commercial handrail mistakes

The Most Common Commercial Handrail Mistakes to Avoid

By | Commercial Handrail Installation

Commercial handrails are more integral to a commercial building than one might think. They provide support for people who have trouble walking and also prevent fall hazards. So they must be installed correctly according to OSHA Guidelines. Unfortunately, many mistakes in handrail installation and repair have occurred. Because of this, many injuries have happened, and subsequently, injury costs piled up.  According to the National Safety Council, “The total cost of work injuries in 2019 was $171.0 billion. This figure includes wage and productivity losses of $53.9 billion, medical expenses of $35.5 billion, and administrative expenses of $59.7 billion. This total also includes employers’ uninsured costs of $13.3 billion, including the value of time lost by workers other than those with disabling injuries who are directly or indirectly involved in injuries, and the cost of time required to investigate injuries, write up injury reports, and so forth.” As a result, keeping building occupants safe means building managers need to know the most common commercial handrail mistakes and how to prevent them.  Improper Installation We’ve talked about giving handrails the proper attention due to their importance in commercial buildings. However, some contractors choose to install the railings themselves, which  can lead to them being installed incorrectly. To ensure it’s done right in the first place, hire an expert who specializes in handrails. Inaccurate Measurements Another commercial handrail mistake is installing them with inaccurate measurements. All railings must adhere to OSHA guidelines,  but the size of railings will vary depending on intended use…

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Signs It’s Time to Repair Commercial Railings

By | Commercial Handrail Installation

Commercial railings are an integral part of any commercial building. They provide support for people as they traverse through the premises. But constant usage and even weather conditions can cause severe wear and tear on railings installed outdoors that could compromise the structure’s integrity. Several visible and hidden signs or indicators show commercial railings need repair. This blog focuses on those signs and how to recognize them.  1. Visible Damage or Cracks to the Railing Various factors can cause cracks and damages to commercial railings. Often, it’s due to the constant pressure of continuous usage by patrons that will cause the railings to lose their integrity over time. Environmental factors like wind, rain, or sun can also cause decay of the material, such as worn-out wood or rust on metal rails. It’s crucial to repair these damages immediately, especially if the railing is on a high-rise platform like a rooftop. When deciding how to fix these damages, it’s best to consult an expert who knows the proper procedures to repair commercial handrails. 2. Replacement or Repair of Banisters By design, banisters or balusters help prevent small children from falling off a balcony, deck, or other elevated platforms. For stairwells, they provide the elevation for the railing along the staircase. Balusters can also offer additional support for commercial railings. But, banisters also tend to loosen or break over time, especially ones made out of wood. Since they are part of the railing, they require prompt attention if it seems like their…

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Handrail and Guard Definitions to Know

By | Commercial Handrail Installation

When installing, repairing, or replacing handrails and guards throughout a commercial building, contractors can use terms and vocabulary that may seem intimidating. Luckily, we are here to help! Knowing some of these handrail and guard definitions will come in handy when hiring a contractor to work on them. Load Requirement Load requirement refers to the amount of weight that the handrail can withstand. Uniform load applies to the load capacity of the railing per foot. The weight capacity of a railing in a single point of the handrail is defined as a concentrated load of the rail. Building owners and managers can manage load requirements depending on the materials used. Toe Board A toe board is a part of the guardrail placed on the walking surface that serves as a protective barrier to notify people of potential hazards, such as tools or other objects falling from elevated surfaces or someone falling from a floor opening. Top or Midrails Top rails are the part of a structure that should always be elevated and make up more handrail and guard definitions to know. Top rails provide support for people when walking, climbing stairs, or navigating any angled platform. Midrails refer to the railing between the top rail and the surface. They provide additional reinforcement for the railing and can also double as support for small children.  Handrail and Handrail Systems Handrail and guard definitions also include knowing what forms true handrail systems. A handrail is a rail fixed across staircases and other…

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Top 5 Considerations in Commercial Handrail Repair or Replacement

By | Commercial Handrail Installation

Handrails are an integral part of any commercial real estate. They provide safety and security for the building’s employees and clients who interact with the building. Commercial handrails offer support for those who require it, and when installed on the rooftops of buildings, can also prevent fall hazards. However, factors such as constant usage by patrons, weather conditions, and more can cause wear and tear, leading to repairs or replacement. But apart from damage, there are a few other factors to consider when facing a commercial handrail repair or replacement. This vlog will explore a few of the things to think about when fixing or replacing commercial handrails.  1. Is the Railing for a Walkway, Stairwell, or Balcony? Commercial handrails are different depending on where they are placed, per OSHA Standards. Various locations in buildings have different requirements.  Walkways – Walkway handrails are required to have a projection no more than 4.5.” Circular railings must have a diameter between 0.25 – 2 inches. Non-circular rails require a perimeter of at least 4” but no more than 6.25”, and they must run along the elevation. Stairwell – Railings running along a stairwell must be 30 inches above the ground while going along its elevation. A circular railing should be at least 1.25”, but no more than 2 ⅝” in diameter. Non-circular railings should have edges with a .125” radius. Balconies – Railings along balconies must be at least 30” from the surface. Railings on balconies must have balusters and an ornamental…

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What Are Commercial Handrail Installation Services and Why an Expert Is Key

By | Commercial Handrail Installation

Commercial buildings are required to have handrails installed on the premises. Per OSHA guidelines, railings must address fall hazards, especially on rooftops. From a consumer’s point of view, this may seem like a trivial issue. However, commercial handrails are a vital part of any public establishment to ensure that the customers are safe within the confines of the building. Depending on the area of the structure, OSHA also dictates the materials used and dimensions of commercial handrail installation. On top of installing commercial handrails, it’s important to periodically get them inspected by a professional and subsequently get them repaired or replaced if necessary. For example, commercial handrail installation might not seem as important as laying the foundation of a building. However, ensuring the safety and security of the public who utilize the facilities in the building Is very important. What Are Commercial Handrails and Where Are They Required? Commercial handrails are railings that support people as they navigate through an establishment. Commercial buildings are required to install as per OSHA regulations. Handrails are required along staircases, along with mid-rails, which should be placed halfway between the handrail and the surface for reinforcement. Mid-rails can also provide support for small children who need  it. Commercial handrail installation is also required on rooftops and must be between 39 to 45 inches above the surface. Railings must be made of durable material with a smooth texture to avoid injuries. The diameter of the handrail should be at least one-quarter-inch thick. It is best…

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