhesive softens in heat, hardens in cold, and lifts under moisture. Check that the product is rated P4 or P5 for wet conditions (AS 4586) and explicitly described as suitable for outdoor or external use.

What anti-slip coating is best for a concrete workshop floor?

A two-part anti-slip epoxy coating is the best choice for concrete workshop floors. Epoxy bonds chemically to clean, prepared concrete and provides a hard, seamless surface that resists chemicals, oils, and heavy foot traffic. The anti-slip aggregate (silicon carbide grit) can be broadcast on during application to dial in the level of texture. Properly applied, an epoxy coating will outlast paint-based products by many years and is suitable for fork truck traffic with the right specification. See the SafeStep 100 Medium-Duty Anti-Slip Epoxy Floor Coating for a proven industrial-grade option.

What is the difference between anti-slip tape and anti-slip paint?

Anti-slip tape is a pre-manufactured abrasive strip applied with adhesive — it is the right choice for stair edges, ramp edges, and discrete high-risk areas. Anti-slip paint is brushed or rolled over a large floor area, incorporating grit additives to improve traction. Tape provides a more consistent and measurable slip resistance and is easier to specify to a P-rating. Paint is more practical for covering large areas economically. For stair nosing compliance under AS 1428.1, tape with a luminance contrast colour (not paint) is the appropriate surface treatment where a full nosing profile is not being installed.

How long does anti-slip tape last?

Under normal conditions, quality anti-slip tape on a well-prepared surface lasts 1–3 years for internal applications. Outdoor and high-traffic installations may require replacement every 12–18 months. Industrial-grade tape in high-wear situations (heavy foot traffic, fork truck traffic) will wear faster. Regular inspection to check for edge lifting, surface wear, or reduced grip is good practice. When tape starts peeling at edges or the abrasive surface becomes smooth, replace it — worn tape can become a trip hazard in its own right.

What is the Australian standard for fixed industrial stairways?

AS 1657 — Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders — is the standard that governs industrial fixed access structures. It specifies minimum stair dimensions (tread depth, rise height, angle), handrail and knee rail requirements, and surface requirements for treads. Industrial stairways must have a slip-resistant tread surface, and AS 4586 P-rating requirements still apply. Custom-fabricated metal treads for AS 1657-compliant structures should be dimensioned and fixed to meet the load and dimensional requirements of the standard.

What surfaces can anti-slip products be applied to?

Anti-slip tape adheres to most hard surfaces including concrete, steel, timber, vinyl, and tile, provided the surface is sound, clean, and dry. FRP and aluminium nosings can be screw-fixed or adhesive-bonded to concrete and timber stair treads. Epoxy coatings are designed for concrete and steel substrates with proper surface preparation. Custom metal treads can be bolted or welded to structural steel, concrete-anchored, or clamped to existing stair stringers depending on the fixing specification.

Need to identify a thread standard? Our Thread Standards Guide covers BSP, NPT, UNC, UNF, BSW and metric with identification tips.