Choosing the right key clamp handrail for your industry

Workplace safety is an essential requirement for a wide range of UK industries – from busy distribution hubs to offshore platforms, and everything in between. Key clamp handrail systems offer a flexible, long-lasting solution tailored to the unique safety needs of various industries. But with so many different materials and environments to consider, how do you know which key clamp handrail system is right for your site?

We delve into all things key clamp handrails, including the industries they support, and how to choose the right system for your application.

What is a key clamp handrail system?

A key clamp handrail system is a modular safety barrier made from either galvanised steel, stainless steel, or GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). The system can be easily assembled using key clamp fittings, with no welding required. Key clamp handrails are incredibly versatile and suitable for a vast array of applications, from permanent safety structures to temporary event barriers. More on that below…

Industry-specific applications of key clamp handrails

Manufacturing

In busy manufacturing environments and warehouses, there’s no room for error. Key clamp handrails are an essential part of site safety, offering reliable protection in high-traffic areas. The modular nature of key clamp handrail systems means they can evolve with your layout, while their robust materials can handle daily wear and tear with ease.

Key clamp handrails can be used to:

Provide protective handrails to shield machinery
Create mezzanine and elevated platform handrails
Guide pedestrian and vehicle flow in busy aisles

Oil, gas & offshore

GRP key clamp handrails or stainless steel systems are the go-to choice for high-risk environments like oil rigs and chemical plants. They are resistant to harmful chemicals, saltwater, and UV exposure, meaning they will continue to perform even in the harshest offshore conditions.

Specific oil, gas and offshore applications include:

Ensuring safe movement on offshore platform edges and walkways
Creating secure handholds on pipe bridges and stair access points
Providing corrosion-resistant barriers in hazardous chemical zones

Temporary construction & events

Temporary construction sites and event venues need reliable safety systems that are quick to assemble and easy to move. Whether it’s for a short-term build or a weekend event, having dependable handrails in place is essential for meeting safety regulations and managing foot traffic effectively.

Key clamp handrails provide:

Stair and edge protection on scaffolding and raised platforms
Temporary walkway barriers at festivals and public gatherings
Crowd control to guide and manage foot traffic in event spaces

Food & beverage

Hygiene is just as critical as safety in food-grade facilities. Stainless steel key clamp systems tick both boxes – they’re easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and moisture, whilst being durable enough to handle busy production lines. They also help to prevent slip, trips, and falls in areas where water, oils, or other liquids are common.

Key clamp handrails are often used for:

Preventing accidents along walkways in wet or spill-prone areas
Separating hygiene-sensitive zones such as cleanrooms and packing areas
Creating corrosion-resistant safety rails in washdown areas

Mining

A key clamp stair handrail system offers the strength and durability needed in high-risk, high-impact mining environments. They can be quickly installed around pits, heavy equipment, or access zones, and can be easily adjusted or relocated as operations shift.

Specific mining applications include:

Safeguarding employees around pits, quarries, or excavation sites
Providing safety barriers near crushing equipment and processing machinery
Offering handholds along steep stairways and uneven walkways

How to choose the right handrail for your industry

Environment

Begin by assessing the conditions your handrails will face, as this will determine which material you need.

GRP is the ideal choice for coastal or chemical-heavy environments, thanks to its corrosion and chemical resistance. Hygiene-critical spaces like food production call for stainless steel handrails, as its smooth surface makes it easy to clean and disinfect. Moreover, galvanised still offers excellent durability at great value for general industrial or commercial use.

Load bearing

You’ll also need to think about who and what your handrail system needs to support. For example, will it be guiding foot traffic on a walkway, or acting as a barrier around heavy machinery? Different applications will require different load ratings, and it’s vital that you get this right to comply with safety regulations.

Layout

As well as considering your current requirements, you’ll need to plan ahead for your future site needs. Your site layout may change over time, so we highly recommend investing in a modular system that can be easily reconfigured. This flexibility will be incredibly valuable if you ever need to expand, relocate, or make adjustments to welcome new equipment.

Enhance workplace safety at your site with Ezi Klamp

At Ezi Klamp, we supply a full range of modular key clamp handrail systems that are specifically designed to enhance workplace safety at your site. We understand that every industry faces unique challenges – that’s why we work closely with you to design and configure layouts that meet your exact requirements. We’re always here to provide ongoing advice and guidance long after installation, so you can rest assured that your site is safe and secure.

Get in today with our expert team today to discuss your site’s safety needs.