Choosing The Right Handrails
In any industrial environment, installing the correct handrails is crucial, as there are British Building Regulations that you need to adhere to. You must ensure that your handrails for stairs, ramps, walkways, platforms, and balconies all comply with the safety regulations, not just in sizing and fit but in colour, finish, and temperature, too.
At BM Steel, we stock a range handrail tubes available in different lengths and various diameters and thicknesses.Our handrails are expertly designed and manufactured to meet the required regulations for industrial use.
Our handrail tubes, bends, clamps, and standard handrail posts are all suitable for industrial use. They’re made from high quality self colour, galvanised steel, or GRP (glass reinforced plastic).
Outdoor handrails must be able to withstand the elements and high traffic use, which makes steel a good option for warehouses, factories, and other industrial buildings. Steel handrails for outside steps require very little maintenance and can resist rust for long periods of time.
GRP is also ideal for outside use, as this material is well-suited to rough environments and resistant to corrosion. GRP handrails can even outperform steel and wood, making them an excellent option for industrial use. Plus, GRP can weigh as much as 75% less than steel, so its higher strength-to-weight ratio works well for commercial construction.
Because of its superiority in strength, steel is ideal for handrails for stairs interiors. BM Steel stocks a range of handrails and standard handrail posts that are easy to clean, durable, and can suit all kinds of industrial buildings. This makes them well-suited to high traffic inside areas that require stability and safety.
Steel or GRP are both excellent choices for industrial handrails because they stand up well to harsh weather conditions and regular use and deep cleaning. Plus, these materials won’t warp over time, crumble, or fracture. Steel and GRP are extremely strong yet cost-effective materials, making either option perfect for posts or handrails in high traffic, potentially hazardous industrial environments.
Galvanised steel handrails are very durable and can withstand being exposed to a huge range of different environmental conditions. This includes UV radiation, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Self colour steel is just uncoated natural steel where only a thin layer of oil is applied, so it has little protection against corrosion. It’s often used in internal industrial applications where resistance to corrosion isn’t necessary. The finish you choose depends on where you’ll install your handrails.
Round steel tubing is the strongest, and it can withstand a far higher weight per foot than rectangular or square tubing. Circles are stronger shapes than squares as there are no corners, so there are fewer pressure points that could give way when excess loads are applied. A round handrail is also best suited for industrial buildings as it’s easier to grab hold of, and it has no edges that clothing can hook on. This makes it safer in high risk environments.
At BM Steel, we stock 3.2m and 6.4m in self-colour tubes or galvanised tubes in the following diameters:
Handrails are an important safety feature in industrial buildings. Their use is not limited to stairs; they can also be used in any area that requires a handrail for safety and support, both inside and out. Additionally, handrails suited for industrial use are low maintenance, easy to clean, long lasting, and can be secured onto a variety of materials, including brick, wood, steel, and concrete. At BM Steel, you’ll find the right handrails for your industrial needs.
