A rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support.
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A handrail is a rail that is designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide safety or support. In Britain, handrails are referred to as banisters. Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending stairways and escalators in order to prevent injurious falls, and to provide bodily support in bathrooms or similar areas. Handrails are typically supported by balusters or attached to walls.
Similar items not covered in this article include bathroom handrails—which help to prevent falls on slippery, wet floors—other grab bars, used, for instance, in ships' galleys, and barres, which serve as training aids for ballet dancers. Guard rails and balustrades line drop-offs and other dangerous areas, keeping people and vehicles out.
English
Etymology
From hand + rail.
Pronunciation
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhændˌɹeɪl/
Noun
handrail (plural handrails)
- A rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard.
- A moving continuous belt-like rail on either side of an escalator which users can hold on to for support.
Derived terms
Translations
See also
Anagrams
- hard nail
