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Posted By Saracen11
What are the requirements for the gaps between handrails and where can I find these? I know the information is within the approved building documents and have looked through them but cannot find the exact spec.
The other day I saw some hand rails going up and along a set of stairs, and around the first floor landing. The rails between floor level and the 'top rail' consisted of steel cable (about 5mm thick and held in place with eye bolts). There are six cables evenly spaced and very taught, but there is also some flexability in them. I recall somewhere the gap should be 100mm?
My concern is that should a child stick their head/limb through the gap, they could become entrapped... adult supervision is not always possible in this setting.
Thanks in advance folks.
Regards
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Posted By peter gotch
Hi Saracen11
If you are in England or Wales it is in Approved Document K that supports Building Regs 2000.
Similar standards apply in Scotland and NI.
Should not be able to get 100mm sphere through the gap if children under 5 liable to be present.
Also should not be liable to get caught within the guarding - which in your case is largely an issue with getting the tension right.
Regards, Peter
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Posted By Saracen11
Hi Peter, "Approved document K1, section 1.29, para (a)&(b)..
This answers my question, you are spot on about the sphere.... Many thanks!
Regards
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Posted By Ken Taylor
These sought of wires seem to be more in use these days with modern buildings. As with 'ranch' style edge protection, I would be concerned that children could also readily climb on the wires and go over the top. There's a lot to be said for old-fashioned bannisters at 100mm centres or solid infill panels.
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Posted By Pete Stewart
I'm with Ken on this. There should be no form of rail that could be used as a 'ladder' where there is the possibility that young children should be present.
Pete
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