Fire escape stairs
Safe, Compliant Emergency Egress for Industrial and Commercial Buildings
Fire escape stairs are a critical part of any building’s emergency evacuation plan. In industrial and commercial environments, these systems must not only enable quick and safe egress - they must also comply with Australian building codes and be integrated seamlessly with the structure.
Safetylyne designs and installs purpose-built fire escape stair systems tailored to each site’s specific layout, usage requirements, and fire safety plan.
Built for Urgency, Engineered for Safety
Fire escape stairs are designed to be used in high-stress, high-traffic emergency scenarios. Materials, layout, and fall protection must all meet the demands of safe, fast evacuation under pressure.
Our fire escape stairs are:
- Constructed from durable, non-combustible materials
- Fitted with anti-slip treads and compliant handrails
- Designed for clear, unobstructed movement, even in low-visibility conditions
- Fabricated in modular sections to allow efficient installation or retrofitting to existing buildings

Design Considerations
When planning fire escape stair systems, key factors include:
- Clear path of travel from all occupied areas
- Non-slip surfaces suitable for outdoor and all-weather use
- Consistent tread and riser dimensions in accordance with NCC and AS 1657:2018
- Edge protection with compliant handrails, midrails, and kickplates
- Visibility and signage, especially for high-traffic or shared spaces
Integrating fire escape stairs early in the design phase ensures efficient flow, long-term compliance, and safer emergency outcomes.
Australian Standards and Compliance For Firestairs
All fire escape stair systems are designed to meet:
- National Construction Code (NCC) requirements for emergency egress
- AS 1657:2018 – Design and construction of fixed stairs, walkways, and ladders
- Any additional site-specific WHS or fire safety compliance measures
Don’t treat emergency access as an afterthought.
Fire escape stairs are an essential safety system - plan for them properly, and ensure they're built to perform when it matters most.

Safetylyne Fire Escape Stairs are installed quickly with minimal site disruption. These aluminium stair towers are also more cost-effective than steel stairs.
How To Choose Fire Escape Stairs
If you manage, design, or upgrade buildings, choosing the right fire escape stairs means protecting people - not just meeting regulations.
Understand What Compliance Really Means
In Australia, fire escape stairs must meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard AS1657. These regulations govern aspects such as:
- Stair width and pitch
- Tread and riser dimensions
- Slip resistance
- Landings and intermediate platforms
- Handrails and balustrades
It's important to consider not only the type of occupancy and height of the building, but also how many people the stairs need to safely accommodate during an emergency.
Match the Fire Evacuation Stair Type to the Application
Different stairs serve different situations. Here are the most common types used in fire escapes:
+ Standard Access Stairs
Used in commercial and industrial settings, these stairs are suitable when frequent access is needed. They must follow strict dimensional and load-bearing standards.
+ Spiral or Helical Stairs
These are space-efficient, but generally only allowed where conventional stairs can't fit - and only under specific conditions. They’re not typically suitable as a primary fire escape.
+ Ships Ladders or Step-Type Ladders
These are only compliant in limited circumstances, such as access to plant areas or rooftops - not for regular egress during an emergency.
+ Custom-Built Fire Stairs
External fire escape stairs, exterior fire escape stairs, and other custom designs provide safe, compliant access where standard stairs won’t fit. Ideal for complex or retrofit projects, these tailored solutions overcome spatial constraints and integrate seamlessly with existing structures.
Consider Existing Access Limitations
Older buildings often feature stairs that were once legal but are no longer compliant.
Common issues:
- Overly steep pitch
- Missing or non-conforming handrails
- Inadequate width or head clearance
- Poor slip resistance
If you’re upgrading a building, a site-specific assessment is critical. We can help identify the gaps and design solutions that align with current codes.
Plan Beyond Minimum Compliance
While compliance is non-negotiable, best practice often means going further - especially in high-risk or high-traffic areas.
For example:
- Installing anti-slip finishes for wet or outdoor environments
- Using continuous handrails to assist evacuation
- Adding tactile indicators for vision-impaired users

