handrail

From hand +‎ rail.

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈhændˌɹeɪl/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

handrail (plural handrails)

1. A rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard.
   • 1952 September, “Modernised Pull-and-Push Trains”, in Railway Magazine, page 617:

     Retractable steps and handrails are provided on each side of the cars. The steps, which are under the control of the guard, are operated by hand levers in the entrance vestibule.

   • 2020 July 15, “Network News: £2 million repairs complete at Eskmeals viaduct”, in Rail, page 22:

     Walkways and handrails were also upgraded during the work, to improve safety for maintenance staff.

2. A moving continuous belt-like rail on either side of an escalator which users can hold on to for support.
   • 2020 December 2, Andy Byford talks to Paul Clifton, “I enjoy really big challenges...”, in RAIL, page 54:

     We trialled a new ultraviolet system that runs under the handrail of an escalator, killing the virus. We are rolling that out at more than 100 stations.

• hard nail