Handrails are a permanent fixture in our public stairways, walkways and ramps. The purpose of handrails is to provide assistance and stability for the user. These handrails help everyone, especially those with vision impairment or stability issues, orient themselves relative to the ramp or stairs and make the ascending and descending part of the journey easier. In this blog, we answer some of the most common questions and point out usual mistakes when handrails are designed and built for public spaces.

Do stairs have to have handrails?

Yes, handrails are an important component of any public staircase as handrails guide people, especially those with disabilities of the transition from a flat footpath to a series of stairs, or the increasing slope of a ramp. It also helps those with mobility or balance issues stabilize themselves while ascending or descending. The Building Code nominates that circulation stairs within buildings are to have handrails on both sides of the flight. 

What is the handrail height Australian Standards nominate?

AS1428.1-2009 nominates that handrails be placed at least 865mm but not more than 1000mm above the stair nosing or floor surface. This ensures that the handrail is at a convenient and constant height to grab and hold on to as one makes his way through the stairs or ramp.  

How far should a handrail be from a wall?

To allow users to hold onto the rail conveniently and comfortably, there should be a space of 50-60 mm between the handrail and wall. Aside from the wall clearance, a handrail must also have at least 600mm of unobstructed space above the handrail.

How should handrail endings be designed?

This is most probably the most common issue that designers and builders misinterpret when it comes to stair handrail regulations Australia has released for compliance. Handrails must not jut out and end unceremoniously at the bottom or top of the stairs. To terminate the handrail, Australian Standards gives three options: it returns to the side wall, goes downwards to the floor, or curves back on a 180-degree turn to eliminate blunt edges which might cause hazardous bumps to the distracted public. The design of these terminations still rests with the designer.

Where should the handrail start or end?

Another point of confusion for designers and builders is the starting or ending point of a handrail. AS1428.1 mandates that stair handrails at the bottom of the stair flight must start or end at least one step away from the first stair and extend horizontally for another 300mm. At the top of the stair flight the handrail is to extend 300mm past the top riser. For 1:20-10:14 ramps handrails are to extend 300mm past the point where the incline flattens out. This allows anyone to have ample time to adjust and orient themselves for a transition to a staircase. It should not start on the first step of the stair or on the start of the slope of a ramp.

What is the recommended size for a handrail?   

For a handrail to meet the Australian Standards, it must be 30mm to 50mm in diameter.

Clearances above handrails 

A requirement that is often missed is that a 600mm clearance zone is required above the handrail.

While these are just some of the common questions we receive about handrails, there are more design requirements noted in the Australian Standards for handrails to ensure that the public, especially people with disabilities, have a safer and easier time moving and navigating around walkways, ramps, and staircases.

Look around you, keep your eyes peeled for these handrails and let us know if the ones you see follow these handrail regulations or not. Better yet, share a photo of a handrail in your most frequent public spaces like the metro or railway.

Have you ever thought of how ramps provide easy access to any building or area? Whether it’s connecting parking lots and buildings, walkways and entrances, or inside the building itself, ramps help people with disabilities navigate these spaces and access facilities with dignity and ease.

At iAccess we’re very particular that ramps are required; the accessibility features adhere to the Australian Accessibility Standards AS1428.1. Read on to find out the accessible features to be included in ramp design, to facilitate equitable access for all. 

1. Gradient 

Depending on the ramp type, there are various gradients recommended for a ramp. 

A kerb ramp connecting footpaths to roadways must have a gradient no steeper than a ratio of 1:8 with a maximum rise of 190mm.

A step ramp has a gradient of 1:10 with a maximum rise of 190mm. 

A threshold ramp positioned next to a doorway has a gradient of 1:8 with a maximum rise of 35mm. 

Meanwhile, the maximum disabled ramp gradient NSW for ramp lengths up to 9m is 1:14  

These gradients are recommended so that ramps do not fatigue the persons using them.  

2. Surface slip resistance

Aside from the gradient, another key feature that will help a ramp be easier to use is its slip-resistant surface, especially for kerb ramps or threshold ramps. When a user transitions from a kerb to a roadway or through a door, the floor surface must provide the user with enough friction so that they do not slide down the ramp. 

A slip-resistant surface is necessary to ensure users of either manual or powered wheelchairs do not slip in the middle of their ascent or descent. The Building Code at Table D2.14 nominates the slip resistance for ramps between P3/R10 and P5/R12 depending on whether the ramp is located externally or internally. 

3. Handrails

Handrails are required to be provided for step ramps and for ramps with gradients between 1:20 and 1:14.

These handrails assist the user with stability and guidance. Handrails must be present on both sides of the ramp. 300mm handrail extensions are to be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp flight.

4. Turns and switchbacks

60-90-degree turns, requires the ramp corridor to be at least 1500mm both in length and width. 

For ramps with sharper 90-120 degree turns, the landing must at least be 1540 x 2070mm. 

5. Landings

Landings are a resting point for any user, especially when there is a change in the ramp direction. Landings are also encouraged for any threshold ramps so that users can confidently open the door without the risk of sliding back down the ramp. If there is a change of direction up to 90 degrees, the landing must at least be 1500mm both in width and length. If it’s 90-180 degrees, then the width must at least be 1540mm in width and 2070mm in length.  

6. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs)

TGSIs are to be provided at the top and bottom of ramp flights with gradients between 1:20 and 1:14. TGSIs are not required to be provided at mid landings where no additional persons are added to the ramp system.

TGSIs are not required for step ramps or threshold ramps. TGSIs may be required at kerb ramps depending on the general arrangement of the kerb ramp.

After a ramp has been built, it will be further subjected to a test for accessibility, taking note of the following criteria: the pushing force for the ascent and the braking force for the descent needed to be exerted by the user; the time needed to get over the ramp onto the landing; the physical characteristics of the ramp, and lastly the gradient..

If you are a building owner and want equitable access for all individuals, then incorporating a ramp detailed to the ramp Australian standards should be incorporated into your plan.

If these aspects still sound too technical for you, don’t be afraid to reach out to iAccess Consultants for a consultation on Australian ramp regulations and other accessibility features you need to discover and implement for better access for all.