ABSTRACT
Some handrails assist individuals who have impaired strength, coordination, and/or balance. Many countries have laws requiring handrails to be available in public facilities to make the facilities accessible to people with disabilities. Handrails found on equipment, as well as architectural elements are good examples of universal design, whereby able-bodied individuals can also benefit from accommodations intended for people with impairments. Handrails are common features on heavy equipment, such as backhoes and oil trucks that require operators to climb staircases to reach the cabs or to access components that require maintenance. These handrails provide stability during work as well as prevent falls. To serve its function, a handrail must itself be accessible and readily gripped. Although handrails come in many shapes, round ones are a common breed.
