Safety Benefits of a Properly Installed Pedestrian Handrail

A pedestrian handrail, also referred to as a safety railing, is an integral component of many public and private facilities. It can be placed on various surfaces such as stairs, platforms, and sidewalks. The proper placement and installation of these components can help improve the safety and accessibility of various facilities. Safe supports for stairs and sloped access ways, such as handrails, are made of durable and non-slip surfaces that prevent people from falling. They can also help prevent injuries and improve the quality of life for those with mobility issues.

Things to Consider While Choosing Handrails

1. To be considered safe for use, all types of handrails must meet a weight-carrying capacity of at least 200 pounds.
    
2. The handrail should run continuously along the length of the ramp or stairway, with clearance between the inside edge and the nearest wall. In addition, openings between the rail must not allow objects with a diameter of 19 inches to pass through. This standard was established to encourage the use of low-rail mid-rails to prevent objects from falling through a stairway.
    
3. In schools and other facilities that are mainly used by children, the use of child-height handrails should be permitted. The maximum height of these sets should be 28 inches, and the minimum clearance between them should be 9 inches.
    
4. When it comes to choosing a quality handrail, choose materials that are both robust and maintenance-free. Non-metal materials such as concrete, wood, and PVC handrails like BR-1200 Rigid PVC Handrail can offer a more attractive look, but they are less durable and can be prone to wear and tear. For workplaces and public areas, choose materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and vinyl. These materials have high strength and are relatively easy to maintain. They can also endure various types of weather and are generally maintenance-free.
5. While it's important to choose a quality handrail, it's also important to maintain and comply with the law when it comes to its design and installation.

Conclusion

Our team at Protek is here to help with the installation of handrails. We have a team of experienced and qualified workers who will help your business choose the proper handrails, and our team will make sure the installation is done quickly and correctly. Reach out today to learn more about why having properly installed handrails is important for your business, and how to get started.