What is a stairrail system designed to do?

A stairrail system is designed primarily to prevent employees from falling to lower levels. This safety feature is essential in construction and other work sites where changes in elevation occur. By providing a physical barrier along the open sides of a stairway, stairrails help contain individuals who may lose their balance or trip, significantly reducing the risk of injury from falls.

While stairrails can offer some limited support when holding onto them while ascending or descending, their primary purpose is not structural support. They do not guide individuals to the correct exit or enhance aesthetic appearances, as those elements are secondary considerations in the design of stair rail systems. The focus remains on employee safety, making the prevention of falls the core function of a stairrail system.