Railing — Glossary entry
Category: Glossary entry
Lateral balustrade of a staircase providing fall protection and a walking aid.
The railing is the upright lateral enclosure of stair flights, landings and floor openings. It has a dual function: it prevents falls and simultaneously provides support when walking. A railing typically consists of vertical newel posts or balusters, an infill (balusters, glass, metal mesh, timber panels) and a top handrail. Under DIN 18065, the minimum height is 90 cm for fall heights up to 12 m, and 110 cm above. On stairs that may be used by children under four years of age, the clear spacing of balusters or openings must not exceed 12 cm, to prevent slipping through. Special forms include the parapet railing on a solid parapet wall, railing-bearing stairs where the railing is structurally active, and transparent constructions in laminated safety glass. Requirements, structural design and execution follow DIN 18065 in conjunction with the respective state building code.
Related terms
Related terms: Handrail, Fall Protection, Fall Height, Child Safety on Stairs (Overview), Railing-Supported Stair, Stairwell Void.