Painting/lettering a step

[RCP]

Just finished painting an office building, the owner wants us to paint "Caution Step" where the step is because it blends in and he is afraid of trips.
Legally, is there anything to be aware of. I thought I read once that implies knowledge of a hazard. Kind of like the "Beware of Dog" sign?

[Workaholic]

Not sure about your state but i believe it is legal here.
If it is anything unusal I would think a little warning would be good.
If it is just another ordinary step then why have a caution sign?

[RCP]

I'll have to get a picture of the finished lot. He says it blends in?!
There is a concrete "apron" from the concrete in the pic to the dirt pile, then it turns to blacktop.
The transition from apron to step is maybe 8".

[Workaholic]

Well i say paint the sign for the guy. Then take Rob out to Ruth's with the moolah

[Mike(VA)]

No legal issue but why not paint the step a different color? Many people, especially the elderly, have contrast and depth perception problems. When vision isn't so good, lettering may not help.

[RCP]

No legal issue but why not paint the step a different color? Many people, especially the elderly, have contrast and depth perception problems. When vision isn't so good, lettering may not help.

That is what we are going to suggest, I just wanted to give him some info. He is a good customer we have done several homes for.

[Workaholic]

Does he want the riser painted? the area before/after the step painted or does he want the actual step painted? I thought knew but then this Mike guy got me questioning .

[RCP]

He wants a solution! He first thought just putting stenciled words would do it, I am not so sure, I think a red or yellow on the rise of step would work. I will get a pic tomorrow.

[SLS-Construction]

Fire Zone Red - up the riser & at least 4" in (put sand in the paint for the step part)

[Workaholic]

Paint the riser yellow and the lip rid red with either black lines running at a diagonal or with the words "caution step" in the red lip. That way it is noticed from both sides. Put some anti-slip additive in the red paint.

[SLS-Construction]

Paint the riser yellow and the lip rid red with either black lines running at a diagonal or with the words "caution step" in the red lip. That way it is noticed from both sides. Put some anti-slip additive in the red paint.

Not sure that will fly for a commercial building in most area's - it would probably have to be all yellow (caution) or red (Caution / Fire Zone)

Orange & white stripes - Black lettering might fly

[Century Man]

No legal issue but why not paint the step a different color? Many people, especially the elderly, have contrast and depth perception problems. When vision isn't so good, lettering may not help.

Mike brings up a good point. I should be hired as a consultant, elderly, and make a site inspection.

[Dusty]

Those are some very good thoughts.

Another option would be leave the steps as the are and install a hidden camera. Trips/falls make for great you tube videos.

[Mike(VA)]

Dusty, you are well past just 'fitting in'. :2thumbsup:

[Bodger]

Those are some very good thoughts.

Another option would be leave the steps as the are and install a hidden camera. Trips/falls make for great you tube videos.

Mussolini had a set of stairs leading up to his office, wherein he would sit behind a large desk on a raised platform.

He intentionally had the last riser of the staircase built so it was slightly higher than the preceding steps.
Everyone who had been granted an audience with Il Duce would ascend the stairs and then trip and fall into the great one's office as sat on his lofty throne.

I don't think there any YouTubes on it though.

[RCP]

Thanks for all the input. After talking to the owner and GC they decided to put rubber mats out.