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Handrail & Balustrade Solutions - RIBA Product Selector

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Uniclass<br />

L442<br />

CI/ SfB<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> & <strong>Balustrade</strong> <strong>Solutions</strong><br />

(34)<br />

www.laidlaw.net<br />

EPIC<br />

D4


www.laidlaw.net<br />

A Comprehensive Service and Quality Brand<br />

Laidlaw is the leading specifier, distributor and technical service provider of architectural products to the<br />

UK construction industry. At the heart of Laidlaw’s integrated package of solutions is a comprehensive<br />

range of <strong>Handrail</strong> and <strong>Balustrade</strong> solutions, precision manufactured in Germany to exacting standards<br />

of performance and aesthetics which comply with all necessary Building Regulations and standards for<br />

structural stability, safety and accessibility.<br />

Laidlaw’s <strong>Handrail</strong> & <strong>Balustrade</strong> <strong>Solutions</strong> are supplied as a complete package, from initial site survey<br />

through detailed design, bill of quantities and through to full installation. Our trained staff are always on hand<br />

to give advice on all aspects of specification, legislation and best practice guidance to ensure each project<br />

reaches the optimum level of quality, finish and performance.<br />

Laidlaw is able to offer a wide range of architectural products that combine design and function across a<br />

broad range of product categories. By working closely with manufacturing partners to ensure consistent<br />

quality and performance and by keeping up to date with market requirements and technical specifications,<br />

Laidlaw remains at the forefront of the markets it serves.<br />

Having prepared a detailed site survey or<br />

from architects drawings, we will prepare<br />

a full design schedule of all the handrail<br />

or balustrade requirements including a full<br />

bill of materials.<br />

To keep on-site work to a minimum we<br />

assemble as much of the handrailing or<br />

balustrading as possible in the factory.<br />

Not only does this limit the number of<br />

section joints it also ensures that where<br />

there are joints or changes of angle the<br />

quality of the joint is a precise machined<br />

connection.<br />

HA<br />

Chas Accredited<br />

1 www.laidlaw.net<br />

CONTRACTORS HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT SCHEME<br />

THE LAIDLAW SERVICE<br />

Complete supply and fit<br />

Laidlaw offers a complete supply and fit service,<br />

from producing quotations from architect‘s drawings<br />

or bills of quantities, to on-site measurements,<br />

production drawings for customer approval,<br />

manufacture and on-site installation. A Laidlaw<br />

Technical consultant is always on hand to advise on<br />

any aspect of <strong>Handrail</strong>s and <strong>Balustrade</strong>s.<br />

Guidance on regulations and legislation<br />

Laidlaw trained staff can offer guidance on all aspects<br />

of Building Regulations and legislation including all<br />

aspects of DDA compliance.<br />

Component based systems<br />

Our component based systems have a number of<br />

fundamental advantages:<br />

• Stock of key components ensure quick delivery<br />

• Factory assembly enables quick installation<br />

• Superior aesthetics to systems to which are<br />

built on-site because there are no unsightly welds,<br />

deformations of bends or poor aesthetic finish<br />

• Consistently high quality finish<br />

• Demountable components make it easy to repair<br />

• All components are recyclable.<br />

Why choose a Laidlaw system<br />

Where the design and installation of a product<br />

affects the safety of its users, it is not an occassion<br />

for compromising on quality. There is no doubt that<br />

cheaper handrails and balustrades can be produced<br />

but the true cost in terms of safety and the life<br />

expectancy of such products can not be compared<br />

to the highly engineered quality of a Laidlaw handrail<br />

and balustrade. Not only is the finished article inferior<br />

aesthetically but there are significant performance<br />

deficiencies to make the on-site construction<br />

unsuitable for most applications. You can see<br />

examples of this on page 4.


www.laidlaw.net<br />

THE LAIDLAW SERVICE 1<br />

WHY IS A GOOD HANDRAIL SYSTEM SO IMPORTANT? 3 - 4<br />

HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE INTRODUCTION 5 - 8<br />

COMPARING THE SYSTEMS 9 - 10<br />

PRODUCT REFERENCES 11 - 12<br />

NBS SPECIFICATION GUIDE 13 - 14<br />

HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE SYSTEMS<br />

CONTENTS<br />

NY - NYLON LINE 15 - 26<br />

WS/WN - TIMBER LINE - WOOD & STAINLESS/WOOD & NYLON 27 - 34<br />

MK - COMBI LINE - NYLON & STAINLESS 35 - 42<br />

NT - STAINLESS LINE 43 - 54<br />

3K - BALUSTRADE - 3KN LOADING 55 - 56<br />

SG - STRUCTURAL GLASS 57 - 58<br />

ML - MODU-LINE - THE INTELLIGENT MODULAR SYSTEM 59 - 62<br />

COLOUR CHARTS, FINISHES & OTHER OPTIONS 63 - 66<br />

CASE STUDIES 67 - 74<br />

LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS AND BRITISH STANDARDS 75 - 76<br />

GUIDE TO SPACING, LOADING AND FIXING OF UPRIGHTS 77<br />

GUIDE TO HANDRAIL LENGTHS & INSTALLATION 78<br />

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Slips, Trips and Falls<br />

Of the many statistics about slips, trips and falls, perhaps the<br />

most poignant is that in 2007 the proportion of major injuries<br />

due to falls from height was overtaken for the first time by those<br />

resulting from slips, trips and falls on the same level (source<br />

www.hse.gov.uk). They accounted for almost 11,000 or 38%<br />

of all major injuries and more than 27,000 of over ‘3 day’<br />

injuries in the workplace. Running and walking injuries are not,<br />

however, industry specific. In schools for example, where pupils<br />

tend to be oblivious to hazards, rates continue to be high. In<br />

2005/2006 8,367 injuries resulting from slips and trips were<br />

recorded, 5,440 of them involving children under the age of 16<br />

and 1,357 involving employees. Whilst the evidence points to a<br />

reduction in falls from heights (due probably to the fact that the<br />

seriousness of the injuries resulting from such falls places more<br />

emphasis on reducing them) sadly, the same cannot be said of<br />

slips, trips and falls which show little sign of reduction.<br />

The provision of adequate handrailing is a major factor in<br />

reducing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls on stairs and on<br />

the same level. Guidance on stairs and handrails in buildings<br />

other than dwellings, set out in Approved Document M,<br />

indicates that handrails must be designed to accommodate<br />

all users, including children. They must be continuous and<br />

terminate beyond the top and bottom of a flight in a way that<br />

reduces risk, for example, of clothing being caught. In busy<br />

environments with wide staircases such as schools, additional<br />

rails are needed to divide the flight into channels. It may not be<br />

possible to ensure that these additional rails are actually used,<br />

but narrower aisles control traffic flow and place stair users in<br />

closer proximity to a point of safety.<br />

In addition to continuous support, the rails also need to provide<br />

adequate grip. The amount of grip is influenced greatly by the<br />

diameter of the rail and this can be improved by the use of<br />

smaller diameters of 35mm for example. However, being able<br />

to grip all round the rail brings the hands constantly into contact<br />

with the rail supports, forcing the user to change their grip. The<br />

optimum solution therefore is a balance between the diameter<br />

required for grip, providing comfortable support and being able<br />

to maintain the support along the full length of the rail.<br />

3 www.laidlaw.net<br />

WHY IS A GOOD HANDRAIL SYSTEM SO IMPORTANT?<br />

The installation of a good quality handrail and balustrade system can have a significant effect on<br />

the way we interact with the built environment. A well designed system using quality materials and<br />

construction can enhance the visual and tactile nature of a building and will strongly influence the<br />

way in which the building is perceived as a welcoming place to be. From a purely functional view<br />

point, the handrail and balustrade solution will determine how accessible the facility is and will have<br />

a direct bearing on the health and safety of anyone who uses the building.<br />

Contrast and Visual Impairment<br />

Research has shown that for partially sighted users, high levels of contrast between the rail and<br />

the background are desirable. This contrast is most reliably expressed by reference to their Light<br />

Reflectance Value (LRV) rather than colour. In the 2004 edition of Approved Document M and<br />

the 2005 amendment to BS 8300, the desirable differences in LRV were quantified. Measured<br />

on a scale of 0 - 100 with jet black equivalent to ‘0’ and perfect white ‘100’. Relative differences<br />

between the rail and background were established at 30 points of difference. However, it is<br />

recognised that visual perception is affected by the relative area of surfaces and aspects such<br />

as texture, form, metallic or gloss levels. Within the 2009 revision to BS 8300 it has been<br />

acknowledged that 20 points of difference may be adequate in producing sufficient contrast<br />

provided levels of illuminance are above 200 lux.<br />

LRV values are measured using a Spectrophotometer


a<br />

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WHY CHOOSE A LAIDLAW SYSTEM?<br />

d e<br />

f<br />

h<br />

It is true, cheaper handrails or balustrades can be achieved but what is the true cost of this kind<br />

of product? We have all experienced a ‘site welded‘ tubular steel painted handrail. The life of<br />

such an installation is extremely short and should never be compared with the engineered and<br />

highly finished quality of a Laidlaw handrail system (left). Not only is the finished article inferior<br />

aesthetically but there are significant performance deficiencies to make the on-site construction<br />

unsuitable for most applications.<br />

• Sharp welds must be ground smooth and this cannot be achieved all round a handrail which<br />

is fixed close to the wall<br />

• Site finished handrails will very quickly deteriorate through even normal use, leaving the steel<br />

substrate exposed and vulnerable to corrosion<br />

• Thin nylon coated systems may seem adequate to begin with, but with even modest use<br />

the thin coating can soon become thin and cracked, exposing the steel substrate which<br />

quickly deteriorates<br />

• Site formed bends and curves can rarely be produced smoothly or with an even surface<br />

Certainly not all alternatives are as poor as the examples shown below marked with a red<br />

cross, but there are countless examples of the type of deficiencies which are typical of on-site<br />

manufactured and lower quality bespoke systems.<br />

The contrast is the high quality materials, manufacture and detailing of the Laidlaw handrailing<br />

shown throughout this brochure.<br />

b<br />

c<br />

Examples of sub-standard handrailing include:<br />

a. Inadequate upright supports<br />

b. Poor design detail of a welded construction<br />

c. Poor build quality of this handrail and support<br />

d. ‘Scaffolding’ approach is ill considered and is now<br />

also showing the typical signs of on-site painting<br />

e. Poorly fabricated handrail supports<br />

f. Inadequate loading capability is soon evident<br />

g. Typical signs of a poorly formed handrail with a thin<br />

nylon cover which has become detached<br />

h Evidence of early corrossion on this stainless steel<br />

example<br />

g<br />

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5 www.laidlaw.net<br />

HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE INTRODUCTION


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HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE INTRODUCTION<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s offer support on staircases, protection from falling and are a welcome support in<br />

case of sudden tiredness. They are required on both sides of a staircase. They should continue<br />

uninterrupted around half-landings to provide continued support for the elderly and ambulant<br />

disabled. This also provides safety and comfort for visually impaired and blind people by serving to<br />

guide them around the landing.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s should always extend at least 300mm from the top and bottom of a staircase to provide<br />

a ‘lead-in’ - which avoids unsteady persons from having to overreach in order to grasp the rail,<br />

and ‘lead-off’ - which allows them to be supported by the rail beyond the last step.<br />

The handrail should be fixed at a height of 900mm. However, a lower rail should be present in<br />

buildings frequented by children. If a higher rail is required - to prevent falls, for example - then a<br />

secondary rail should be available at the ergo nomic height of 600mm.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s must also be suitable for use by people who are physically weak and have a poor<br />

grip. The best shape of handrail is circular in cross section, such that a hand can encircle it. The<br />

recommended diameter is 32 - 45mm (BS 8300). The elderly, in particular, suffer from a weak grip<br />

and a round profile is helpful.<br />

The handrail must be mounted at a sufficient distance from the wall such that a hand can travel<br />

along it without encountering the fixing brackets. The partially sighted will find the handrail more<br />

easily if it contrasts visually with its background i.e. the wall. Colour is an ideal way of helping to<br />

achieve such a contrast.<br />

900mm<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

6 www.laidlaw.net


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HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE INTRODUCTION


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HANDRAIL & BALUSTRADE INTRODUCTION<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s, essentially are freestanding barriers supporting a handrail and are composed of a<br />

top rail (handrail), a bottom rail (optional), upright supports which are fixed in a variety of ways to<br />

the floor structure and infill material of some kind providing the barrier to prevent falls. Typically, a<br />

balustrade is required on the open side of a staircase and surrounding any open balcony, gallery<br />

or atrium.<br />

The Laidlaw portfolio of <strong>Handrail</strong> & <strong>Balustrade</strong> systems is a comprehensive collection of individual<br />

system components which can be used to create matching handrails and balustrades offering<br />

specifiers a wide choice, to suit either performance and/or aesthetic requirements.<br />

