How to construct a Stair Handrail

Safe Access on Stairs

Providing a safe access between two levels is a predicament that is often faced, especially in warehouse or factory situations. Often a timber steps is inserted as a quick solution, with a "temporary" handrail created using lengths of 4 x 2 or similar timber. While this can create a stop-gap solution, it usually isn't the most reliable method over time, as joints can become loose. Also, the square edge of the timber simply does not provide a comfortable handhold or provide a solid grip as you ascend or descend a flight of steps.
As an alternative, Kee Klamp handrails provide a solid and secure handrail solution, which can be designed to suit any application.

Installation

Once the design of the handrail has been decided and the necessary fittings have been established, installation is simple.

The following example contained a mezzanine floor connected to another level above it, built to provide additional space in a warehouse. A timber steps provided access between the two levels.

Stair Handrail/Safety Barrier

Obviously a handrail was then needed to provide an appropriate edging along the stairs, while a safety barrier would provide safe access along the mezzanine edge. Kee Klamp fittings provided a perfect solution, as the swivel fittings in the range could be used to give the required angle.

68-8 Wall Flange

A 68-8 Wall Flange worked perfect for attaching the stair post to the side of the string, giving a solid, secure fixing.

BC53-8 Swivel Elbow

The BC53 Swivel Elbow was used to join the two tubes where the pitch of the stairs met the level line of the handrail sections above. As the name suggests, its swivel design allowed the fitting to rotate within 202°.

C50-8 Single Swivel Socket

The C50 Swivel Socket is used on the top of posts on stairs or other sloped surfaces. It easily rotates to the required angle, allowing the handrail to pass through it.

30-8 30-45° Adjustable Cross

The 30-8 Adjustable Cross is an adjustable fitting through 30-45°, which is predominantly used to carry the middle rail of a handrail or safety barrier, attaching it to the upright.

The safety barrier at the top of the stairs protects against the mezzanine edge, and contains fittings for a level surface. The left hand edge of the handrail is terminated on the upright, while the right hand side demonstrates how a D-Return can be formed.

62-8 Railing Base Flange

The Railing Base Flange holds any uprights in position. It contains 2 bolt holes, 1 on either side to ensure a solid fixing to concrete, timber etc.

10-8 Single Socket Tee

The Single Socket Tee is often used to connect the top handrail to the uprights, allowing the tube to pass through it. Unlike the Type 25 Single Socket Tee, tube ends cannot be joined within this fitting. Its other use for handrail comes on an end post, where the middle rail connects.

15-8 90° Elbow

The 90° Elbow fitting does as the name suggests, creating a 90° bend between two lengths of tube. It can terminate a top rail directly on to the end post, or can be used(above, left) in the construction of a D-Return.

26-8 Two Socket Cross

The Two Socket Cross is predominantly used as a cross section to carry the mid-rail of a safety barrier section. Along with the centre grub screw to lock onto the upright, this fitting contains a grub screw on each side of the fitting, to lock each side of the handrail in place.