A horizontal or angled grab rail mounted to the cabin rear or side wall at a specified height to assist passengers — particularly elderly, disabled, or mobility-impaired users — in maintaining balance during elevator travel.
Full Definition
EN 81-70 (Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability) specifies that handrails must be fitted on the rear and/or side walls of accessible lifts at a height of 875–925 mm above the finished floor level. For standard passenger lifts, handrails are a common specification item even when not mandatory, particularly in residential buildings for elderly residents. Handrail cross-sections are typically circular (35–50 mm diameter) or oval, manufactured from 304 or 316 stainless steel tube (polished, brushed, or PVD-coated), solid brass, or powdercoated aluminium. Brackets are fixed to the cabin structural frame with concealed fasteners; the handrail must withstand a concentrated load of 1000 N applied at any point in any direction without permanent deformation. End returns (180° bends) at each bracket prevent clothing from catching. Contrasting colour or tactile marking improves visibility for visually impaired users.