The basic systems<br />

Laidlaw offers seven fundamental handrail and balustrade systems:<br />

• Nylon – using 4mm thick nylon-sleeved galvanised steel components<br />

• Stainless steel – using all stainless steel components<br />

• Timber & Stainless steel – a combination of a stainless steel support structure and solid timber<br />

rails. Also available with Nylon support structure.<br />

• Nylon & Stainless steel – a combination of a stainless steel support structure and Nylon<br />

sleeved handrail components<br />

• Structural Glass - a system of balustrading which utilises the structural properties of glass<br />

combined with Stainless steel or Timber handrailing<br />

• 3kN System– using larger diameter stainless steel uprights to resist the greater loadings<br />

required for certain buildings, e.g. assembly buildings.<br />

• Modu-Line - a highly flexible, component based system which can be supplied as factory<br />

assembled elements or can even be assembled on-site. The design detail enables a high level<br />

of adjustability to suit site variations<br />

Tactile Indicators<br />

Although not included in Building Regulation guidance, tactile<br />

indicators can help to make a building more ‘inclusive’. When<br />

incorporated into handrails, they can indicate to a visually<br />

impaired person the presence of the first and last riser on a<br />

staircase as well as floor levels. Braille indicators can also be<br />

included to highlight a floor number.<br />

Different types of indicator are available, as projecting buttons,<br />

rings or grooves.<br />

8 www.laidlaw.net


9 www.laidlaw.net<br />

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NYLON LINE<br />

Material – Polyamide (PA)<br />

Surface - High gloss<br />

Properties:<br />

• High fracture resistance, high strength and thermal stability<br />

• Smooth and brilliant surface with exceptionally high<br />

resistance to abrasion<br />

• Coloured throughout<br />

• High resistance to most solvents, chemicals, cleansing<br />

agents and disinfectants<br />

• No electrostatic charge<br />

• Conforms to the requirement of BS 8300 requiring that<br />

handrails should not be cold to the touch<br />

• Environmentally safe material - cadmium and lead free<br />

colours<br />

• Physiologically harmless, compliance with requirements of<br />

food law in Europe and USA<br />

• Completely recyclable<br />

TIMBER LINE<br />

Mixed material combinations using a system of stainless steel<br />

supports and connectors:<br />

Properties:<br />

• Stainless steel support system gives high stability and<br />

long lasting performance<br />

• Nylon and Stainless combination uses the strength and<br />

durability of stainless with the colour and warmth of nylon<br />

• Timber and Stainless combination has the inherent beauty<br />

and feel of timber rails with the structural stability and<br />

durability of stainless steel<br />

• Combination of Timber handrails with the colour option of<br />

nylon supports and connectors<br />

STAINLESS LINE<br />

Material - Stainless steel<br />

Surface - brushed finish<br />

COMPARING THE SYSTEMS<br />

Properties:<br />

• High mechanical strength, dimensionally stable and<br />

nearly indestructible<br />

• High stability and durability suitable for areas subject to<br />

high levels of use and abuse<br />

• Very good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and<br />

chemical corrosion (detergents and cleansing agents)<br />

• High resistance to abrasion<br />

• Very easy to clean and to disinfect


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COMPARING THE SYSTEMS<br />

3 KN SYSTEM<br />

Materials - Stainless steel support structure with either stainless<br />

steel or nylon handrailing.<br />

Based on the Stainless Line system but with heavier duty<br />

construction making it particularly suited to applications which<br />

may be subject to overcrowding by the public<br />

• Heavy duty construction is able to withstand horizontal<br />

loading of 3kN/m<br />

• Stainless steel or nylon handrail option<br />

STRUCTURAL GLASS<br />

Materials - Structural toughened glass and stainless steel<br />

This beautiful balustrading solution is ideally suited to high end<br />

architectural applications where the simplicity of the structure<br />

and free open aesthetic are required. It also provides a ‘gapfree’<br />

barrier which makes it ideally suited to areas where children<br />

are likely to be present<br />

• Lack of vertical support structure allows for free run of<br />

horizontal handrail<br />

• Simple lines with uninterrupted view through balustrade<br />

• High levels of safety with no gaps to tempt small children to<br />

squeeze through<br />

• Structural glass is capable of achieving 3kN loading<br />

• <strong>Handrail</strong> available in Stainless steel, Nylon or Timber<br />

MODU-LINE SYSTEM<br />

Material - Stainless steel support structure with a choice of<br />

Nylon, Timber or Stainless steel handrail<br />

Properties:<br />

• Stainless steel guarantees high stability and permanent<br />

functioning<br />

• Fully component based system allows components to be<br />

ordered and assembled on site with minimum site<br />

preparation and cutting<br />

• Nylon and Stainless combination uses the strength and<br />

durability of stainless with the colour and warmth of nylon<br />

• Timber and Stainless combination has the inherent beauty<br />

and feel of timber rails with the structural stability and<br />

durability of stainless steel<br />

10 www.laidlaw.net


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NY I - a - s / 34<br />

Material<br />

11 www.laidlaw.net<br />

End type<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> support<br />

MODU-LINE SYSTEM<br />

Diameter of handrail<br />

Nylon/Timber - 40mm<br />

Stainless steel - 32 or 40mm<br />

Inclination of handrail h = horizontal / s = raking<br />

NY<br />

WS/WN<br />

MK<br />

NT<br />

NY<br />

WS/WN<br />

MK<br />

NT<br />

NY<br />

NYLON LINE<br />

Type I<br />

Type I<br />

Type I<br />

Type I<br />

HANDRAILS - PRODUCT REFERENCES<br />

The smaller handrail diameters are<br />

recommended for applications which<br />

may benefit from a ‘Power Grip’ in<br />

accordance with BS 8300:2009<br />

‘a ‘b ‘c<br />

‘a ‘b ‘c<br />

‘a ‘b ‘c<br />

‘a ‘b ‘c<br />

WS or WN<br />

TIMBER LINE<br />

Type II Type III<br />

Type II Type III<br />

Type II Type III<br />

Type II Type III<br />

MK<br />

COMBI LINE<br />

Specify individual components<br />

(see www.laidlaw.net/handrail-and-balustrading/)<br />

or refer to your Laidlaw Technical Consultant<br />

NT<br />

STAINLESS LINE


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NY<br />

Material<br />

A - V - U<br />

2U/34<br />

/ h<br />

Offset handrail<br />

Type of upright fixing<br />

STRUCTURAL GLAZING SYSTEM<br />

372<br />

Inclination of<br />

balustrade<br />

Bottom rail and midrail<br />

Specify 1.5kN or 3.0kN loading<br />

MODU-LINE SYSTEM<br />

Panel holder<br />

Type A Type B Type C Type E<br />

NY<br />

NYLON LINE<br />

BALUSTRADE - PRODUCT REFERENCES<br />

Offset upper handrail and panel<br />

holder for offset infill panel<br />

Stand: 19.2.99<br />

Pros2091<br />

WS or WN<br />

TIMBER LINE<br />

Inclination of balustrade<br />

h = horizontal<br />

s = raking<br />

with bottomrail – U –<br />

Please refer to your Laidlaw<br />

Technical Consultant for full<br />

specification details<br />

Samples are taken from<br />

NYLON LINE (NY) for the purpose of<br />

this illustration<br />

with midrails – 2 U 34 –<br />

MK<br />

COMBI LINE<br />

Specify individual components<br />

(see www.laidlaw.net/handrail-and-balustrading/)<br />

or refer to your Laidlaw Technical Consultant<br />

Diameter<br />

Number of<br />

midrails<br />

NT<br />

STAINLESS LINE<br />

12 www.laidlaw.net


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13 www.laidlaw.net<br />

Laidlaw Nylon system<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be 40mm o/d nylon with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of 32mm o/d x<br />

2.0mm connected to 34mm dia. steel-cored nylon elbow<br />

supports ref. 34.90V complete with steel rosettes and clip on<br />

70mm nylon cover caps at 1300mm centres.<br />

e.g. NY IIIc-s/40<br />

Laidlaw Stainless Steel system<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be 40mm o/d x 2.0mm brushed stainless<br />

steel grade 316 with concealed connections in running lengths<br />

connected to 14mm dia. elbow supports ref. 14.90V or 26mm<br />

dia. ref. 26.90V complete with rosettes at 1300mm centres.<br />

e.g. NT IIc-s/40<br />

Laidlaw Combi system<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be 40mm o/d nylon with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of 32mm o/d x<br />

2.0mm connected to 14mm dia. brushed stainless steel grade<br />

316 elbow supports ref. 14.90V or 26mm dia. ref. 26.90V<br />

complete with rosettes at 1300mm centres, or stainless tube<br />

with nylon elbows 34/90V at 1300mm centres.<br />

e.g. MK IIc-s/40<br />

Laidlaw Timber system (Timber handrail/nylon supports)<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be:<br />

• 40mm dia. Beech, A quality, without foxiness steamed<br />

and kiln dried, surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Oak, A quality, without sap parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Ash, A quality, with brown parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. Canadian Maple, US quality FAS 1-2, white/kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

connected to 34mm dia. steel-cored nylon elbow supports ref.<br />

34.90V complete with steel rosettes and clip on 70mm nylon<br />

cover caps at 1200mm centres.<br />

e.g. WN IIIc-s/40<br />

NBS SPECIFICATION GUIDE<br />

To help specify the Laidlaw range of handrail and balustrade systems, the following specification paragraphs are provided in a<br />

format compatible with NBS. These are also available electronically on the Laidlaw website at www.laidlaw.net, on NBS Plus<br />

or by contacting the Laidlaw <strong>Handrail</strong> and <strong>Balustrade</strong> Enquiry Line on 01902 600420. They can be cut and pasted into an NBS<br />

specification. Please refer to pages 11 & 12 for examples of specification codes.<br />

HANDRAILS (Section L30 clause 580 of NBS)<br />

Laidlaw Timber system (Timber handrail/stainless steel<br />

supports)<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be:<br />

• 40mm dia. Beech, A quality, without foxiness steamed<br />

and kiln dried, surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Oak, A quality, without sap parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Ash, A quality, with brown parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. Canadian Maple, US quality FAS 1-2, white/kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

connected to 40mm o/d x 2.0mm brushed stainless steel<br />

grade 316 connected to 14mm dia. elbow supports ref. 14.90V<br />

complete with rosettes at 1200mm centres.<br />

e.g. WS IIc-s/40<br />

Laidlaw 3kN system<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be 40mm o/d nylon with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of 32mm o/d<br />

x 2.0mm connected to 34mm dia. steel cored nylon elbow<br />

supports ref. 34.90V complete with steel rosettes and clip on<br />

70mm nylon cover caps at 1500mm centres, or 40mm o/d<br />

x 2.0mm brushed stainless steel grade 316 with concealed<br />

connections in running lengths connected to 14mm dia. elbow<br />

supports ref. 14.90V or 26mm dia. ref. 26.90V complete with<br />

rosettes at 1300mm centres.<br />

e.g. NT(MK) IIc-s/40<br />

Laidlaw Modu-Line system<br />

Wall fixed handrail to be 40mm o/d nylon with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness over a steel tube core of 32mm o/d x 2.0mm<br />

connected to 14mm dia. brushed stainless steel grade 316<br />

elbow supports ref. 14.90V complete with rosettes at 1500mm<br />

centres.<br />

e.g. ML IIc-s/40<br />

All bends connectors and glass clips included as necessary. All<br />

steel to be galvanised throughout.<br />

All in accordance with BS 8300, BS 6180, BS 6399,<br />

BS 5395, BS EN 12150, Building Regulations Approved<br />

Documents B, K and M (England and Wales).


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BALUSTRADES (Section L30 clause 560 of NBS)<br />

The specification of balustrades is based around three key items:<br />

• A detailed description of the required system<br />

• A statement of the required fixing method<br />

• A description of the balustrade infill.<br />

REQUIRED SYSTEM<br />

Laidlaw Nylon system<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> with removable top rail to be 40mm o/d nylon with a<br />

4mm wall thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of 32mm<br />

o/d x 2.0mm connected to 40mm o/d uprights with a 32mm x<br />

4.0mm galvanised steel tube core extended for fixing using the<br />

appropriate method from the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. NY A-S<br />

Laidlaw Stainless Steel system<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> with removable top rail facility to be 40mm o/d<br />

x 2.0mm brushed stainless steel grade 316 with concealed<br />

connections in running lengths connected<br />

to 40mm o/d x 3mm uprights extended for fixing using the<br />

appropriate method from the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. NT A-S<br />

Laidlaw Combi system<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> with removable top rail facility to be 40mm o/d<br />

nylon-sleeved tube connected to 40mm o/d brushed stainless<br />

steel grade 316 uprights, or stainless steel tube connected to<br />

nylon-sleeved uprights extended for fixing using the appropriate<br />

method from the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. MK A-S<br />

Laidlaw Timber system (Timber balustrade/nylon uprights)<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> top rail to be selected from one of four options:<br />

• 40mm dia. Beech, A quality, without foxiness steamed<br />

and kiln dried, surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Oak, A quality, without sap parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Ash, A quality, with brown parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. Canadian Maple, US quality FAS 1-2, white/kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

connected to 40mm o/d x 2.0mm nylon connections. Uprights<br />

to be 40mm o/d x 4.0mm thick with a 32mm x 4.0mm<br />

galvanised steel tube core extended for fixing using the<br />

appropriate method from the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. WN A-S<br />

Laidlaw Timber system (Timber balustrade/stainless steel<br />

uprights)<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> top rail to be selected from one of four options:<br />

• 40mm dia. Beech, A quality, without foxiness steamed<br />

and kiln dried, surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Oak, A quality, without sap parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. European Ash, A quality, with brown parts kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

• 40mm dia. Canadian Maple, US quality FAS 1-2, white/kiln<br />

dried surface treated with colourless lacquer,<br />

connected to 40mm o/d x 2.0mm grade 316 brushed stainless<br />

steel connections. Uprights to be 40mm o/d x 3.0mm thick<br />

grade 316 brushed stainless steel extended for fixing using the<br />

appropriate method from the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. WS A-S<br />

