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RailEX FRP Handrail Brackets for Retrofits
Overview
This Tech Talk Tuesday session introduces two new handrail bracket solutions from Treadwell, designed to make RailEX FRP handrail installations easier on retrofit, upgrade and remediation projects. The webinar focuses on situations where existing structures were originally designed around traditional steel handrail systems, creating challenges when switching to FRP handrails.
The first solution is a new side mount offset bracket, designed to adapt the RailEX four bolt mounting pad to a common two bolt side mounted steel stanchion pattern. The second solution is an adjustable top mount bracket for stair stringer handrail, designed for 30 to 45 degree stair angles and supplied as an off the shelf alternative to bespoke fabricated brackets.
The session also includes a practical reminder on AS 1657 handrail compliance, especially the need for proprietary handrail systems to be reviewed by an engineer and tested in a NATA approved laboratory where they do not follow the standard material configurations listed in Appendix A. Treadwell positions its broader FRP solutions around practical calculations, data and application specific support, with FRP products used across mining, oil and gas, rail, utilities, water and wastewater, food and beverage, and public infrastructure sectors.
Key Benefits
Designed for retrofit handrail projects
Many industrial structures were originally designed for steel handrail stanchions, with existing bolt hole patterns, stringer details and mounting positions already fixed. The new RailEX bracket solutions are designed to help retrofit FRP handrails onto these structures with fewer site modifications.
Reduced need for hot works and redrilling
The side mount offset bracket can adapt the RailEX four bolt mounting pattern to a standard two bolt side offset stanchion pattern. This can help avoid redrilling existing structures, hot works permits, mag drilling, site welding, coating repair and other disruptive site activities.
Improved compatibility with existing steel handrail layouts
The bracket has been designed around commonly used steel handrail mounting patterns, making it easier to replace traditional steel handrails with RailEX FRP systems on existing platforms, walkways and industrial structures.
Helps manage dissimilar metal concerns
The side mount offset spacer bracket is made from FRP, which helps reduce concerns around stainless steel brackets being in direct contact with mild steel structures. This is useful where dissimilar metal contact and corrosion risk need to be managed during a retrofit.
Off the shelf top mount solution for stair stringers
Previously, top mounted FRP handrail on stair stringers often required bespoke project specific brackets. The new adjustable top mount bracket provides a standard off the shelf option, reducing custom fabrication, cost and lead time.
Adjustable for common stair angles
The top mount bracket is designed for 30 to 45 degree stair angles, aligning with the stair angle range discussed in relation to AS 1657. This allows the bracket to work with RailEX adjustable fittings for stair handrail applications.
Bolted installation with stanchion locking
The top mount bracket uses a bolted connection, and the stanchion is locked at the correct angle using a screw. This gives installers a practical method for setting the handrail angle on site while maintaining a robust connection.
Supports safer, more practical FRP upgrades
By reducing the need for custom brackets and invasive site works, the new products can make FRP handrail upgrades more practical for industrial access structures, especially where shutdown time, coating protection and site safety are important.
Backed by FRP application expertise
Treadwell states that it has been established since 1994 and provides FRP solutions across diverse sectors, with offices and warehouses across Australia and New Zealand and a focus on practical project support from drawing through to delivery.
Applications
Retrofit handrail replacement on existing structures
The new RailEX side mount offset bracket is suited to projects where existing steel handrails are being replaced with FRP handrails and the structure already has a traditional two bolt side mounted stanchion pattern.
Side mounted handrail on channels, U sections and beams
The bracket can be mounted to the side of a channel, U section or similar support where the handrail needs to be offset to clear the top leg of a channel, the flange of an I beam or other structural projections.
Projects where redrilling is not practical
The webinar specifically highlights that redrilling existing structures in situ may not be practical due to hot works permits, drilling equipment requirements, coating repairs or access constraints. The bracket helps reduce these issues by adapting to existing bolt patterns where suitable.
