Handrails and guardrails aren’t identical

Ensuring clients have top tier barrier products is what we do best. This is important as we need to keep everyone as safe as possible. We have options available that work for both interiors and exteriors. Our handrail solutions for instance work wonders in different settings. They give users the necessary support they need to move around, even in areas where it might be slippery.

Falls from rooftops and similar heights are a leading cause of incidents in many industries. This includes manufacturing and construction. Fall injuries lead to more than suffering for employees; they also create a financial burden for employers and families. Without safety barriers such as handrails and guardrails, anyone working at a height of six feet or greater can't save themselves from a fall.

Handrails and guardrails might seem similar. They may also carry out the same general function, that being fall protection. However, the definition and code requirements differ greatly. Let's look at the definitions of the two.

Handrails

The idea of a handrail is to promote safe movement. But, they aren't meant specifically to be life-saving installations. Mounted to a partition or wall by brackets attached to the lower side, a rail supplies supporting handholds for any user. They are really helpful for anyone who has trouble walking or people that like aid when navigating slopes, ramps, or stairs. Handrails tend to be used with stairways including more than three risers.

Guardrails

Guardrails, also called standard railings, are horizontal barriers. They safeguard workers and visitors against falls from heights. At the same time, they alert workers to the existence of hazards. What's more, they stop unauthorised access to restricted areas.

The guardrail can come in a myriad of styles. They consist of top and intermediate rails, and posts to stop falls. Not to mention, there are toeboards. These keep materials, equipment, and feet from slipping off the edge. As opposed to handrails, guardrails are crafted to be life-saving installations. This is around accessible roof spaces, openings, platforms, landings, and more.

Design your ideal handrail

At Barrier Mart, we have several key clamp components available to buy, as well as tubes for the rails. Everything comes in multiple sizes too so we can meet everyone's needs. That means you can easily choose exactly what you need to create rails for any kind of setting. There are even corner fittings.

So, if you'd like to do business with us to get the ideal handrail, please get in touch or order via our website. If you do contact us, you can get advice and recommendations. We can also arrange installation if you need it.