The Future of Safety: Why GRP Handrails are Revolutionising Industrial Applications
In the industrial world, safety is non-negotiable. Whether you’re working in a chemical plant, an offshore rig, or a commercial building, ensuring that your team and visitors are protected is paramount. One key safety feature that has seen significant technological advancement in recent years is the handrail system. Traditional materials like steel and wood have clear limitations when it comes to longevity, corrosion resistance, and maintenance. This is what makes GRP handrail systems a game-changer in modern construction and industrial safety solutions.
What are GRP Handrails?
GRP handrails are made from Glass Reinforced Plastic, a composite material composed of a plastic matrix reinforced with fine fibres of glass. This combination creates a lightweight yet incredibly strong material that offers a wide range of advantages over traditional handrail materials like metal and wood. The GRP manufacturing process ensures that the material is highly resistant to corrosion, impact, and environmental damage, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Key Benefits of GRP Handrails
Corrosion Resistance
One of the standout benefits of GRP handrails is their unparalleled resistance to corrosion. Unlike metal, GRP does not rust or degrade when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as saltwater, chemicals, or extreme weather. This makes GRP an ideal choice for industries that operate in challenging environments, including marine applications, chemical plants, and wastewater treatment facilities.
Low Maintenance
Traditional handrails, particularly those made from metal or wood, require regular maintenance to prevent rust, corrosion, or rot. GRP, on the other hand, is virtually maintenance-free. Once installed, it requires minimal upkeep, saving both time and money over its lifespan. This is particularly advantageous in large industrial or commercial installations where routine maintenance can be costly and time-consuming.
Lightweight but Strong
GRP handrails are surprisingly lightweight, making them easier to install and transport. Despite their low weight, they are extremely strong and durable. They offer high tensile strength and are impact-resistant, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of industrial environments without compromising safety. This combination of lightweight construction and robust durability provides a practical advantage over heavier alternatives like steel, which can be cumbersome and more expensive to install.
Non-Conductive
GRP is an excellent choice for industries where electrical safety is a concern. It is a non-conductive material, making it safe for use in environments where there is a risk of electrical exposure.
DDA Compliant
DDA-compliant handrails are critical in public spaces like train stations, bus depots, and airports, where accessibility is a legal requirement. Relinea’s DDA Compliant handrail ensure that passengers of all abilities can navigate platforms, ramps, and staircases safely.
Slip Resistance
Safety isn’t just about the strength or durability of handrails; it’s also about preventing accidents. GRP handrails are designed with slip-resistant properties, even when exposed to wet, oily, or icy conditions. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents in hazardous environments, ensuring the safety of workers and visitors.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond their functional advantages, GRP handrails also offer a sleek, modern appearance. The colour of GRP handrails is also long-lasting, resisting fading or discoloration, even when exposed to UV rays or harsh chemicals.
Cost-Effectiveness
With virtually no maintenance costs, a long lifespan, and resistance to environmental damage, GRP handrails prove to be more cost-effective over time, offering a high return on investment.
Applications of GRP Handrails
The versatility of GRP handrails means they can be used in a wide range of industries. Below are some of the most common applications:
Industrial & Chemical Plants
GRP handrails are ideal for use in industrial and chemical plants, where exposure to corrosive chemicals and extreme temperatures is common. Traditional metal handrails would quickly corrode in such environments, but GRP handrails provide a durable, maintenance-free alternative. Their non-corrosive properties make them perfect for these aggressive settings.
Marine & Offshore Applications
The maritime industry presents some of the harshest conditions for materials, with constant exposure to saltwater, wind, and waves. GRP handrails’ ability to resist corrosion, rust, and environmental wear makes them an excellent choice for offshore platforms, ports, ships, and coastal facilities. They provide long-lasting performance where metal handrails would quickly deteriorate.
Water Treatment Facilities
In water treatment plants, where moisture and chemicals are constantly present, traditional handrails would corrode rapidly. GRP’s moisture resistance ensures that handrails will not rust or degrade, even when exposed to water for prolonged periods. Additionally, GRP’s non-conductive properties make it a safe choice in environments where electrical hazards may be present.
Public Infrastructure
GRP handrail systems are becoming increasingly popular in public infrastructure projects, such as bridges, walkways, and parks. Their lightweight nature allows for easier installation on large-scale projects, and their long-lasting durability ensures they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for years with minimal upkeep.
Oil & Gas Industry
Oil and gas operations, particularly those in offshore and remote locations, face extremely challenging environments. GRP handrails resistance to chemical exposure, corrosion, and high temperatures makes them an ideal solution for both onshore and offshore oil platforms, refineries, and pipelines.
Transportation & Railways
In the transportation and railway sectors, safety and durability are of the utmost importance. As GRP handrails are non conductive, they are an excellent solution for railway stations, pedestrian overpasses, and public transport terminals. The slip-resistant surface also makes them a safe option for busy, high-traffic areas.
Commercial Buildings
GRP handrails are not limited to heavy-duty industrial applications—they’re also a great choice for commercial buildings. Whether in office spaces, retail complexes, or residential developments, GRP handrails provide a clean, modern aesthetic while offering all the durability and safety features required for public and private spaces.
Schools and Colleges
Educational Institutions Schools, colleges, and universities must also provide accessible pathways for students, staff, and visitors. Relinea’s DDA Compliant GRP handrail systems ensure that these facilities are inclusive, safe, and compliant with all regulations.
Hospitals and Clinics
Healthcare Facilities In hospitals, clinics, and care homes, accessible handrails are essential for supporting patients with limited mobility. Relinea’s DDA-compliant handrails provide the strength and support required in these environments, while also being easy to clean and maintain in hygiene-sensitive areas.
Conclusion
GRP handrails represent a significant evolution in safety and structural design. Their unique combination of corrosion resistance, durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal makes them a superior alternative to traditional handrail materials in almost any environment. Whether for industrial plants, marine environments, or commercial buildings, GRP handrails offer a long-lasting, cost-effective solution that enhances both safety and design.
Talk to the experts:
At Relinea, we are proud to offer high-quality, custom GRP handrail systems tailored to meet the unique needs of your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you implement the best safety solutions for your environment. Call us today on 02894470010, email info@relinea.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you.
