GRP Handrail Systems

This depends on where your handrail is being installed. If it’s on a domestic property or at a standard workplace, a GRP handrail is not usually the right choice. The range of fittings is smaller than what’s available in the steel key clamp and the price is higher than a handrail in galvanised steel. 

However, if you’re installing the handrail in an area where conductivity or corrosion is an issue, a GRP handrail is the perfect solution. GRP handrail systems are most often used on rail projects but are also the ideal system for the following areas:  

• Power stations 
• Manufacturing plants 
• Offshore wind and oil facilities 
• Water treatment works 
• Marine environments 

A GRP handrail system is typically around 50% more expensive than a similar handrail in galvanised steel. This is due to several factors:  

• It is a more specialised product, specifically developed for use in areas where conductivity is an issue, such as alongside railway lines (click here to read more about GRP uses in the rail industry).  
• It is also highly effective in situations where steel would corrode, such as water treatment plants, chemical works and areas where the handrail will come into contact with salt water.  

• The manufacturing process of GRP handrail systems is more complicated and labour intensive than steel handrails.

The GRP tube is only produced in 50mm o/d (outside diameter) and is stocked in 5m lengths. We can cut the tube down to length if needed.

Fittings for GRP handrails are supplied as two identical halves which simply clamp together around the tubing. These need to be drilled onsite using a standard 9mm diameter HSS drill bit (supplied with your order) and bolted together with the special stainless steel rivnut fixings provided. 

The bolts are then inserted and tightened using a pozi 3 driver, the knurled rivnut fixing will hold in place whilst the bolt is tightened. These fixings provide a flush finish with no protruding bolt heads. 

GRP handrail fittings are supplied as one-piece construction, e.g. the 132 Base Plate can be glued onto the tubing using special rapid-set PU adhesive. 

Watch our GRP handrail install guide video to see how it’s done.  

We stock the tube and fittings in yellow – for high visibility – or grey.

For GRP handrails, we typically recommend 1m post centres, but please speak to our technical team on 0117 970 2420 to discuss your specific requirements if unsure. 

Typically a minimum of 25 years. Where the product is exposed to continual sunlight there would be some fading overtime.

GRP handrail systems fall under the non-critical element on the Network Rail products so PADS approval is not required.

Yes! We can send you out the posts already cut to length, and also offer a pre-site assembly service – supplying whole sections of guardrail all pre-assembled to save your teams time on site.