• Handrails on both sides of a stairwaywhere do all the steps lead? image by Jake Hellbach from Fotolia.com
  
  The United States Federal Government enacted legislation in 1990 protecting the rights of disabled citizens. This significant piece of legislation, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), sets forth, among other things, building standards that are universally adopted throughout the country and cover items in and around buildings that affect accessibility. Handrail requirements are an important part of ADA regulations and must meet specific criteria to be considered part of an accessible path of travel.
  
  

Stability.

• The purpose of handrails is to provide stability and strength under a person's weight to help the user maintain balance. ADA regulations govern the precise structural properties of handrails. ADA standards state that handrails must be able to withstand a minimum force of 250 lbs.
  
  

Surety of Grip

• ADA requirements ensure that handrails may be gripped confidently by most people.
  The shape of the handrail gripping surface must be square or round with an equivalent diameter between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches. Regulations also specify the height of and clearance around the handrail gripping surface. It must be be between 34 and 38 inches above the walking surface and be spaced 1-1/2 inches from the wall to allow a comfortable and confident grip.
  
  

Continuity

• Handrails governed by the ADA are required to be continuous and on both sides along ramps and stairs so that they may be effective in aiding a user's balance at any point. Additionally, regulations require handrails to extend beyond a flight of steps or ramps on the top and bottom (a minimum of 12 inches) to aid in the approach and exit of such areas.
  
  

Safety

• In addition to aiding one's balance, handrails must not otherwise pose a danger to individuals. The ADA requires that handrails not protrude into the path of travel. The ends of handrails must be rounded or turn into an adjacent wall. If that is not possible, railis must turn down and extend to the ground.