FRP ENGINEERING

5 REASONS THAT FRP HANDRAILS ARE THE SAFEST CHOICE FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

FRP handrails are the smarter choice for your worksite.

While they perform the same basic function as metal handrails, their material properties deliver a host of significant benefits- especially in hazardous environments- and at a much lower cost. Check out the rest  of this blog to find out five great advantages of FRP handrails and why you should consider installing them to make your workplace a much safer site.

EASY TO WORK WITH

FRP handrails are lightweight in nature and offer a superior strength-to-weight ratio (as opposed to steel handrails), making them much easier to work with while requiring less manpower.  This means that they’re much easier, cheaper and quicker to install, repair and maintain.

RESISTANT TO RUST & CORROSION

Rust and corrosion can affect the structural integrity of your metal handrails and make them dangerous to work with. The worst thing is that you often don’t realise just how corroded your handrails are before they cause an accident or fail to prevent a fall, by which time it’s too late to do anything about the problem.

FRP handrails, on the other hand, are non-corrosive and thus won’t degrade and weaken over time. Switching to FRP handrails eradicates risks while you benefit from their longer serviceable life. This means you won’t have to maintain or replace them as often as conventional metal handrails, and this can deliver significant savings over the long term.

THERMAL & ELECTRIC INSULATORS

FRP handrails are especially beneficial in industrial areas that are exposed to high-heat or use of electrical equipment. They’re non-conductive to both heat and electricity, thus making them a much safer alternative in these hazardous environments.

FIRE RETARDANT

Exposure to high-heat environments can result in flames with traditional handrails like aluminium ones. As mentioned earlier, FRP handrails are poor thermal conductors and this lowers the risk of them catching fire.

Most FRP handrails are also tested in accordance with ASTM E-84 and have flame spread ratings below 25. Most of them also meet the ASTM D-635 self-extinguishing requirements.

LESS DOWNTIME & LOWER LIFETIME COSTS

FRP diminishes many risks that are associated with traditional metal handrails because they don’t get overheated and are durable and lightweight. This means that they’re especially helpful in reducing both installation costs and ongoing downtime.

The fact that they require less maintenance and are extremely resistant to exposure means that they incur significantly lower lifetime costs.

If you want to make sure that your worksite is as safe as possible, then replacing your current handrails with FRP ones is a great first step. Their lightweight and durable nature means that they’re perfect for handling the hazardous and trying conditions found in many industrial settings.

Not sure if your current handrails are capable of delivering the performance of FRP handrails?  Wondering whether you need an upgrade to protect yourself and your staff? Why not send us an image of your handrail for a free inspection? Get in touch with us to find out more.