![]() ![]() Railing System with ADA Compliant handrail: This type of system consists of a separate railing system of any style or material with a handrail attached.But while these are practical, they lack the interest and style that different materials and designs can offer in a railing system. It usually consists of a basic aluminum pipe handrail that meets the code requirements. Basic Handicap Accessible Handrail without Railing: This is the typical handrail system that you will see in the back of buildings where curb appeal is not an issue.The basic types of railing systems that meet ADA requirements fall into two categories: Of course, budget and time constraints always have to be taken into consideration when choosing a product. Meeting code requirements for handicap accessibility doesn’t mean you have to compromise the look of your design. Some manufacturers even use a tough coating process that involves a pre-treatment as well as a high-quality powder coat finish to ensure the railing doesn’t rust or corrode in any way. And while many ADA handrail systems come in basic aluminum, with its silver, industrial-looking finish, it’s also possible to find compliant handrails in other colors and finishes, like shiny black, matte black, or bronze. For a building that has a largely rustic aesthetic where wood railing systems are desired, it’s possible to use a wooden railing along with a ADA compliant metal handrail, but it’s also possible to find ADA compliant wooden handrails as well. This means matching the building entryway design as closely as possible. But as an architect or designer, it’s imperative to meet these requirements while also providing a particular quality of style. Compatibility with building design: As mentioned before, codes and requirements have to be considered before any work is done.With that much railing going in plus the adjoining handrails for accessibility, finding a railing and handrail system that is easy to install can save hours in labor costs. On the public buildings I’ve had experience with, accessibility often meant long and winding ramps for any entryway and exit for the building, and that equals a lot of railing length. Easy installation: While not as critical as code compliance, I’ve found that using railing that is easy to install can save a lot of frustration and wasted time, especially on a project where ADA compliance is critical.The gripping surface must also be continuous and free of any sharp or rough elements. As for the handrails themselves, they must be continuous or extend 12 inches from the top and bottom of the ramp segment and parallel with the surface. ADA Compliant: In section 4.8 of the ANSI A117.1 specification, handrails are required on both sides of the ramp if the ramp run is higher than 6 inches and the ramp is longer than 72 inches.That’s why it’s important to consider the following factors when choosing railings for handicap ramps: Local and city codes often give parameters for a job in order to make the building safe for occupants, while there are always aesthetic and installation considerations during building as well. What You Should Look for in Handicap Accessible RailingsĮvery building professional knows that before you can begin a design you have to know what the codes and specifications are for the job first. These are a few of the issues we’ll talk about in this post. It also makes it important to confirm that the manufacturer has certified a particular railing ADA compliant before specifying it for a job. This makes it imperative to fully understand what handrails are acceptable under the ADA. So the question for a lot of architects and designers is, can we maintain the same design aesthetic we envisioned for this project while also meeting the criteria for ADA compliant railings for handicap ramps? While ramps are fairly standard for commercial buildings, handrails come in a variety of styles and materials. Building accessibility for the disabled usually means ramps at every entry and exit that adhere to certain standards, as well as hand railings that also meet certain criteria. Compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) is always one of the first items that comes up in meetings, especially when discussing entrance and exit design. I’ve worked on several new school projects over the years, and one aspect that should always be at the forefront of a design is whether or not the building is handicap accessible. ![]()
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