Project Overview

Client: Henry Boot Construction

Location: Markham Vale, Derbyshire

Scope: Survey, Manufacture, and Installation of multi-level external fire escape staircases for a large-scale commercial development.

Technical Specifications & Compliance

This steel staircase installation was engineered to meet the high-traffic safety requirements of modern industrial architecture.

• Structural Material: Heavy-duty structural steel, hot-dip galvanized to BS EN ISO 1461 for maximum corrosion resistance in exposed environments and minimal maintenance. 

• Compliance Standards: Fully compliant with Building Regulations Part B (Fire Safety) and Part K (Protection from Falling).

• Certification: All steelwork is UKCA marked, confirming adherence to the essential health and safety requirements for structural steel products in Great Britain.

• Design Detail: Features include non-slip industrial treads and continuous handrail systems designed for rapid, safe egress.

A galvanised staircase provided access to the first-floor area , built to meet Approved Document K requirements for staircases.

Technical Expert Insight: Structural Integrity & Egress Safety

When engineering fire escapes for industrial developments like Markham Vale, the primary challenge is ensuring lateral stability without compromising the building's thermal envelope. Our design utilizes a "self-supporting" braced frame system. This minimizes the number of penetrations into the building's cladding—reducing the risk of cold bridging and water ingress—while ensuring the staircase remains perfectly rigid during a high-occupancy emergency evacuation. Unlike modular "bolt-together" kits, our fully welded Sheffield-manufactured sections eliminate the mechanical "creep" and rattling often found in lesser structures.

Get in touch to discuss any metal staircase requirements whether industrial or residential, we’ll be happy to help! Email Sales

We were back on the same estate for Henry Boot later in the scheme, this time making the galvanised dock access stairs and crossover platforms that serve the loading doors, again with key clamp handrails throughout.