How high should an industrial handrail be designed?

When it comes to constructing handrails, a surprising number of regulations apply according to current Australian Standards.

Some of the most vital regulations are related to the height of the handrail, the height of the platform or base the handrail is being installed on, and whether a handrail or barrier is required. These requirements have been developed specifically to prevent height-related injuries, especially for platforms or mezzanines located high above the ground where a fall could cause serious injury or death.

When is a handrail required?

Australian Standards, AS1657-2013 states that handrailing is required on the exposed sides of platforms, walkways and landings when the height exceeds 300mm.

What are the height regulations for a handrail?

The height of a handrail, measured vertically above the floor, walkway surface or the nosing of a stair tread, shall not be less than 900mm or greater than 1100mm, as shown in figure 5.3 and 6.1.

The height of the top of the handrail shall be consistent through the ramp (or stairs) and any landings.

Where an object could fall from a platform or landing onto an area where people have access to the area below and to the side of the walkway, a toeboard needs to be installed.

A toeboard shall be installed on the edge of a walkway where there is no permanent structure within 10mm of the edge. Any gap between the underside of the toeboard and the walkway surface shall not exceed 10mm. The top of the toeboard shall not be less than 100mm above the floor.

Where the guardrailing/ handrail is of post and rail construction, the following requirements apply:

1. They shall consist of a top rail supported by posts at intervals as necessary to meet the specified imposed actions; and parallel to the floor or, where used on a sloping walkway, parallel to the slope of the walkway.

2. One or more intermediate rails shall be provided parallel with the top rail and spaced such that the maximum clear space between the rails or between the lowest rail and toeboard, where fitted, shall not exceed 450mm.

3. Where no toeboard is installed, the clear space between the lowest rail and the floor shall not exceed 560mm.

In order to comply with these standards, Moddex has developed a series of Industrial Handrail Configurations that are pre-configured to ensure the standard compliance requirements are met:

TR10 - Single Toprail

For level or rake applications with no access beneath the platform, landing or structure.

View technical information for TR10 Single Toprail Industrial Handrails.

TR20 - Top & Midrail

For level, rake or stair applications with no access beneath, or where there is a permanent structure within 10mm of the edge.

View technical information for TR20 Single Toprail Industrial Handrails.

View a project case study on TR20 Top & Midrail Industrial Handrails.

TR25 - Top & Mid Rail/ Toeboard

Featuring Tuffgard toeboard for level or rake applications with open access beneath, where an object could fall from a platform, landing or structure.

View technical information for TR25 Single Toprail Industrial Handrails.

View a project case study on TR25 Top & Mid Rail Industrial Handrails with Toeboard.

TR30 - Top/ Mid & Bottom Rails

For level, rake or stair applications with no access beneath, or where there is a permanent structure within 10mm of the edge with a bottom rail for additional fall protection.

View technical information for TR30 Single Toprail Industrial Handrails.

View a project case study on TR30 Top, Mid & Bottom Industrial Handrails.

Architecture & Design Team

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Moddex

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