Did you know that fiberglass started to be commercially produced in 1936? Fiberglass has come a long way since then, and it has produced a variety of other materials. Fiberglass-reinforced polymer is a common example.
Handrail systems are starting to use more durable materials like fiberglass or FRP. This is because these materials will withstand the test of time without sustaining much damage. But what are the unique advantages of these fiberglass handrails?
How are fiberglass-enforced polymer handrails different from other material options? Keep reading and learn more about these unique and durable materials below.
1. Resistant to Corrosion
Corrosion will affect most materials at some point. Most traditional metals are especially vulnerable to corrosion. This can be dangerous when using handrail systems in factories and other industrial areas.
A decaying handrail could be a serious health hazard. You never know when it might come loose or sustain damage that makes it difficult to function as it’s supposed to. But you won’t have to deal with that when you use a fiberglass polymer hand railing.
While FRP is still a relatively new material, it has grown in popularity in recent years. This is why more industrial companies and industries are starting to use it more for handrails and other objects.
The point of a handrail is to make an area safer. But this isn’t possible with corroding, old-fashioned handrails. Modern FRP handrails are much more reliable and will last many years longer than traditional options.
This also saves money since there will be no need to replace the railings as often.
2. Extreme Strength and Load Capacity
Fiberglass is one of the strongest materials used across many industries. Fiberglass-enforced polymer is even stronger. Handrails have to be as strong as possible for several reasons. They are there to keep people from falling from their current area.
They are also there for preventing things from outside that area from entering the space where people might be. You never know when someone or something might fall on top of one of the railings.
This might damage a traditional railing, but not FRP options. FRP railings are ideal for making sure a certain area remains very secure. This material is also famous for its load-bearing capacity.
If you use these railings to hold up a walkway, it won’t have a problem holding up very heavy loads. If a person has to put their whole weight against one of these railings, the FRP option shouldn’t have a problem supporting them.
This should also be true if heavy objects lean against the railing. This ensures that the railings do everything they’re supposed to without failing or being damaged.
3. Non-Conductive
Conductivity can be a big problem in factories and other industrial spaces. There might be a catwalk over a wet area or an area with a lot of electrical wires. If an unexpected surge of electricity makes contact with an ordinary metal railing, this could cause a fatal mistake.
But this problem won’t be a concern with fiberglass railings. This is because fiberglass is not a conductive material. This is why it is used so often in areas that have a lot of high-voltage equipment.
Many industries also like to make catwalks and other structures out of this material. This is because it so effectively minimizes problems that could occur due to conductivity.
4. Fire Retardant
Industrial areas often contain machines and other factors that could start fires. While fires may not be a common concern, they could still happen at any moment. Once a fire breaks out, it can be hard to contain and it can spread very quickly.
It also heats everything around it to a dangerous degree, especially metal. This can destroy a lot of equipment and make the environment very unsafe. But FRP railings can survive this problem.
This is because it is resistant to fire. This type of fiberglass can withstand very high temperatures without being damaged. It also won’t get as hot as other materials when faced with fire.
This is very important to consider if you are worried about fire hazards in your work environment. This is especially important for steel industries, welding companies, and so on.
5. Cost
With all the amazing things FRP can accomplish, you might expect it to be too expensive to realistically use, but you’d be wrong. This type of fiberglass has remained affordable compared to similar alternatives. This makes it easy to incorporate this material into your workspace.
You can use it for your handrails, catwalks, and other structures. You won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get it, either. This ensures that your workplace is as safe as possible even if you’re on a budget.
6. Versatility
FRP is very flexible and you can use it for almost anything you can think of. Most industries prefer to use it for handrails and catwalks because these are the most useful applications for it. But you can also use it for drainage solutions, privacy screens, and more.
This ensures you’ll never run out of ways to use this amazing material.
All About Fiberglass-Reinforced Polymer Handrail Systems
Fiberglass-reinforced polymer handrail systems are some of the most efficient handrails you’ll ever come across. This material is famous for its durability and load capacity. It is also well known for its low cost and versatility.
Using FRP is a great way to protect your work environment from conductivity and fire as well. Are you ready to get some fiberglass products? Check out the products that we have available.
