HANDRAIL

Function

A handrail is a rail that a person can hold to provide support or protection. Usually a handrail is attached at the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway so that it can be gripped while a person is walking up or down a staircase. Some handrails are devised as safety rails for people who may be walking or riding on a mechanical path such as a moving walkway or escalator. Other handrails are used along hallways for support and balance. Handrails are parallel and at a fixed height in relation to the stairs or walkway.

Features

A handrail has basic features to make it suitable for support. The handrail should be at a height easy for the hand to grasp. This is usually about elbow height or between 30 to 36 inches from the floor or walking surface. The rail must be graspable which means an open or air space must exist between the supporting wall and the rail for easy hand access. For a wall-support handrail, the rail should be held out from the wall about 1 1/2 to 2 inches so the fingers fit easily between the wall and rail. The rail must be firmly attached with brackets or it will not provide support to steady a walking person who stumbles or loses footing. The handrail should be shaped so that the hand fits around it easily and smoothly. Round handrails are more easily grasped than square. A handrail that is 4 to 6 inches around for its perimeter allows a firm grip with all fingers and thumb.

Demographics

A study at a shopping mall selected two staircases, one long and wide and the other short and narrow, to observe who used handrails. Though over half the people who used the stairs were within reach of the handrails, less than one third actually used the handrails. Older people were more likely to use them than younger people. More people used the handrail going down stairs than going up.

Other Handrails

Handrails are often installed as guardrails on porches, platforms or balconies to protect against accidental falls. These rails can be quickly grabbed in case of a trip or misstep so that a person can regain balance. They are usually higher than stairway handrails. A handrail at the outside of a stairway is often called a banister. It is usually supported by posts or spindles and may offer decorative design as well as handrail safety.