What is a handrail and where is it used?

The term "railings" refers to protective structures that are installed on sites, at home, in institutions and on ships. This name came from the field of shipbuilding, since sailors were the first to use this type of fencing.

From the Dutch language "leer" is translated as "stretched rope", which is fixed at the ends with the elements of ship structures. Today this type of fencing is very popular, so it is used not only on water, but also on land.

This type of fence is installed for human safety in any structure. The concept of a guardrail system is regulated by GOST 5.2124 - 81. Such structures not only protect people from falls, protect them from falling into unsafe areas, but also save space. They are fastened using special types of modern holders. Today, fences are used not only on ships, but also on roads and many other land areas.

They must meet the following requirements:

• be a strong and reliable barrier;

• the height of the structure must correspond to the indicators specified in the regulatory enactment.

Rail-type fences are presented in different types. They can have different heights, signal attachment, infill, and also the nature of the handrail. On sale you can find different options for such fences. It can be round white, square, elongated, with a variety of colors.

According to the type of installation, fences are of the following types:

• stationary;

• collapsible;

• temporary.

By the nature of the installation site, handrail barriers are divided into the following types:

• ship;

• road;

• decorative and protective;

• balcony;

• roofing;

• staircase.

These devices can be characterized by different types of installation. Depending on this factor, fences are classified into prefabricated, welded, supporting and hinged. This type of barriers can perform various functions, namely: protective, safety, signaling or guiding.

To install the horizontal part of the structure, a chain rope or cable is used. When working, you also cannot do without a steel profile, a sheet of glass or plastic. Materials of various kinds can be taken as filling.

To make a removable or stationary protection with your own hands, the master will need to stock up on nails, wire, plastic with a thickness of 5 mm. Cast iron mesh can also be used for a barrier with horizontal elements.

More and more consumers prefer stainless steel railings. The reason for this is the characteristics of the barriers:

• corrosion resistance;

• no need for staining;

• the presence of a smooth surface;

• can be mounted in any premises and in different areas.

Guardrails can be seen in many areas of human life.

The fencing along the sides is mounted in accordance with the regulatory enactments that refer to ship structures. Such devices prevent people from falling out on the open deck. They are also called bulwarks. During the creation of such structures, manufacturers use racks with a height of at least 3 meters, which are made of ferrous metal or stainless steel. In addition, railings on ships use slats, cables, metal chains. Fences are also installed on decks that are located in close proximity to the water. They prevent the vessel from flooding with water during a storm.

Such barriers are designed to ensure the safety of not only pedestrians, but also vehicles. Often, rail structures are used in protected areas. This type of fencing consists of bridge posts, mountings, shock absorbers, light elements, which ensure safety on the road. The fences are covered with paint of various colors. Typically, in road construction, a fence, beam, and also a rope type equipped with a cable is used.

The roof must be protected in the following cases:

• the need to create a safe movement of the work team in the process of roofing;

• to prevent accidents that may occur during the repair or operation of the roof.

As part of such a fence, there must be a stand, a crossbar, and fasteners. Roofing barriers are made of steel, taking into account the possibility of interaction of materials. That is, if the roof is made of galvanized steel, then the fence must be steel. Since the material on the roof is constantly negatively affected by environmental factors, the craftsmen will need to regularly check their condition.

The railings are mounted on the dangerous part of the balcony, where there is a threat of a person falling from a height. To create such a barrier, welded elements are used. The best material option in this case is stainless steel, since it has a high level of resistance to environmental influences. Protective balcony fences are characterized by reliability, safety, aesthetics and long service life. The barriers, which are made of cable, are light and beautiful, they are characterized by good shock absorption and high quality of protection.

This type of fence is used during the installation of steps. The presence of a stationary structure protects people living in the house from accidents. Sometimes these barriers have decorative framing. Ladders are characterized by resistance to aggressive environmental factors. They serve as protection and look pretty attractive. To make stationary railings, craftsmen use stainless steel, ferrous metals and cables. According to the installation option, such barriers can be prefabricated, collapsible and temporary. And also they are divided into side, wall and vertical.

From all of the above, we can conclude about the prevalence and widespread use of handrails. In private homes, they can be installed on stairs, balconies, roofs, terraces and even around the pool. When choosing a design, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the material, as well as to the correct installation, since the safety of people depends on this.

In this video you will learn how to make your own handrail fence.