Fire Escape Stair Requirements in Australia
Fire escape stairs in Australia must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards to ensure safe and effective evacuation in an emergency. Key requirements include:
- Minimum clear width: Typically 1 metre or more, depending on building classification and occupancy.
- Non-combustible construction: Stairs must be made from non-combustible materials such as steel or aluminium.
- Slip-resistant surfaces: Treads must be designed to prevent slipping in all weather conditions.
- Consistent rise and going: Tread and riser dimensions must comply with AS 1657:2018 to ensure safe and predictable movement.
- Handrails and edge protection: Continuous handrails are required on at least one side, with midrails and kickplates where applicable.
- Unobstructed access: Fire stairs must be free from obstacles, clearly marked, and accessible at all times.
For multi-storey buildings or sites with elevated plant, fire stairs may need to form part of a dedicated fire-isolated exit path, depending on use and fire engineering design.
Stair Towers for Fire Egress and Access
Stair towers provide vertical circulation where internal stairs aren’t suitable or practical - especially for multi-level industrial sites, rooftops, or external access points. Often installed outside the main building structure, these towers serve dual purposes: emergency egress and maintenance access.
Stair towers can be:
- Freestanding or building-mounted
- Designed with landing platforms at intermediate levels
- Fabricated off-site for efficient on-site assembly
- Integrated with walkways, static lines, or elevated platforms where additional access is required
Stair towers are particularly valuable on large-scale facilities where workers must evacuate from elevated work zones or rooftop plant areas, and where clear access paths need to be maintained year-round.
Safetylyne
designs, fabricates, engineers, installs, and certifies fire escape stairs and stair towers to suit a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. Every system is tailored to the site’s specific requirements and delivered as a complete, compliant solution - ready to perform when it matters most.

Choosing Aluminium vs Steel for Fire Escape Stairs
Selecting the right material for fire escape stairs is critical for long-term performance and safety. Aluminium offers distinct advantages over traditional steel in many industrial and commercial environments.
Aluminium fire stairs provide lightweight yet strong construction, reducing structural loading without compromising durability.
With natural non-corrosive properties, aluminium is particularly well-suited to coastal, humid, and industrial environments where steel may require regular maintenance or protective coatings.
Aluminium access systems are resilient in all weather conditions, non-sparking, non-magnetic, and require minimal maintenance over their lifetime.
As a fully recyclable and environmentally friendly material, aluminium also supports sustainable building design.
Where weight, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability are priorities, aluminium is often the ideal choice for safe, compliant fire escape solutions.
Why Aluminium Is a Compliant Choice for Fire Escape Systems
Aluminium’s high melting point - around 660°C, which makes it a safe, compliant material for fire escape systems in buildings and facilities.
It won’t ignite or contribute to flame spread, which is critical during emergency evacuations. Unlike some other materials, aluminium doesn’t release toxic fumes when exposed to heat, supporting safer egress conditions. Its performance under heat aligns with Australian building codes and fire compliance requirements, making it a trusted choice for fire stairs in firehouses, commercial sites, and high-risk facilities.

Are Ladders a Compliant Option for Fire Escape?
Ladders can support fire escape in certain low-traffic or restricted-access areas, but they’re not always the best fit. For most buildings, stairs are the preferred solution due to their ease of use during emergencies. Fire escape ladders must meet strict safety and compliance standards - especially for heights over 3 metres - so it's important to choose the right system for your site.
Choosing between fire escape stairs and fire escape ladders depends on several important factors, including the building’s height, occupancy needs, and how often the access will be used.
Here's a guide to help determine the right option for your project:
When Fire Escape Stairs Are Required:
Fire escape stairs are necessary when the building has:
- An effective height greater than 25 metres
- Regular or frequent access requirements
- Multiple users needing to evacuate at the same time
- Public access or non-ambulatory occupants (e.g., people with mobility impairments)
- High occupancy levels
- A need to transport tools, equipment, or allow two-way traffic
- An emergency evacuation route that forms part of the main access or egress
Key Factors to Consider:
When deciding between stairs and ladders, it’s essential to assess:
- Regulatory Requirements: Always check the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and local council regulations to ensure compliance.
- Risk Assessment: Consider how often the access will be used, who will use it, evacuation needs during emergencies, and exposure to weather.
- Practical Considerations: Think about available installation space, budget, maintenance needs, and how frequently access will be required.
Before making a final decision, it’s important to review:
- The building’s effective height
- Occupancy classification
- Local building codes and regulations
- Emergency evacuation plans
Choosing the right fire escape stair system is not only critical for compliance but also for ensuring the safety and accessibility of your building in an emergency.

Choose working with Experience Height Safety Professionals to choose what type of stairs are right for your site for fire escape and access solutions.
Safetylyne combines technical knowledge with design flexibility.
From early-stage advice to fully engineered, NCC-compliant stair systems, we work with building designers, architects, safety managers and asset owners to:
- Audit existing access points
- Recommend upgrade pathways
- Deliver and install custom-built stairs that meet your fire safety goals
- We don’t offer off-the-shelf solutions - we solve for access.
Contact Us
Let’s make sure your fire escape stairs work when it matters most.
Contact us to talk through your next project.
Access Solved.