[JCGillespie]

Hi Folks,
Quick question, I emailed SteelDeck and had zero response.... I'm currently looking at spec'ing Steeldeck stag-base for a venue... Pricing & manufacture both brill, just need to know if there standard hand rails fit this product?

Cheers in advance,
James

[jonathanhill]

SteelDeck manufacture handrails in 4', 3', and 2' widths. The 4' ones are available in hire stock.

Or they certainly were, the last time I hired them was some time ago.

[brainwave-generator]

JH- that may be so, but he is asking about Stagebase, not the regular 8x4s.

Since stagebase is 2x1, I am inclined to think that 4 foot handrails would be about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

The standard steeldeck handrails will not fit Stagebase decks.

OP - if you are going to be buying a load of it, I think that your best bet would be to ring Steeldeck and ask. It may be that even if they don't have something in stock to fit, if you are buying a significant quantity for install, that they will build you something to fit. I am sure that Steeldeck will have a fabrications department in house.

[Giles Favell]

Compliant rails for Stagebase (and ALL low profile) decks are a problem, because you can't simply bolt an 1100mm rail to the side an expect it to withstand 1.5kN/m without twisting the side out of the deck frame. Many companies sell any old rails that fit, but do not comply with the basic obligatory Standards. I did design some rails that got round this problem, but whether they were produced, I don't know. If you need rails, it's generally much easier to buy smaller Steeldeck with the deeper section, and then you can get fully compliant rails any size you want.

[J Pearce]

Giles, while we have an expert around, what would you think to a vertical scaff bar double clamped to the leg and then used to create a handrail using keeclamps?

It strikes me the handrail set could live permanently bolted and then just the double clamp put on as the deck is put up. I doubt it would work with deck under 2ft, but then if it's below 2ft it probably (and only probably, there are numerable exceptions) doesn't need handrails.

[Giles Favell]

Hi Jon,
Yes you can go to the legs for support - but then you need to brace the bottom of the legs, otherwise they can just slide inwards! (if you don't, you're just twisting elsewhere - at the corner post... And before anyone starts thinking about corner post to 50 x 25, or 75 x 25 weld integrity- remember that a great deal of the weld is ground back, and it's on the vulnerable edge that will tear first....)
British standards would require you to be protecting edges with falls of 400mm and over, where such things apply.

This post has been edited by Giles Favell: 30 May 2012 - 08:43 AM

[JCGillespie]

Hi All,
Thanks for the advice. It would appear my question wasn't so black and white. Taking all into account I think I will spec Steekdeck'proper, the normal hand rails aren't unreasonably priced, so it probably a better fuller solution.

Thanks again,
J

[Tom]

Steeldeck are mighty busy at the moment so you might want to try them again after the weekend.

For the record, Steeldeck are supplying (hire) me with imperial sized Stagebase c/w hand rails which would seem to contradict (or confirm) a few of then posts above.

T

[Giles Favell]

Speak to them about the loadings... They may well have sorted the problem... Richard is the boss there. I should be delighted if they are sorted. It may be, for instance they can now squeeze 1kN/m out of them, but the more information that is out there- the better!

[timd]

Where's this kN/m unit come from? Do you mean a moment of 1kNm about the deck surface?

[Giles Favell]

In most instances ( areas to which building and other regulations apply) it's not enough to have a 'handrail' - there needs to be some measure of how strong that handrail needs to be, according to its location, the usage, and the likely occupancy. The strength is set out in lateral load in exerted kN per linear metres at a calculated height of 1100mm. The arrangement of infil panels or rails and strength thereof is also specified , together with toe boards.
A handrail that is too weak for its purpose can lead to disaster (like a normal pit rail being used at a concert - when the audience rushes forward... They must always be raised and reinforced under those circumstances)
There have been cases in the USA that didn't go too well because of this.

This post has been edited by Giles Favell: 31 May 2012 - 08:33 PM