OUTDOOR ACCESS HANDRAILS – A GUIDE
Handrails along ramps or at the side of steps provide welcome, often essential, support to people with limited mobility.
LOCATION
Next to steps, ramps, abrupt change in level (slopes) or where people with walking difficulties are likely to require extra support.
Building regulations for public build suggest:-
a rail diameter of:
Range 45-50mm.
a rail height of:
850mm above step nosing or ramp surface
1000mm above a landing.
a clearance of:
approx 45mm min. from the adjacent wall
a rail length:
Which extends beyond the top and bottom of steps or ramp approximately 45mm.
Handrails should be securely anchored and continuous throughout their run and include any level resting places if feasible. Choose handrails that are easy and comfortable to grasp. The ends should be rounded off or turned into the wall for safety.
For entrance steps/ramp the rail should extend to the door.
Handrails should be checked regularly to ensure that they are properly secured and that there is no wear and tear, which could make them uncomfortable or dangerous to use.
LOCAL SUPPLIERS
Sutcliffe Bros (Bradford) Ltd
164 Sunbridge Road
Bradford BD1 2HP
733063
Viking Products
U4 Manywells Industrial Estate
Cullingworth
BD13 5DX
01535 273355
Ron White Ltd
Bradford Road
Tingley
Wakefield WF3 1QP
0113 2521504
Mark Burt Blacksmith
07973 204595 (daytime)
01535 669233 (evenings)