Handrails are a common, complimentary feature in staircases or banisters as it serves to complete the overall look. Not only does it add a dramatic touch to the design of your staircase, porches, and decks, but it also provides support for people who need to hold onto something solid due to old age, disability, or inclement weather like rain, ice, sleet, or snow.
Handrails are an overlooked yet essential feature as many people use it every day, but only a few realise the role it plays to maintaining every passer-by’s safety. The requirements for a proper rail installation greatly varies depending on the style of the staircase, which means other flight of stairs would require two rails.
What Regulations Cover Staircase Safety and Handrails?
While the laws regarding the standard installation of rails vary, the golden rule is that you can rely on the design for the staircase from the building regulations. Meanwhile, the regulations on the staircase itself require further rules, all of which cover the following:
- Private for a domestic property
- Utility for public staircases
- General access for a semi-public common staircase, such as offices or factories
Keep in mind that handrails are a requirement for a flight of stairs that are designed with a drop greater than 600 millimetres. This leaves the first two steps open as it can do without a handrail, creating more room to wrestle in design and space-saving solutions.
What are the Safety Tips for Using Handrails Properly?
The government suggests that people should always be cautious when going up or down the stairs, which means that handrails must always be available to act as reliable support for people of all ages. The staircase should also be free from clutter, obstruction, and must be well-lit.
Following the recommended precautions can make a world of difference in maintaining the safety of every passer-by using the stairs, no matter the age, ability, and environment. With that in mind, the handrails should be easy to grip and also meet the standard height to ensure it is accessible for all ages.
Handrails must also be securely attached to a solid support or wall and made out of durable material.
Why are Handrails for Stairs an Important Feature?
Handrails are designed for multiple purposes. For one, the right style and material can boost the interior decor of any property. Wooden rails with carvings, patterns, or engravings can create a luxurious look, while others use paint or stains to promote a decorative touch to a person’s space.
In addition to providing an eye-catching element in a room, handrails are primarily built to enhance the safety of all users within the building. It acts as a support that keeps people from tumbling down a flight of stairs, so its life-saving feature makes it a legal requirement by law in all homes, building firms, and more.
Conclusion
Following the law and installing a reliable handrail system alongside your stairs can contribute to the prevention of dangerous accidents and injuries down the line. Keep in mind that children and the elderly are at most risk, so following your building regulations regarding handrails can make a world of difference in keeping the safety of people intact.
If you are looking to install handrails for your staircase at home in Perth, get in touch with us to see how we can help.
