Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

Handrails

5.—(1) A handrail shall (subject to sub-paragraph (2)) be fitted in the following positions in a regulated public service vehicle–

(a) on both sides of the interior of an entrance or exit (not being an entrance or exit on the off-side of the vehicle):

(i) not more than 100mm inwards (measured from the outer edge of the step nosing of any fixed external step leading into a vehicle entrance, or, if that step is not a fixed step, from the outer edge of the lowest fixed step in that entrance) and at a height of not less than 800mm and not more than 1100mm measured vertically from the ground, with the vehicle at its minimum height if the vehicle is fitted with a kneeling system, and

(ii) in the case of any other steps leading into a vehicle, for the position appropriate to a particular step, at not more than 600mm (measured horizontally and inwards from the outer edge of the step nosing of the tread of a step or the floor of the vehicle) and at a height of not less than 800mm and not more than 1100mm measured vertically from the surface of the tread of the step; and

(b) in any gangway, above each step for use by passengers–

(i) not more than 600mm measured horizontally and inwards from the outer edge of the step nosing of the tread of a step or the floor of the vehicle, and

(ii) above this point at a height of not less than 800mm and not more than 1100mm measured vertically from the surface of the tread of the step.

(2) Where it is not practicable to comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (1)(a) on both sides of an entrance, a vehicle may, as an alternative to such requirements as they apply to one side of that entrance, be fitted with a vertical handrail in the following location–

(a) not more than 100mm measured inwards from the outer edge of the step nosing of any external step or, if an external step is not a fixed step, of the lowest fixed step in the vehicle entrance; and

(b) extending vertically from a height of not more than 800mm to a height of not less than 2000mm or, where this is not practicable due to the vehicle structure or ceiling, to the highest height that can be achieved, measured vertically from the ground with the vehicle at its minimum height if the vehicle is fitted with a kneeling system.

(3) Any handrail in a regulated public service vehicle that is fitted in order to comply with this paragraph shall comply with the following requirements–

(a) have a circular cross section with a diameter of not less than 30mm and not more than 35mm, or when fitted at either side of an entrance or exit, an oval cross section the maximum section of which is not more than 35mm and not less than 30mm, and the minimum section of which is not less than 20mm;

(b) with the exclusion of a handrail fitted in accordance with sub-paragraph (2), be not less than 800mm or more than 1900mm above the floor of the vehicle;

(c) have a clear space of not less than 45mm between any part of the vehicle and all parts of a handrail other than its mountings;

(d) have a slip-resistant surface;

(e) be capable of being easily and firmly gripped by a passenger; and

(f) contrast with the parts of the vehicle adjacent to the handrail.