Staircase Safety Checks

​A good number of accidents which occur in the home are a result of poor home maintenance.  One area where this is often the case is on and around the stairs.  Staircases can be particularly hazardous for small children and elderly or handicapped residents so its vital that they are in good order and well maintained.  What are some ways to do this?
 
As a homeowner, there are simple things you can do to make sure the staircase does not become a danger to the household, for example, if the stairs are wooden, be careful not to over polish them and make them slippery.  If you have carpet, make sure it does not start to become loose.  Check the handrail also for any wobbling or loosening.  Do you have good lighting on and around the stairs?  This is important especially for members of the household with failing eyesight.
 
It is not just the interior stairs that should be checked, exterior stairs need to be in good order and not uneven or insufficiently graded as this could cause water to start pooling on the steps.   While the contractor that built the home should have abided by all building codes and regulations, its good to familiarize yourself with these standards.  Bannisters must not be spaced too far apart, which could allow a child to get their head trapped and stairs must all be of the same height in order to prevent a tripping hazard.
 
These are some simple staircase safety checks to do but they may go a long way in preventing a stair related accident or injury.

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