DDA Handrail gUIDELINES

In order for a Handrail to be DDA compliant it must meet certain criteria.

In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) made it mandatory for all establishments and service providers that are open to the public to take reasonable steps to provide access for disabled people.

Specifically, the Act states, Where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of such a service, it is the duty of the provider of that service to take such steps as it is reasonable.

DDA Standards
To avoid falls from height handrails provide a suitable barrier to prevent individuals from falling. There are lots of requirements of handrails to comply to DDA standards, these include:

Smooth and continuous
Ensure that your railing has a smooth surface throughout the entire length of the railing. Someone should be able to easily run their hand along the entire railing.

Correct Height & Clearance
Your railing must be 900mm-1.1m tall. Also, a ramp must have a minimum clear width of 1m. Vertical height to the top of the upper handrail from pitch line of the surface of a ramp. or flight of steps is between 900mm and 1000mm . The clearance between the handrail and any adjacent wall surface is between 60mm and 75mm.

Edge protection
When there is a drop off , ramps require a kerb or kerb rail to prevent wheel chairs from slipping out from under the railing. In some cases a mid rail is sufficient to provide this protection

Construction
Post and handrail tubes need to be between 40-50mm in diameter. The handrail should be slip resistant and not cold to touch.

Our Stargard handrails are DDA compliant and have been installed on an array of projects across the UK to find out more warm to touch handrails click here. Alternatively if you would like more information about how we could help on your next project contact us today.