RAILWAY SYSTEMS: GRP FIBREGLASS RAILWAY HANDRAIL SYSTEMS

Composite handrail systems are offered in both round tube and square section
Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) with a complete range of fittings. All systems are
designed to relevant standards.

For medium duty applications the round tube system has been tested and approved to safety standards BS EN ISO
14122-3:2001 & BS 6399-1:1996.

Both types are available in high visibility safety yellow or steel grey finishes, or a combination of both and offer a cost
effective alternative to stainless or galvanised steel for use in new build or improvement and refurbishment projects.

GRP Handrail provides all the advantages of lightweight, high strength and durability, coupled with corrosion
resistance, electrical non-conductance and a maintenance free life. The product has a minimum 25 year lifespan.

The rails and stanchions are manufactured to high standards from polyester resins by a process of pultrusion.
Associated fittings are made by casting.

The systems provide worker or general public safety in a wide variety all exposed locations throughout the industry &
in public access areas e.g. maintenance depots, walkways, trackside installations, guarding around machinery etc.

A full design, drawing and engineering verification service is available for these products, with prefabricated sections
being delivered to site for rapid assembly and installation by our team.

Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) products will not rust or rot, nor will they need painting as the colour is throughout
the product and they are easy to clean too.  Medium acquisition and low life-cycle costs are also significant. Should
substantial damage ever occur to any components, modular construction allows for quick, easy & low cost repairs.

Background

The use of composite materials for infrastructure renewals and improvements on the UK's railway system has
gathered pace in recent years. GRP systems have benefits which show clear advantages over alternative proposals
(steel,concrete & timber), with a combination of desirable characteristics:

• Corrosion resistance
• High strength
• Light weight
• Maintenance free
• Low life cycle costs
• Rapid fit times
• Insulating properties (electrically non-conductive)
  

Benefits of GRP Handrail Systems include:

• Rapid installation - reduced labour costs
• Custom made to size
• Quick lead times (subject to order size)
• Highly durable
• Corrosion & weather resistant
• No welding or hazardous assembly techniques
• No painting required
• Little or no maintenance/repair costs
• Low life cycle costs
• Good chemical resistance
• Conforming to BS EN ISO 14122-3:2001 Safety of Machinery - Permanent means of access to machinery.
  Part 3: Stairways, stepladders & guard-rails.
• Conforming to BS 6399-1:1996 Loading for buildings - Part 1: Code of practice for dead and imposed loads.

Applications for GRP Handrail Systems include:

• Facilitates general safe access & egress with protection from edges on raised surfaces.
• Guarding around machinery or trackside equipment.
• Incorporation into maintenance platforms and pit covers.

All systems have the following basic elements:

• Hand rail
• Knee rail
• Kicker (toe) plate
• Stanchion
• Floor or wall fixing options
• Fixings & fasteners

Dimensions:

All systems are bespoke made to specifications as requested by the client
Minimum height above walking surface is 1100 mm
Maximum stanchion centre to centre spacing of 1500 mm
Minimum service load applicable of 300N/m (30kg) x maximum distance between stanchions (m)

Additional Options:

Gated access steps to platform ends
Full maintenance platforms