FRP is a type of fiberglass immensely in use these days; from stair rails to platforms and walkways, from guardrails to commercial railing systems, this material can be used for various purposes. Pultruded fiberglass and thermoplastic connectors are two major components which are used to prepare FRP handrails. Petrochemical, shipping, water purification and offshore plants are some of the industries where FRP handrails are used.
What are the types of FRP handrails?
FRP handrails are available in various shapes and sizes. You can install these at any place, like landings, staircases, walkways and escape routes as these are available in
Special ergonomic designs
These are different from the below mentioned FRP handrails with an oval shape. While the top rail is oval to provide great comfort, the post and the mid rail are square. In this kind of handrails the pedestal can be molded or shaped as per the requirement.
Standard box designs
These are square tubes which round mid-rails. The FRP handrails of this kind generally come with molded pedestals but can be customized as per user need.
Heavy duty
These are meant to withstand high levels of pressure with squared top rails, post and mid rails. The kick plates are ribbed while the pedestals are molded or shaped as per user instruction.
Light duty
These have squared top rails with squared posts and rounded mid rails. The kick plates are ribbed while the pedestals are either FRP molded or custom designed as per user specification.
Why is FRP used to manufacture handrails?
FRP handrails are preferred over other materials due to the following factors-
Anti-corrosive
FRP is a rust free product and hence perfect for use in industrial, chemical and wastewater treatment plants. Anticorrosion also makes FRP best for the water treatment in urban municipalities and also for salt water treatment.
Strong
Be it water, chemicals or extremely high or low temperatures, FRP handrails can be used under any circumstances. These handrails come with high strength but low weight and hence can be easily dragged from one place to another without using much manual labor. FRP handrails are also strong against fire and short circuits. These are fire retardant and do not get tender or melt easily when exposed to high heat conditions. So in one line, FRP handrails are rust free, non-sparking, and non-conductive and do not catch fire easily.
User Friendly
When using FRP handrails there are no chances of caught gloves or snags. These handrails can easily link up with flush, ladders and ramps. You can easily assemble the FRP handrails right on the site and the top manufacturers of these ensure that every handrail meets the standard size for posts and railings. Workers can install FRP handrails without using any heavy lifting equipment.
Last but not the least; do check whether the FRP handrails you are buying meet the OSHA standards. Choose one which matches the severity of the environment under which it will be used to get the best performance.