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Courtesy of Hollaender Manufacturing Co &#; Cincinnati, OHArchitectural design is a discipline that spans a wide range of scales, from macro scales involving the design of master plans or large urban complexes to micro scales, where it focuses on specific elements such as fixtures and fittings. Regardless of scale, careful attention to the design of each component of the built environment plays a critical role in how people experience architecture.
At the architectural micro-scale, railings and handrails play specific roles but are often confusing. While railings are designed to enclose spaces and prevent falls, handrails function as support elements, offering orientation and stability to avoid accidents and injuries. It is in the latter aspect that a stronger connection to accessibility becomes evident. For this reason, it is essential to have handrails, wall railings, and assist railings that meet ADA standards, such as those developed by Hollaender Manufacturing Co. These elements adapt to various design conditions, facilitating the movement of individuals who may encounter barriers in the physical environment.
Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairs and ramps. In both conditions, handrails must be continuous along each stretch. In the specific case of ramps, handrails are required on those with an elevation greater than 150 mm (6 inches).
Additionally, these elements are not only specified in spaces adjacent to open areas. Even in confined circulation, they should be placed as elements attached to walls, allowing for support on both sides. The clearance between handrail gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces is recommended to be at least 38 mm (1½ inches).
Considering primarily adults as users, it is suggested that the top of handrails be at a constant height between 865 mm (34 in) and 965 mm (38 in) above walking surfaces, stair edges, and ramp surfaces. In environments where children are main users, such as schools or playgrounds, incorporating a second level of handrails adjusted to their physical characteristics promotes universal design. For children, a maximum height of 710 mm (28 in) and a vertical clearance of at least 230 mm (9 in) between the top and bottom handrails is recommended to prevent accidents. In addition, infill panels play a vital role in preventing hazardous situations.
It is important to bear in mind that, when talking about accessibility, each element contributes to the elimination of barriers in the built environment. However, these elements are part of an accessibility chain, where their joint integration with others promotes the inclusion of a greater number of people and diverse groups. Concerning blindness and vision impairment, the inclusion of Braille signage on handrails, although debated, can provide essential information for users. In addition, the integration of tactile paving surfaces at the beginning and end of ramps and stairs helps to announce and detect the presence of these structures.
It is essential to pay attention to the textures and continuity of handrails so they can properly benefit people with disabilities, older adults, and other groups, especially when facing loss of balance or risk of falling. In this context, the gripping surfaces of handrails, both in circular and non-circular sections, should have rounded edges and be free of sharp or abrasive elements.
In designing handrails that meet ADA standards, it is crucial to consider the extension beyond the end of the ramp or stairway. This aspect is critical to ensure the safety of users as they approach the change in floor level created by the stairs or ramp. In this regard, it is recommended that handrails extend at least 305 mm (12 inches) beyond and in the same direction as the stair and ramp runs.
For more accessible handrailsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Regarding materiality and fabrication, when comparing stainless steel systems to aluminum component systems, the latter tends to have a lower cost per linear unit. Additionally, Hollaender Manufacturing Co. handrail systems are available in clear, dark bronze, or black anodized finishes.
In line with the positive characteristics of this material, these systems are constructed with aluminum components, an ideal material for these applications due to their malleability. This eliminates the need for welding and ensures corrosion resistance. These systems are easy to install and can be purchased as kits, which means fewer adaptations and a faster delivery time, or as fully engineered and custom-built systems.
In each of their components, handrails are designed to prevent falls, provide safe support, and comply with standards and regulations. This approach contributes significantly to promoting accessibility and safety for all people, regardless of their abilities or physical conditions, representing a crucial step towards promoting the inclusion of people with and without disabilities in the built environment.
To learn more about ADA-compliant handrails, visit the Hollaender Manufacturing Co. website or refer to the product catalog.
Handrails, guardrails, or railings? Whatever you choose to call them, the fact remains that they are all designed with two primary purposes. The first is to prevent people from slipping or falling from elevated surfaces, and the second is to aid balance and movement for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities that may otherwise make it difficult to climb stairs or navigate a ramp without a handrail. If you are installing handrails or guardrails at your place of business, then it is important to make sure that they are ADA compliant. An experienced ADA concrete contractor can help you meet all the necessary requirements.
Let&#;s look at some of the key questions you might have when it comes to handrails and guardrails.
To put it in the simplest terms, handrails and guardrails are essential for safety. Handrails allow people to keep their balance on stairs, ramps, balconies, mezzanines, and other platforms, while guardrails help prevent accidental falls from those same areas. Although the two words are often used interchangeably, they do perform two different functions.
Preventing falls and trips is a huge deal for businesses. Falls, trips, and slips are actually the second most common cause of fatal work-related injuries, behind transportation-related accidents! It is estimated that in , there were 880 employee deaths and 244,000 injuries requiring time off because of slips, trips, and falls. Most of those could have been prevented had the appropriate handrails and guardrails been in place per OSHA guidelines.
We already have plenty of reason to invest in handrails and guardrails, and we haven&#;t even mentioned the ADA aspect yet! That&#;s another excellent reason to work with an ADA concrete contractor to get compliant. ADA lawsuits can be expensive, and in California, violations are also considered civil rights violations under the UNRUH act. Can your business afford to risk penalties from OSHA, ADA, and UNRUH for the sake of not investing in proper handrails and guardrails? For most businesses, the answer is likely to be a resounding NO! Get in touch with a qualified ADA concrete contractor sooner rather than later and protect your business from potential lawsuits!
As we have established above, handrails are not really the same thing as guardrails. Handrails aim primarily to promote safe movement rather than saving lives the way guardrails might. There are two main types of handrails that you may encounter:
As with any fixture in your building, the handrails you install must be up to code. With so many different legislations, some of which vary from one state to another, it is crucial to get advice from an experienced ADA concrete contractor. You will need to adhere to CAL-OSHA guidance as well as ADA standards for accessible design. It is worth noting that OSHA will trump ADA requirements if making an adjustment for disabled individuals would result in a safety concern. However, in the case of handrails, the two overlap when it comes to the height requirement, making it easy to satisfy both sets of regulations. The ADA requires handrails to be a minimum of 34 inches and a maximum of 38 inches from the floor. In comparison, OSHA guidelines require handrails to be at least 34 inches from the floor, and guardrails should be a minimum of 42 inches in height.
Height is not the only requirement when it comes to making sure that your handrails are ADA compliant. Working with an experienced ADA concrete contractor with the expert knowledge required to meet all standards is important. There are many points that need to be taken into consideration, but some of the basics include:
If you need help to install ADA compliant handrails and guardrails or to upgrade any other aspect of your building&#;s exterior to meet ADA standards, an ADA concrete contractor can help you come up with an appropriate plan of action.
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