Stair stringer handrail upgrades
The adjustable top mount bracket is designed for stair stringer applications where handrail is mounted to the top of the stringer, commonly on C channels or similar sections. It replaces the need for custom fabricated brackets in many 30 to 45 degree stair applications.
Industrial stairs requiring adjustable handrail angles
Since the top mount bracket can be adjusted between 30 and 45 degrees, it is suitable for common industrial staircases where the stair pitch may vary across existing assets.
Mild steel structures requiring isolation strategies
The webinar notes that the top mount bracket is made from 316 stainless steel. Where the supporting structure is mild steel, Treadwell can discuss isolation methods to reduce dissimilar metal issues.
Projects requiring AS 1657 handrail compliance review
The session explains that proprietary handrail systems, including FRP systems, need to be reviewed and tested where they do not use the material configurations in Appendix A of AS 1657. This makes the bracket system relevant to designers, contractors and asset owners who need documented compliance rather than informal assumptions.
Mining, utilities, rail, water and industrial access environments
Treadwell’s FRP systems are used across industries including mining and mineral processing, oil and gas, rail and utilities, water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, and public infrastructure. These are the types of environments where corrosion resistant handrail upgrades and retrofit bracket solutions can be especially valuable.
Sites where FRP cutting and dust control are required
During the Q&A, the presenter explains that FRP is regarded as a non hazardous material by WorkSafe in the context discussed, but that dust should still not be inhaled. Suggested controls include wet cutting, vacuum dust extraction or a P2 dust mask, with Treadwell’s MSDS available through its resource centre.
Key Moments
- 00:17 👋 Welcome to Tech Talk Tuesday at Trevail, discussing new handrail innovations.
- 01:55 🔧 Focus on retrofit solutions for existing steel handrail structures using FRP systems.
- 02:36 ⚠️ Challenges include mismatched bolt patterns and top-mounted stair stringer installations.
- 03:59 🛠️ Two new off-the-shelf products introduced to speed up installations and reduce costs.
- 04:27 📏 Side mount offset bracket adapts RailX to standard two-bolt patterns and eliminates dissimilar metals issues.
- 06:31 ✅ Bracket enables easy retrofits with no hot works, redrilling, or custom fabrication needed.
- 07:12 🔄 Adjustable top mount bracket (ATMB) offers 30-45° angle flexibility for stair handrails.
- 08:09 💪 ATMB is a robust, cast 316 SS off-shelf solution matching common steel mounting patterns.
- 09:46 📋 AS 1657 requires engineer review and NATA lab testing for proprietary handrail systems.
- 12:19 📧 Request test reports from suppliers to confirm AS 1657 compliance.
Why Treadwell?
Treadwell understands that many real projects are not new builds with ideal mounting conditions. This webinar focuses on the practical reality of upgrades, retrofits and remediation, where existing steel structures, bolt hole patterns, stair stringers, coatings and access limitations all influence whether an FRP handrail system can be installed efficiently.
The new RailEX side mount offset bracket and adjustable top mount stair bracket show Treadwell’s approach to product development: solving site based installation problems, reducing unnecessary custom fabrication and helping project teams transition from traditional steel handrails to corrosion resistant FRP systems with less disruption.
Treadwell also places emphasis on compliance and testing. The session reminds specifiers that proprietary handrail systems should be backed by engineering review and laboratory testing to AS 1657 requirements where applicable, and that suppliers should be able to provide relevant test reports. This gives engineers, contractors and asset owners more confidence that the handrail system is not only easier to install, but also properly supported from a compliance perspective.
With experience dating back to 1994, offices and warehouses across Australia and New Zealand, and FRP products installed across industrial, infrastructure and public access environments, Treadwell can support handrail projects from product selection and bracket detailing through to drawings, delivery, installation guidance and project specific technical advice.
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*Disclaimer
The information on this page is derived from webinar content and AI-assisted transcription and summarisation. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, minor inaccuracies may occur. We recommend viewing the original webinar recording for context.
