Switzerland: Safety standards for retrofitting staircase railings

In Switzerland, retrofitting staircase railings requires careful consideration of structural integrity and compliance with local regulations. A successful installation must ensure that forces are reliably transferred to the building through suitable fastenings and a functional handrail.

Key technical distinctions must be made between a handrail, which assists with balance, and a railing, which serves as a fall protection element. Planning should account for specific Swiss standards, such as SIA 358 for railings and SIA 500 for barrier-free buildings. According to the BFU, a minimum height of 90 centimeters is generally required for railings on staircases, while protective elements on walkable surfaces should be 100 centimeters high.