What Are Some Safety Guidelines for Stair Construction?

Any home that is not built on a slab will require some form of stairs. Staircases are not beyond the capability of most handymen, particularly owner-builders, but care should be taken during construction to prevent accidents. Some hazards pertain to construction in general, and some are peculiar to stairs, but all should be guarded against to achieve a successful outcome.

There is a difference between designing and laying out stairs, which can be quite difficult, and actually constructing them, which is a straightforward process. It is important to follow some safety tips.

• Do not work with power tools while impaired, and do not let anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol into your work area while you are working. Make sure you get enough sleep and have something to eat before trying to do critical work like stair building, and take plenty of breaks.


• Light up your work area. Not only does this facilitate accurate work in cutting critical components, it also lessens the possibility of mistaking a finger for the piece of wood being sawn. If you cannot work in the open in daylight, rig electric lights so you can see.


• Make sure you have a firm surface to work on. If the staircase is going into a new home, it will probably be installed before the flooring at either the top or the bottom. Put sub flooring down around the staircase, because you do not want to be balancing on floor joists while you try to work. If your staircase has a landing, build it as far as the sub floor before you build any other part of the staircase.


• Clean up the area before you start, and at intervals throughout the work process. Keep waste wood where it will not be stepped on and tools where they will not cause damage. Pick up anything likely to cause a slip and a fall.


• Handle power tools with respect. Cutting the wooden parts for a staircase will involve the use of a circular saw and possibly other tools. Wear eye protection while using them, watch where you put your fingers and do not allow horseplay in the area while a saw is running.


• Remember that stringers are large pieces of wood. They may be too heavy for one person to handle alone, and they may require support while being fastened in place. Also, make sure there is enough clearance to maneuver the stringer into place.


• Be aware of changes in level. Working from the bottom upwards will prevent some falls, but eventually some part of the operation will require the use of ladders or scaffolding. Use the right supports and pay attention to all those cautionary stickers manufacturers add to them.

There is no satisfaction in the construction field quite like putting together a perfectly functioning staircase. The precautions necessary to accomplish this safely should not be regarded as inconveniences. They are tools, as much as levels or nail drivers and their importance to successful construction practice in invaluable.