Ramps & Stairs
Handrails: Handrails should be easy to grasp and provide maximum support
Provide handrails on both sides of the stairs so that people can use them with their right or left arm. Locate handrails at the optimum height to accommodate different user heights. As a guide: 850-950mm for adults and 450-600mm for children.
As a guide: 32-50mm round /25-32mm diameter with a 50-60mm clearance from wall.
This diagram provides details on handrail design. Handrails are to continue 300mm past the top, at least 610mm past the bottom of the stairs. Handrails provide continuous support around corners and across landings. Consider a second handrail at 600-750mm height, which enables people of different heights and abilities another option for support.
The handrails continue past the top and bottom of the stairs and are continuous around landings. This ensures users are able to grasp the handrail for support during the entire journey.
The handrails are of an appropriate size, shape and height to allow users to easily grasp them.
The double middle handrails allows people to use their preferred arm for support when using the stairs
These handrails continue past the bottom of the stairs before returning on themselves. This enables users to have a safe transition on to a level surface and and allows people with visual impairments to recognise the stairs have ended.
Handrails should return to wall or upon themselves to ensure that users, particularly those who are blind or have low vision, realise that they have completed the flight of stairs. These handrails continue past the top of the stairs, indicating the end of the stairs and enabling a safe transition to a level surface.