The Hopkins Marine Station (HMS) is a marine biology research facility that operates as a branch of Stanford’s Department of Biology. Located 90 miles south of the main campus on the Monterey Peninsula, the station is in the perfect marine location for research and teaching. The facility houses ten faculty members and approximately 25 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Surrounded by intertidal offshore waters of a marine reserve, the department was looking to create safe walking surfaces on stairs that lead to a boat work building. The surface would need to be resistant to corrosion from the salt water.

The general contractor on the job ordered several Grade 2 304 stainless steel nosing angles to be installed at the Hopkins Marine Station after discussing the application and requirements. Stainless steel was the desired alloy due to the corrosion and chemical resistance it provides, making it able to withstand large amounts of salt water without any adverse reaction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration imposes a duty on long shoring and marine terminal employers to provide workplace free from “recognized, serious safety hazards.” Wet, slippery flooring is an easily recognized safety hazard that can be reduced by installing a slip resistant surface. The stainless steel stair nosing was installed quickly and easily over the existing stairs, creating instant safety. Students and faculty can now access the boat work building with ease. This permanent solution will provide the station with a slip resistant surface for years to come.