Railings establish safety, support and guidance for anyone in your facility. But are your railings ADA compliant? These must-know accessibility tips will ensure your railings meet requirements.
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Railing systems are an essential element of any building, providing safety, support, and guidance to occupants. However, railings can do more than just provide physical assistance&#;they can also promote a sense of inclusivity for individuals from all walks of life.
As such, ensuring your next project incorporates the right railing systems is not only important for ADA compliance, but also critical for making the structure accessible and welcoming to everyone. Keep reading as we explore some of the most important factors to consider for modern commercial railing systems.
ADA Compliance and Railing Systems
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes design standards to ensure equal access to public spaces and facilities for individuals with disabilities. When it comes to railing systems, the ADA outlines specific requirements regarding height, grip and placement.
By ensuring that the correct specifications are addressed prior to installing a commercial railing system, building owners can help avoid costly rework scenarios to bring their facility into ADA compliance.
Railing Systems for Accessibility
When discussing railing systems for commercial buildings, people immediately think of staircase railings and balcony railings. However, there are actually numerous types of railing systems that can enhance the functionality of your structure and promote accessibility and inclusivity in your building design.
By considering the various forms that commercial railings can take, building owners can ensure optimal comfort and functionality for all patrons.
Accessible Railings for Specific Needs
Depending on the type of building that you operate, it is important to consider the guests who are likely to frequent your facility. Different populations and specific needs will benefit from thoughtful railing design.
Understand that these are just a few of the many diverse populations that are likely to visit your building, so be mindful of choosing the best railing systems to accommodate as diverse a demographic as possible.
Railing Materials and Design
The right railing materials and design can contribute to the durability, functionality, and aesthetics of your railing system. Here are some factors to consider:
By choosing the right railing materials and designs, buildings can ensure the seamless blend of form and function to guarantee a structure that is not only safe and accessible, but aesthetically stunning as well.
Choose the Best Railing Systems for Accessibility and Inclusivity
Railing systems are more than just safety features; they play a vital role in creating an inclusive and accessible environment.
&#;Railing systems that prioritize inclusivity are not just structures; they're pathways to equality and accessibility,&#; says Briana Dubois of VIVA Railings. &#;At the heart of design should be the commitment to creating spaces that everyone can navigate with dignity and ease. Inclusivity is not an option; it&#;s the foundation upon which we build a more accessible and interconnected world.&#;
By incorporating the right railing systems into your building design from the start, you can promote inclusivity, adhere to ADA guidelines and provide a safe and comfortable experience for everyone who visits or works in your building.
About the Author
Briana Dubois
Briana Dubois, a Technical Architect with a B.S. in Architecture from Texas A&M, specializes in architectural design and design consultations. Her innovative approach blends creativity with technical precision, ensuring seamless integration of form and function. With a commitment to excellence, Briana brings a unique skill set to each project, exceeding evolving industry standards. Her dedication to staying current with trends makes her a standout professional in the architectural realm.
This article, "Building for Accessibility: Railing Systems That Prioritize Inclusivity," was originally published on Buildings.com. We extend our gratitude to Briana Dubois for their insightful contribution to the discussion on inclusivity in architectural design. For more detailed information, please visit the original article at https://www.buildings.com/safety-security/ada-compliance/article//building-for-accessibility-railing-systems-that-prioritize-inclusivity
Unsafe railings.
Hard to grip handrails.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website accessible handrails.
No railings or handrails.
To install adequate railing, wherever needed for the comfort and safety of all people, especially those with mobility problems.
3.1 General
Safety guards or railings should be installed around hazardous areas, stairs, ramps, accessible roofs, mezzanines, galleries, balconies and raised platforms more than 0.40 m high.
On stairways, windows positioned less than 1.00 m from the landing should have railings.
Handrails should be installed to assist disabled persons in bathrooms and toilets (see Rest Rooms).
Spacing between the vertical and horizontal bars of railings should be narrow for the safety of children.
Handrails should not obstruct the path of travel.
3.2 Height (fig. 1) (1)
To facilitate use by ambulant disabled and elderly people, handrails should be mounted between 0.85 m and 0.95 m above the finished floor level.
For the benefit of wheelchair users, a second handrail can be mounted between 0.70 m and 0.75 m from the floor.
To facilitate use by children and short people, a third handrail can be mounted at a height of 0.60 m.
To guide sightless people using a long cane, a rail should be mounted at a height between 0.10 m and 0.15 m (fig. 1); or a low curb should be installed at a height between 50 mm and 75 mm (fig. 2). Low curbs also act as wheelstops.
3.3 Mounting
Railings should be securely attached to the wall or to a supporting structure so as to withstand heavy loads.
Railings should not end abruptly but extend to the floor or blend into the wall so as not to create a hazard for sightless people.
3.4 Form (fig. 3)
Handrails should allow a firm and easy grip.
Circular cross-sections with a diameter of 40 mm are preferable.
Sharp edges should be avoided.
3.5 Handrails for ramps and stairs
Handrails should continue uninterrupted (except for doorways) on both sides and around the landing.
Handrails should extend horizontally for a distance between 0.30 m and 0.45 m at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, except in places where extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow (fig.4).
For stairs or ramps more than 3.00 m wide, a continuous intermediate handrail could be provided (see Ramps; Stairs).
3.6 Wall-mounted handrails
The space between the handrail and the wall should be between 40 mm and 50 mm for smooth walls and 60 mm for rough textured walls (fig. 5).
Where handrails are fully recessed into walls, a space of at least 0.15 m should be allowed between the top of the rail and the top of the recess (fig. 6).
3.7 Tactile marking
For emergency exit stairs or ramps, a contrasting tactile strip at least 0.90 m long should be applied to the top and bottom edges of the handrail to alert the partially sighted.
3.8 Colour
A contrasting colour is recommended for handrails to alert people with sight problems.
If existing railings and handrails do not comply with the above requirements, they should be modified or replaced.
Notes:
(1) Measurements are taken from the front of the tread.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
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