NBS SPECIFICATION GUIDE<br />

Laidlaw 3kN system<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> with removable top rail facility to be 40mm o/d nylon<br />

with a 4mm wall thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of<br />

32mm o/d x 4.0mm, or 40mm o/d<br />

x 4.0mm brushed stainless steel grade 316, with concealed<br />

connections in running lengths connected<br />

to 60mm o/d x 2.5mm brushed stainless steel grade 316<br />

uprights extended for fixing using the appropriate method from<br />

the list of Fixing alternatives.<br />

e.g. NT A-S(3kN)<br />

Laidlaw Modu-Line system<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> with removable top rail facility to be 40mm o/d nylon<br />

with a 4mm wall thickness over a steel tube core of 32mm o/d<br />

x 2.0mm connected to 40mm uprights extended for plate fixing<br />

ref. 1.12E to comply with 0.74kN loading.<br />

e.g. ML A-S<br />

Fixing alternatives<br />

• Anchor fixing Type A<br />

• Clamp through fixing Type B<br />

• 2 point side fixing Type C<br />

• Plate fixing Type E.<br />

Infill alternatives<br />

• Infill panels to be 10mm thick clear/grey/bronze/green float<br />

glass toughened to BS EN 12150 with radiussed corners and<br />

flat polished edges.<br />

• Trespa – Anti Vandal – Panels to be 13mm thick Trespa<br />

Anthlon range internally (Trespa Meteon range externally) with<br />

radiussed corners and smooth edges.<br />

• Infill panels to be 3mm thick perforated mild steel panels with<br />

30mm dia. holes at 50mm centres with a 60mm clear border<br />

all round and 75% clear area. Polyester powder-coated. Held<br />

in position using panel holders to uprights.<br />

• Infill panels to be 50 x 50 x 4 weld-mesh all within a 10mm<br />

dia. frame. Polyester powder-coated to match balustrade.<br />

Held in position using panel holders to uprights.<br />

• Mid rail(s) to be 34mm or 40mm o/d nylon with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness over a galvanised steel tube core of 26mm or 32mm<br />

o/d x 2.0mm connected to uprights (excluding stainless steel).<br />

• Mid rail(s) to be 26mm, 32mm or 40mm o/d x 2.0mm brushed<br />

stainless steel grade 316 connected to uprights. (stainless<br />

steel only).<br />

• 5mm thick stainless steel tension wires including<br />

swageless terminals.<br />

• Infill panels to be 10mm dia. vertical bar construction within<br />

a 10mm dia. frame – bars at no more than 100mm centres.<br />

Polyester powder-coated to match balustrade. Held in<br />

position using panel holders to uprights.<br />

Other options can be considered. The maximum thickness of a<br />

panel used with a nylon in-line panel holder is 14mm and for a<br />

stainless steel in-line panel holder is 12mm. When using screwstud<br />

panel holders, the maximum panel thickness is 14mm.<br />

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NY HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s NY.Type (NYLON LINE)<br />

The Laidlaw Nylon range is designed to bring together the<br />

structural strength and non-corrosive nature of a galvanised steel<br />

core with the pleasant feel and permanent colour of a thick nylon<br />

sleeve. It is one of the most effective ways of complying with all<br />

aspects of the guidance in Approved Document M (2004).<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> construction is a fully galvanised tubular steel core with<br />

a solid nylon sleeve 40mm diameter with a 4mm wall thickness.<br />

Wall fixing brackets options are available with straight supports<br />

and 90° bends (see page 17).<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> ends can be straight with flat end cover cap, with a<br />

90° bend return to the wall with flat end cover cap or with a 90°<br />

bend return connected to the wall with or without rose fixing (see<br />

page 17 for full details).<br />

The handrail is supplied pre-assembled, including all corner<br />

pieces, connection elements, screws and fixings.<br />

For colour please see colour chart, page 63.<br />

Also available with optional tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.


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NY HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

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NY HANDRAIL - HANDRAIL SUPPORTS & END TYPES<br />

Supports NY.Type End types<br />

Inclination of handrail h = horizontal / s = raking<br />

I II III<br />

NY.Type I<br />

With straight handrail supports 40mm or 34mm diameter made of Nylon,<br />

fixed to wall with or without roses, approx. 1300mm apart<br />

NY.Type II<br />

With 90° angled handrail supports HLS 25mm diameter made of Nylon,<br />

fixed to wall with roses 1.9A/B. <strong>Handrail</strong> supports approx. 1300mm apart<br />

NY.Type III (Supplied as Standard)<br />

With 90° bends 40mm or 34mm diameter made of Nylon, fixed to wall<br />

with or without roses approx. 1300mm apart<br />

‘a<br />

‘b<br />

‘c<br />

Ends of handrail ‘a<br />

Straight with Nylon end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘b<br />

With 90° bends, with Nylon end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘c<br />

Connected with 90° bends to the wall, with / without nylon roses<br />

Removable handrails<br />

Removable handrail sections facilitate the cleaning of windows<br />

and give access to service ducts or rooms, for example switch<br />

boxes or fire extinguishers. The removable handrails are available<br />

in 34mm and 40mm diameter. The handrail element can be<br />

removed by loosening the sprung locking mechanism.


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‘PP ‘QE<br />

Curved handrails<br />

On request horizontal handrails can also be made curved in a<br />

radius starting at 200mm.<br />

‘ZR ‘KB<br />

NY HANDRAIL - OPTIONS<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s NY.Type<br />

The nylon handrail sections can be supplied with an integral<br />

anti-slip grip texture. This is particularly useful where<br />

handrails are likely to become wet.<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

4 types of optional tactile indicators are available<br />

PP Indicator Pips<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

ZR Insert Rings<br />

KB Grooves<br />

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NY BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW


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<strong>Balustrade</strong>s NY.Type (NYLON LINE)<br />

Rails, uprights and bottom rails are constructed using fully<br />

galvanised tubular steel core with a solid nylon sleeve 40mm<br />

diameter with 4mm wall thickness. The quality and dimensions<br />

of the steel meet the design requirements of BS 6180 and<br />

BS 6399. There is a continuous steel reinforcement in the<br />

connections and bends.<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s can be constructed with bottom rails and mid rails or<br />

with 4 infill holders (see pages 23 to 25) for each railing section<br />

and suitable infill material.<br />

Infill holders are made of nylon with a metal core for drilling or<br />

clamping the infill sections.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s and infill panels can be produced ‘in-line’ with the<br />

support uprights or ‘offset’.<br />

We can also supply 5mm steel tension cables to order for fitting<br />

to predrilled uprights.<br />

Upright spacing approx. 1300mm, available with anchor<br />

fixing, bolt-through, side fixing or with welded colour-coated<br />

steel plate (118mm diameter, or 100mm square).<br />

Railing height 900mm to 1100mm (max). Other centres and<br />

heights are available as required to meet site conditions.<br />

The balustrading is supplied pre-assembled. No on-site<br />

manufacturing necessary.<br />

For colour please see Laidlaw colour chart, page 63.<br />

Available with tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.<br />

NY BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

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NY BALUSTRADE - TYPES OF UPRIGHT<br />

NY.Type A<br />

Anchor fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with anchor and<br />

rose.<br />

NY.Type B<br />

Bolt-through fixing with steel<br />

reinforced roses for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with roses and<br />

screw.


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NY BALUSTRADE - TYPES OF UPRIGHT<br />

NY.Type C<br />

2-point side fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter, distance x as indicated<br />

(25 to 80mm), made of Nylon,<br />

with washers to compensate wall<br />

inaccuracies.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

NY.Type E<br />

Upright fixing with welded colour-coated steel<br />

plate 10mm thickness, 118mm diameter or<br />

100x100mm square to choose, with 4 nos.<br />

drilling holes 14mm diameter for countersunk<br />

screws.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

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Offset handrail options<br />

NY BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Offset panel holder NY.372.15<br />

Screw type for panels, to uprights<br />

40mm diameter, concealed fixing.


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(Non Standard)<br />

(Non Standard)<br />

373… 374…<br />

373… 374…<br />

NY BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Panel holder<br />

NY.373.16/374.16 Clamp type<br />

NY.373.15/374.15 Screw type<br />

Clamp type or Screw type for panels<br />

up to 14mm thickness, to uprights<br />

40mm diameter, concealed fixing.<br />

Wall panel holder<br />

NY.373.18/374.18 Clamp type<br />

NY.373.17/374.17 Screw type<br />

Clamp type or Screw type for panels<br />

up to 14mm thickness, wall fixing,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

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NY BALUSTRADE - MIDRAILS & TENSION WIRES<br />

Midrails 40mm or 34mm diameter<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> and uprights are made with coloured Nylon sleeves<br />

40mm diameter for uprights only, 40mm or 34mm diameter for<br />

handrails and midrails with full length non-corrosive steel cores.<br />

All bends and connections are steel reinforced. The quality and<br />

thickness of steel is according to the structural requirements of<br />

BS 6180 & BS 6399.<br />

All balustrades are also available with bottom rail.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

Options with tension wires<br />

We can supply 5mm tension wires and pre drilled uprights to<br />

order.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.


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‘PP ‘QE<br />

Curved handrails<br />

On request horizontal handrails can also be made curved in a<br />

radius starting at 200mm.<br />

‘ZR ‘KB<br />

NY BALUSTRADE - OPTIONS<br />

Infill options<br />

For details of infill options please refer to page 63.<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

4 types of optional tactile indicators are available<br />

PP Indicator Pips<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

ZR Insert Rings<br />

KB Grooves<br />

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WS HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW


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<strong>Handrail</strong>s WS.Type (TIMBER LINE)<br />

The Laidlaw Timber handrail and balustrade system provides the<br />

specifier with the ideal blend of traditional and modern styles. It<br />

combines the modern lines of stainless steel or nylon uprights,<br />

bends and brackets with the gentle warmth and natural feel of a<br />

timber rail which is not cold to the touch.<br />

Timber Line systems are characterised by the use of stainless<br />

steel components with timber or nylon components.<br />

The straight handrail sections are 40mm diameter solid beech<br />

as standard (alternative materials available to order - ash, oak,<br />

maple). All handrails are A-grade material without red core,<br />

steamed and kiln dried, with a clear polyurethane surface finish.<br />

Wall fixing brackets options are available with straight supports,<br />

or 90° bends connected to a stainless steel tubular connecting<br />

piece with a brushed satin finish.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> ends can be straight with flat end cover cap, with a<br />

90° bend return to the wall with flat end cover cap or with a 90°<br />

bend return connected to the wall with or without rose fixing<br />

(see page 29 for full details).<br />

The handrail is supplied pre-assembled, including all corner<br />

pieces, connection elements, screws and fixings.<br />

In addition to the stainless steel support brackets and rail ends,<br />

these are also available in nylon.<br />

Also available with optional tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.<br />

WS HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

In addition to the combination of Timber and Stainless steel,<br />

the Timber handrail can be combined with nylon support<br />

components creating a completely different look.<br />

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Supports type End types<br />

Removable handrails<br />

Facilitate the cleaning of windows and give access to service<br />

ducts or rooms, for example switch boxes or fire extinguishers.<br />

The removable handrails are 40mm diameter and can be<br />

removed by loosening the sprung locking mechanism.<br />

29 www.laidlaw.net<br />

I II III<br />

Inclination of handrail h = horizontal / s = raking<br />

WS.Type I<br />

With straight handrail supports 26mm diameter solid stainless steel rod,<br />

connected to a stainless steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish.<br />

Fixed to wall with concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200mm apart<br />

WS.Type II (Supplied as Standard)<br />

With 90° angled handrail supports 14mm diameter solid stainless steel rod,<br />

connected to a stainless steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish.<br />

Fixed to wall with concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200mm apart<br />

WS.Type III<br />

With 90° bends 26mm diameter tubular stainless steel connected to a stainless<br />

steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish. Fixed to wall with<br />

concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200m apart.<br />

WS HANDRAIL - HANDRAIL SUPPORTS & END TYPES<br />

‘a<br />

‘b<br />

‘c<br />

Ends of handrail ‘a<br />

Straight with stainless steel end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘b<br />

With 90° bends, with stainless steel end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘c<br />

Connected with 90° bends to the wall, with / without stainless<br />

steel roses<br />

NOTE:<br />

The system may also be supplied with stainless steel handrails<br />

and nylon fittings


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‘QE<br />

WS HANDRAIL - OPTIONS<br />

Standard connection to top rail<br />

Reduced diameter connection to top rail<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

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WS BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s WS.Type (TIMBER LINE)<br />

The straight handrail sections are 40mm diameter solid beech<br />

as standard (alternative materials available to order - ash, oak,<br />

maple). All handrails are A-grade material without red core,<br />

steamed and kiln dried, with a clear polyurethane surface finish.<br />

All uprights, connection pieces, bottom or midrails, infill holders<br />

are supplied in stainless steel with a brushed satin finish.<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s are available with bottom rails and midrails, or with 4<br />

solid infill panel holders as required for each handrail section.<br />

We can also supply 5mm tension wires and pre drill uprights to<br />

order.<br />

Upright spacing 1000mm (max.), available with anchor fixing,<br />

bolt-through, side fixing or with welded stainless steel plate<br />

(118mm diameter, or 100mm square).<br />

Railing height 900 mm to 1100mm (max). Other centres and<br />

heights are available as required to meet site conditions.<br />

The balustrading is supplied pre-assembled. No on-site<br />

manufacturing is necessary.<br />

Also available with optional tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.


