Egress Stairs

Here, we spotlight examples of steel stair manufacturers in the Ohio Valley that provide egress stairs for facilities.

What Are Egress Stairs?

Built to protect lives first

Egress stairs are designed to ensure that, during fires or other emergencies, building occupants can move safely to the outdoors or to a protected area via a secure evacuation route. In design terms, enabling smooth and reliable evacuation takes clear priority over protecting the building itself.

Unlike main stairs intended for everyday use, egress stairs are separated from hazards in specific ways. Indoors, they are protected by fire-rated compartments, and outdoors, they are isolated from the fire source through fire-resistant construction and/or required separation distances. To help prevent falls during panic situations, dimensions are strictly standardized. As a result, these stairs are engineered with functionality and safety pushed to the highest possible level.

Key building code requirements

Egress stairs for facilities in the U.S. must comply not only with nationwide standards such as the IBC and NFPA 101, but also with the laws and codes of the state where construction takes place. For projects in Ohio, the following standards typically apply.

• IBC (International Building Code): An internationally used building code that sets requirements such as stair width and fire-resistance performance based on a building’s structure and occupancy.
*Source: IBC Official Website (https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/ibc/)
• NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code): A standard established by the National Fire Protection Association, providing detailed requirements for securing evacuation routes, visibility, and accessibility.
*Source:NFPA Official Website (https://www.nfpa.org/en)
• Ohio Building Code (OBC): Ohio’s state-specific building code. Compliance is essential for any work performed within the state.
*Source:Ohio Building Code (OBC) Official Website (https://up.codes/codes/ohio?year=2024)

In public and commercial facilities, even minor dimensional deviations can result in a failed inspection and may directly delay project handover.

This is especially true for projects in southern Ohio (including the Cincinnati area and locations near Columbus), where Ohio-specific requirements for stair width and landing clearances can make the difference between passing and failing an inspection. To prevent issues before they arise, it’s important to select a manufacturer that understands not only the IBC and NFPA standards, but also the OBC requirements in depth.

Facility Egress Stairs Case Study

In this section, we highlight manufacturers that rank near the top of U.S. Google search results for “steel stair manufacturers in the Ohio Valley” and also showcase facility egress stair projects. (As of January 19, 2026)

SY Stairs

Image source: SY Stairs Official Website (https://systairs.com/gallery/)

SY Stairs reduces project burden on tight urban sites and compressed schedules. Its proprietary, no-field-welding design can shorten installation time by 70% compared with conventional methods*.

The company provides stairs that balance jobsite efficiency with ready-to-use safety from day one. It also supports design-forward finishes, such as refined exterior appearances and carpet-finished interiors.

Upside Innovations

Image source: Upside Innovations Official Website (https://upsideinnovations.com/installations/rooftop-stair-tower-install/)

Upside Innovations uses 100% aluminum construction for strong resistance to rust and corrosion. This helps maintain long-term safety in harsh outdoor environments while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

The company offers high-rise towers that enable safe access to rooftop equipment, as well as code-compliant, maintenance-free egress stairs.

Kelli Group

Image source: Kelli Group Official Website (https://www.kelligroup.net/steel-staircases)

Kelli Group is known for its ability to translate designers’ intent into finished steel stair solutions, from complex structural requirements to highly decorative finishes. This flexibility makes it a strong partner for architectural projects that demand special detailing and distinctive design.

The company provides egress stairs that combine durability with visual appeal, ranging from robust outdoor systems that run along high-rise façades to finishes that blend seamlessly with interior spaces.

Facilities Where Egress Stairs Are Required

In multi-story buildings and high-occupancy facilities subject to the IBC and NFPA codes, egress stairs are not optional. They are a mandatory requirement for obtaining final approval at completion.

Whether it’s a hotel, school, or large warehouse, every facility type must meet the applicable legal requirements. The key is determining how to implement a compliant solution in the most effective way. With tight schedules and space constraints on urban sites, along with other site-specific challenges, choose a manufacturer that combines full code compliance with flexible installation capability.