When we talk about safety and accessibility on stairs or ramps, the handrail becomes an essential element. It not only provides confidence to the user, but also ensures that the space complies with current regulations and is truly inclusive for everyone.
At Comenza, we are clear: a good design of railings and handrails should not be limited to aesthetics but should comply with regulations, improve accessibility, and facilitate installation. That’s why we want to guide you, simply and practically, on when it is mandatory to install handrails and at what height they should be placed, according to the Technical Building Code (CTE DB-SUA) and best practices for accessibility.
When are handrails mandatory?
The Technical Building Code (CTE DB-SUA) establishes when it is mandatory to install handrails on stairs and ramps. The main idea is to ensure safe use and facilitate universal accessibility. Depending on the context, the criteria vary between general-use stairs and ramps on accessible routes.
General purpose ladders
In the case of stairs, the CTE establishes that whenever they span a height greater than 55 centimetres, it is mandatory to install at least one handrail on one side. The handrail must be firm and easy to grasp, it should be at least 4 cm away from the wall, and its fastening system must not interfere with the continuous passage of the hand.
When the staircase has a free width equal to or greater than 1.20 metres, or if there is no alternative route available, the regulations require handrails to be placed on both sides, thus ensuring safety and comfortable use for everyone.
If we are talking about wider stairs, with widths greater than 4 metres, it is necessary to add intermediate handrails so that the distance between them never exceeds those 4 metres. This ensures that there is always a nearby support point and prevents someone from being left in the middle of the section without being able to hold on.
Ramps in accessible routes
In the case of ramps, the CTE specifies that whenever they overcome a height difference greater than 55 centimetres and their gradient is greater than or equal to 6%, it is mandatory to install a handrail on at least one side.
When the ramp belongs to an accessible route, overcomes a height difference of 18.5 cm, and has a gradient equal to or greater than 6%, it is necessary to install handrails on both sides.
Similarly, when the ramp presents free edges, a skirting or protective element of at least 10 centimetres in height must be incorporated to prevent the fall of objects, sticks or wheelchair wheels.
When the project includes glass railings, it is advisable to define from the beginning how the handrail will be integrated: its height, the continuity of the route, and the junctions at landings. At Comenza, we take this into account: our anchoring systems, both top-mounted and side-mounted, facilitate this technical coordination without sacrificing the aesthetics of the whole.
At what height should handrails be installed?
The height of handrails is a key aspect to ensure both safety and comfort of use. Generally speaking, the Building Technical Code establishes that, for adults, the height should be within a range of 90 to 110 centimetres. This margin allows most users to support themselves comfortably and safely when going up or down a staircase or traversing a ramp.
However, not all spaces have the same needs. In accessible routes, where the aim is to ensure the path is navigable for people with reduced mobility or in educational centres, the upper handrail is maintained and a second handrail must be installed at a lower height, between 65 and 75 centimetres.
Regarding how to measure the height, the reference varies depending on the type of element: on stairs, it is taken from the nosing line (that is, from the edge of the steps), while on ramps it is measured from the inclined plane itself. This detail is important, as it ensures that the height of the handrail is always functional and corresponds to the user's actual position on the route.
Good practices for accessible design
Compliance with regulations is essential, but if we truly want to create accessible spaces, it is advisable to go one step further. Good accessible design practices make the difference between a project that simply meets legal requirements and one that is comfortable, safe, and usable for everyone.
- Secure and functional grip design: the shape of the handrail should allow for a comfortable, continuous, and unobstructed grip. The grip system should never interfere with the movement of the hand.
- Rounded or returned ends: these prevent sharp edges and clothing snags, reducing risks and increasing safety.
- Visual contrast with the environment: a handrail that stands out chromatically from the background aids orientation for people with low vision.
At Comenza, we incorporate all these criteria into the development of our systems because we believe that accessibility is not at odds with design. Thus, our solutions achieve a perfect balance between safety, aesthetics, and functionality.
Accessibility as a key trend in architecture
In recent years, accessibility has become a differentiating factor in architecture and construction. It is no longer just about complying with regulations, but about designing spaces that can truly be used and enjoyed by everyone. This inclusive vision not only enhances user experience but also increasingly carries more weight in the evaluation of quality projects and public tenders.
How to integrate handrails into glass railings?
One of the most common questions in railing projects is how to integrate the handrail to comply with accessibility regulations without disrupting the aesthetics of the ensemble. The key is to define the height and continuity of the handrail from the project phase, taking into account the encounters on landings, the changes of sections, and the compatibility with the chosen anchoring system.
Our systems are designed to make the addition of handrails easy, maintaining the visual cleanliness of the glass and complying with the requirements of the regulations (CTE). And if any doubts arise, our Online Technical Office is available to advise you on the choice of profiles and accessories, helping you to coordinate all these aspects efficiently.
The importance of having specialised technical support
Accessibility regulations can be complex, and we know that each project has its own particularities. That is why at Comenza we offer you our Online Technical Support. A service where specialised architects and engineers help you resolve any technical queries before and during the construction.