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WS BALUSTRADE - TYPES OF UPRIGHT FIXINGS<br />

WS.Type A<br />

Anchor fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with anchor and rose.<br />

WS.Type B<br />

Bolt-through fixing with steel<br />

reinforced roses for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with roses and screw.<br />

WS.Type C<br />

2-point side fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter, distance x as indicated<br />

(25 to 80mm), made of stainless steel,<br />

with washers to compen sate wall<br />

inaccuracies.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

WS.Type E<br />

Upright fixing with welded stainless steel<br />

plate 10mm thickness,<br />

118mm diameter or 100x100mm square<br />

to choose, with 4 nos. drilling holes<br />

14mm diameter for countersunk screws.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

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Panel holder WS.406<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm thickness,<br />

to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

Wall panel holder WS.408<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm thickness,<br />

to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

Offset panel holder WS.410<br />

Screw type for panels, to uprights<br />

40mm diameter, concealed fixing.<br />

Offset<br />

handrail<br />

WS BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Panel holders also available In nylon


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Options with tension wires<br />

We can supply 5mm tension wires and pre drilled uprights to order.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

WS BALUSTRADE - MID RAIL, TENSION WIRES & OPTIONS<br />

Midrails 40mm and 26mm diameters<br />

Rails with straight tube sections are of beech 40mm diameter,<br />

A-grade without red core, steamed and kiln dried, surface<br />

finished in clear polyurethane.<br />

All uprights are 40mm diameter stainless steel. Midrails are<br />

available in 40mm and 26mm diameter stainless steel. All bends<br />

and connections are stainless steel. The quality and dimensions<br />

of the steel meet the design requirements of BS 6180 and<br />

BS 6399.<br />

All balustrades are also available with bottom rail.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

‘QE<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

Infill options<br />

For details of infill options please refer to page 63.<br />

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MK HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s MK.Type (COMBI LINE)<br />

The Laidlaw Combi handrail and balustrade system provides<br />

specifiers with a wide range of combinations of stainless<br />

steel and nylon components. Combi Line systems are<br />

characterised by the use of stainless steel components with<br />

timber or nylon handrails or nylon components with stainless<br />

steel handrails. Nylon handrails can be used externally to<br />

ensure they are not cold to the touch.<br />

The straight handrail sections are fully galvanised tubular<br />

steel core with a solid nylon sleeve 40mm diameter with a<br />

4mm wall thickness.<br />

Wall fixing brackets options are available with straight<br />

supports or 90° bends connected to a stainless steel tubular<br />

connecting piece with a brushed satin finish.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> ends can be straight with flat end cover cap, with a<br />

90° bend return to the wall with flat end cover cap or with a<br />

90° bend return connected to the wall with or without rose<br />

fixing (see page 37 for full details).<br />

The handrail is supplied pre-assembled, including all corner<br />

pieces, connection elements, screws and fixings.<br />

Also available with optional tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on<br />

page 77.


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<strong>Handrail</strong>s MK.Type (COMBI LINE)<br />

The nylon handrail sections can be supplied with an integral<br />

anti-slip grip texture. This is particularly useful where<br />

handrails are likely to become wet.<br />

MK HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

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Supports type End types<br />

Removable handrails<br />

Facilitate the cleaning of windows and give access<br />

to service ducts or rooms for example switch<br />

boxes or fire extinguishers. The removable handrails are available<br />

in 34mm and 40mm diameter. The handrail element can be<br />

removed by loosening the sprung locking mechanism.<br />

37 www.laidlaw.net<br />

I II III<br />

Inclination of handrail h = horizontal / s = raking<br />

MK.Type I<br />

With straight handrail supports 26mm diameter solid stainless steel rod,<br />

connected to a stainless steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish.<br />

Fixed to wall with concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200mm apart<br />

MK.Type II (Supplied as Standard)<br />

With 90° angled handrail supports 14mm diameter solid stainless steel rod,<br />

connected to a stainless steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish.<br />

Fixed to wall with concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200mm apart<br />

MK.Type III<br />

With 90° bends 26mm diameter tubular stainless steel connected to a stainless<br />

steel tubular section length (L) 60mm with a brushed finish. Fixed to wall with<br />

concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx. 1200m apart.<br />

MK HANDRAIL - HANDRAIL SUPPORTS & END TYPES<br />

‘a<br />

‘b<br />

‘c<br />

Ends of handrail ‘a<br />

Straight with Nylon end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘b<br />

With 90° bends, with stainless steel end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘c<br />

Connected with 90° bends to the wall, with / without stainless<br />

steel roses<br />

NOTE:<br />

The system may also be supplied with stainless steel handrails<br />

and nylon fittings


www.laidlaw.net<br />

‘PP ‘QE<br />

MK HANDRAIL - OPTIONS<br />

Curved handrails<br />

On request horizontal handrails can<br />

also be made curved in a radius<br />

starting at 200mm.<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

4 types of optional tactile indicators are available<br />

PP Indicator Pips<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

ZR Insert Rings<br />

KB Grooves<br />

‘ZR ‘KB<br />

38 www.laidlaw.net


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39 www.laidlaw.net<br />

MK BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s MK.Type (COMBI LINE)<br />

The straight handrail sections are fully galvanised tubular steel<br />

core with a solid nylon sleeve 40mm diameter with a 4mm wall<br />

thickness.<br />

All uprights, connection pieces, bottom or midrails, infill holders<br />

are supplied in stainless steel with a brushed satin finish.<br />

Alternatively, all uprights, connection pieces, bottom or midrails<br />

and infill holders can be supplied in nylon with stainless steel<br />

handrails.<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s are available with bottom rails and midrails, or with 4<br />

solid infill panel holders as required for each handrail section.<br />

We can also supply 5mm tension wires to order for fitting to<br />

predrilled uprights.<br />

Upright spacing 1100mm (max.), available with anchor fixing,<br />

bolt-through, side fixing or with welded stainless steel plate<br />

(118mm diameter, or 100mm square).<br />

Railing height 900 mm to 1100mm (max). Other centres and<br />

heights are available as required to meet site conditions.<br />

The balustrading is supplied pre-assembled. No on-site<br />

manufacturing is necessary.<br />

Also available with optional tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.<br />

NOTE:<br />

The system may also be supplied with stainless steel handrails<br />

and nylon fittings


www.laidlaw.net<br />

MK BALUSTRADE - TYPES OF UPRIGHT FIXINGS<br />

MK.Type A<br />

Anchor fixing for uprights 40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with anchor and rose.<br />

MK.Type B<br />

Bolt-through fixing with steel reinforced roses<br />

for uprights 40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with roses and screw.<br />

MK.Type C<br />

2-point side fixing for uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

distance x as indicated (25 to 80mm), made<br />

of stainless steel, with washers to compen sate<br />

for wall inaccuracies.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

MK.Type E<br />

Upright fixing with welded stainless steel<br />

plate 10mm thickness, 118mm diameter or<br />

100x100mm square to choose, with 4 nos.<br />

drilling holes 14mm diameter for countersunk<br />

screws.<br />

Supplied without fixings.<br />

40 www.laidlaw.net


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41 www.laidlaw.net<br />

Panel holder MK.406<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm thickness,<br />

to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

Panel holder MK.408<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm thickness,<br />

to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

Offset panel holder MK.410<br />

Screw type for panels, to uprights<br />

40mm diameter, concealed fixing.<br />

Offset handrail<br />

MK BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Panel holders are also available in nylon


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Midrails 40mm or 26mm diameter<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s and uprights are made with coloured Nylon sleeves 40mm diameter for uprights only,<br />

40mm or 34mm diameter for handrails and midrails with full length non-corrosive steel core.<br />

Midrails can also be in 40mm or 26mm diameter stainless steel. All bends and connections are<br />

steel reinforced. The quality and thickness of steel is according to the structural requirements of<br />

BS 6180 and BS 6399.<br />

All balustrades are also available with bottom rail.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

Options with tension wires<br />

We can supply 5mm tension wires and pre drilled uprights to order.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

‘PP ‘QE<br />

MK BALUSTRADE - MIDRAIL, TENSION WIRES & OPTIONS<br />

On request horizontal balustrades can also be made curved in a<br />

radius starting at 200mm.<br />

Infill options<br />

For details of infill options please refer to page 63.<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

4 types of optional tactile indicators are available<br />

PP Indicator Pips<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

ZR Insert Rings<br />

KB Grooves<br />

‘ZR ‘KB<br />

42 www.laidlaw.net


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43 www.laidlaw.net<br />

NT HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

Standard connection to top rail<br />

Reduced diameter connection to top rail


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<strong>Handrail</strong>s NT.Type<br />

The Laidlaw Stainless Steel handrail and balustrade system<br />

achieves the cool, sleek look often favoured in the design of<br />

modern buildings. This aesthetically pleasing and superbly<br />

engineered railing system is often used to complement the<br />

stainless steel finish of other elements of the building, e.g.<br />

lighting and architectural hardware.<br />

All handrails are in stainless steel 40mm or 32mm diameter with<br />

a brushed satin finish.<br />

Brackets with straight supports or 90° bends.<br />

Distance between supports approx. 1300mm<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> end straight, with 90° bend return with flat end cover<br />

cap or 90° bend return connected to wall and with/without rose<br />

fixed (Description see page 45).<br />

The handrail is supplied pre-assembled, including all corner<br />

pieces, connection elements, screws and fixings.<br />

Available with tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.<br />

NT HANDRAIL - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

44 www.laidlaw.net


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Supports type… End types<br />

Removable handrails<br />

Facilitate the cleaning of windows and give access<br />

to service ducts or rooms for example switch<br />

boxes or fire extinguishers. The removable handrails are available<br />

in 32mm, 40mm and 50mm<br />

diameter. The handrail element can be removed<br />

by loosening the sprung locking mechanism.<br />

45 www.laidlaw.net<br />

I II III<br />

Inclination of handrail h = horizontal / s = raking<br />

NT.Type I<br />

With straight handrail supports 26mm diameter solid stainless steel rod with a<br />

brushed finish. Available with or without rose fixing. Concealed fix rose 70mm<br />

diameter, approx. 1300mm apart<br />

NT.Type II (Supplied as Standard)<br />

With 90° angled handrail supports 14mm diameter solid stainless steel rod, with<br />

a brushed finish. Fixed to wall with concealed fix roses, 70mm diameter, approx.<br />

1300mm apart<br />

NT.Type III<br />

With 90° bends 26mm diameter stainless steel with a brushed finish. Available with<br />

or without rose fixing. Concealed fix rose 70mm diameter, approx. 1300mm apart<br />

NT HANDRAIL - HANDRAIL SUPPORT & END TYPES<br />

‘a<br />

‘b<br />

‘c<br />

Ends of handrail ‘a<br />

Straight with stainless steel end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘b<br />

With 90° bends, with stainless steel end cover cap<br />

Ends of handrail ‘c<br />

Connected with 90° bends to the wall, with / without stainless<br />

steel roses


www.laidlaw.net<br />

‘QE<br />

Curved handrails<br />

On request horizontal handrails can<br />

also be made curved in a radius<br />

starting at 200mm.<br />

NT HANDRAIL - OPTIONS<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

QE Projecting Button<br />

46 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

47 www.laidlaw.net<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW


www.laidlaw.net<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s NT.Type<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> and uprights of stainless steel, 40mm diameter, with a<br />

satin brushed finish.<br />

With/without bottom rails and with/without midrails, corner<br />

pieces, end pieces, uprights with upright fixings of stainless steel<br />

40mm diameter with a satin brushed finish.<br />

4 infill holders (see pages 51/52) for each railing section, for<br />

drilling or clamping the infill sections, alternatively for infill panels<br />

with offset handrail and panel holders.<br />

We can supply 5mm tension wires and pre drilled uprights to<br />

order.<br />

Upright spacing approx. 1300mm, available with anchor fixing,<br />

bolt-through, side fixing or with welded colour-coated steel plate<br />

(118mm diameter, or 100mm square).<br />

Railing height 900mm to 1100mm (max). Other centres and<br />

heights are available as required to meet site conditions.<br />

No on-site manufacturing is necessary.<br />

Available with tactile elements.<br />

The method of calculating handrail lengths is shown on page 77.<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW<br />

48 www.laidlaw.net


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49 www.laidlaw.net<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - GENERAL OVERVIEW


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NT BALUSTRADE - TYPES OF UPRIGHT FIXING<br />

NT.Type A<br />

Anchor fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with anchor and rose.<br />

NT.Type B<br />

Bolt-through fixing with steel<br />

reinforced roses for uprights<br />

40mm diameter.<br />

Supplied with roses and screw.<br />

NT.Type C<br />

2-point side fixing for uprights<br />

40mm diameter, distance x as indicated<br />

(25 to 80mm), made of stainless steel,<br />

with washers to compen sate wall<br />

inaccuracies.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

NT.Type E<br />

Upright fixing with welded stainless steel<br />

plate 10mm thickness,<br />

118mm diameter or 100x100mm square<br />

to choose, with 4 nos. drilling holes<br />

14mm diameter for countersunk screws.<br />

Supplied without fixing material.<br />

50 www.laidlaw.net


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51 www.laidlaw.net<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Offset panel holder NT.410<br />

Screw type for panels, to uprights<br />

40mm diameter, concealed fixing.<br />

Offset handrail


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Panel holder NT.416<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm<br />

thickness, to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - PANEL HOLDERS<br />

Panel holder NT.418<br />

Clamp type for panels up to 12mm thickness,<br />

to uprights 40mm diameter,<br />

concealed fixing.<br />

52 www.laidlaw.net


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53 www.laidlaw.net<br />

Midrails 40mm, 32mm or 26mm diameter<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> and uprights are stainless steel 40mm diameter with a<br />

satin brushed finish. Midrails are available in 40mm, 32mm and<br />

26mm diameter stainless steel. All bends and connections are<br />

stainless steel. The quality and dimensions of the steel meet the<br />

design requirements of BS 6180 and BS 6399.<br />

All balustrades are also available with bottom rail.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - MIDRAILS & TENSION WIRES<br />

Options with tension wires<br />

We can supply 5mm tension wires and pre drilled uprights to<br />

order.<br />

Building regulation approval must be obtained locally.


www.laidlaw.net<br />

‘QE<br />

NT BALUSTRADE - OPTIONS<br />

Curved handrails<br />

On request horizontal handrails can<br />

also be made curved in a radius<br />

starting at 200mm.<br />

Infill options<br />

For details of infill options please refer<br />

to page 63.<br />

Tactile elements<br />

There is an increased public awareness of the need to use tactile<br />

assistance. Tactile elements assist visually impaired and partially<br />

sighted persons to orientate themselves. The elements on the<br />

balustra des indicate first and last steps of stairs and respective<br />

floors.<br />

‘QE Projecting Button<br />

54 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

55 www.laidlaw.net<br />

The 3kN system handrail<br />

showing the 4mm thick nylon<br />

sleeve over the steel core<br />

3KN BALUSTRADE SYSTEM<br />

Structural stability<br />

Due to the 60mm diameter of the uprights and the 4mm<br />

thickness of the steel tube for the top rail, the balustrade can<br />

resist a uniformly distributed line load of up to 3.0kN/m, making<br />

it suitable for use on all staircases, mezzanine floors and galleries<br />

in assembly areas that may be subject to overcrowding by the<br />

general public.<br />

The 3kN system entirely in stainless steel


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3KN BALUSTRADE SYSTEM - FIXING METHODS<br />

NT.Type A - Anchor fixing<br />

118mm diameter roses<br />

Uprights are grouted using epoxy resin into a pocket in the concrete floor. Suitable for all<br />

Laidlaw system uprights and loadings.<br />

NT.Type C – Side fixing<br />

175mm deep,<br />

70mm Ø pocket<br />

Certite resin mortar<br />

Standard two-point side fixing for securing uprights to a stair string or landing<br />

edge with long bolts. Suitable for all Laidlaw system uprights and loadings, with 60mm<br />

diameter uprights being used for the 3kN system.<br />

NT. Type E - Plate fixing<br />

Countersunk bolts<br />

Normal plate fixing for securing uprights onto a timber deck or a concrete tread/<br />

landing. For the 3kN system, the standard plate is 180mm square, 20mm thick.<br />

56 www.laidlaw.net


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57 www.laidlaw.net<br />

STRUCTURAL GLAZING SYSTEM


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Structural stability<br />

The system can be designed to meet even the most demanding horizontal U.D. line loading<br />

requirements set out in Table 4 of BS 6399-1 (see page 76). The horizontal load capability<br />

depends on the thickness of the glass, for example:<br />

Horizontal line load requirement [kN/m] 0.74 1.5 3.0<br />

Minimum glass pane thickness [mm] 15 19 25<br />

Durability<br />

The Laidlaw structural glass balustrade system is suitable for both internal and external use.<br />

Touch characteristics<br />

Although stainless steel has a greater durability than timber when used externally, the timber<br />

alternative would feel less cold to touch in very cold winter conditions. According to clause 5.10.1<br />

of BS 8300, wood handrails are preferred in these circumstances (see page 76).<br />

Visual clarity<br />

A key issue for people with impaired vision is the appreciation of the borders of the space through<br />

which they need to walk. On the access routes of public buildings, therefore, the use of tinted<br />

glass or manifestation on balustrades will give visually impaired people a greater feeling of security.<br />

As with traditional glass infill panels, the structural toughened glass can be tinted grey, bronze,<br />

green or blue, or receive manifestation in the form of acid etching or an applied emblem or logo.<br />

Health and safety<br />

In buildings likely to be used by children, safety on staircases and landings is paramount.<br />

Approved Document K includes guidance designed to minimise the risk that small children will<br />

become trapped, for example between the bars of the balustrade, or will have a serious accident<br />

as a result of climbing the balustrade. The fact that the Laidlaw structural glass system has no<br />

gaps and is extremely difficult to climb is a major benefit.<br />

Anti-ligature<br />

The structural glass balustrade is particularly suitable for buildings where it is necessary to avoid all<br />

likely ligature points, e.g. for prisons and mental health institutions, in which the Laidlaw range of<br />

Anti-ligature architectural ironmongery is appropriate.<br />

STRUCTURAL GLAZING SYSTEM<br />

Laidlaw’s structural glass balustrade system is based on the<br />

concept of a free-standing balustrade, which does not require<br />

separate uprights and infill panels. There are no gaps through<br />

which a child could squeeze, nor can it be easily climbed.<br />

The glass balustrade<br />

For this system, the toughened glass balustrade is the structural<br />

element that supports the top rail, which can be of solid timber<br />

or stainless steel with a satin brushed finish. In each case, the<br />

top rail has a groove into which the glass balustrade is glued. In<br />

order to accommodate the groove, the diameter of the top rail<br />

is 50mm.<br />

At the base, the glass is clamped between steel sections, which<br />

are bolted to the floor structure following the principles set<br />

out in Annex B of BS 6180 on free-standing toughened glass<br />

balustrades.<br />

Available timbers are as for the Laidlaw Timber system,<br />

namely Beech, European Ash, American Oak or Maple, with<br />

an additional option of Walnut where the total run of top rail is<br />

greater than 100m.<br />

58 www.laidlaw.net


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59 www.laidlaw.net<br />

MODU-LINE - THE INTELLIGENT MODULAR SYSTEM<br />

Modu-Line is an attractive, highly detailed and individual railing<br />

sys tem in high grade stainless steel with a satin brushed finish.<br />

This system creates a unique constructional appearance which<br />

is complementary to modern building styles.<br />

This highly flexible system was developed in co-ordination with<br />

building specialists and perfected by means of a comprehensive<br />

programme of tests and trial prototypes. Modu-Line is designed<br />

to provide functionality and modern design easily and quickly,<br />

whilst meeting all the technical requirements for construction of a<br />

quality handrail and balustrade systems.<br />

Modu-Line offers a wide selection of visual variation, with either<br />

central or offset top rails available in nylon, stainless steel or a<br />

selection of solid timber.<br />

Not only can Modu-Line be factory prepared in the same way<br />

as our other handrail and balustrade systems, but it can also be<br />

ordered as ‘off-the-shelf’ components if required and assembled<br />

on-site. This is particularly beneficial for situations where there<br />

are short lead times or tight deadlines to meet.<br />

Left and below - central handrail in stainless steel<br />

Right - offset handrail in solid European Ash


www.laidlaw.net<br />

MODU-LINE - THE INTELLIGENT MODULAR SYSTEM<br />

60 www.laidlaw.net


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61 www.laidlaw.net<br />

MODU-LINE - THE MODULAR SYSTEM<br />

Modu-Line railing system can be supplied as a pre-assembled handrail or balustrade or it can be<br />

assembled easily on site by builders, shopfitters and ‘fit-out’ specialists using standard components<br />

which require minimal on-site cutting.<br />

• All stainless components have a satin brushed finish<br />

• The tubular components are supplied in standard lengths of 3000mm and 6000mm or cut to<br />

length.<br />

• The toprail can be in nylon, stainless steel or timber, and mounted offset or central.<br />

• Any changes in the angle in the toprail are made with a stainless steel ball joint, the angle can<br />

be set on site and the handrail is connected with a special clamp connector.<br />

• The handrail supports are fitted with a mounting plate and fixed on site for a perfect fit. Precise<br />

adjustment of height and staircase angle are straightforward. There is no need to drill holes in<br />

the upright.<br />

• No need to cut the 40mm diameter uprights. The maximum spacing between uprights is<br />

1000mm.<br />

• The upright fixing options are:<br />

a) Ground anchor with 80mm diameter cover ring<br />

b) 2 point side fixing, height adjustable, side upright spacing optional, option of fixing on site<br />

c) Round stainless steel surface fixing plate suitable for site fixing


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MODU-LINE - THE MODULAR SYSTEM<br />

The handrail supports<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong>s are fitted with a mounting plate and fixed on site for<br />

a perfect fit. Precise adjustment of height and of the required<br />

staircase angle are straightforward and do not require special<br />

components. There is no need to drill holes in the upright.<br />

Options for mid railing or infill:<br />

• Infill panel holders for on site panels or glass up to 12mm<br />

thick between the uprights;<br />

• Infill mountings for offset on-site infill up to thickness<br />

of 12mm;<br />

• Parallel middle rails of stainless steel, 16mm diameter,<br />

2mm wall thickness, joint in uprights<br />

• Parallel offset middle rails of stainless steel, 16mm diameter,<br />

2mm wall thickness<br />

• Additional vertical posts up to 16mm diameter, 2mm wall<br />

thickness, and accessories for the 16mm x 2mm tube such<br />

as end caps, hinges and connecting elements are available in<br />

the range.<br />

62 www.laidlaw.net


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63 www.laidlaw.net<br />

19 White<br />

NCS S 0500-N<br />

RAL-DS 000 95 00<br />

RAL 9016<br />

63 Slate Blue<br />

NCS S 4020-B<br />

RAL-DS 240 50 15<br />

RAL 5014<br />

16 Black<br />

NCS S 9000-N<br />

RAL-DS 000 15 00<br />

RAL 9005<br />

67 Manhattan<br />

NCS S 2502-Y<br />

RAL-DS 080 70 05<br />

RAL 7038<br />

37 Dark Blue<br />

NCS S 7020-R80B<br />

RAL-DS 270 20 25<br />

RAL 5003<br />

11 Blue<br />

NCS S 3560-R80B<br />

RAL-DS 270 30 40<br />

RAL 5002<br />

Beech *European Ash *American<br />

White Oak<br />

COLOUR, FINISH AND OTHER OPTIONS<br />

All nylon handrails and balustrades are available in a range of solid colours which are not surface<br />

applied but are coloured material. The colours will match exactly the colour and gloss level of the<br />

Laidlaw nylon door hardware range, enabling specifiers to colour co-ordinate exactly the hardware<br />

used throughout the building.<br />

For comparison and colour matching purposes we have indicated the most similar colour codes<br />

of the NCS (Natural-Colour-System), RAL-DS (RAL-Design-System) and RAL (RAL Colour Register<br />

841-GL).<br />

Due to the limitations of printing, please check the exact colour with colour samples which are<br />

available from your local Laidlaw Technical consultant.<br />

*Maple<br />

18 Dark Grey<br />

NCS S 7500-N<br />

RAL-DS 000 35 00<br />

RAL 7043<br />

22 Yellow<br />

NCS S 1080-Y10R<br />

RAL-DS 080 80 90<br />

RAL 1023<br />

35 Dark Red<br />

NCS S 1080-Y10R<br />

RAL-DS 080 80 90<br />

RAL 3005<br />

12 Red<br />

NCS S 2570-R<br />

RAL-DS 030 30 45<br />

RAL 3003<br />

13 Green<br />

NCS S 5540-G<br />

RAL-DS 160 30 38<br />

RAL 6016<br />

Timber handrails<br />

A quality beech wood, steamed and kiln dried, surface treated<br />

with colourless SH-lacquer. Timber is used in combina tion<br />

with Nylon and stainless steel elements for indoor handrails<br />

and balustrades. Other timber handrails are also available, in<br />

American White Oak, European Ash and Maple.


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Walnut timber rails in an apartment<br />

block, also showing one-piece<br />

timber top rails<br />

One-piece timber rails<br />

If required, Laidlaw can supply one-piece timber top<br />

rails for the balustrades of the main stair flights, avoiding the<br />

need for stainless steel or nylon ‘T’ connections to uprights. The<br />

staircase opposite shows a one piece handrail fixed to the wall<br />

and a one piece handrail used on the balustrade assembly.<br />

COLOUR, FINISH AND OTHER OPTIONS<br />

As well as the standard components of the handrail and balustrade systems, Laidlaw offer a<br />

number of additional options to satisfy specific requirements for rail materials and/or infill panels.<br />

For details and prices of all the non-standard options, please contact the Laidlaw <strong>Handrail</strong> and<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> <strong>Solutions</strong> Enquiry Line on 01902 600420.<br />

The non-standard options we are able to offer are:<br />

• A Walnut timber option for handrails and the top rails of balustrades within the Timber Line<br />

system<br />

• One-piece timber top rails for handrails and balustrades<br />

• Tinted glass infill panels<br />

• Glass infill panels with manifestations<br />

• The extension of the infill below the stair pitch line.<br />

Timber rails in Walnut<br />

Where the standard range of timbers within the Timber Line system (see opposite) do not provide<br />

a sufficient match with other timbers in an interior, Laidlaw offers a Walnut timber option. This<br />

option, and others, are available where the required quantity of handrail and balustrade top rail is<br />

more than 100 metre run in total.<br />

64 www.laidlaw.net


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Types of infill<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong> infill is available in three basic forms:<br />

• Bottom rails and Midrails<br />

• Solid infill panels, using a variety of materials<br />

• Tension cables<br />

Infill panels<br />

The most common infill material is glass. It maintains an open<br />

character and helps to maximise the amount of light which falls<br />

onto the staircase. However, in some circumstances a more<br />

enclosed feel is required and several forms of solid infill panels<br />

are available including perforated metal sheet and solid laminate<br />

which gives possibilities of colour and finish combinations to be<br />

achieved.<br />

Tension wires used as balustrade infill will need local planning consent<br />

Solid infill panels can be in timber or solid laminate for example<br />

65 www.laidlaw.net<br />

Tinted glass infill panel options<br />

COLOUR, FINISH AND OTHER OPTIONS<br />

Glass infill panels<br />

Glass infill panels are the most popular, as they can be used<br />

for all the Laidlaw balustrade systems and they allow natural<br />

daylight to flood the stairwell. When used in conjunction with<br />

‘screw-stud’ panel holders, glass panels can be provided<br />

in lengths up to 3.5m. For normal applications, the glass is<br />

toughened to European standard EN 12150 to resist impact,<br />

although a bomb-proof film can be applied to the glass, if<br />

required.<br />

Various tinted glass options can be provided.<br />

A simple tint can often be sufficient to ensure that the<br />

boundaries of a stair or landing are recognised by a person with<br />

impaired vision, giving them a feeling of greater security.<br />

GREEN<br />

BLUE<br />

GREY<br />

BRONZE


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Manifestation on glass<br />

Manifestation refers to markings on clear glass doors, screens and other large glazed areas to<br />

ensure that people are aware of the presence of the glass surface.<br />

It is particularly useful for visually impaired people who may not otherwise notice the barrier<br />

sufficiently quickly to avoid an accident.<br />

There is nothing in the Building Regulation Approved Documents requiring manifestation on<br />

balustrade infill panels. However, like tinted glass, it is a way of helping visually impaired people,<br />

while turning a plain glass infill panel into an attractive design feature.<br />

Options for manifestation include designs, company logos, or other emblems created by:<br />

• acid-etching of the glass surface<br />

• surface application of weatherproof markings (decals).<br />

COLOUR, FINISH AND OTHER OPTIONS<br />

Infill extended below the stair pitch line<br />

Where there is no solid string to the stair on the stair well side,<br />

there is the possibility that the open triangle would allow a<br />

sphere of 100mm diameter to pass through (see the guidance in<br />

Approved Document K to the Building Regulations for England<br />

and Wales). To avoid this, Laidlaw can provide a balustrade<br />

infill, that extends below the pitch line of the stair to block this<br />

potentially unsafe gap.<br />

66 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Curved stainless balustrades with<br />

glass infill installed around all the<br />

central atrium balconies<br />

Nylon system with glass infill panels<br />

67 www.laidlaw.net<br />

System used:<br />

Stainless steel with glass infill<br />

panels<br />

System used:<br />

Nylon with glass infill panels<br />

Project: Charnwood LIFT Health & Social Care Centre<br />

Client: Leicester LIFT Company<br />

Contractor: Laing O-Rourke<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

Featured on BBC ‘Newsnight’ as an illustration of the Leicester<br />

LIFT public private partnership, the project utilized Laidlaw’s<br />

distinctive stainless steel handrail system, using circular top<br />

rails and glass infill, used extensively in areas such as atrium<br />

balconies, stairwells and corridors, while the nylon handrail<br />

system provided colour co-ordination with Normbau dark grey<br />

door ironmongery.<br />

The Local Improvement Finance Trust was established as a<br />

partnership of public sector organisations including the Eastern<br />

Leicester Primary Care Trust, Leicester City West Primary Care<br />

Trust and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Partnerships for<br />

Health and private company ExcellCare Limited. In all, around<br />

£29 million is being invested in the city’s health and social care<br />

infrastructure. ‘Partnerships for Health’ Chief Executive Brian<br />

Johns commented “This vision for modern, patient-centred,<br />

state-of-the-art premises will transform health and social care in<br />

the city and is the very essence of what we are trying to do in<br />

LIFT”.<br />

Tiverton Community Hospital, Devon<br />

CASE STUDY - HEALTH SECTOR<br />

Exterior of Charnwood LIFT Health & Social Care Centre<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Victoria PCT<br />

• Ipswich Hospital<br />

• Charnwood Health Centre<br />

• Halewood Health Centre<br />

• St. Oswald Hospice<br />

• Clatterbridge Hospital<br />

• Winchester & Eastleigh NHS Trust<br />

• Beaconsfield Health Centre


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

I have used Laidlaw on a<br />

number of occasions and<br />

they never fail to deliver.<br />

When you put an order<br />

in with Laidlaw, you can<br />

rely on them fabricating<br />

and installing the railing<br />

systems within the<br />

timescales you specify –<br />

and they’re very often up<br />

against tight deadlines.<br />

Adrian Ward, Project<br />

Manager at The Austin<br />

Co<br />

Timber system with glass infill<br />

panels<br />

Nylon system with glass infill panels<br />

System used:<br />

Nylon with Trespa infill panels<br />

System used:<br />

Timber with glass infill panels<br />

Project: Headquarters Building, Macclesfield<br />

Client: Astra Zeneca<br />

Design team: The Austin Company<br />

Contractor: The Austin Company<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

In a new build facility on the Astra Zeneca Macclesfield site,<br />

Laidlaw won the contract to supply handrail and balustrade<br />

systems for four staircases.<br />

As three of the four staircases are within an area devoted to<br />

highly-sensitive scientific activities, Laidlaw’s Nylon system was<br />

specified. Nylon is the ideal material to use for handrails and<br />

balustrades in this environment as it is resistant to scratching<br />

and can easily be cleaned, reducing the risk of germ build-up.<br />

The fourth staircase, which serves the administration areas, uses<br />

the Laidlaw Timber system in oak, with stainless steel bends.<br />

Infill panels of 10mm clear toughened glass were chosen for all<br />

four staircases<br />

Temple Quay commercial development, Bristol<br />

CASE STUDY - COMMERCIAL<br />

Staircase in administration areas<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

Exterior of the Aztra Zeneca Headquarters<br />

• Pfizer<br />

• Merck, Sharp & Dohme Limited<br />

• Temple Quay, Bristol<br />

• Halifax Building Society<br />

• Lloyds TSB<br />

• Boots the Chemists<br />

• Network Rail<br />

• Nationwide Building Society<br />

• HBOS, Edinburgh<br />

• Westfield Group<br />

68 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Exterior of Buile Hill School, Salford<br />

Nylon system with perforated infill<br />

panels<br />

69 www.laidlaw.net<br />

System used:<br />

Nylon with perforated infill panels<br />

Project: Harrop and Buile Hill Schools, Salford<br />

Client: Salford Local Education Authority<br />

Design team: EK Architects, Manchester<br />

Contractor: Morgan Ashurst (formerly AMEC)<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

As part of the Government’s Building Schools for the Future<br />

(BSF) scheme, funding was approved for the £50.23 million<br />

project to rebuild Buile Hill High and Harrop Fold Schools.<br />

Buile Hill High School, rebuilt by Morgan Ashurst on behalf of<br />

Hochtief PPP <strong>Solutions</strong> (UK) Ltd, marked a further landmark<br />

for Laidlaw’s involvement in major education projects. The £31<br />

million mixed comprehensive school has seen extensive use of<br />

the Laidlaw <strong>Handrail</strong> and <strong>Balustrade</strong> system.<br />

The durable, perforated infill panels used are ideal for areas<br />

of intensive use such as schools, while nylon top rails with<br />

a 4mm thick sleeve, coloured right through, will retain their<br />

appearance throughout the 25-year PPP maintenance contract.<br />

The infill panels are particularly effective for stairwells in such<br />

environments as they provide a clearly visible screen and barrier<br />

while enabling light to permeate through them.<br />

Buile Hill School corridor<br />

CASE STUDY - EDUCATION SECTOR<br />

Exterior of Buile Hill School, Salford<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• University of Edinburgh<br />

• Manchester University<br />

• Aston University<br />

• King Edward VI School<br />

• Linden Lodge School<br />

• Liverpool Community School<br />

• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School<br />

• Flintshire Primary School<br />

• Kingswell Primary School, Aberdeen<br />

• Canterbury High School<br />

• St. Bedes School<br />

• Aberdeen University


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

Westfield asked retailers<br />

to produce something<br />

special for the centre<br />

and this offered a<br />

great opportunity for<br />

us to trial a range of<br />

new design features.<br />

We have focused on<br />

helping our customers<br />

to shop easily in an<br />

environment which<br />

”<br />

feels<br />

really special.<br />

Tessa Clark,<br />

Head of Store Design,<br />

Marks & Spencer<br />

System used:<br />

Structural glazing with square<br />

section stainless handrail<br />

Europe’s biggest retail outlet, the recently opened £1.6 billion,<br />

42-acre, 300-store Westfield-London Shopping Centre in White<br />

City saw several leading retailers use Laidlaw handrail and<br />

balustrade systems, doorsets and ironmongery . These included<br />

the prestigious Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Boots and<br />

FCUK outlets.<br />

The M&S design style required a greater sense of open space.<br />

Laidlaw’s Square Top <strong>Handrail</strong> System with Structural Glass was<br />

therefore used around all escalator areas at the 103,000 square<br />

foot, 3-floor flagship store. The free-standing balustrade requires<br />

no separate uprights and there are no gaps through which a<br />

child might squeeze. The toughened glass structural balustrade<br />

supports a 50mm top rail with a groove cut into it to enable the<br />

components to be fully adhered to one another. At the base, the<br />

glass is clamped between steel sections which are bolted to the<br />

floor structure.<br />

Marks & Spencer store in Westfield White City shopping centre<br />

Project: Westfield White City Shopping Centre, London<br />

Client: Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Boots and FCUK<br />

Design team: Lewis & Hickey, London<br />

CASE STUDY - RETAIL SECTOR<br />

Exterior of the Westfield White City Shopping Centre<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Sainsbury<br />

• Wilkinson’s<br />

• Matalan<br />

• Pearce Retail<br />

• Carlsberg/Tetley Brewers<br />

• Boots the Chemist<br />

• Midas Retail<br />

• Asda<br />

• RG Group<br />

70 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

The reduction in vertical<br />

balustrades enables the<br />

use of larger perforated<br />

infill panels. Visually this<br />

creates a more pleasing<br />

staircase in an<br />

”<br />

area<br />

which will sustain heavy<br />

pedestrian usage.<br />

Architect, Andy<br />

Robinson<br />

Detail of handrail and top rail<br />

terminations<br />

Nylon-sleeved rail with reduced<br />

diameter connection to upright<br />

2-point side fixing to stair string<br />

71 www.laidlaw.net<br />

System used:<br />

3kN with nylon handrails and<br />

perforated stainless steel infill<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

The requirement was for a handrail and balustrade system that<br />

could withstand heavy use by customers to the store, but was<br />

easy and quick to install. Laidlaw were successful in winning the<br />

contract to supply and install the new system principally because<br />

their 3kN system had been developed specifically to meet this<br />

requirement. It is a component-based system, manufactured to<br />

meet the heavier horizontal loading standards of BS 6399 for<br />

buildings where the general public potentially congregate in large<br />

numbers.<br />

The handrails and the top rails of the balustrade are of 40mm<br />

diameter dark grey nylon-sleeved steel. The 60mm diameter<br />

heavy-duty stainless steel balustrade uprights are used in<br />

conjunction with 3mm thick perforated stainless steel infill panels<br />

– chosen for their strength, but also because they allow light to<br />

permeate through.<br />

ASDA store, Merthyr Tydfil<br />

Project: Supermarket, Selsdon, Surrey<br />

Client: Sainsbury<br />

Design team: Pick Everard<br />

Contractor: Rokbuild<br />

CASE STUDY - RETAIL SECTOR<br />

Stainless steel perforated panel infill<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Wilkinson’s<br />

• Marks & Spencer<br />

• Matalan<br />

• Ideal Store<br />

• Carlsberg/Tetley Brewers<br />

• Boots the Chemist<br />

• Co-op<br />

• Asda<br />

• Simpsons (York)<br />

Exterior view of Sainsbury’s, Selsdon


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

We were delighted with<br />

the railing system installed<br />

by Laidlaw. The nylon top<br />

rails should be easy to<br />

maintain, which is ideal<br />

in an environment used<br />

by hundreds of people<br />

every day. And being<br />

4mm thick, the material<br />

will retain its colour and<br />

appearance for longer.<br />

Working alongside Laidlaw<br />

was easy too. The<br />

Laidlaw Nylon system<br />

is an easy-to-assemble<br />

modular product that<br />

requires minimum on-site<br />

labour and yet looks very<br />

effective.<br />

”<br />

Estates Manager, John<br />

Smith<br />

Detail of nylon system with<br />

glass infill<br />

System used:<br />

Nylon with Glass infill panels<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

Project: Higher Education College, Leeds<br />

Client: Trinity & All Saints College<br />

Design team: Estates Department<br />

Trinity & All Saints College is a higher education college,<br />

accredited by the University of Leeds, with an excellent<br />

reputation for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.<br />

Laidlaw’s Nylon railing system was the perfect choice when they<br />

refurbished the main part of the college, including 26 staircases.<br />

Conscious of the guidance in Approved Document M that<br />

handrails and balustrades should contrast with any background,<br />

navy blue nylon-sleeved steel top rails and uprights were chosen<br />

with 10mm clear glass infill panels. It was because Laidlaw<br />

offer a choice of 12 colours for the nylon sleeve that Trinity & All<br />

Saints College was able to select an option that complemented<br />

its corporate colours.<br />

Great care was taken to ensure that the detailing<br />

of the handrails and balustrades was in line with AD M<br />

guidelines. In particular, handrails and balustrades followed<br />

the key heights above the pitch line and landings, and the<br />

connection of the uprights to the top rail from the underside<br />

ensured that grip was uninterrupted along the rail.<br />

Disney Pier, Hong Kong Jubilee Public Library, Brighton<br />

CASE STUDY - REFURBISHMENT<br />

<strong>Balustrade</strong>s to stairway beside platform lift<br />

Interior of Trinity and All Saints College<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Henley College<br />

• University of Edinburgh<br />

• Manchester University<br />

• Harrow High School<br />

• King Edward VI School<br />

• Linden Lodge School<br />

• Liverpool Community School<br />

• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School<br />

• Mountfield Primary School<br />

• Emmanuel School<br />

• Buile Hill School<br />

72 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

With the development at<br />

308 Clyde Street having<br />

such spectacular views<br />

over Glasgow’s skyline,<br />

it was important that we<br />

installed a balustrade that<br />

did not obstruct or detract<br />

from this view.<br />

We wanted a<br />

sophisticated and modern<br />

look to complement the<br />

style and feel of the<br />

apartments – Laidlaw’s<br />

glass balustrade system<br />

met all our criteria and<br />

significantly contributed<br />

to the overall look of the<br />

development which went<br />

on to pick up a ‘What<br />

House Magazine’<br />

”<br />

award<br />

and the ‘NHBC Scottish<br />

Regional’ award.<br />

Craig Proudfoot,<br />

Treetops Project<br />

Co-ordinator<br />

Tinted glass infill panels, offset<br />

from the uprights<br />

Picture window with access to<br />

balcony<br />

73 www.laidlaw.net<br />

System used:<br />

Stainless steel with tinted glass<br />

infill panels<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

Project: Vantage Development, Clyde Street, Glasgow<br />

Client: Treetops Development Company Ltd.<br />

Design team: Jewitt, Arschavir and Wilkie<br />

Contractor: Treetops Development Company Ltd.<br />

Vantage is a prize-winning landmark development of 22 boutique<br />

apartments and penthouses, which is built on Clyde Street at<br />

the foot of the Clyde Bridge.<br />

Kit Walker, the Treetops Managing Director, wanted the design<br />

to take full advantage of the location and was delighted that<br />

each of the 22 apartments had a view across the Glasgow<br />

waterfront to the south of the city.<br />

The penthouse levels 10 and 11, which are stepped back,<br />

feature large floor to ceiling glass facades to maximise the view<br />

across the city. The Laidlaw Stainless steel balustrade system,<br />

with green-tinted glass infill panels, was chosen to provide<br />

safe guarding to the balconies of the penthouse levels, without<br />

compromising the spectacular views across the Glasgow skyline<br />

from within the apartments.<br />

A luxury house, Cardiff<br />

CASE STUDY - HOUSING SECTOR<br />

Interior of the apartment showing clear views over the city<br />

Glass balustrade lets light deep into the apartment<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Bloor Homes<br />

• W E Black<br />

• The Riverside Group<br />

• Gladman Homes<br />

• Mayquest


www.laidlaw.net<br />

“<br />

Once we had given them<br />

the order, Laidlaw were<br />

able to gear their delivery<br />

to our very tight work<br />

programme, due to the<br />

fact that their system is<br />

made up of stock<br />

components.<br />

Then, when they came to<br />

fit the balustrading, we<br />

could see for ourselves<br />

the advantages.<br />

For example, they were<br />

able to install it much faster<br />

than usual because<br />

large sections were put<br />

together in their factory.<br />

Nick Gale<br />

Contracts Manager<br />

”<br />

System used:<br />

Combi, with tension wire and glass<br />

infill panels<br />

The use of Laidlaw systems<br />

CASE STUDY - DDA REFURBISHMENT<br />

Project: Headquarters Ambulance Station, Hellesdon, Suffolk<br />

Client: East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust<br />

Contractor: T Gill & Son<br />

Hellesdon is the headquarters of the East Anglian Ambulance<br />

NHS Trust, which covers the counties of Cambridgeshire,<br />

Norfolk and Suffolk. Since the Trust<br />

is defined as a ‘service provider’ under Part lll of the Disability<br />

Discrimination Act (DDA), it is their duty to make reasonable<br />

adjustments to ensure that disabled members of the public are<br />

not discriminated against because of their disability.<br />

In this case, the Trust decided that they needed to<br />

install a ramped access, in addition to the steps already<br />

provided and, because the ramp needed to be more than 2m<br />

long, they followed the recommendations in<br />

BS 8300 that there should be a handrail on both sides. Also,<br />

even though there is no requirement for guarding under Part K of<br />

the Building Regulations, the Trust wanted to provide protection<br />

so that wheelchair users could not inadvertently roll under the<br />

ramp’s handrail.<br />

Laidlaw’s Combi system, with nylon-sleeved steel balustrade<br />

top rails and stainless steel uprights, was selected for the<br />

refurbishment on the basis that the nylon gave a hand hold that<br />

was not cold to touch, yet the stainless steel was compatible<br />

with the design of the rest of the building. For the ramp access,<br />

a balustrade infill of stainless steel strained wire was selected to<br />

minimise the visual impact and a lower rail of stainless steel was<br />

used as a physical barrier to wheelchairs at ground level.<br />

The guarding, which runs from the end of the ramp access to<br />

the entrance of the building is at a higher level and includes<br />

glass infill panels. These are etched with manifestation (the name<br />

and badge of the ambulance service) to make the presence<br />

of the barrier apparent to visually impaired people leaving the<br />

building.<br />

Exterior of the East Anglian Ambulance Service Headquarters<br />

The entrance balustrade showing 2-point side fixing<br />

Other Laidlaw clients<br />

• Wates<br />

• Rok Build<br />

• The Riverside Group<br />

• Osborne Rail<br />

• Mowlems plc<br />

• Morgan Est Rail<br />

• Newcastle Council<br />

• RG Group<br />

• Laing O’Rourke<br />

• Norwest Holst<br />

• Kier<br />

74 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

Jubilee Public Library, Brighton<br />

• Prime Minister’s<br />

Better Public Building Award<br />

• PFI Award:<br />

Operational Project with<br />

Best Design<br />

• Regional <strong>RIBA</strong> Award: Best<br />

Designed Public Building in<br />

the<br />

South East<br />

• Sussex Heritage Awards:<br />

The Community Award<br />

• Building Services Awards:<br />

Major Building of the Year<br />

2005<br />

• CIBSE: Major Project of the<br />

Year 2005.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> heights for steps and stairs<br />

900 to 1100<br />

(840 to 1000)<br />

above pitch line<br />

900 to 1100<br />

(840 to 1000)<br />

300mm<br />

min<br />

Building regulations<br />

England and Wales – Approved Document M (2004) – Access<br />

to and use of buildings<br />

The 2004 edition of Approved Document M<br />

includes updated sections for non-domestic buildings. The<br />

main requirement no longer makes specific reference to<br />

disabled people, but requires that reasonable provision is made<br />

to ensure that buildings are accessible and usable. The aim is<br />

to make buildings more ‘inclusive’ by satisfying the needs of all<br />

users, regardless of disability, age or gender.<br />

Part M applies not only to new developments, but also to existing<br />

buildings that are subject to altera tions, extensions and changes<br />

of use.<br />

In respect of handrails (and by implication balustrade top rails),<br />

the guidance in Approved Document M relates to:<br />

• The size, profile, spacing and termination of handrails.<br />

• The location and extent of handrails on steps, ramps and<br />

landings.<br />

• The surface characteristics of handrails in relation to grip, touch<br />

and visual contrast.<br />

In order to reconcile some of the differences between the 2001<br />

edition of BS 8300 and the 2004 version of Approved Document<br />

M, a number of key issues that concerned the construction<br />

industry were reviewed and incorporated in an amendment to BS<br />

8300 in 2005<br />

(see page 57).<br />

As a result, The ODPM have made available a web page of<br />

FAQs, which explains that, in respect of these key issues, the<br />

recommendations in the amendment to<br />

BS 8300 can be considered an acceptable, and more up-todate,<br />

alternative to the guidance in Approved Document M<br />

(2004). The FAQs can be found in the Building Regulations area<br />

of the ODPM web site.<br />

England and Wales – Approved Document K<br />

(amended 2000) – Protection from falling,<br />

collision and impact<br />

Guidance in AD K indicates that the top rail of balustrades<br />

should be no lower than 1100mm for the edges of landings and<br />

balconies. In addition, measures are included to prevent the head<br />

of a child under 5 years of age becoming trapped through the<br />

guarding.<br />

300mm<br />

min<br />

600 where a second handrail is provided for children or<br />

people of short stature – install only where there is a full<br />

height structural guarding to prevent accidents if the handrail<br />

were climbed by a child<br />

Note: Dimensions for Scotland in brackets<br />

75 www.laidlaw.net<br />

900 to 1100<br />

(840 to 1000)<br />

LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS<br />

Laidlaw technical advisors are able to advise on legislation currently in force, in particular on how to meet Building Regulation<br />

requirements and how to design handrails and balustrades to accommodate disabled people and avoid the risk of litigation under<br />

the DDA.<br />

Externally<br />

12 risers max.for a going less than 350<br />

18 risers max. for a going of 350 or more<br />

(generally, 16 risers maximum)<br />

Internally<br />

12 risers max.<br />

16 risers max, in small premises where space is<br />

restricted (generally, 16 risers maximum)<br />

For buildings likely to be used by children under 5,<br />

a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass through any<br />

opening in the guarding and children should not readily be able<br />

to climb the guarding.<br />

In addition, another FAQ on the ODPM web site indicates that,<br />

subject to approval by Building Control, a triangular opening<br />

between the guarding, the tread and the riser is acceptable,<br />

provided that the bottom of the guarding is not more than 50mm<br />

above the pitch line (measured perpendicular to the pitch line).<br />

Scotland – Non-domestic Technical Handbook –<br />

Section 4 – Safety<br />

Guidance on meeting the functional requirements in the Building<br />

(Scotland) regulations 2004 is set out in Technical<br />

Handbooks, one for domestic and the other for nondomestic<br />

buildings. All guidance that was previously in<br />

Part S of the Technical Standards is now distributed throughout<br />

the Technical Handbooks, although many of the issues relating to<br />

accessibility are in Section 4 of the non-domestic volume.<br />

In relation to handrails and balustrades, Section 4.3 deals<br />

with stairs and ramps and Section 4.4, pedestrian protective<br />

barriers. The relevant heights of handrails shown in the Technical<br />

Handbook are shown in the diagram below, but there is no<br />

guidance on the size and profile of any handrail, nor its spacing<br />

from an enclosing wall.<br />

Northern Ireland – Part R (2000) –<br />

Access and facilities for disabled people<br />

Guidance on meeting the requirements of the Building<br />

Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 is currently as the 1999<br />

edition of Approved Document M for England and Wales, except<br />

that the diameter of the circular handrail is shown as<br />

between 38 and 50mm.<br />

However, consultation on an updated version of the<br />

Technical Handbook is now concluded and the revised edition is<br />

likely to be published later in 2006. This will generally reflect the<br />

guidance in the 2004 edition of<br />

Approved Document M, but is likely to follow the most recent<br />

recommendations of the 2005 amendment<br />

of BS 8300.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> design<br />

Spacing from wall<br />

60-75<br />

50 min<br />

50 max<br />

Circular handrail with diameter<br />

40-45 (32-45)<br />

Ramped<br />

or stepped<br />

access<br />

15 min radius<br />

Non-circular handrail,<br />

preferably 50 wide with<br />

rounded edges<br />

Note: Dimensions from BS 8300 in brackets


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NB: The horizontal uniformly<br />

distributed line load should<br />

be assumed to act at a<br />

height of 1100mm above<br />

the floor or pitch line,<br />

irrespective of the height of<br />

the actual barrier. The three<br />

load types are not additive,<br />

but need to be treated as<br />

three separate load cases.<br />

The DDA<br />

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)<br />

The Disability Discrimination Act is human rights legislation,<br />

which imposes a duty on employers (under Part ll) and<br />

people or organisations that provide a service to the public<br />

(under Part lll), not to discriminate on grounds of disability. For<br />

education buildings, the Special Educational Needs and Disability<br />

Act 2001(SENDA) imposes a similar duty on establishments<br />

providing educational services.<br />

A building, or a design solution, cannot be DDA-compliant. It<br />

can only be designed or built in a way that helps people meet<br />

their duties in the Act and, therefore, minimise the risk of a legal<br />

challenge. For many existing buildings, it will be necessary to<br />

make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to certain ‘physical features’, e.g.<br />

to widen a doorway or to modify a staircase, where otherwise<br />

it would impossible or unreasonably difficult to accommodate a<br />

disabled person.<br />

Since any alterations to a building need to comply with building<br />

regulations, the guidance in Approved Document M, Section 4<br />

of the Scottish Technical Handbook and Part R of the Northern<br />

Ireland regulations will be the first reference point for suitable<br />

design solutions.<br />

However, for issues that are not covered in the regulations, the<br />

recommendations in the most recent edition of BS 8300 should<br />

be followed.<br />

British Standards<br />

BS 8300: 2009<br />

Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs<br />

of disabled people – Code of Practice<br />

BS 8300 provides good practice recommendations on the design<br />

of buildings so that they are convenient for use by disabled<br />

people. It is widely used as a reference document for guidance<br />

on issues not specifically covered in building regulations.<br />

The Standard, first introduced in 2001 has now undergone a<br />

complete review incorporating research by BRE into accidents<br />

on steps and stairs. The issues contained within the revised<br />

standard for handrails and balustrades are:<br />

• The dimensions for circular handrails and their spacing from an<br />

enclosing wall.<br />

• The definition of ‘visual contrast’ in relation to ‘light reflectance<br />

values’ (LRVs).<br />

• The application of ‘not cold to the touch’.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> dimensions<br />

In the 2009 review of BS 8300, convergence has been achieved<br />

with BS 5395 Pt1 with the emphasis being placed on achieving<br />

a ‘power grip’ to reduce the incidence of falls on stairs. The<br />

optimum external perimeter of the handrail is established at<br />

100 - 140mm, giving a corresponding diameter for a circular<br />

handrail of 32 - 45mm (previously 40 - 50mm).<br />

The spacing from an enclosing wall has also been increased in<br />

line with AD M and is now recommended as 60 - 75mm.<br />

LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS<br />

Visual contrast<br />

A person’s perception of visual contrast between two surfaces<br />

appears to be strongly correlated with the difference in the<br />

amount of light reflected from their surfaces, i.e. their light<br />

reflectance values (LRVs). In theory, a perfect white has an LRV<br />

of 100 and jet black, 0, but these values are never achieved in<br />

practice.<br />

Whereas AD M (2004) gives a rigid definition of visual contrast<br />

(where there is a 30 point difference in LRV), the 2005<br />

amendment to BS 8300 recognises that visual perception is<br />

affected by the relative area of surfaces and whether they are<br />

textured, curved, metallic or glossy.<br />

The latest guidance is that, although a difference in LRV of 30<br />

points is a reliable indicator of visual contrast, there is anecdotal<br />

evidence that a difference of about 20 points may still be<br />

acceptable. Differences in LRV are most important between small<br />

and large areas, e.g. a lever handle and a door, than between<br />

large areas, such as walls and floors. High gloss should be<br />

avoided for doors and elements with a larger surface area.<br />

Not cold to the touch<br />

It has been a long standing recommendation within BS 8300<br />

that handrails used externally should not be ‘cold to the touch’.<br />

This aspect was supported in the 2005 revision to the standard<br />

stating that external metal handrails can become extremely cold<br />

and uncomfortable to hold and therefore represent a safety<br />

hazard. To minimise these effects, metal handrails having a<br />

coating material with a low thermal conductivity such as plastics<br />

were preferred.<br />

However, the 2009 review recognised the need to resist<br />

vandalism and misuse. Whilst the avoidance of discomfort from<br />

excessive heat or cold remains an essential recommendation<br />

within BS 8300, the use of stainless steel handrails externally is<br />

now considered acceptable due to its comparatively low thermal<br />

conductivity and the need to address the issues of vandalism and<br />

misuse.<br />

BS 6399 Loadings for buildings – Part 1: Code<br />

of practice for dead and imposed loads<br />

This is the standard referred to in Approved Document K for<br />

details of the horizontal forces that barriers should be capable of<br />

resisting. In the standard, Table 4 gives the ‘characteristic’ design<br />

loads on parapets, barriers and balustrades (see simplified table<br />

below, based on Table 4).<br />

BS 6180 – Barriers in and about buildings<br />

– Code of practice<br />

This British Standard reiterates the minimum barrier height for<br />

guarding of 1100mm in Approved Document K. It also gives<br />

specific recommendations for barriers of concrete, glass, metals,<br />

plastics and timber, as well as generic site fixing details.<br />

Horizontal ‘characteristic’ design loads on balustrades<br />

U.D. horizontal U.D load on Point load<br />

line load the infill on infill<br />

Load conditions [kN/m] [kN/m2] [kN]<br />

Areas, such as stairs, landings, corridors, ramps, external balconies<br />

and edges of roofs, where people congregate without overcrowding.<br />

0.74 1.0 0.5<br />

Restaurants and bars, retail and public areas not subject to 1.5 1.5 1.5<br />

overcrowding and pedestrian areas in car parks.<br />

Retail areas, theatres, cinemas, bars, auditoria, shopping malls, 3.0 1.5 1.5<br />

discothèques and assembly areas, subject to overcrowding.<br />

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www.laidlaw.net<br />

L2<br />

L1<br />

77 www.laidlaw.net<br />

L3<br />

The benefits of Laidlaw’s component-based system<br />

• Having a stock of key components ensures quick delivery and the fact that the majority of the assembly<br />

is carried out in the factory ensures a speedy installation once on site.<br />

GUIDE TO HANDRAIL LENGTHS<br />

Caluclating <strong>Handrail</strong> Lengths<br />

When specifying the length of a Laidlaw handrail or to determine<br />

a length of run of handrail the following principles apply:<br />

1. In all instances the longest length is taken including<br />

handrails which are angled or splayed<br />

2. At bends the outer angled length is taken<br />

3. Rail lengths shown are L1 + L2 + L3<br />

L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 + L5<br />

• The finished product is aesthetically superior to one that is made up on site because there are no unsightly welds, no sharp edges or angles, no<br />

deformation of bends and no grinding is necessary.<br />

• A consistent finish is obtained within an individual installation and the same appearance is guaranteed<br />

in projects throughout the UK.<br />

• The top rail and infill panels are demountable, making<br />

it easy to repair the balustrade without damaging the surroundings.<br />

• The installation is sustainable as, at the end of the life<br />

of the building, all components are recyclable.<br />

L1<br />

L2<br />

L3<br />

L4<br />

L5


www.laidlaw.net<br />

All installations are built to order based on the original site<br />

measurements taken by our survey team, or from architects’<br />

drawings. Following the preparation and client approval of<br />

Laidlaw’s production drawings, the handrails and balustrades<br />

are fabricated to the agreed measurements, using stock<br />

components.<br />

To minimise on-site work, as many components as possible are<br />

assembled in the factory and supplied individually packed and<br />

wrapped to site to avoid damage. This method ensures that no<br />

cutting, bending or measurement of handrails and the balustrade<br />

structure is required on site. This means that there is less on-site<br />

assembly and overall installation time is reduced.<br />

Once the uprights and rails are in place, checks are made to<br />

ensure that line and level are correct before finally securing<br />

the uprights. Uprights, connectors and infill panel holders are<br />

secured using an Allen Key, with the screw head tucked into<br />

the upright to ensure a smooth, hidden connection. A protective<br />

covering is left on the handrails to provide protection against<br />

damage if other building work is being carried out in the building.<br />

When the balustrade uprights and top rails are fixed, infill<br />

panel templates are produced to ensure that the panels are<br />

manufactured to accurate sizes. The panels are produced offsite,<br />

then brought to site to be fitted into the balustrade quickly<br />

and easily using the clamps previously fixed to the uprights.<br />

Alternatively, panels can be made available for installation at the<br />

same time as the balustrade rail components, saving time in the<br />

overall programme.<br />

‘In-line’ infill panels are secured with 4 clamps, top and bottom,<br />

each side; ‘offset’ infill panels, by ‘screw-stud’ panel holders, top<br />

and bottom.<br />

When all is complete and no further damage is likely to occur,<br />

the protective covering on the handrails and balustrade is<br />

removed.<br />

Installation<br />

Laidlaw offers a complete design, supply and installation service<br />

for their factory-assembled handrail and balustrade systems.<br />

Installation is the final stage in the process and, by adopting the<br />

best principles of supply chain management and using specialist<br />

fixing teams, Laidlaw ensures that the final installation is in strict<br />

accordance with the original design.<br />

GUIDE TO INSTALLATION<br />

Checking the top rail is level<br />

before tightening the fixings.<br />

Connecting the uprights, top<br />

rails and infill panel holders<br />

using an Allen Key.<br />

Fixing an in-line glass infill panel<br />

to the four ‘clamp’ type panel<br />

holders – note protection to<br />

top rail.<br />

78 www.laidlaw.net


www.laidlaw.net<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> & <strong>Balustrade</strong> <strong>Solutions</strong> Enquiry Line:<br />

T: 01902 600420 F: 01902 602315 E: handrail@laidlaw.net<br />

Barnstaple<br />

Unit 1, Brannam Crescent<br />

Roundswell Business Park (West)<br />

Barnstaple, North Devon<br />

EX31 3TD<br />

T: 01271 311920<br />

F: 01271 311929<br />

Bristol<br />

Unit 8, Riverside Business Park<br />

St. Annes Road, St. Annes<br />

Bristol BS4 4ED<br />

T: 0117 300 3980<br />

F: 0117 980 3058<br />

Cardiff<br />

Ty Cefnfor, Ocean Park<br />

Cardiff CF24 5PE<br />

T: 029 2047 1808<br />

F: 029 2049 0250<br />

Gateshead<br />

Unit 1 Halifax Court<br />

Halifax Road<br />

Dunston, Gateshead<br />

Tyne & Wear NE11 9JT<br />

T: 0191 461 4100<br />

F: 0191 461 4101<br />

Glasgow<br />

4 Clifford Court<br />

171 Woodville Street<br />

Ibrox Business Park<br />

Glasgow G51 2RQ<br />

T: 0141 445 8892<br />

F: 0141 445 8871<br />

Kinmel Bay<br />

Unit 37 Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate<br />

St Asaph Avenue<br />

Kinmel Bay, Rhyl<br />

North Wales LL18 5JA<br />

T: 01745 332151<br />

F: 01745 332493<br />

Laidlaw Gulf LLC<br />

PO Box 185292<br />

Dubai<br />

United Arab Emirates<br />

T: +971 (0) 4885 7404<br />

F: +971 (0) 4885 7414<br />

Liverpool<br />

3 - 5 Century Building<br />

Summers Road<br />

Brunswick Business Park<br />

Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4BL<br />

T: 0151 709 9438<br />

F: 0151 709 9455<br />

London<br />

The Building Centre<br />

26 Store Street<br />

London WC1E 7BT<br />

T: 0207 436 0779<br />

F: 0207 436 0740<br />

Perth<br />

PO Box 15, Arran Road<br />

Perth PH1 3DU<br />

T: 01738 620581<br />

F: 01738 633262<br />

Salford<br />

Centurion House<br />

Dakota Avenue, Salford<br />

Manchester M50 2PU<br />

T: 0161 848 0101<br />

F: 0161 872 9313<br />

Sheffield<br />

Unit 4<br />

Sheffield Industrial Estate<br />

Surbiton Street<br />

Sheffield S9 2DN<br />

T: 0114 243 8916<br />

F: 0114 242 6591<br />

Willenhall<br />

Strawberry Lane<br />

Willenhall<br />

West Midlands<br />

WV13 3RS<br />

T: 01902 600400<br />

F: 01902 600490<br />

York<br />

Saturn Architectural <strong>Solutions</strong> Ltd<br />

Unit 9 Harrier Court<br />

Airfield Business Park<br />

Elvington, York YO41 4EA<br />

T:01904 608864<br />

F: 01904 607759<br />

Laidlaw subscribes to NBS Plus which contains full specification clauses for all Laidlaw<br />

products and is a <strong>RIBA</strong> approved supplier of CPD seminars.<br />

Laidlaw also subscribes and is an active member of The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers<br />

(GAI) which is a recognised body that promotes standards in integrity and excellence in the<br />

business of architectural ironmongery.<br />

a d v a n c i n g a r c h i t e c t u r a l i r o n m o n g e r y<br />

g a i m e m b e r<br />

HA<br />

Chas Accredited<br />

CONTRACTORS HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT SCHEME<br />

As the UK's leading specifier and supplier of architectural ironmongery, doorsets,<br />

handrail & balustrading and access control solutions, Laidlaw offers its unique<br />

service through a national network of 13 sales offices and trade counters.<br />

Each Laidlaw sales office is supported by a centralised distribution centre at<br />

Willenhall which has the capacity to pack and despatch individual items or by<br />

doorset.<br />

To email a UK sales office use the following format:<br />

info.office@laidlaw.net<br />

(e.g. info.bristol@laidlaw.net)<br />

Sales Office<br />

Trade Counter<br />

Distribution Centre<br />

Architectural Ironmongery <strong>Solutions</strong><br />

Laidlaw is the leading specifier, distributor and technical service provider<br />

of architectural ironmongery to the UK construction industry. As with all<br />

its product portfolios, Laidlaw's huge range of architectural ironmongery,<br />

including the renowned Orbis brand, is designed to comply with European<br />

building standards.<br />

Doorset <strong>Solutions</strong><br />

Laidlaw has pioneered the Orbis Doorsets solution which is supplied<br />

complete with the door, frame, architraves and factory fitted ironmongery to<br />

maximise efficiency and minimise on-site work.<br />

<strong>Handrail</strong> and <strong>Balustrade</strong> <strong>Solutions</strong><br />

Using a modular system in either stainless steel, nylon, timber or a<br />

combination of these, Laidlaw's handrail and balustrade solutions are<br />

designed to satisfy each client's specifications. Offering the complete<br />

technical service, highly trained staff are involved at every stage of each<br />

project, from site surveys and design through to supply and installation.<br />

Access <strong>Solutions</strong><br />

From simple masterkeyed cylinders up to state-of-the-art biometric access<br />

control and automatics, we have the expertise to design and supply an<br />

integrated system which will manage the access into and around even the<br />

most complex buildings to suit each specific application.<br />

While Laidlaw has taken every care to ensure the accuracy of information, data and<br />

advice contained in this literature, no liability in respect of such information whether given<br />

negligently or not can be accepted by the company. Due to variations in the printing<br />

process, actual colours may differ from those shown. Laidlaw retains the right to amend the<br />

technical specification of any range of equipment shown.<br />

As part of continual efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, this brochure was printed on a<br />

FSC approved paper stock which originates from well-managed forests, controlled sources<br />

and recycled wood or fibre as indicated by the logo below.<br />

RS 10508<br />

© Laidlaw <strong>Solutions</strong> Limited April 2010/L101/005<br />

EMS 531228

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