Most commercial buildings already have railings. The problem isn't that it's where they don't have railings; you have an issue. Or railings that are in the right place but haven't been updated for many years, and now pose a problem.
And when you have a safety inspection, it'll likely keep flagging these points over and over until you rectify them. And for the most part, the failings aren't down to individual owners; they're down to older buildings that don't meet modern regulations.
With this in mind, here are a few of the areas you should focus on to
implement handrails that are safe and effective in the places that
matter the most.
Staircases and Stairwells
Any staircase needs railings; that's obvious. What's often not so obvious, however, is where they need updating, where they are inadequate. Older buildings tend to only have handrails on one side, or the rails are set too low, or have designs that don't fully extend at landings.
Railings need to run continuously along stairs, return safely at the ends, and provide a firm, easy grip.
In multi-occupancy buildings, stairwells are too high-risk simply because people use them without thinking. During evacuations, poor rail placement can become a serious hazard really quickly.
If you have open staircases throughout your building, talking to railing companies can help you install an effective guard against open edges or a barrier, not a decorative divider, to reduce the risk of falls.
Any staircase needs railings; that's obvious. What's often not so obvious, however, is where they need updating, where they are inadequate. Older buildings tend to only have handrails on one side, or the rails are set too low, or have designs that don't fully extend at landings.
Railings need to run continuously along stairs, return safely at the ends, and provide a firm, easy grip.
In multi-occupancy buildings, stairwells are too high-risk simply because people use them without thinking. During evacuations, poor rail placement can become a serious hazard really quickly.
If you have open staircases throughout your building, talking to railing companies can help you install an effective guard against open edges or a barrier, not a decorative divider, to reduce the risk of falls.
Mezzanines and Raised Platforms
Mezzanines are one of the most commonly overlooked areas, primarily because they were added later or repurposed and used differently than initially intended.
Any raised platform with a drop needs to have perimeter railings. It doesn't matter if it's an internal balcony, mezzanine floor, or plant access level; it needs addressing. The height is irrelevant here; safety is paramount.
Mezzanines are one of the most commonly overlooked areas, primarily because they were added later or repurposed and used differently than initially intended.
Any raised platform with a drop needs to have perimeter railings. It doesn't matter if it's an internal balcony, mezzanine floor, or plant access level; it needs addressing. The height is irrelevant here; safety is paramount.
Ramps and Level Changes
Ramps are often used to improve accessibility, but this accessibility isn't beneficial if people can hurt themselves using them. Any ramp with a slope beyond minimal threshold levels should have handrails, particularly if it's used by the public or for staff carrying loads.
This is applicable to both internal and external ramps and level changes. Entry ramps, internal transitions between levels, and service ramps all need to have rails and guards for edge protection.
Ramps are often used to improve accessibility, but this accessibility isn't beneficial if people can hurt themselves using them. Any ramp with a slope beyond minimal threshold levels should have handrails, particularly if it's used by the public or for staff carrying loads.
This is applicable to both internal and external ramps and level changes. Entry ramps, internal transitions between levels, and service ramps all need to have rails and guards for edge protection.
Loading Docks and Service Areas
Loading docks by design are high-risk areas. There is vehicle movement, poor lighting, and multiple distractions all in one small space. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Guardrails are needed along open edges, drop-offs, and areas where pedestrians move near vehicle paths. This means your dock sides, platform edges, and stair access points within service yards. It's not aesthetics here; it could quite literally be life and death.
Loading docks by design are high-risk areas. There is vehicle movement, poor lighting, and multiple distractions all in one small space. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Guardrails are needed along open edges, drop-offs, and areas where pedestrians move near vehicle paths. This means your dock sides, platform edges, and stair access points within service yards. It's not aesthetics here; it could quite literally be life and death.
Roof Access and Maintenance Zones
If staff can access the roof, even just for occasional use, it needs railings that are that simple. Think around plant areas, skylights, and access points. Maintenance zones are also common accident areas where safety features aren't standard, so install railings around access points to assist with transitions and limit the risk of falls or other incidents.
If staff can access the roof, even just for occasional use, it needs railings that are that simple. Think around plant areas, skylights, and access points. Maintenance zones are also common accident areas where safety features aren't standard, so install railings around access points to assist with transitions and limit the risk of falls or other incidents.
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love reading and responding to comments but in order to get my reply you must ensure you are NOT a no-reply blogger. If you are, here are some quick steps to change that!
1. Go to the home page of your Blogger account.
2. Select the drop down beside your name on the top right corner and choose Blogger Profile.
3. Select Edit Profile at the top right.
4. Select the Show My Email Address box.
5. Hit Save Profile.