do glass balustrades need a handrail

Handrail requirements for glass balustrades depend on whether the glass panel itself qualifies as a graspable rail and on specific code mandates. Many building codes allow a glass balustrade over 1,100 mm tall to function without a separate handrail, assuming the top edge is smooth and within ergonomic reach. On stairways and ramps, however, regulations typically require a continuous round or rectangular handrail 34–38 inches (864–965 mm) above the nosing, which glass alone cannot fulfill. Archsky’s hybrid profiles integrate an aluminum handrail that clips onto the glass top channel, combining safety compliance with minimalist aesthetics. Always consult your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine when a separate handrail is obligatory for your glass balustrade installation.