What is the difference between handrail and guardrail?

Difference Between Handrail And Guardrail 

Falls are the most common cause of serious injuries at any time of life. In order to prevent people from serious fall accidents, safety measures should be implemented accordingly. 

Most of the time, these measures include installing safety barriers such as handrails and guardrails. These two terms are frequently used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between them as both are used in slightly different situations. 

Are you not sure what exactly the difference is? Don’t worry, in this blog post, we will explain what these terms refer to so that you won’t have any doubts.  

What is a handrail?

A handrail is usually found along the edges of stairs, balconies or platforms. It helps people keep their balance as they walk up or down those surfaces. Thus, handrails need to be graspable so it is easy for people to wrap their fingers around them. 

This type of railing is typically made of wood or metal, but it can also be made from other materials such as plastic. Sometimes, handrails can be installed in conjunction with guardrails to provide a higher level of safety. 

What is a guardrail?

A guardrail is used to prevent falls from heights like rooftops or it is used as a barrier to restrict people from entering some areas, for example, preventing pedestrians from walking in live traffic. These railings are usually made from steel or aluminium and may be rounded or squared off at the top end to protect against injury if someone falls against them. 

Pedestrian Guardrail can also be installed around machinery or equipment to prevent workers from accidentally getting too close to dangerous parts while they’re operating machinery in industrial settings. Moreover, they are installed around pools or areas that pose a danger to the public, such as areas with hazards. 

Summary

In short, the main purpose of handrails is to provide stability and support while walking up and down the stairs. In contrast, guardrails are installed as a safety barrier for fall protection and they must resist breakage if a person or object falls on them. 

Leading manufacturer of railings in the UK

Alpha Rail is one of the leading manufacturers of railings in the UK.

If you are looking for handrails or guardrails for your project, please get in touch with us to discuss the options. You can call us on 01623750214 or at websales@alpharail.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out the form down below. Our team will be in touch shortly.