NDA Handrail Manual
Here we try and show you the principles of building a National Disability Authority handrail handrail. We use informative diagrams to demonstrate which fittings are used and how they work together to form a smooth and continuous handrail to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations.
Disability Rail Guidelines
Look at the diagram and close up images to get an idea of what the NDA standard requires for handrail. We have pointed out the major considerations when building a NDA compliant handrail.
A) Handrail: Handrail must be a continuous smooth surface. A handrail must be on both sides of ramp or stairs.
B) Handrail height: Handrail must be 900mm - 1.1m in height.
C) Edge protection: When there is a drop off, ramps require a curb or curb rail to prevent wheel chairs from slipping out from under the handrail. In some cases a mid rail is sufficient to provide this protection.
D) Clearance: A ramp must have a minimum clear width of 500mm;.
E) D Returns: Railing ends need to be rounded or return smoothly into a floor, wall or post.
F) Extensions - stairs: The Handrail should extend the width of one stair tread and then level out for 300mm;. Ramps: The Handrail should extend parallel to walking surface 300mm; past the top and bottom of the ramp.
Top, Middle & Bottom Rails Diagram
This diagram illustrates building a NDA handrail that has a top, middle and bottom rail. A bottom rail is required when there is no curb on a ramp. Please investigate the drawing below to learn how the different fittings for each assembly go together.
A) Standard Upright: The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
B) Ramp upright: The 67-8 base flange is for mounting to angled surfaces. The angle is fixed by tightening the set screws. The railings are attached in the same manner as the Standard Upright. The bottom rails are connected with 89-8 on mids and 86-8 on ends.
C) Wall mount: The 570-7 is connected to the wall or wood posts using 1/4" screws or bolts. The 570-7 is attached to the railing with No. 12 self-drilling screws or pop rivets.
D) D Returns: D returns are constructed with 520-7s and 514-7. The 520-7s are connected vertically with a small piece of tube. This assembly is then joined to the top and midrail with 514-7s.
E) Adjustable angles: In order to accomplish angles with a smooth surface, use the 554-7 and 514-7s. These are frequently used at the top and bottom of ramps and stairs.
F) Wall returns: The 565-7 wall return flange is connected to the wall and then connected to the tube with a 514-7.
Top & Bottom Rail Diagram
This diagram illustrates building a NDA handrail that has a top and bottom rail. A bottom rail is required when there is no curb on a ramp. Please investigate the drawing below to learn how the different fittings for each assembly go together.
A) Standard upright: The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
B) Ramp upright: The 67-8 base flange is for angled surfaces. The upright angle is fixed by tightening the set screws. The railings are attached in the same manner as the Standard Upright. The bottom rails are connected with 89-8 on mids and 86-8 on ends.
C) Wall mount: The 570-7 is connected to the wall or wood posts using 1/4" screws or bolts. The 570-7 is attached to the railing with No. 12 self-drilling screws.
D) D Returns: The D-return connects to the post using the 567-7 and 10-848. The 10-848 receives the small end of the 567-7. The 567-7 is then joined to the 520-7 using a 514-7.
E) Adjustable angles: In order to accomplish angles with a smooth surface, use the 554-7 and two 514-7. These are frequently used at the top and bottom of ramps and stairs.
F) Wall returns:The 565-7 wall return flange is connected to the wall or wooden posts with 1/4" screws or bolts. It is then connected to the tube with a 514-7.
Additional NDA Handrail Diagrams
The diagrams below illustrate other scenarios that come up when installing a Simplified NDA handrail.
Bottom rail railing end: Connect the bottom rail to the wall with a 61-8 wall flange.
Bottom rail vertical change: The vertical change on the bottom rail of a ramp is typically done using a BC53-8 or a 55-8.
Post mounted ramp bottom rail end: The bottom rail on a ramp terminates into a railing post using a 86-8. When the set screw is tightened, the angle of the bottom rail will be fixed.
Post mounted bottom rail end: The bottom rail on a flat surface terminates into a railing post using a 10-8.
Handrail railing end: Mount the 561-7 to the wall. The handrail or mid-rail tube is then connected to this fitting using a 514-7.
Handrail bracket attachment: Brackets attach to the handrail tube with two No. 12 self drilling screws or pop rivets. Use high quality hardware for the best results.
Installation Tools, Materials, & Tips
Below is a list of tools, materials and tips for installing Simplified NDA handrails built with Kee Access NDA railing fittings.
Recommended tools
You do not need many tools to install an Simplified NDA handrail.
- Allen key - Both a 1/4" and 5/16" allen wrench are required for tightening set screws in the fittings
- Saw to cut tube - A chop saw, ban saw or hack saw will be required to cut tube to length on site. We recommend using an electric saw where possible.
- Drill - A standard drill will be used to drill into tube and wood. A hammer drill will be required when drilling into brick or concrete.
Required Materials
The tube and fittings required to build your handrail will be furnished to you as a part of your Simplified NDA handrail. You will need a few other bolts and screws that will depend upon the surface to which you are mounting the handrail.
- Self drilling screws (No. 12) or multi-grip pop rivets - You will need these to attach the tube to the brackets. In general you'll need two screws or rivets for each bracket.
- Mounting hardware for base flanges
- 1/4" For all mount brackets (generally 3 each)
- 1/2" for Base flanges (generally 2 each)
The type of connection you use will depend on what you are mounting your handrail into. Lag screws, chemical anchors, Tapcons and concrete anchors have been used to mount the base flanges to various surfaces.
Installation Tips
- Cut the tube at the job site.
- Use base flanges instead of core drilling to prevent rust to upright.
- Centre uprights no more than 1800mm from each other.
- Beware of placing base flanges too close to the concretes edge.
- Uprights must be offset from corners and bends in the handrail.
- Consider pre-drilling the holes for the self-drilling screws.
Examples Of Disabled Access Handrail Installations
Top/mid/bottom NDA railing
Complex NDA ramp railing
Wall mounted NDA ramp railing
Top/mid NDA ramp railing
Post mounted NDA ramp railing
NDA ramp railing - Wall & ramp
Top/mid/bottom NDA railing - Ramp & Stairs
NDA stair railing
Deck mounted NDA railing
Top/mid rail NDA railing - Ramp, wall & stair
Top rail NDA railing - Ramp & stair
Disabled Access Handrail Fittings
- Smooth, continuous handrail
- Meets NDA requirements
- Terminated appropriately
- Quick & easy to assemble
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Our experts will help you select the items you need to complete the project.
