Disability Handrail for Wheelchair Ramps

Kee Access fittings allow for the construction of a smooth and continuous handrail, one which can cater for the needs of people with disabilities and who might truly depend on them.

Making Life Easier for the Disabled

While many of us take little things for granted in life, a simple act like entering a shop can be a struggle for the disabled. Wheelchair users face a particularly daunting task, as many premises still do not contain adequate means of access. The owners of such premises can make life so much easier for people with disabilities by providing a handrail and/or ramp where possible.

Kee Access Handrail

The image above shows the construction of a Kee Access Handrail which is an ideal solution for ramps. It provides a continuous rail with no sudden terminations, one which you can run your hand along from beginning to end with no difficulty. It is also completed in such a way that clothes cannot get snagged at the ends, eliminating another potential hazard. The disability rail contains a D-return design at either end, which enables the middle and top rails to be joined. If possible, this is the ideal way to design a handrail for disabled access as it also alerts the user when the handrail has come to an end.

Other Things to Note

• The handrail should be powder coated in a contrasting colour from its surroundings to maximise visability for people with visual impairments. Also, by coating the rails, they will not be cold to the touch, which can be uncomfortable in colder weather conditions.
• When being fixed to a wall, the handrail should contain a closed end at the top and bottom of steps or ramps. This can be achieved by using a wall-mounted end return



• In a free-standing handrail, the middle rail should be provided to create a handhold at an appropriate height for a wheelchair user, and should also prevent a wheel to pass by. If this is not the case, a further rail can be provided on the posts, or alternatively a toe-board can be used,

The NDA manual makes it easy to see how Kee Access fittings work with each other to provide a smooth and continuous handrail.

Showing clear diagrams of different designs with the component numbers listed, creating your own rail will soon look a lot easier. For help, call us on 1890 100 047.