The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act of 1970) was created to protect workers from serious injury on the job. These days, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) serves that purpose by enforcing a variety of protective workplace safety and health standards. One set of those standards involves stairway and handrail safety. You may be familiar with the continuous handrail standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); however, read on for more details on handrail continuity per OSHA.
The Importance of a Continuous Handrail
We all need a little support from time to time. If you’ve ever walked down a flight of stairs, chances are you’ve paid little to no mind to the handrail supporting your descent. And if you’ve never stopped to examine a handrail, you likely haven’t noticed continuous sections – connected handrail sections that serve as an important support, especially for individuals with mobility issues. The importance of a continuous handrail can’t be overstated, especially in terms of safety and building code requirements.
How to Pick the Perfect Aluminum ADA Handrail
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has set forth a series of handrail compliance standards that prioritize three things: safety, consistency, and most importantly, accessibility for individuals with disabilities. ADA-compliant handrails are important if you want to keep your business accessible to individuals of all mobility and ability levels – the question is, with so many options available, how do you select the aluminum ADA handrail that is best for your project?
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When Are ADA Handrails Required?
If you’re installing a handrail at your business, it’s easy to become distracted by color and style options. However, handrails are crucial when it comes to making your business or public space accessible for individuals with disabilities. For that reason, it’s important to make sure you’re complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). So when are ADA handrails required? Read on for more information.
Getting a Grip on When Handrails Are Required
Can you imagine walking down a steep set of stairs or inching toward a balcony edge without handrails? We often take them for granted, but railings are a commonplace safety feature in most homes and office buildings. They provide architectural interest and security in a multitude of situations. This guide provides you with highlights of when handrails are required as derived from the United States Access Board. However, because communities often adopt and then adapt this code, you also need to check with your local permitting agency before installing railing or guards. Staircase railing and guard construction (new or remodel) may also adhere to permit requirements. Furthermore, railings that must comply with ADA requirements have additional codes to follow that dictate characteristics such as the handrail height and wall clearance. Before you get started, get a grip on when handrails are, in fact, required.
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ADA Handrail Requirements
If your building is not accessible to people with disabilities, you’ve got a problem on your hands. The standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establish design and construction requirements that must be followed by public accommodations covered by the ADA. This includes all public and private businesses. Existing buildings must remove architectural barriers and new construction must be built to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. If your facility must comply with these standards, you will likely need to explore ADA handrail requirements.
Handrails play a crucial role in ADA-equipped facilities, after all, and are found above stairs, ramps, and some sloped walking surfaces. To better understand the purpose of ADA handrails and the demands they must meet, please scroll down.
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