Railing work

A steel handrail from Nolte Mezzanine

The Nolte Mezzanine range offers various stair handrails to enhance safety for you or your employees. You have the option to choose standard handrails or opt for steel baluster or removable steel handrails. You can select the desired length for each handrail, and we are happy to assist you in this decision. The required dimensions depend on the length of the stairs and the height of the floor. The entire structure must fit well and align properly. Therefore, it’s advisable to select a steel handrail only when you know the exact length you need.

Custom Handrails

Are you planning to order handrails? Then we advise you to first request a quote. We will then make everything tailored to your needs and provide you with the costs. At Nolte, we believe it’s important to provide a suitable solution for every location. We have been the specialist in designing, producing, delivering, and installing Mezzanine floors in the Netherlands and Europe for years. In short, you are in good hands for the entire process at Nolte. Therefore, you can confidently order your handrails from us.

Safe Handrails

Handrails must fulfill their intended purpose: the connections must be strong enough so that in cases of emergency, the railings withstand if someone, for example, stumbles. Mezzanine floors are generally used daily. A sturdy floor is not only essential but also the handrails. A steel handrail on a small floor can be a significant part of the investment in the Mezzanine floor. So, don’t skimp on this!

How strong are our handrails actually?

There are various ‘standards’ circulating regarding how strong handrails should be, especially on a Mezzanine floor. The true standard should be that if someone stumbles, the railing remains standing and does not collapse. By not collapsing, I mean that if someone tries to hold onto the handrail, it does not break, allowing them to stay safely on the floor. Complying with public regulations does not automatically lead to safe situations.

What is the actual correct standard?

Is this mentioned in ISO 14122-3, for example? I see this often stated that the delivered handrail will comply with this standard. This standard concerns the safety of machinery, specifically regarding permanent means of access to machinery. Because this standard consists of different parts, part 3 specifically addresses stairs, stepladders, and guardrails. Is this then the correct standard when it comes to warehouse layouts or even specifically about handrails as barriers on Mezzanine floors? This standard mentions a force of 0.5 kN. This is equivalent to a force of 50 kg. I myself am nowhere near 50 kg. And if I stumble and try to hold onto the handrail, clearly more force will be exerted than 50 kg.

Figure 1: Handrail post with a force of 1 kN (100 kg) on the top of the handrail post according to EN1991-1-1/NB:2011 table NB.6 (Dutch annex!)

Height of guardrail according to Building Decree

PLEASE NOTE: Another Dutch guideline is that the handrail should not bend more than 20 mm at the top, see EN1990/NB:2011 art. A.1.4.3 point (7)

The images below show what happens on the ground where the handrail post is attached. Only by calculating and testing can one determine how much force can actually be absorbed.

The sandbag pendulum test according to EN1991-1-1/NB:2011 art. NB.B.2.2 is a Dutch experiment and does not apply abroad. The relationship regarding a deformation of 20 mm is not provided in this. Personally, I find it normatively incorrect to establish a deformation requirement for this safety aspect in SLS.

Figure 2: Analysis of force field on profile

Unfortunately, you also see offers and deliveries where nothing is mentioned at all. The handrail may look sturdy at first glance, but is it really?

Always inquire about this and do not agree to no mention or the mention of the ISO.

ISO 14122-3 is suitable if it concerns a Mezzanine floor and therefore at height. This railing is intended as an access means to machines and not as safety fencing for a Mezzanine floor. If it is indeed an access to a machine or a Mezzanine floor used as a substructure for a conveyor belt, then the calculation according to ISO 14122 is sufficient and practical enough. The people using this access are using it for machine maintenance and are much more aware of risks than your employee who is standing on a Mezzanine floor and packing goods at the packing table.

Railings must be safe!

The connections must be strong enough to withstand someone stumbling in emergency situations. Mezzanine floors are often used daily. Therefore, not only the strength of the Mezzanine floor is essential, but also the railing. The railing on a small floor can be a substantial part of the investment in the Mezzanine floor. Do not skimp on this!
As mentioned: There are many types of railings on the market.

Keep this in mind when purchasing a Mezzanine floor. It goes without saying that such railing is considerably cheaper than railing that must stop people from falling. Unfortunately, many end users are not aware of these significant risks. Railing according to this standard or no standard at all can be up to 50% cheaper than railing that may be used for safe use of a Mezzanine floor. These are huge differences, especially for small floors, and the buyer may think they made a good deal.
Nothing could be further from the truth if an accident occurs.