Dictionary Definition
handrail n : a railing at the side of a staircase
or balcony to prevent people from falling [syn: bannister, banister, balustrade, balusters]
User Contributed Dictionary
Noun
Translations
rail which can be held
- Czech: zábradlí
- Norwegian: gelender, rekkverk
- Spanish: pasamano
See also
Extensive Definition
Handrails are railings used on stairways and escalators. They are designed
to be grasped by the hand while ascending or descending the stairs.
They are supported by posts or fixed directly to a wall.
Handrail dimensions
Various model codes -- The International
Code Council (ICC) and
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-- and accessibility
standards -- ANSI A117.1 and the
Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG) -- refer to handrail dimensions. Latest versions of these
codes and standards now agree that handrail is defined as either a
circular cross section with an outside diameter of 1-1/4" (32 mm)
minimum and 2" (51 mm) maximum or a non-circular cross section with
a perimeter dimension of 4" (100 mm) minimum and 6-1/4" (160 mm)
maximum and a cross section dimension of 2-1/4" (57 mm) maximum. In
addition, the International Residential Code (IRC) includes a
definition of a "Type II" handrail that allows for handrail with a
perimeter dimension greater than 6-1/4" (160 mm)if a graspable
finger recess area is provided on both sides of the profile.
Handrails are located at a height between 34"
(864 mm) and 38" (965 mm) In areas where children
are the principal users of a building or facility, the 2004 ADAAG
recommends that a second set of handrails at a maximum height of
28" (711 mm) measured to the top of the gripping surface
from the ramp surface or stair nosing can assist in preventing
accidents. An obstacle skateboarders and rollerbladers use to
grind.
Handrail clearance
The distance between the wall and handrail
gripping surface is also governed by local code with the most
common requirement being 1-1/2" (38 mm) minimum. The
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that the
distance between the wall and handrail be a minimum of 2-1/4" (57
mm).
handrail in Catalan: Barana
handrail in Czech: Zábradlí
handrail in German: Geländer
handrail in Italian: Parapetto