Application: The Cane Patch Condominium Access to Elevator Control Room
Any area that requires safe access for service, calibration, or emergency shutoff, should have a durable, reliable, set of metal safety stairs with handrails. Stairs allow workers to upload or take out any heavy equipment with the ease and safety that a ladder does not offer. Performing an equipment switch out, a quality check or routine maintenance is easier when the access point on a rooftop or tight environments is safe and sturdy.
Handrails are a common sight in many public places, and most of us are aware of their purpose – to prevent accidents. Handrails are a handhold that provides support when going up or down a flight of stairs. Usually, you can find railings on the side of the staircase closest to the wall.
Benefits of a Handrail
Handrails make going up and down stairs safer and more comfortable, especially for older adults and young children. You might not have realized it, but your hands naturally look for something to hold onto whenever you encounter a new staircase. This instinct is beneficial, as handrails can help prevent falls. If you miss a step or trip, these metal bars can provide support and help break your fall. In addition, rails can help people with limited mobility navigate metal stairs more easily. For example, someone who uses a wheelchair can grip the railing while transferring from their wheelchair to a building ramp. Ultimately, handrails improve safety and make it easier for everyone to use the stairs.
Specifically, handrails help people regain their balance in case of a slip or fall and provide stability for those with visual or steadiness problems. However, most people can also use handrails to guide them upstairs or across uneven surfaces. In fact, people can find railings in various settings, from hospital corridors and hilly slopes to mountainous trails. While they may seem like a simple safety measure, handrails can play a vital role in preventing accidents and injuries.
OSHA, IBC, and ADA Handrail Codes
Handrail height is an important consideration for both commercial and industrial applications. OSHA and IBC codes regulate handrail height to protect workers and the public when accessing stairs. On the other hand, ADA codes are required for ramps to be public spaces or for buildings to be handicap-accessible. Handrail height requirements vary depending on the application, but generally, handrails should be between 34 inches and 38 inches tall. In some cases, railings may need to be taller or shorter depending on the users’ needs. For example, handrails for young children may need to be lower than handrails for adults—modifications like these help to ensure that everyone can safely use the railings to avoid accidents.
Most people take handrails for granted, but for those with balance or mobility issues, rails can be essential for safely navigating a stairwell. That’s why the ADA and OSHA require handrails on both sides of a stairwell in public and private spaces. Having railings on just one side of stairs can make it inaccessible to people who need them, and leaning on a wall to maintain balance is unsafe.
Handrails Prevent Falls
Railings are an important safety feature, particularly on stairways and balconies. They provide support and stability and can help to prevent falls. As a result, it is essential to choose a material that is strong and durable. Structural aluminum is an excellent choice for railings, as it is much stronger than other metals such as wood, and it also has high tensile strength and can resist twisting and bending. Aluminum railings are also rust-proof and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. So aluminum is the way to go if you’re looking for safe and reliable railings.
One of the most important safety features of any building is the handrail. Handrails are enforced by code in many jurisdictions. For a good reason – they provide a crucial handhold for people moving around any commercial or industrial property and can help prevent falls. For building managers, it’s important to be aware of the handrail requirements in your area, as a failure to comply with the code can result in serious consequences. You may sometimes be fined or even have your property condemned. And in the event of an accident, you could be held liable if it’s found that handrails were not up to code. Railings should always be on your list of priorities when maintaining a safe and compliant property.
The ErectaStep Installation in the photograph above is eight steps to a platform to housing that contains the apex of an elevator shaft. The choice of the Erectastep system for this access door was well thought out. Elevators require constant top-down maintenance and routine municipal inspections. There is a need for occasional electrical work, re-cabling, lubrication, and calibration. Much of this requires onsite heavy equipment that is maneuvered easily and safer on a modular step system.
The components that make up the ErectaStep system are made in the USA of heavy gauge material that withstands heavy loads, severe weather and constant usage. The stairs are constructed to create a non-slip environment, and the paint on the guardrails and gates is powder-coated to sustain a vibrant color that holds up very well to fading by the outdoor elements.
