What features should be provided alongside stairs and ramps to ensure safety?

Handrails are an essential safety feature to be provided alongside stairs and ramps. They serve multiple critical functions: they offer support and stability to individuals as they navigate inclined surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Handrails should be positioned at a specific height and designed to be graspable, which facilitates their use for people of varying heights and abilities, including those with mobility issues.

The absence of handrails can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly in settings where there is a high volume of foot traffic or where the stairs or ramps are utilized by individuals with disabilities. Building codes often stipulate the inclusion of handrails as a mandatory feature for compliance with safety regulations, thereby enforcing a standard that promotes public safety amid diverse user needs.

Treads are the horizontal part of stairs where people step, and while they are important for safety, they do not provide the necessary support like handrails. Ramps themselves are a form of access but do not inherently ensure safety without accompanying features. Guardrails serve a different purpose, primarily aimed at preventing falls from elevated areas rather than providing assistance for hand mobility on stairs and ramps. Hence, handrails are the critical safety feature that addresses the need for stable support.