The importance of Pedestrian Handrail Systems in the workplace can often be overlooked. However, besides being an essential part of customer safety, they can also a legal requirement. We will run through when and where handrails are required.
Slips, trips and falls are most likely to occur where there are potential trip hazards, slippery surfaces, or inefficient lighting. Safety Barriers & Guardrails are crucial to any working environment, but especially in high-risk environments, as other hazards may increase the chances of serious injury.
For example, whenever workers are expected to complete any activity at a height, handrails are recommended as part of The Work at Height Regulations (WAHR – 2005), and need to meet particular specifications in order to be compliant.
In a warehouse or factory environment, additional dangers such as sharp edges on moveable machinery, or risk of impact from forklifts or trucks, escalates the need for handrails. In this instance, pedestrians need to be separated from traffic to ensure that no one is hurt.
When you’re evaluating the best places to install handrails in your workplace, it’s important to take into consideration the following requirements.
The regulations for handrail and guardrail
The UK Building Regulations Approved Document K (Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact), states that a Guardrail must consist of two horizontal rails with a height of 1100mm (as a minimum), and need be able to withstand an equally distributed load of 0.74kN per metre, with a point load of 0.5kN.
Brandsafe’s Guardrail Systems (MHE / PIT) and Pedestrian Barriers (SEG / SEG+) are good examples of these specifications in action.
Handrails on staircases
The number of handrails required depends on the width of the staircase. For staircases over 1000mm wide you need a handrail on both sides of the stairs, and for staircases over 2000mm wide a divide is required.
If handrails are mounted to the wall, separate criteria apply. Wall-mounted handrails are required to be 50mm to 75mm off the wall, need to have a diameter of between 32mm and 50mm and be non-slip.
Best practices for safety
There are many areas of potential risk in the workplace where handrails are necessary to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. We would advise that you assess the following areas in the working environment to determine whether a simple handrail could prevent an injury:
- Pedestrian walkways that come into contact with moving vehicles: Pedestrian Barriers (SEG / SEG+) prevent pedestrians from crossing the path of moving vehicles. This reduces the risk of impact or injury from heavy moving machinery, forklifts and trucks.
- Around dangerous machinery: This can prevent cuts or grazes caused by sharp edges and moving parts.
- To zone off restricted areas on the factory or warehouse floor: This keeps visitors or untrained workers from entering restricted areas and endangering themselves. This can be especially useful in areas where harmful chemicals are being used or stored.
- In car parks and in front of main entrances: Barriers or bollards, like the ImpactSAFE Protection Post, prevent vehicles from rolling and endangering the general public, as well as your valued workers. Brandsafe’s Sign Post WRAP Protectors can also be used to prevent any damage to your vehicle in the event of an impact.
Summary: Where in the workplace are handrails required?
In the UK, the installation of handrails and guardrails is governed by several key laws and regulations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establishes the legal framework requiring employers to ensure workplace safety, including the use of protective barriers. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandate guardrails in situations where there is a risk of falling from height. Additionally, the Building Regulations 2010 (Part K) legally enforce the need for handrails and guardrails on stairs, ramps, and platforms higher than 0.5 meters. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 further reinforces the duty of care to ensure that premises, including safety installations like handrails, are safe for all users. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal penalties and ensure the safety of employees and visitors.
Finally, Health and Safety in the workplace is an important part of morale and trust between workers and their employers. By installing barriers that meet industry standards you can protect your workers from easily preventable falls or injuries. We recommend checking that your handrail systems are up to industry standards as soon as possible to ensure the best possible working conditions, and to meet all compliance criteria. Schedule a free Site Safety Audit today to assess your warehouse safety.