outdoor wood deck with steel cable railing fence

Stainless Steel Cable Railings: What You Should Know

Having proper railings in your home is important for safety — this is especially true seeing as how one in three elderly adults sustain injuries from falling on stairways every year. But when you choose the right railing materials, railings can still add aesthetic value and be easy to maintain. This is why more and more homeowners are choosing stainless steel cable railings. Let’s explore a few things you should know if you’re considering this type of railing.

The maintenance is easy: One of the great things about choosing stainless steel railing materials, especially for outdoor use, is that they’re easy to take care of. By cleaning the railings regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner, your railings will remain in good shape. It is important to note that stainless steel is rust resistant, but that doesn’t mean it’s rust proof — if you use the wrong cleaning materials, your railings could start rusting prematurely. So be mindful of what kind of products you’re using to maintain your materials.

You’ll have a better view: When choosing railings, many homeowners fail to think about what the view will be like once the railing is in place. Fortunately, cable railing supplies allow for an unobstructed view. This is great for people looking to keep staircases open even with a railing. The unobstructed view is also beneficial for decks and other outdoor settings where homeowners want to be able to enjoy the view while keeping safety a priority.

The posts need to be right: When the cable railing is installed, homeowners need to ensure the posts they’ve chosen to hold the cables is compatible with the railings. Not all posts are created equal — it’s important to choose posts that can stay in place when the cables are tightened. Cable railing may have to be tightened down the line, and it’s crucial that the posts can withstand this added pressure. If the posts are too weak, the cables could snap, causing a serious safety concern. So homeowners should make sure that they’re not only buying high-quality cables, but high-quality posts and stainless steel cable railing fittings as well.

Hopefully, this article has provided some great information about cable railings. If you’re looking for a reliable and easily-maintained railing option that won’t obstruct your view, consider stainless steel cable railings.

lifting slings

Chain Slings: Top Tips for Extending Their Lifespan

Lifting slings are an important tool for moving both people and items around, generally on a construction site. And with falls being the number one cause of death in the construction industry, it’s essential to ensure all slings are in good condition before they’re used. Chain slings are a common type of lifting sling, so let’s take a look at a few tips for keeping chain slings in good shape and extending their lifespan.

 

Keep them clean: Like any equipment or tool, chain slings require regular cleaning. These types of slings can easily become covered in oil, dirt, or other debris. And when they’re dirty, it can be easy to miss signs of wear and tear. So before using or inspecting a sling, make sure it’s properly cleaned. In fact, slings should be cleaned before and after every use. This way, corrosion and cracks can easily be spotted and taken care of as needed.

 

Schedule professional inspections: All lifting slings should be thoroughly inspected before they’re used. In doing this, any signs of damage can be spotted and safety can remain a priority. But professional inspections should be done every year, too. A professional inspection will identify potential hazards and determine the best route to handle hazards. This way, each and every sling can be deemed safe to use.

 

Measure the links: Over time, chain links can get stretched out. And even if it’s not by much, a stretched-out chain link is weaker than a link that is at the designated measurements. If a link is not the proper measurement, it may not be able to hold the weight it’s supposed to. This is why it’s important to measure the links regularly. And if a link is stretched out, you should start looking for cable and rigging supplies to find an adequate replacement.

 

Using lifting slings is a part of everyday work in some industries. And these employees rely on the slings being safe and strong enough to get the job done. Fortunately, chain slings are some of the most durable and reliable slings available — and they last a long time if they’re taken care of properly. So keep these tips in mind to ensure the chain slings you’re using are as safe and effective as they should be.

stainless steel cable

3 Tips to Help Fall-Proof Your Home

Falls at home can often result in serious injuries. And whether it’s a little kid, a senior citizen, or someone who just loses their footing, falling can happen to anyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to prevent falls at your house. So let’s explore a few simple tips that can help you fall-proof your house.

Remove trip and fall hazards: When you have someone with a high fall risk at home, it’s important to make your house as open and risk-free as possible. This means starting by removing any hazards you can. Fall hazards can include loose cords, rugs, coffee and end tables, and even loose flooring. Focusing on these hazards and making sure there is a clear path to walk around the house will minimize the risk of falling.

Be mindful of the bathroom: Many falls in a house happen in the bathroom. This is because water can make surfaces extra slippery and can lead to falls. And due to the hardness of countertops, tubs, and toilets, falling in the bathroom can be especially dangerous. So it’s important to invest in fall-proof devices, like non-slip rugs, railings, and rubber mats. In doing this, you can lower the risk of falling in the bathroom.

Have proper railings in place: Railings play a major role in preventing falls at home. Did you know that a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that more than one million Americans sustain injuries on staircases every year? This is why it’s important to invest in durable and reliable railing materials. Stainless steel cable makes a great option because cable railing supplies are high-quality and can provide support whenever needed. Stainless steel cable is also economical and aesthetically pleasing as a bonus.

Anyone can fall at home anytime. This is why it’s important to make sure your home is as safe as possible. Whether you have someone with a high fall risk at home or not, you should always prioritize safety in your house. So keep these fall-proof tips in mind so everyone in your house can move about with a lowered risk of falling and getting injured.