Handrails have been a specialty of Kite Group for the last 20 years. In that time, we have been able to refine our products on offer, resulting in quality, modular systems that fit a variety of purposes. But how to choose which system is right for your project? Read on to find out more about the different benefits of each kind of handrail system.
· Ball Standard System
· Tube Clamp System
· DDA Clamp System
· ModiFix System
· GRP Handrail System
· How can I improve the Performance of my Handrail?
Ball Standard System
This handrail system is robust, resistant to corrosion and has high durability. The system can have a range of clamps and standards available level or raked at various angles to suit your needs.
Benefits:
Made of steel, with high tensile strength and durability
Simple, robust and aesthetic design
Tube, standards and clamps in range of sizes available, A – E
Need for some extra clamps is eradicated by Ball Standard design
Suitable for heavy duty applications, such as warehouses, construction sites, petrochemical plants etc.
Straightforward installation
To consider:
Requires periodic inspection and maintenance to prevent rusting and wear
Does not meet DDA standards for most public access handrails due to ball standard design
Tube Clamp System
This handrail system retains many of the benefits of the ball standard system, but is even more modular. Instead of ball standard posts, more tube is used, making it an ideal choice for non-standard sizes of handrail. Thanks to tube clamps such as the Multi Swivel Elbow (166) and Double Swivel (167), any angle can be accommodated for in this handrail system.
Benefits:
Fully modular to any height or angle required
Made of steel, with high tensile strength and durability
Simple, robust and aesthetic design
Tube and clamps in range of sizes available, A – E
Suitable for unique locations, requiring modular solutions, e.g. undulating hills – see our Edinburgh Tram project for more information
Straightforward installation
To consider:
May not be as suitable for heavy duty applications as the Ball Standard handrail
Requires periodic inspection and maintenance to prevent rusting and wear
Does not meet DDA standards for most public access handrails due to ball standard design
DDA Clamp System
Sharing much in common with the Tube Clamp System, the main difference with a DDA handrail is the clamps used to provide a smooth, continuous finish. It shares the material and aesthetic of the Tube Clamp system, but opens up opportunities to all public access areas.
Benefits:
Smooth, sleek run that is specifically designed to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Made of steel, with high tensile strength and durability
Modular design, available to suit size C tube
Suitable for areas with public access, such as hospitals, public transport stations, schools, offices etc.
Straightforward installation
To consider
Powder coating will help to improve visibility of this handrail.
Can be more costly than the Galvanised Tube Clamp System
ModiFix System
A transformative railing system patented by Kite designed to reduce cost and environmental impact. Laser-cutting technology eliminates the need for welded components, which reduces both the carbon footprint and health and safety risks for installers.
Benefits:
Cost-saving, innovative design that uses up to 20% less steel
Reduced environmental impact, reducing carbon footprint of projects
Fully modular with range of sizes available
Suitable for heavy duty applications, such as warehouses, construction sites, petrochemical plants etc.
Straightforward installation
To consider:
Precise and accurate design must be agreed upon at order stage
As the system does not provide a flush top rail, it is not suitable for DDA-compliant public access handrails
Due to laser-cutting, this system may take longer in production than other handrail systems
GRP Handrail System
This handrail system is comprised of Glass Reinforced Plastic, sometimes called fibreglass. It is a hardy, lightweight alternative to steel that suits a range of applications. We supply tube and clamps in yellow GRP.
Benefits:
GRP material is highly resistant to corrosion, unlike steel which requires regular inspection and maintenance. For this reason it is suitable for places exposed to harsh and wet conditions, such as harbours, bridges and other coastal areas.
GRP is also non-conductive which makes it an ideal candidate for use in electrical plants
Lightweight and easy to handle, making it easier to transport to site and install than steel counterparts
To consider:
Available only in size E
May initially cost more, however delivers savings over time as the system is long lasting and low maintenance
How can I improve the Performance of my Handrail?
There are other ways to customise your handrail to suit the specific needs of your project. We will go into three options in detail – powder coating, addition of kick plate, and addition of mesh panels.
Powder coating
Powder coating is a customisation option that both protects steel and allows for different coloured handrails
By powder coating in a colour that contrasts with the background, you will be improving the visibility of your handrail
Unlike painting, powder coating allows for an even coating with no running or dripping, and does not contain solvents or heavy metals that are harmful to the environment
It is worth bearing in mind that powder coating a handrail system will increase the lead time of an order
Kickplate
Also called Kickboard, Toe Plate or Toe Board, kickplate is required on handrails fitted to elevated walkway areas, such as mezzanine floors or roof perimeters
They run along the bottom of a handrail and are designed to prevent items falling from these areas to the ground
Kickplate can come in galvanised steel or GRP to suit the handrail system you have installed
Mesh Panels
Wire mesh panels can be installed onto a handrail to close up the open spaces on a handrail system
This adds an extra safety measure to prevent falls, for example to safeguard children or animals
It is worth considering that mesh panels will be fabricated specifically to your handrail design, and may add to the lead time of a project
Overall, there is much to think about when choosing a handrail system to install. Ultimately, context will be instrumental in your decision-making. Ball Standard systems are the most heavy duty option, while a Tube Clamp system can cater to handrails required in more hilly terrain.
If the handrail services an area of public access, then a DDA handrail is the prime choice. If the area is exposed to conditions of sea spray, a GRP handrail would be a smart and lasting fit. If reducing environmental impact is a priority, ModiFix should be considered. Intended use, location and budget will dictate the right system for you.
If you need any technical guidance to decide on which handrail system that could suit your project, speak to Kite today to start moving forward with confidence.
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