Assessment of Existing Structures and Repairs - Offshore Structures: Design, Construction and Maintenance - page 552

Fiberglass grating systems have been proven to perform even after being
subjected to hurricane wave forces. Grating is typically designed to last for
the life of the structure, without replacement.
Fiberglass grating does not corrode, which is the primary cause for replace-
ment of steel grating and plating.
Fiberglass access stairs and treads are lighter than the steel equivalent and
easier to install.
Fiberglass stairs can be designed to meet any access requirements.
Fiberglass stairs consist of pultruded structural sections with fiberglass stair
treads. Fiberglass handrails complete the full stair. Fiberglass stairs can be
replacement items for steel stairs, and they can also be used for new design
or new access requirements. Fiberglass stairs are installed using lighter lifting
equipment than is needed for the steel equivalent.
Fiberglass treads have been proven to perform even after being subjected to
hurricane wave forces. Stairs and treads are typically designed to last for the life
of the structure and do not require replacement.
Fiberglass stairs and treads, shown in Figure 7.44 , do not corrode, which is
the primary cause for the replacement of steel stairs.
Fiberglass stairs and treads have been used throughout the world on offshore
platforms.
FIGURE 7.44 Non-wave-zone fiberglass stairs.