Safe Access And Broken Handrail Injury Claims

While we always stress the importance of having an access handrail in place, it is even more imperative that it serves its correct function. Having a handrail installed can give the user peace of mind and provides them with a secure grip as they travel across a steps, ramp or other means of access. But there are a few things to consider to ensure that you and your premises are protected from injury claims and ensuring that there is a safe means of access in place.

Broken Or Missing Handrails

According to Tracey Solicitors, handrail injury claims most often occur due to accidents caused by broken or missing handrails, or where part of the rail is damaged and in need of replacement or repair.

Protecting People On Your Premises

Having a handrail in place in the necessary areas where additional support is required. Identifying where people may need extra support when accessing a building and installing a secure handrail to aid them. Doing so will go a long way to avoiding injuries, some of which could be serious.

Ensuring that the correct type of handrail is being used and is appropriate for the user. . While installing a rail is the first step, the next thing to be aware of is ensuring that the handrail is of the correct nature to suit its surroundings and those who may be most dependent on it. For example, a handrail for a wheelchair ramp needs to be constructed in accordance with Part M of the Building Regulations. It should be smooth and continuous along its surface, as well as being terminated appropriately to both alert users that it has come to an end and to stop clothes from getting snagged.

Inspecting and replacing any sections of rail which might be damaged or defective. If a handrail is in place and is defective, it can lead to worse injury than if it were not there at all. The reason being, people relax and trust the rail while running their hand along it, becoming a little more complacent. If a handrail is broken they can lose their grip, their hand can come off suddenly and their balance is affected.

Replacing Damaged Rails

The joints on welded rails can become corroded and weakened and/or damaged over time, leading to them not serving their purpose and becoming a hazard. When this happens, it can often lead to the rail having to be replaced. Trying to get someone out to site to weld the rail can be a time-consuming and costly.

Component Based Handrails

Component based handrails built with Kee Klamp fittings are not only very easily installed, but can be easily replaced if damaged. The rest of the rail can be left in place while the damaged tube is removed from the fitting and replaced.

Responsibility

Property owners, landlords and employers can each have a duty of care to ensure that the handrails are in place and that maintenance is carried out if required. Each can be liable for a claim if they are aware that there is a risk/ hazard on their premises and do not act accordingly.

Kee Klamp Tube Fittings

• 90+ fittings available
• Strong and durable connection
• Tightened with a simple allen key
• Swivel fittings available
• Sloped fittings for ramps

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