Difference between handrails and pedestrian guardrails

Difference between handrails and pedestrian guardrails

When it comes to safety and accessibility, the terms “handrails” and “pedestrian guardrails” are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference that you should know. While they share a common purpose of providing safety, their applications, designs, and specifications differ significantly.

Pedestrian Guardrails: Purpose and Design

Pedestrian guardrails, often formed from galvanised steel, are primarily used for outdoor applications such as roadsides, paths, and bridges. They serve as a protective barrier between pedestrians and potential hazards like traffic or high walkways​​.

Key Characteristics:

  • Location of Use: Often found alongside busy roads, crossings, and high walkways.
  • Design Variability: Available in standard panels (1m or 2m lengths) with or without a sight gap. Bespoke options include raked, curved, or base-plated panels.
  • Durability: Typically galvanised, with options for polyester powder-coating in various colours.
  • Standards Compliance: Manufactured in accordance with British Standards BS 7818:1995, which specifies requirements such as metal thickness, infill bar spacing, foundation depth, and durability​​.

Handrails: An Important Part of Function and Flexibility

On the other hand, Ezi Klamp’s other modular handrail solutions are designed to create safe and accessible environments​​. Their primary function is to offer support and stability to individuals, especially in areas where mobility or safety is of concern.

At Ezi Klamp, we offer two main types of handrails: our Key Clamp Tube Handrails, Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Handrails, and our Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Handrails for use in industrial sectors such as Rail.

Key Characteristics:

  • Application: Used in a variety of settings for support and balance.
  • Customisation: Available in a wide variety of lengths (3.4m, 6m, 6.4m) and diameters (ranging from 26.9 mm to 76.0 mm OD) to suit different requirements​​.
  • Aesthetic Options: Options for a galvanised steel finish or powder coating in different colours​​.
  • Installation Flexibility: Can be pre-cut to size or cut on-site. Ezi Klamp offers a wide range of fixtures and fittings for easy installation​​​​.
  • Advantages: Ezi Klamp handrails are noted for their robustness, durability, ease of installation, and wide range of customisation options​​.

Are Handrails and Pedestrian Guardrails interchangeable?

While many may think handrails and pedestrian guardrails are interchangeable, there are very important and significant differences.

Guardrails protect pedestrians from hazards such as vehicles. Handrails are designed to be held and help people as they walk around a space or up an incline, including stairs.

If you are looking for guidance on your next project or need some advice on how to stay compliant on your next build, our advisors are on hand to help guide you through the process. Just simply call us on 0117 970 2420 or email us at sales@eziklampsystems.com, and one of our friendly advisors will be happy to help.

 

 

First Published: 08/05/2024 (Updated 26/11/2024)
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