You walk through the bustling cityscape, where every step you take is guided by often-unnoticed assets. These handrails and guardrails are more than just metal; they are the unsung heroes of our daily journeys. But what truly sets them apart? From the guidance of a handrail steadying you down the train station steps to the resilience of the guardrail protecting you from risks, carry on reading to find out more!
So, what is the difference between handrail and guardrail?
The simple difference is that guardrail is to protect people from a hazard, whereas handrail is something a person uses to assist them up or down a slope. We have included some examples below to help you differentiate.
Handrail:
The KITE Projects team supplied handrailing to Fareham Railway Station. This handrail assists people up and down both the steps & the slope, and features a double rail to enable children to use it. Due to its installation in a public area, the handrail was powder-coated to ensure it could be used regularly in cold weather.
Guardrail:
The purpose of a guardrail is to protect people from any hazard, whether that’s a fall from height or a barrier against traffic. KITE Projects supplied guardrail along the sea wall at Shoreham, to offer protection for the local community’s access and cycle routes. The guardrail provided was compliant with relevant British standards, and had a powder-coated finish to line with the architect’s visions.
Where both systems are used together:
There are instances when both systems can be used together! For example, KITE Projects supplied lengths of guardrail with mounted handrail to Meridian Water Railway station to both protect and provide safety and assistance to workers needing to access the tracks.
While handrails and guardrails might seem like simple, everyday structures, they play crucial roles in ensuring our safety and ease of movement. Together, they create a safer environment, whether it’s at a bustling train station or along a serene sea wall. KITE Projects is proud to be able to contribute towards a safer environment, protecting your network through our sustainable systems.