01
Graspable, continuous runs
Tubular profiles and continuous rails give a proper grip along the whole route rather than breaking at every post.
Commercial handrail systems
Handrails in Essex
Accessible handrail systems for ramps, steps and approach routes, fabricated and installed for schools, public buildings and commercial premises across Essex.
Commercial fencing installation across Essex and surrounding areas
Typical applications
Ramps, external steps, entrances and approach routes
Construction
Tubular steel handrail, welded and fabricated to the run
Detailing
Continuous grip, returned ends, contrasting finish
Finish
Galvanised and powder-coated to the building's colour scheme
Overview
Handrails people can actually use
A handrail on a ramp or a flight of external steps is used by people who need it to move safely, so the detail matters more than the appearance. A graspable profile, a continuous run without interruptions, and ends that return rather than stopping in mid-air are what make it usable, and those are exactly the details a generic railing bolted along a slope tends to miss.
Access routes also need the rail to be readable. A finish that contrasts with the wall, floor or surrounding surfaces helps people with limited vision find and follow it, which is why handrails on public buildings are usually powder-coated in a strong colour rather than left galvanised. We fabricate to the run so the rail follows the ramp and landing geometry continuously instead of being pieced together from standard lengths.
Most of our handrail work sits on sites where the surroundings dictate the specification: a school entrance route, a ramped approach to a public building, a stepped access between car park levels, or a commercial premises upgrading an existing entrance. In each case the rail has to be set out around the doors, gates and turning space that already exist.
On accessibility standards we are straightforward. Heights, extensions, profiles and contrast are set by Building Regulations Part M and BS 8300 and, on a project of any size, by the designer or access consultant. We fabricate and install to the specification given, and where none exists we build to standard accessible handrail detailing and say plainly what we have followed.
Applications
Where handrails are installed
Accessible handrails are needed wherever a level change sits on a route people have to use to reach a building.
- 01Ramped approaches to school and public buildings
- 02External steps and stepped entrances
- 03Car park level changes and walkway routes
- 04Reception and entrance approach routes
- 05Landings and intermediate ramp sections
- 06Existing entrances being upgraded for access
Why it works
Built to solve the problems commercial boundaries actually have.
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Fabricated to the geometry
Rails are made to follow the ramp, landing and step arrangement instead of forcing standard lengths onto a site.
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Visually contrasting finish
Powder-coated colours are chosen to stand out from the wall and floor so the rail is easy to see and follow.
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Built to the given specification
Where a designer or access consultant has set heights, extensions and profiles, we fabricate and install to that specification.
Specification
Options and specification
Profile, height, extensions and finish are confirmed against the route, the level change and any access specification for the project.
Handrail construction
- Tubular steel handrail
- Welded fabrication to the run
- Continuous rail over landings
- Returned or closed ends
Arrangement
- Single or double-height rails
- Extensions beyond the top and bottom
- Intermediate landing rails
- Set out around doors and gates
Fixings
- Core-drilled and grouted posts
- Bolt-down base plates on hard surfaces
- Wall-mounted brackets where suitable
- Fixings selected for the substrate
Finishes
- Hot-dip galvanised
- Polyester powder-coated colours
- Contrasting colour for visibility
- Matching guardrails and railings
Final specification is confirmed following a site survey.
Our process
The Pro Fencing installation process.
Site assessment
We inspect the boundary, access, ground conditions and operational requirements.
Specification
We recommend a suitable fencing system, height, finish and gate configuration.
Installation planning
The work is coordinated to minimise disruption and maintain safe site access.
Professional installation
The fencing and gates are installed carefully, checked and left with a clean, consistent finish.
Assessment to installation
Specification enquiry
Discuss your handrail requirements
Send us the ramp or step arrangement, or let us come and measure it. Pro Fencing can fabricate and install accessible handrails to an access specification where one exists, or set out a sensible arrangement where the requirement is simply to make an existing entrance safe and usable.
Why Pro Fencing
The right system starts with the site.
We assess how the boundary needs to perform before recommending a fencing system, finish or gate configuration.
Commercial specialists
Fencing for industrial, educational, commercial and public environments.
Specified for the site
Recommendations based on the boundary, ground, access and security requirement.
Planned around operations
Installation coordinated to maintain safe access and minimise disruption.
Clear from start to finish
A defined route from site survey and specification through to installation.
Our work
Coverage
Commercial fencing installation across Essex
Pro Fencing supplies and installs commercial fencing systems throughout Essex. We work with businesses, schools, contractors, sports facilities and public-sector organisations, providing site-specific fencing and gate solutions for new installations, upgrades and boundary replacements.
- Brentwood
- Basildon
- Chelmsford
- Billericay
- Benfleet
- Southend-on-Sea
- Rayleigh
- Wickford
- Grays
- Thurrock
- Romford
- Epping
- Harlow
- Colchester
FAQs
Questions we are asked on site.
Compliance comes from the detail: a graspable profile, a continuous rail along the run, correct heights, extensions beyond the top and bottom of the slope or steps, and a finish that contrasts visually with the surroundings. The governing requirements are Building Regulations Part M and BS 8300, and on larger projects the specific figures come from the designer or access consultant.
Yes. Where heights, profiles, extensions and finishes have been specified, we fabricate and install to that specification. Where nothing has been specified, we build to standard accessible handrail detailing and tell you what we have followed so it can be checked.
In most cases, yes. The practical questions are what the rail can be fixed into and whether there is room for the extensions at the top and bottom. We check the substrate and the surrounding levels on site, then choose between core-drilled posts, base plates and wall fixings.
Something that contrasts with the wall and floor behind it, because visual contrast is part of what makes the rail usable. Many schools and public buildings choose a strong colour that also matches an existing scheme; we powder-coat to the colour you need rather than leaving the rail galvanised.
Usually yes. Where a site already has railings in a particular colour and profile, we fabricate the handrails to sit with them so the finished route looks like part of the building rather than an addition. Bring us a photo and a measurement and we will confirm what can be matched.
We install handrails throughout Essex and the surrounding areas, including Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Wickford, Rayleigh, Grays, Thurrock, Southend-on-Sea, Romford, Harlow and Colchester. Larger schemes beyond the county are also worth discussing.
Get started
Planning a commercial fencing project?
Talk to Pro Fencing about your site, security requirements and installation timeframe. We can assess the boundary and recommend a suitable solution.