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Media Centre

Understanding Australian Standards for Handrails

May 23, 2024, 18:15 by User Not Found
Australian standards for handrails help to ensure pedestrian safety. Here's everything you need to know about Webforge handrail safety.
Handrails are a basic part of modern public spaces and industrial buildings. They keep us secure from slipping and falling down high ledges and provide a safeguard to grip onto on rainy days. To ensure the protection for pedestrians and  workers, there are strict Australian Standards that help to regulate the height, size and shape of handrails.

We'll take a look at what Australian Standards are for handrails and the types Webforge offers.
Handrails serve many purposes from seperating pedestrians from traffic to a safe guard in case of a fall.
Australian standards for handrails
Handrails are build based on the people who will come in contact with them the most. For example, a commercial stairway may only require a bannister, whereas a construction zone will need a barrier - each with specific height and strength requirements.

Here are the laws and regulations set forth by Australian standard guidelines for handrails.

Handrail regulation basics
Landings, platforms and stairways need to comply with Australian Standard (AS)1657 and (AS)1428

AS1657 refers to indoor handrails you would find in a workplace ranging from an egress for large rooms and roof access to staircases and exit points. This regulation also applies to ladders used for roof access, specifically rung ladders or step ladders.
However, portable ladders need to follow AS/NZS 1891 standards. 

AS1428 outlines specific design requirements to assist people with mobility difficulties to access new buildings. This standard focuses on continuous accessibility paths and circulation spaces for people who use wheelchairs, ambulatory disabilities and sensory impairments.

Height regulations
Height regulations between AS1657 and AS1428 differ depending on where these devices are placed.

Height requirements for AS 1657
Handrails in workplaces are there to keep employees from falling to the level(s) below, stumbling off of dangerous heights  or slopping to the ground and sustaining and injury.
The height of a handrail, if measured vertically from the floor, walkway or nosing on a stair tread, shouldn't exceed 1100 millimeters (mm) or be less than 900mm. The height should be consistent throughout the length of the stairs, ramp or landing.
Nosing refers to the end of the stair tread, the lip or protrusion that extends horizontally from the top surface of each stair. It's intended to provide an additional surface rea in a highly trafficked portion of the stairs to reduce potential accidents.
An intermediate rail between the guardrail and the walkway, platform or stairs may be required and is also regulated by AS1657. The height of this rail should be at a maximum of 450mm for the bottom of the guardrail. In cases where a toeboard is not necessary, the distance between the base and the bottom of the railing is 560mm.

Height requirements for AS 1428
Handrails meant to make a space more accessible for those with disabilities must abide by specific standards. In this case, a handrail is needed on both sides of a ramp or stairway and the clearance should be a least 1000mm on both sides.
Hight regulations for handrails to reach AS1428 standards are as follows:
  • The top of the handrail must not be higher than 1000mm or shorter than 865mm
  • The handrail must be consistent with the stairway, walkway or ramp
  • dimensions of the handrail should be taken from the nosing of the tread to the top of the handrail
  • If a railing reaches above 1 meter high, both a balustrade and handrail are required

Types of Webforge handrails

Webforge offers several types of handrails for different standards. From walkways and ramps to stairways and platforms, we follow Australian standards closely so our clients never have to worry.
We manufacture the Monowills safety barrier system which is produced with Australian sources metal materials assembly and preassembled in house for easy construction and guaranteed compliance with AS1657 and AS1428. If your looking for a guardrail that meets regulatory standards and is easy to assemble, consider our Monowills Link solution. Our team can assist you and provide more information if you contact us at Webforge.

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