GRP Handrails | GRP Handrail & GRP Clamp Manufacturer & Supplier

GRP Key Clamps - GRP Handrails

Captrad Composites modular handrail system consists of a 50mm GRP pultruded tube in 5m lengths that fit exactly into the comprehensive range of matching GRP moulded fittings. The fittings connect to the tube with bolts passing through both parts of the fitting and the tube. The bolt head and the nut recess into the fitting so there are no exposed edges to catch the hand of the user.

The handrail system has been independently tested by the Engineering Dept at Lancaster University. Their tests confirm that the handrail system meets all the requirements of BS4592:0 2006+A1 2012 Industrial flooring, stairs and handrails for the general duty (0.36kN/m). We recommend a maximum span between stanchion centres of 1.25m.

The modular handrail system offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional metallic materials (stainless steel or galvanized mild steel).

The system offers benefits in:

Very easy to install - simple to cut to length, easy to drill with hand tools - no need to seal cut ends

Special bolt set where both the bolt head and nut recess within the moulding reducing the risk of hands or clothing catching on exposed fixing

Excellent corrosion and weather resistance - no concerns about damage to any coating leading to corrosion

Light weight (1/4 of the weight of steel) so much easier to manhandle to limited access sites

Very low thermal conductivity - seen as warm to the touch compared to steel

No recycle value so much reduced risk of theft

Electrically non-conductive

Available in colours yellow and grey as standard - other colours could be made to order

Download The GRP Key Clamp Handrails Brochure

Download The GRP Handrail Modular

Operating Temperature Range

The maximum continuous operating temperature is 90oC but short term exposure up to 130oC will not affect the handrail mechanical properties. Made from fully cured cross-linked thermosetting resins, the handrail system does not soften or distort at the maximum operating temperatures and is not embrittled by low temperatures and can be safely used down to -50oC.

Service Life & Maintenance

The modular handrail system will have a design life of +20 years in normal industrial environments. Some fading of colour shade will take place over time but this does not affect the structural performance of the handrail system. Little or no maintenance is expected to be required over the service life but minor damage can be repaired by sanding off any exposed fibre. and painting with good quality paint (epoxy or PU paints recommended).

Cutting, Drilling & Machining

Diamond tipped saws blades are recommended for cutting the handrail tubes and toe plate but abrasive disc cutters can also be used. Drilling requires only hand tools with conventional HSS drills. The dust generated is non-toxic but can be a skin irritant. Suitable dust extraction should be used to minimize airborne dust and operators equipped with suitable protective clothing. A safety data sheet is available on request.

Chemical Resistance

The modular handrail system exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals including acids, alkalis, fresh and saltwater, ethylene glycol, petrol and other fuel oils. It is not recommended for extended exposure to concentrated acids or alkalis.

Technical Description

The tube is used for the stanchions, handrail and knee rail. Both the tube and the Toe plate (Kickboard) are made by the pultrusion process giving a very high strength to weight ratio with the polyester surface veil backed by continuous strand mat giving excellent resistance to weathering and the scuff, scratches on normal industrial use. The moulded fittings are all made by hot-pressed moulding in metal tools giving excellent dimensional consistency and a good surface finish. Our modular handrail system meets the requirements of BS4592:0 2006+A1 2012 Industrial Flooring, Stairs and Handrails for General Duty (0.36kN/m). Our modular handrail system exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, fresh and saltwater, ethylene glycol, petrol and other fuel oils. It is not recommended for extensive exposure to acids and alkalis. The handrail also complies with BS1422-3 Stairs, Stepladders and Guardrails. The full range of the modular handrail system is available in safety yellow and a more limited range in a steel grey colour.

Raw Materials

All the raw materials used to make the modular handrail system comply with the relevant ISO or EN product specification standards. The pultruded tube and toe plate are made with a high-grade isophthalic polyester resin reinforced with E glass fibre roving, woven fabric and continuous filament mat and include a polyester surface veil. The moulded fittings are made from a proprietary sheet moulding compound which includes chopped E glass fibre, isophthalic polyester resin and mineral filler.