Guide to Handrails for Outdoor Ramps

Handrails are essential for outdoor ramps, helping people to move around worksites or offices with confidence. Such handrails are vitally important if the ramp is for wheelchair users. On top of that, they can enhance overall worksite protection when paired with Armco barriers.

Installing handrails correctly is crucial, as failing to meet UK regulatory standards can result in legal disputes, or potentially increase the risk of accidents.

To help you avoid these issues, our guide covers everything you need to know about outdoor handrails on ramps – from when they’re required to what features they should have.

Why Install Handrails on Ramps?

Outdoor handrails serve a range of purposes in workplaces:

1. Legal requirements:  In some cases, handrails are legally required on ramps.
2. Accessibility: Assisting visitors with mobility challenges, disabilities, or age-related mobility issues.
3. Safety: Preventing trips, falls, and collisions around your worksite.
4. Aesthetics: Contributing to a more professional site appearance.
5. Traffic Flow: Clearly defining pedestrian walkways to improve traffic efficiency.

Legal Requirements: When does a ramp need handrails?

Handrails are mandatory when a slope’s gradient is steeper than 1:20 (1:15 for public access) or if the ramp covers steps with three or more risers.

UK Building Regulations (Approved Document M and BS 8300) set out the criteria for ramps and handrails. Here’s a quick reference table:

Best Practice for Ramp Handrails

To meet regulatory standards and follow best practices, ramp handrails must provide:

• Continuity: Run continuously across landings and slope lengths.
• Grip: Offer a firm and comfortable grip.
• Extensions: Extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the gradient path.
• Clearance: Minimum of 60mm between the handrail and adjacent walls.
• Visual contrast: Rails should contrast visually with surrounding surfaces to aid visibility (powder-coated finishes can create high visibility). Not legally mandated, but recommended under BS 8300.
• Terminations: Minimise the risk of injury and snagging with accessories like fishtail terminations or rounded safety ends. While not a legal requirement, visual contrast at the end of the handrail is recommended in BS 8300 guidelines to aid visibility, especially for people with impaired vision.
• Surface finish: Slip-resistant surface and not ‘cold to the touch’, especially important in public or weather-exposed areas. Again, not a strict legal requirement.

Types of Handrails

CT Safety Barriers supplies a range of compliant, durable ramp handrails, including:

• Key Clamps: Malleable iron with galvanised slip-on tube fittings. Strong and reliable wherever they’re installed, key clamps are suitable for self-installation in many cases. Ideal for pedestrian protection, workplace safety, and enhancing public spaces.
• DDA Rails: Continuous handrail with a solid gripping surface that’s assembled with fittings and clamps. Also known as ADA incline rails, they comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and can be adjusted quickly to meet changing site needs. Ideal for slopes, stairs and walkways.
• Roof Edge Protection: A strong, high-quality rail that protects staff and visitors when at height. Conforms with HSE’s work at height
• Tubular: Tubular rails are strong, durable, and integrate seamlessly into existing structures. CT Safety Barriers ensure easy installation with a ‘slip-on’ fitting, which allows them to be installed with minimal manual handling or the use of specialist tools. Effective for inclines positioned close to moving machinery such as outdoor loading bays and heavy equipment zones.

View our full product range.

How to Install Your Handrails

Installing any handrail can be straightforward and hassle-free – and often doesn’t require professional assistance. But careful planning and outsourcing to an expert when necessary, ensures complete compliance with UK safety regulations and ensures your handrails function as they should do.

1. Assess the Site: Measure the gradient’s length, height, and angle. Note its surface type (concrete, tarmac, decking) to determine the product needed.
2. Choose Product: Consider your budget, accessibility standards (like DDA standards), and the practicalities of installation – you may need to close off work areas for installation.
3. Order and Install: Install according to guidelines and instructions. Methods may vary based on the design and purpose of the handrail, but it’s crucial to get this right.
4. Continuous Maintenance: Conduct routine inspection and maintenance every 6-12 months. Corrosion-resistant steel reduces maintenance, but periodic inspections keep the handrails safe and functional.

Enhance Your Site with CT Safety Barriers

Handrails are a critical protection component in outdoor sites and integrate seamlessly with your Armco barrier system.

CT Safety Barriers can design, manufacture, and install high-quality railings for any slope on your site. Our expertise means we can advise you on the products you need, how to install them, and even give thorough advice on safety practices.

📞 Call us on (01977) 666 818

📧 Email us at sales@ctsafetybarriers.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Are outdoor handrails durable in the rain?

Yes. Ramp handrails are designed to withstand all weather conditions. Handrails in high footfall areas and heavier exposure to weather may need more maintenance over time but generally will maintain long-term durability under heavy use.

Do disabled ramps need handrails?

Yes. Building regulations typically require ramps with a gradient steeper than 1:20 to have handrails, providing safe wheelchair access and assisting individuals with mobility challenges.