What Is The Difference Between Part M and Standard Handrail?
When installing a handrail, people are often told that the rail will need to be compliant with Part M of the Building Regulations. Unfortunately, many peole aren't aware what that means, and how this handrail will differ from other rails.
The first and most important consideration of Part M compliant handrails is that they are continuous along their entire surface, from beginning to end, with no breaks. This can be achieved by stepping the rail in off the posts so that the post cannot impede the run of the rail
The second design aspect to implement is to turn the end of the rail downwards or inwards, creating a "stop" point on the rail. This is important as it alerts the user that the rail has ended, and may stop their hand from sliding off the rail end, causing a loss of balance. It will also help to prevent clothes or bags from getting snagged on the rail.
Another thing to consider is the colour of the rail. The rail should be painted to ensure that it contrats visually from its surroundings, making it easier for a visually impaired user to grab and use. Painting an access rail will also help to remove the cold-to-the-touch feel which can be particularly harsh on frosty mornings.
What Type Of Handrail Should I Use?
The most important thing to consider when installing a handrail system, is the person who will be most reliant on using it. If being constructed to protect someone in particular, then the handrail should be created in whichever fashion is most appropriate to their needs. This can apply to home or private use, where the user is reliant on the rail for access or egress. Or they may require internal handrail to help them move within the house.
Can We Help?
- Discuss your project in depth
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- Design advice
- Get a quote
- Or call us on 086 1408442
Disabled Access Handrails
If suffering from a disability, even short distances to travel can be a real nightmare. In this case, Kee Access disability fittings can really help. The difference with these and the regular Kee Klamp fittings is that they are designed specifically to provide a smooth and continuous handrail, one which will allow a hand to pass along its entirety without encountering any sudden bumps or breaks.
Inline Handrail Problem
Handrails built with regular castings (such as Kee Klamp) require the tubing to pass through the inside of the handrail fitting, thus creating a shoulder where the two meet. A persons hand will meet that shoulder when passing along, which can create discomfort.
Continuous Part M Rails
An NDA fitting connects to the tube while aligning the outside of the tube with the outer edge of the fitting. This eliminates any shoulder between the two, thus allowing a hand to pass effortlessly along the handrail. So for somebody with a disability, this type of handrail construction would be the ideal choice.
Disabled Access Handrail Fittings
- Smooth, continuous handrail
- Meets NDA requirements
- Terminated appropriately
- Quick & easy to assemble
Using Kee Klamp Fittings For Handrails
Where this is not a necessity, Kee Klamp fittings will work just fine, and create a strong and durable handrail. Like their NDA alternative, they are supplied hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461.
Angled Fittings For Rails On Slopes
Both ranges of fittings contain angled fittings for use on slopes or uneven ground. Our base flanges are suitable for use with both handrail types, as these only support the upright tubes and do not come into contact with the hand. These include:
Connecting the Tube
The tube is connected into the fitting using a grub screw, which is tightened with an allenkey. Although very simple to install, it is sometimes necessary to have two people involved, one to hold the tube and fittings in place as the other tightens up the grub screw. This is especially the case with the Kee Access fittings, which can be trickier to hold in place while tightening.
Reduce Handrail Installation Time
We try and make it as simple as possible for you to construct your own handrail, hence our name. We know how important peoples time is, so for this reason we are happy to cut the tubing to size for you, dramatically reducing installation time.
Handrail Design Help
However, this won't always be possible with some jobs, as it is can be difficult to gauge the length of the tube without being on site.
Give us a call on 086 1408442if in any doubt as to what fittings you require for your project. A loading chart can be found on our Safety Components Catalogue, which helps calculate the spacings for your uprights. You can also find other useful information which can help with design. View our NDA Manual for help with designing a disability handrail. Here you can find very useful diagrams which show exactly how the fittings work in different designs.
If unsure of what you require, let us know and we can design your handrail for you and issue you a quote based on your needs.
Sloped Kee Klamp Fittings
- Sloped fittings for ramps
- Covers ramp pitches up to 11°
- Strong and durable connection
- Tightened with a simple allen key
- Galvanised to BS EN 1461
