Why choose GRP Handrailing?
What are GRP Handrails?
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Handrailing is a modular handrail system that offers a versatile, high-strength, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional steel, aluminium, or timber handrails. Manufactured through a pultrusion process, this handrail system provides exceptional durability with in the most demanding environments.
Our comprehensive range of GRP handrail systems – also known as fibreglass handrails – are designed for ease of installation and long-term performance, because of its unique material properties, GRP handrailing is widely used in industrial, commercial, marine, and public infrastructure environments that deliver superior
long-term value.
What are the choices when it comes to GRP Handrail?
At F.H.Brundle, we offer a modular GRP handrail system and components in round or square profiles, to suit different environments and applications. Whether you require internal handrailing for walkways or external balconies and platforms for industrial applications, our range offers flexibility, strength and fast installation.
| Feature Category | Key Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Durability & Longevity | Built for demanding environments | Manufactured from high-grade Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), our corrosion-resistant handrails are completely resistant to rust, rot, and most industrial chemicals. |
| Installation | Fast and efficient installation | Installation is fast and straightforward—simply cut, drill and fix on-site using standard hand tools – no welding or hot works permits required. |
| Safety | Suitable for safety-critical areas | Ideal for marine, wastewater, chemical plants and similar industrial environments. |
| Finish | Enhanced Visibility | Supplied in a vibrant safety yellow, providing clear visibility in industrial or low-light environments to ensure adherence to workplace safety regulations. |
| Compatibility | Wide accessory range | Extensive selection of fittings available from stock. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | GRP requires no painting, galvanizing, or ongoing treatment, even when exposed to harsh UV rays and extreme weather. |
Where can GRP Handrails be used?
GRP Handrail can be used across a wide variety of sectors and applications where safety, access and edge protection are required. Thanks to its
non-conductive, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant properties, perfectly suited for:
• Water treatment and sewage facilities
• Chemical and processing plants
• Marine and offshore environments
• Railways and transport infrastructure
• Industrial walkways, platforms, and staircases
Why are GRP Handrails so popular?
The surging popularity of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) handrails comes down to a simple formula: they solve the biggest headaches associated with traditional steel or iron barriers.
(1) Ultimate Corrosion Resistance: Completely resistant to rust, rot, and most industrial chemicals, making it ideal for marine, wastewater, chemical plant and similar industrial environments.
(2) High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: GRP is up to 75% lighter than steel while maintaining comparable structural integrity. This reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment and lowers transport costs.
(3) Non-Conductive & Non-Magnetic: As an electrical and thermal insulator, GRP is the safest choice for rail trackside, electrical substations, and power plants.
(4) Zero Maintenance: With a service life of over 50 years, GRP requires no painting, galvanizing, or ongoing treatment, even when exposed to harsh UV rays and extreme weather.
(5) Easy Fabrication: Can be cut and drilled on-site using standard hand tools—no welding or hot works permits required.
How to buy
Now you have more insight into the benefits and applications of GRP Handrail, you’ll need to know how to select the correct system for your project.
(1) Measure and plan; Start by measuring the total run of handrailing required, including straight sections, corners, staircases and changes in level.
(2) Select your profile size; Choose between Round or Square handrail systems depending on the application and specification requirements.
(3) Add accessories and safety components; Complete the installation with bends, returns, fittings, kick plates and self-closing gates where required.
(5) Consider the installation environment; Bolt-down and welded fixing options allow handrail systems to be installed onto steelwork, concrete and existing structures.
Technical Standards & Compliance
At F.H.Brundle, quality and safety are paramount. Our GRP handrails are manufactured to the highest industry standards to ensure your project meets the required levels of compliance:
• EN 13706: Complies with European standards for pultruded structural profiles.
• Grade E23: High-performance grade for load-bearing applications (wall thickness >5mm).
• Grade E17: Standard performance grade (wall thickness 3-5mm).
• Fire Retardancy: Available in grades that meet BS 476 Part 7 Class 1 or 2 (flame retardant) and low-smoke toxicity requirements.
GRP in Challenging Environments
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is valued for its strength, low weight and corrosion resistance, but its real advantages become clear in environments where traditional materials struggle. Whether exposed to seawater, chemicals, harsh weather or demanding industrial conditions, GRP provides long-term performance with minimal maintenance.
Marine & Coastal Environments
Saltwater is one of the harshest environments for construction materials. Steel structures require protective coatings and regular maintenance to prevent corrosion, particularly in splash zones where constant wetting and drying accelerate deterioration.
GRP is naturally resistant to corrosion because it contains no metal. It won’t rust, even in coastal or offshore applications, making it an ideal choice for harbour infrastructure, marinas, offshore platforms, coastal walkways and other marine installations. With the correct resin system, GRP can deliver an exceptionally long service life without the need for ongoing protective treatments.
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Water treatment facilities present a demanding combination of moisture, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide and other aggressive chemicals that quickly attack conventional steelwork.
