FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 22 : Principles of Designing Interiors for the Visually Impaired

Handrails

• There should be colour contrast between walls, steps and handrails.
• Handrails should be 900mm from the nosing of the tread to the top of the handrail. They should be placed on either side of the staircase and continue uninterrupted with the stairs and around the landing.
• At the top and bottom of the stairs the rails should become horizontal at the beginning of the landing and continue for at least 300mm.
• The ends of handrails should turn down not less than 100mm or return fully to the end post or wall face.
• The cross section of handrails should be rounded and not less than 30mm nor more than 50mm in diameter.
• Clearance between a handrail and adjacent wall surface should be not less than 50mm.