Are handrails allowed to rotate within their fittings?

Handrails are not allowed to rotate within their fittings due to safety regulations and standards that ensure the stability and reliability of handrails in various building types. When handrails are securely attached and do not rotate, they provide consistent support for individuals, particularly in environments where falls may occur, such as stairways and ramps.

The requirement for handrails to remain fixed is rooted in preventing movement that could lead to accidents or injuries. A handrail that rotates could cause a person to lose balance or grip, leading to a higher risk of falls. Therefore, the regulations emphasize that handrails must maintain a stable position to serve their intended purpose effectively.

In this context, the other choices suggest various allowances that are inconsistent with safety standards. Allowing rotation under certain conditions or only in specific types of buildings would undermine the fundamental goal of ensuring user safety in all environments. Hence, the prohibition against rotation is universal across all commercial and residential buildings.