Handrails and kerbs or kerb rails on ramps are important to people with a range of disabilities, for example, people who are blind or vision impaired, people with a mobility disability and people who have an intellectual disability or brain injury.
Two handrails are required as some people may not have the use of both hands in which case they may need to use either the left or right handrail. Kerb rails are required to reduce the chances of people who use wheelchairs running off the edge of the ramp or catching their toe plate behind the handrail supports and as a result tipping out of their chair.
The specifications relating to the ergonomic design of handrails ensure they can be used by all people, especially those with a disability that affects hand or arm function. Stainless steel fabrication can be utilized to create durable and reliable handrails that ensure safety and longevity. Continuous handrails that allow a user’s hand to maintain a continuous hold on the handrail assist in safe movement throughout the complete journey either up or down a ramp.
The ends of handrails must be designed and constructed to reduce the incidence of injury to pedestrians.
To be effective handrails must be within the design criteria set out in AS1428.1.
This is achieved by ensuring:
Raised dome buttons are only required on the ends of handrails where TGSIs are exempt from being used, for example, in Aged Residential Care facilities.
To be effective kerb rails must be within the design criteria set out in AS1428.1.
This is achieved by ensuring:
