Handrail

<p>A handrail is a rail that is designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide safety or support. In <a href="/facts/Great_Britain/TNgGQRPj">Britain</a>, handrails are referred to as banisters. Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending <a href="/facts/Stairway/mmBBnteX">stairways</a> and <a href="/facts/Escalator/RlkSrnL8">escalators</a> in order to prevent injurious falls, and to provide bodily support in bathrooms or similar areas. Handrails are typically supported by <a href="/facts/Baluster/jFn3tFD1">balusters</a> or attached to walls.
</p><p>Similar items not covered in this article include <a href="/facts/Grab_bar/1xtehthD">bathroom handrails</a>—which help to prevent falls on slippery, wet floors—other <a href="/facts/Grab_bar/1xtehthD">grab bars</a>, used, for instance, in <a href="/facts/Galley_(kitchen)/hJpC0pVC">ships' galleys</a>, and <a href="/facts/Barre_(ballet)/zXge886J">barres</a>, which serve as training aids for ballet dancers. <a href="/facts/Guard_rail/9f52ba8r">Guard rails</a> and <a href="/facts/Balustrade/jFn3tFD1">balustrades</a> line drop-offs and other dangerous areas, keeping people and vehicles out.
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Handrail open-in-new

Handrail