Whether you’re climbing stairs, viewing great scenery on an upper level indoors or outdoors, or passing through an upstairs hallway, chances are you want to grab onto a handrail, right? This is a standard safety feature that we usually see not only on stairs but also on railings both on the ground and on the upper levels of a home or building, including balconies.

Handrails make going up and down stairs safer and more comfortable. You may have noticed that every time you go up or down a new ladder, your hands tend to look for something to grab onto. And that’s where a rail serves its main purpose.

But while the handrail is there to keep people safe, not everyone who uses the stairs uses it. The use of rails is somewhat associated with stair age and stair designs, as one study covering five steps found. It showed that only 16 to 18 percent of people going down used the rail extensively, while only 10 percent used it going up. Also, people are less likely to use it if it forces them to take a longer route.

Many of us are aware that a handrail is placed to prevent accidents. Specifically, it aims to prevent loss of balance, help a person regain balance in the event of a slip or fall, help climb a ladder, guide a person and provide stability, in particular for visually impaired people. and balance.

But today, of course, this safety tool also adds beauty to a flight of stairs or other railings. Regardless of where it is placed, be it on a wall or a concrete stair, a handrail must be installed correctly.

Ideally, the height of a handrail is determined vertically from the top of the stair to the top of the handrail. The height depends on the purpose of the accessory. But normally, it is installed in a position where it can be easily reached and where the hand can grip it comfortably. Studies have shown that when choosing between the right handrail height for both going up and down a ladder, the ideal height for going down is the preferred choice. Research has cited that the majority of falls on a ladder are those while descending, which are considered to be one of the leading causes of injury.

Ensuring safety doesn’t end with the decision to install a handrail. The choice of the shape of the accessory is also very important. Experts suggest that a circular shape should be used due to its ability to fit all hand shapes and sizes.

A 1988 study by Brian Maki found that circular shaped rails measuring 1.5 inches in diameter provide the greatest stabilizing force. The same research also found that round and oval handrails had the best marks in terms of grip and glide comfort. Those narrow rectangular and decorative railings showed low ratings.

Now that you know the benefits of having this accessory on your stairs, make sure you choose the right option for your home.