Handrails are an effective health and safety feature to have on your commercial property. Depending on the unique architecture of your building, handrails may even be mandatory by law.
Whether you’ve recently moved to a new property or you’re updating your existing building, there are several reasons why you should consider investing in top-quality commercial handrails. We’ve discussed these reasons below.
1. Improved Safety for Employees and Visitors
Building codes specify the need for handrails in many commercial buildings because they significantly enhance safety and security. Handrails provide a sturdy anchor for your employees and guests to hold onto as they walk down corridors, ascend or descend stairways, or enter and exit your building.
Increasing safety in your business place reduces the incidence of falls and injuries. Fewer injuries mean a reduced the risk of personal injury claims, which can be costly to resolve. Failure to comply with building codes can also lead to costly expenses in the form of fines
2. Increased Accessibility and ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all business owners have to ensure that your property is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Handrails make your property more accessible for people with limited mobility and balance or physical disabilities.
3. Better Aesthetics
Handrails don’t need to look like eyesores on your property! Modern handrails will look aesthetically pleasing and blend seamlessly into your building’s existing interior design.
You can customize the size, style, color, and finish of your handrails according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can choose to align them with your brand colors, keep them neutral, have them sleek and glossy, or clean and matte.
There is also the option of adding lighting to your handrails to customize them further. With LED strips or intermittent bulbs along the length of the rail, you can keep darker areas of your property well-lit to increase visibility and safety.
4. Evacuation During Emergencies
If there is an emergency on your property, such as a fire, handrails can be an essential navigation feature that leads people to safety. Inserting illuminated handrails near fire exits can provide a quick and easy method of identification so your employees and visitors can evacuate the building to safety.
Handrails also offer additional support in times of panic, when a high volume of people will be trying to leave your property at the same time and through the same exits.
Better Customer Experience
The customer experience is an essential component of business success, so it’s not something you should ignore if you want to make a name for yourself in the industry and build a strong and loyal customer base.
Installing sturdy handrails in areas where customers walk can improve the overall consumer experience. A better experience in your store or office means a higher chance of repeat customers, higher customer satisfaction, and increased word-of-mouth marketing.