Handrails, Guardrails, and Railings
Preventing Falls from Elevated Areas
Secure your space: handrails, guardrails and railings for enhanced safety
Handrails—also known as guardrails or safety railings—are essential for preventing falls in elevated work areas and restricting access to hazardous zones. W.W. Cannon provides heavy-duty, OSHA-compliant railing systems designed to enhance safety, maintain balance, and prevent workplace injuries. Our solutions also support ADA accessibility standards, ensuring both protection and inclusivity in public or industrial environments.
Handrails, Guardrails, and Railings
What’s the difference between handrails and guardrails?
Guardrails, also known as standard railings, are critical fall protection systems used on elevated surfaces to prevent falls, restrict access to hazardous areas, and protect workers near steps, platforms, landings, and rooftops. Made up of top rails, midrails, posts, and optional toeboards, guardrails are engineered as life-saving barriers that comply with OSHA standards and are often used to protect both personnel and equipment in industrial environments.
Handrails are support systems designed to assist safe movement—not serve as life-saving barriers like guardrails. Typically mounted along stairs, ramps, and walkways, handrails provide stability for employees and visitors navigating elevation changes, especially those with mobility concerns. Per OSHA 1910.23 and 1910.24, handrails are required on stairways with four or more risers and must be shaped for a secure grasp, spaced a minimum of 2.25″ from adjacent surfaces, and free of projection hazards. Proper handrail placement is essential for safe access across stairways, doorways, ramps, and elevated corridors.
Guardrails protect employees and visitors from fall hazards around shipping pits, loading docks, mezzanines, and other elevated work areas. Handrails provide support along stairways, ladders, and ramps, helping to prevent slips during movement. Used together, these systems create a safer workplace by addressing both edge protection and movement stability.
At W.W. Cannon, we provide complete fall protection solutions—from system selection to expert installation and ongoing service—ensuring your facility stays safe and compliant. Explore our product brochures in the Product Documents section, then contact our team for personalized guidance from our safety experts.
Product Documents
Kattsafe External Wall Mount Handrail GR33 Product Brochure
Kattsafe Internal Wall Mount Handrail GR31 Product Brochure
Kattsafe Metal Roof Mount Handrail GR32 Product Brochure
Kattsafe Non-Penetrating Handrail GR34 Product Brochure
Kattsafe Surface Mount Handrail GR36 Product Brochure
Preferred Suppliers
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