When we talk about our KEE ACCESS range of fittings we explain that they have been developed to help satisfy the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 (previously DDA) and Building Regulation Approved Document M and that they are designed to provide a handrail that is not cold to the touch – but do you know exactly what this means?
Handrails are essential in helping many people, particularly those with a disability and the elderly, gain safe access to a building and in order to do this need to meet some very specific requirements. These include a tube diameter of between 40 and 45mm, provide a smooth and continuous handrail without any sharp edges or snag points, be slip retardant, provide a good visual contrast between the handrail and its background, and not be cold to the touch.
Not cold to the touch applies to external handrail where harsh winter conditions can result in the handrail becoming extremely cold. This could prevent people, particularly those who are sensitive to the cold, from using the handrail altogether or could result in users involuntarily letting go of the handrail. The only exception to this requirement is in areas where resistance to vandalism or low maintenance are key factors. In these instances metals with relatively low thermal conductivity may be appropriate.
In order to comply with these regulations, our KEE ACCESS range can be polyester powder coated. This is an application that is recognised as suiting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), in particular by providing a surface that is not cold to the touch. The broad colour range also offers a variety of visual colour contrast options that not only help you to comply with the requirements of the DDA; they will also enhance any handrail, guardrail, balustrade or a multitude of other applications.
Click here for further information on DDA complaint handrails and to download a free copy of our Guide to DDA Compliant Handrail
Mon, 08/10/2015 – 15:58
What does ‘not cold to the touch’ mean when we refer to Kee Access fittings?
Not cold to the touch handrail
