Handrails are railings used on stairways and escalators. They're designed to be grasped by the hand while ascending or descending the stairs. They're supported by posts or fixed directly to a wall. Handrail dimensions (USA) Handrails are in place to provide guidance. Various model codes -- The International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-- and accessibility standards -- ANSI A117.1 and the Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) --… (More on Handrail)