What are crash rails, exactly? If you are new to construction and facilities management, you might encounter confusion when trying to dissect the difference between crash rails, wall guards, and handrails. In truth, these product categories are very similar to one another. However, subtle differences between size, materials, and application ultimately define one from another.
3 Things to Consider When Buying Crash Rails
As the name implies, crash rails are thick protectors that extend horizontally along a wall to prevent carts, light machinery and personnel from causing damage during daily operations and maintenance. Crash rails extend outward and away from the wall, creating a buffer that stops incoming objects before the have a chance to hit and damage the surface of the wall. Crash rails are available in a few different materials, depending on a few of the following variables:
Location: Where is the crash rail located? If located in a manufacturing facility or garage, a heavy-duty steel rail is likely the best option. If used along a lightly trafficked hallway or corridor, however, a softer material like vinyl may suffice.
Protection: What is the crash rail protecting against? If the hallway is trafficked mostly by facility personnel or guests, a softer crash rail is ideal (also available with handrails for use as walking aid). If the corridor is used primarily to transport heavy loads of materials, a steel crash rail is a better option.
Aesthetics: To what degree does the crash rail have to match interior design? In some cases, crash rails may be available in up to 60 unique colors, providing enormous flexibility to color coordinate. Other crash rails, like our Wichita® Crash Rail, are available in stainless steel only.
Now, let’s explore 3 additional categories of wall protection that related to crash rails.
Wall Guards
Wall guards is a broader term used to describe a variety of different guards, railings, and bumpers that can be used to protect walls from damaging impact. In fact, a crash guard is a type of wall guard. To browse a full selection, readers are invited to visit our wall guard online store.
Handrails
It is not uncommon for handrails to be referred to as wall guards, because many handrails are built to withstand impact and protect walls. However, it’s important to note that handrails serve a very specific purpose: To assist with walking, both along flat corridors as well as up and down stairs. Handrails are most commonly available in vinyl or wood.
Hybrid Crash Rails with Handrails
For environments where both walking assistance and wall protection are high priorities, special hybrid crash rails with handrails are available to improve both safety and wall protection. Three of our most popular crash rails with handrails include:
Crash Rail Consultation
Looking for crash rails for an upcoming project or facility retrofit? Call Wall And Corner Guard for a complimentary product consultation. Our service professionals represent the business’s most experienced team, available to you at 1-800-342-0424.