A Message from the SMA President

Founded in 1988, the Stairway Manufacturer Association’s original mission was to make stairs safer while preserving the architectural and aesthetic integrity of our industry’s product. The charter members gathered at a time when an onslaught of conjecture over the causes of stairway accidents had fomented random building code changes without credence to scientific research. By investing heavily in independent testing, the SMA was able to provide its’ members, as well as the code community, with industry specific research based upon responsible methodology. Our researchers pioneered the first dynamic testing of actual staircase falls; data from such testing has been used to develop building codes and standards with real world applications. To this day, the SMA’s code and research committee continues this work as an active participant in every code cycle.

The SMA has evolved into a dynamic organization that is not only proactive in code and standard development, but also in meeting the additional needs of stairbuilders, stair part manufacturers, building related organizations and public authorities. As publishers of the highly acclaimed “Visual Interpretations” of building codes, the SMA serves to educate and inform the building community as to code compliance for the purposes of stair design, construction, and code enforcement. In addition, the SMA is developing Quality Standards that provide members of the industry, as well as architects, designers and builders with a tool to control costs and ensure the quality level of their stairway projects.

As a member of the International Code Council, the SMA supports the development of one national model for building codes and the adoption of the ICC family of codes throughout every state to provide consistency and continuity in the development and utilization of our member’s stairway products.

As a member of the American National Standards Institute Committee on Accessibility (ANSI A117), the SMA works together with organizations like the American Institute of Architects, National Association of Home Builders, Building Owners and Managers Association and the International Code Council to assure that barriers to accessibility can be defined and subsequently eliminated in compliance with Federal Law.

The SMA is evolving and involved, concerned and committed, dedicated and determined in it's mission to meet the needs of its members and the building community. We would welcome the support that you can provide through membership and welcome your participation in any aspect of the association’s work that is of interest to you. Whether it is by attending an annual conference, serving on a committee or task group, or eventually providing leadership as a director or officer, you will find that the commitment and dedication of our members is at the heart of the integrity and honor that is recognized in the Stairway Manufacturers Association. Welcome.

Jim Trice
President, SMA