Inside the lighthouse stairwell

The tower had been closed throughout the winter, and I followed the building inspector towards the first flight. Rust flaked from the lowest steps when his boot touched them. Higher up, the handrail shook in its brackets, although he tested it gently. Daylight from the narrow windows made every surface easy to inspect. He turned back before we reached the next floor.

From the passage, select two words or phrases that show the staircase had deteriorated.