Fire Safety Considerations in Steel Staircase Planning

Why the staircase is part of the fire strategy

In most buildings the staircase is the main protected escape route, so its design is not only an aesthetic choice. Steel is non-combustible, which makes it a sound base for a fire safe steel staircase, but the full assembly still has to suit the building's escape plan. Early discussion with the fire engineer and the architect prevents redesign later, when changes are expensive and slow.

Think about who will use the stair in an emergency, including residents carrying belongings and people with reduced mobility. The stair must be clear, stable and easy to follow under stress.

Materials, finishes and protection

Structural steel is usually protected against corrosion by hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating, and both must be specified clearly in the order. Where a fire rating is required for the structure, the protection method is chosen with the engineer and the supplier, because coatings and intumescent products have their own approval conditions.

• Confirm the required fire resistance period for the stair structure.
• Specify the galvanizing or coating system in writing.
• Avoid combustible trim or cladding on escape routes unless approved.

Measurement and drawing for escape use

On-site measurement records the actual floor-to-floor height, landing dimensions, opening sizes and wall conditions. Measure twice, because small differences affect rise, going and headroom. The drawing should show clear width, landing depth, handrail positions and any required fire separation lines, and it should be signed off by the client before production.

Handrails and guards should follow the Israeli railing standard SI 1142, with exact dimensional values checked against that standard with your engineer rather than assumed from memory.

Production in the factory

Our workshop at 37 Rival Street in Tel Aviv cuts, welds and assembles the stair components to the approved drawings. Welds, connections and fixing points are checked at each stage so that the finished stair matches the specification. Factory production gives consistent quality and lets the protective finish be applied under controlled conditions before the steel reaches the site.

Any deviation from the approved drawing is raised with the client and engineer before work continues, so surprises are avoided on installation day.

Installation and site coordination

Installation is planned with the main contractor so that the stair is fixed at the correct stage of the building works. Fixings must be suitable for the wall or slab type, and fire-stopping around penetrations should be completed by the appropriate trade. Protect finished surfaces during the rest of the construction to avoid damage to coatings.

• Agree the installation window with the contractor.
• Check fixings and fire-stopping details on site.
• Keep escape routes clear of materials during works.

Handover and ongoing responsibility

At handover, the building manager should receive the approved drawings, the specification of materials and protective finishes, and any fire-related certificates the project requires. Clear documentation helps future maintenance, inspections and repairs keep the stair compliant over its life. Inspect handrails, fixings and surface coatings regularly, and report any damage early.

Any future change to the stair, such as adding glazing or altering the layout, should be reviewed against the fire strategy before it is carried out.

Frequently asked questions

Is steel a fire safe material for staircases?

Steel is non-combustible, so it does not add fuel to a fire. Its safety in a building depends on the complete design, protection and installation meeting the approved fire strategy.

Who decides the fire resistance requirements for a steel stair?

The fire engineer and the relevant authorities set the requirements based on the building's use and escape plan. We work from those specifications when producing the stair.

Does galvanizing or coating affect fire performance?

Protective finishes are chosen for corrosion resistance and must also be compatible with any fire protection system. Confirm the exact product and its approval conditions with your engineer.

When should we involve the steel supplier in planning?

Involve us early, ideally before the architectural drawings are final, so measurement, handrail positions and fixing details can be coordinated with the fire strategy.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common error is treating the staircase as a purely decorative element and choosing finishes or trim without checking the escape requirements. Another is measuring too late, after the openings and slabs are already set, which forces costly changes.

Our recommendation

Bring the fire engineer, architect and steel fabricator into the same discussion at the start, and get the protective finish and any fire-stopping details written into the specification. Ask for the approved drawings to be signed off before production begins.

Summary

A fire safe steel staircase depends on coordinated planning, correct materials and finishes, accurate measurement and careful installation, all aligned with the building's fire strategy. Early collaboration is the most effective safeguard.

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• Building Code Requirements for Steel Staircases in Israel
• How Steel Staircase Components Are Welded
• Handrail and Balustrade Planning for Steel Stairs
• Surface Preparation and Priming for Steel Stairs
• Structural Steel Stringers: How They Are Engineered
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