Case study 6: Minimum distances between handrails - requirements in accordance with the Workplace Directive (ASR A1.8)

Minimum handrail spacing - safety deficiencies on staircases in accordance with ASR A1.8 and DIN 18040

Mission and initial situation

During the inspection of a newly constructed administration building, I was commissioned to inspect the design of the staircase and railing systems with regard to compliance with the review safety-relevant regulations.
Even during the first inspection, it was noticeable that several handrails too close together were arranged.
Employees reported on Restrictions when using the stairs, especially when transporting documents or objects.

This case study deals with the frequent deviations in handrail heights and minimum distances in accordance with ASR A1.8 and their safety-relevant consequences

Damage pattern detected

  • Undercutting the prescribed minimum distances between two parallel handrails
  • Too little wall clearance (< 50 mm)
  • Lack of grip height consistency in the course of the flights of stairs
  • Handrail ends without safe return → Increased risk of injury
  • Visually uneven mounting height

These deficiencies led to an impairment of traffic safety and non-compliance with workplace requirements.

Root cause analysis

The analysis revealed several planning and execution errors:

  1. Non-compliance with the workplace regulation ASR A1.8 „Traffic routes“
    - Minimum distance between two handrails was not observed.
  2. Lack of coordination between planner and metalworker
    - No binding dimensional specifications in the execution plans.
  3. Incorrect assembly
    - uneven fixing heights and deviations from the target height.
  4. Inadequate final inspection
    - No acceptance test of handrail spacing and grip heights carried out.

Normative evaluation

The relevant regulations are:

  • Workplace regulation ASR A1.8 - Traffic routes

„Handrails must be at least 50 mm from the wall. The clear distance between two handrails must not be less than 100 mm.“

  • DIN 18040 - Barrier-free building

„Handrails must be installed at a continuous height of 850-900 mm and must be safe to grip.“

  • DIN 18065 - Stairs in buildings
    - complements requirements for fastening, continuity and grip safety.

The measured distances were sometimes only 30-35 mm to the wall.
They were therefore well below the minimum requirements ASR A1.8 and DIN 18040.

Consequences of the shortage

  • Limited usability of the staircases
  • Increased risk of injury due to crushing hazard and slipping
  • Not barrier-free use for people with limited mobility
  • possible Violations of the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)
  • Liability risk for operators and contractors in the event of accidents

Recommended measures

  1. Disassembly and readjustment of the handrails to the target distances in accordance with ASR A1.8.
  2. Uniform handle height 850-900 mm (900 mm preferred for public buildings).
  3. Testing the wall brackets for sufficient load-bearing capacity and fixing distances.
  4. Safe return of the handrails (at least 30 mm from the wall, without sharp edges).
  5. Acceptance test and documentation by the expert after completion of the work.

Summary

Failure to comply with the minimum distances between handrails constitutes a Violation of applicable safety and workplace requirements represent.
Such defects impair road safety and can lead to legal consequences.
Professional planning and execution according to ASR A1.8, DIN 18040 and DIN 18065 is necessary to ensure safety and accessibility.

Note from the expert

As a publicly appointed and sworn expert for the metalworking trade, I inspect staircase and railing constructions with regard to safety, conformity to standards and accessibility.
My expert opinions serve building owners, operators and courts as a comprehensible basis for decision-making.

Further information

Overview of the case studies:

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