Watco Firm-Step Standard GRP Sheets are an affordable and versatile solution for slippery walkways. The 55mm DDA compliant surface and tough, chemical resistant surface makes them suitable for both industrial and commercial use, on areas such as:

• Ramps
• Walkways
• Fire escapes
• All staircases
• Mezzanine floors
• Areas of medium foot traffic

They can be installed easily and quickly with Watco Adhesive Mastic and mechanical fixings, usually standard screws. These step covers can also be pre-drilled. Just leave a message at the checkout to advise of the measurements. They can either be trimmed on site or can be cut them to your exact requirements, free of charge.

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• Features & Benefits
• Slip Resistance Test Results
• Installation
• Cleaning and Maintenance

Features & Benefits

• Suitable for industrial and commercial premises
• 55mm DDA compliant stair tread nosing
• Building regulations compliant
• Tough, chemical resistant surface
• 3 year guarantee against breakage

Slip Resistance Test Results

Slip resistance levels measured using the Pendulum Test method (WF rubber slider) – certificate available on request:

The UK Slip Resistance Group guide to slip resistance of a floor for able bodied pedestrians:

To ensure that the above slip resistant levels are maintained the panels should be kept clean in accordance with the information below.

Installation

For fixing, refer to the Watco Firm-Step Installation Guide.

Safe handling practices should always be employed and the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment is to be worn. Store the covers flat and upside down.

It is recommended that the following Personal Protection Equipment is worn for installation of Firm-Step GRP sheet and step covers and further protective measures may be necessary but this will depend on the installation environment:

• Bonding
• Eye Goggles
• Protective Gloves
• Safety Boots
• Cutting & mechanical fixing
• Ear Defenders
• Eye Goggles
• Dust Mask
• Protective Gloves
• Safety Boots

Measuring

Width – Measure from left to right across the tread substrate. Then deduct 5mm (2.5mm either side) to ensure they easily fit and to allow for any expansion.

Depth – Measure from the front (nosing) to the back of the tread substrate. Then deduct 5 mm. E.g. 300mm measured depth minus 5mm = 295mm.

Cutting

Firm-Step anti slip sheets and step covers can be cut to size using orbital cutting equipment with a diamond blade. Cutting should be carried out externally or where there is dust extraction or suitable ventilation and the appropriate protective equipment detailed above should be worn. A jigsaw can be used for trimming or for occasions where only a small amount of cutting is required.

Cut to Size service – free cut to size service for all Firm-Step products except Firm-Step Precision. When you place your order, leave a message at checkout (or contact us with your order number on 0113 2455450 or send a message to [email protected]) informing that you intend to install the product yourself and with your requirements. Please state per line the depth and width step sheets are to be cut to.

Preparation

Any damage or undulations to the substrate should be remedied to ensure that the stair tread or flat sheet will be on a reasonably flat and even surface.

If using an adhesive, the substrate must be clean and dry and free from oils, grease, dust and any loose particles. The underside of the sheet or stair tread must also be clean and dry. Where the substrate is contaminated (e.g. by oil), mechanical fixing is essential. Prior to applying any adhesive, it is advisable to carry out a dry-fit first to ensure a suitable fit.

Watco recommends a double fixing method for installing GRP anti slip sheets and stair treads, consisting of a high strength adhesive or double sided tape such as Watco Mastic Adhesive or UltraBond Tape, both supplied by us, and mechanical fixings.

Bonding

UltraBond Tape is suitable for bonding to concrete, wood, metal and steel in conjunction with Watco Tape Primer for unsealed, porous concrete, brick, stone, blockwork etc. Watco Mastic Adhesive is also a sealant and can be used to seal around the edges and stop water lying between the sheet or stair cover and the substrate. Water will not affect the sheets or stair covers but can affect the substrate such as wood or metal causing rot or rust. Watco Mastic Adhesive also offers a secondary fixing in the unlikely event that a mechanical fixing fails.

• Run a bead of adhesive around the perimeter of the sheet or stair tread approximately 25mm in from the edges and then cross hatch at about 200mm apart
• Apply sufficient hand pressure to bed the sheet or stair cover into position
• With Watco Mastic Adhesive, optimum bonding will be obtained after 24 hours (at 20°C). However, stairs can be made available to traffic a few hours after bonding, but this is subject to temperature so it is worth testing first

Adhesive Coverage

1 x 310ml tube of Watco Adhesive Mastic is sufficient for any one of the following:

• 5 x 600mm wide stair tread covers
• 3 x 1000mm wide stair tread covers
• 2 x 1500mm wide stair tread covers
• 2 x 1200mm wide stair tread covers

Cleaning and Maintenance

Use of a stiff brush will usually be sufficient when cleaning Firm-Step Precision to remove everyday dirt.

For more stubborn items, it is recommended that a mild detergent such as Watco Protect Industrial Floor is used and then rinsed with cold water.

It is important to remove any excess water from the step covers prior to being put back into use with suitable absorbent materials.

Where circumstances allow, Firm-Step Precision can be power washed on a low setting. If Firm-Step Precision has been sealed with a sealant, repeated use of a pressure washer could undermine the integrity of the sealant.

The security of the fixings should be checked on a regular basis. Circumstances will vary, based upon the volume of foot traffic etc, but, as a guide, monthly inspections would be advisable.