GRP is unaffected by these conditions, making it well suited to walkways, platforms, handrails, ladders and access systems throughout water and wastewater treatment plants. Unlike painted steel, GRP requires no repainting programme and significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Chemical Processing
Many industrial environments expose materials to acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances. By selecting the appropriate resin formulation, GRP can be specified for a wide variety of chemical applications where coated steel would require regular inspection and maintenance.
GRP is widely used within chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical facilities, battery manufacturing and laboratories, providing reliable performance in demanding operating conditions.
Outdoor & UV Exposure
Constant exposure to sunlight can affect many materials over time. While the surface of GRP may naturally weather, its structural integrity remains unaffected throughout its design life.
Where appearance is important, UV-stabilised resin systems and colour-integrated finishes maintain their appearance for many years without peeling, flaking or requiring repainting, making GRP ideal for fencing, handrails and external infrastructure.
Electrical Safety
Unlike steel or aluminium, GRP is non-conductive, making it an excellent choice wherever electrical safety is critical. It is frequently specified around substations, power generation facilities, rail infrastructure and industrial sites where reducing the risk of electrical conductivity is essential.
Strength Where It Matters
GRP offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to transport, handle and install than traditional steel components. While steel remains the preferred choice for applications involving extremely high point loads, GRP provides more than sufficient structural performance for the vast majority of access structures, including walkways, platforms, handrails, grating and fencing systems.
Products are independently tested and designed to meet recognised industry standards, giving engineers and contractors confidence in their long-term performance.
Fire Performance Options
GRP can be manufactured with different resin systems to suit specific fire performance requirements. Fire-retardant grades are available for applications such as transport infrastructure, public buildings, offshore installations and data centres, while specialist phenolic resin systems offer exceptionally low smoke generation and flame spread for the most demanding environments.
Selecting the correct specification ensures GRP meets both structural and fire safety requirements for the intended application.
Built for Long-Term Performance
No material is suitable for every application, but where corrosion, chemical exposure, electrical insulation and low maintenance are key design priorities, GRP consistently delivers outstanding whole-life value.
Its combination of durability, lightweight construction and resistance to harsh environments makes GRP an increasingly popular alternative to traditional steel across industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects.
FAQs
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic Products are used across multiple industries, including construction, marine, railways, electrical substations, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities. Common applications include walkways, platforms, ramps, gantries, factory floors, pontoons, raised flooring, machine guards, roof access ladders, handrail systems, and perimeter fencing where corrosion resistance and safety are essential.
Yes, GRP products feature integrated gritted or concave surfaces that provide outstanding anti-slip traction, even in wet or oily conditions. GRP stair treads include high-contrast coloured nosing that complies with UK Building Regulations and DDA requirements, significantly reducing slip hazards and improving visibility for partially sighted individuals.
No, GRP requires virtually zero maintenance throughout its 50+ year service life. Unlike steel, it never needs painting, galvanizing, rust treatment, or protective coatings. It won’t rot like wood or corrode like metal, eliminating ongoing maintenance costs and making it the most cost-effective long-term solution.
GRP products are significantly easier to install than steel alternatives due to their lightweight nature (up to 70% lighter). They can be handled and installed without heavy lifting equipment, cut on-site using standard tools, and quickly adjusted to fit complex layouts. This results in faster installation times and reduced labour costs.
Yes, GRP is non-conductive and acts as both an electrical and thermal insulator. This prevents shock hazards and makes it ideal for electrical substations, railway environments, and any location where electrical safety is critical. Unlike metal alternatives, GRP eliminates the risk of electrical cross-over accidents.
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic Products, also known as fibreglass or FRP, is a composite material made from high-strength glass fibres reinforced with vinyl ester or polyester resin. It offers superior corrosion resistance, durability, and strength compared to traditional materials like steel and wood, making it ideal for industrial, commercial, and public-sector applications.
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic Products offer ultimate corrosion resistance, UV stability, and exceptional durability, while also being incredibly lightweight (up to 70% lighter than steel). They’re non-conductive, making them safe for electrical environments, require virtually zero maintenance, and have a service life of 50+ years. GRP also provides superior anti-slip properties and can be easily fabricated on-site using standard tools.
While GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic Products may have a higher initial cost than steel or aluminium, it delivers a lower total cost of ownership due to zero maintenance requirements, complete rust resistance, and a 50+ year lifespan. GRP eliminates the need for painting, galvanizing, or frequent repairs, is up to 70% lighter for easier installation, and won’t corrode in harsh chemical or marine environments.
Yes, GRP is exceptionally well-suited for outdoor and marine environments. It’s completely resistant to salt water, rust, rot, and UV degradation. GRP remains unaffected by extreme heat, cold, or continuous sun exposure, making it perfect for pontoons, walkways, coastal installations, and any application exposed to harsh weather conditions.
F.H. Brundle offers a comprehensive range of GRP products, including gratings (in green, grey, sand, and yellow), stair treads and covers, structural profiles (angles, I-beams, channels, tubes), handrail systems (round and square), anti-slip nosing, flat sheets, decking boards, ladders, palisade fencing, reinforcing bars, and safety gates.
