PVC Handrail Covers - Specification

IS 12867: Scope - Key Specifications & Tables for PVC Handrail Covers

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Table 1, Clause 5.1):

• *For 6 mm metallic flat thickness, B = 6 +1 - 0 mm.

2. Physical & Mechanical Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1):

3. Colour Recommendation:

• Black PVC handrail covers are recommended for outdoor use due to UV resistance.
• Bright colours are suitable for indoor use only.

Notes:

• Dimensions are in millimetres.
• Rounding off follows IS 2:1960 rules.
• Tolerances for dimension 'A' were amended to +

IS 12867: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for PVC Handrail Covers

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Table 1, Clause 5.1)

• Note: For metallic flat thickness 6 mm, thickness B = 6 + 1 mm - 0.

2. PVC Handrail Cover Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

3. Installation Highlights (Annex D)

• Use suitable metallic flat supports matching PVC cover dimensions.
• Fix from top down; avoid overheating to prevent deformation.
• Allow 20-30 mm margin for contraction; weld ends using hot metal plate method.
• Clean post-installation with solvents like methylene chloride; polish with wax.

4. Testing Methods (Summary)

• Heat Ageing: Average of six readings (

IS 12867 — Material and Manufacture: Key Specifications & Tables

1. PVC Handrail Cover Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

2. PVC Handrail Cover Dimensions & Tolerances (Table 1, Clause 5.1)

• Note: For metallic flat thickness 6 mm, thickness B = 6 + 1 - 0 mm.

3. Manufacturing & Installation Highlights (Annex D, Clause 7.1)

• Use suitable metallic flat supports matching PVC cover dimensions.
• Fix PVC covers top-down; avoid overheating to prevent deformation.
• Allow 20-30 mm margin for contraction after cooling; trim excess and weld caps.
• Weld joints by softening ends on hot metal plate; finish with file and sandpaper.
• Clean post-installation with quick-drying

IS 12867: Dimensions and Tolerances for PVC Handrail Covers

Key Dimensions & Tolerances (All in mm)

• Note: For metallic flat thickness of 6 mm, thickness B = 6 +1 / -0 mm.
• Sizes correspond to metallic flats of widths 25, 40, 50, and 65 mm.
• Tolerances on dimension A were amended to ±2 mm (previously ±1 mm).

Additional Specifications

• PVC handrail covers are designed to snugly fit metallic flats welded as part of the handrail.
• Black color PVC covers are recommended for outdoor use due to UV resistance.
• Rounding off of test results should follow IS 2:1960 rules.

Typical Cross-Section (Fig. 1)

• Shows dimensions A, B, C, and D as above, defining the profile ensuring comfortable grip and fit.

flowchart LR
    A[Metallic Flat Width] -->|Fits into| PVC[PVC Handrail Cover]
    PVC -->|Dimensions| DimA[A (Width)]
    PVC -->|Dimensions| DimB[B (Thickness)]
    PVC -->|Dimensions| DimC[C (Min)]
    PVC -->|Dimensions| DimD[D (Height)]
    style PVC fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

This summary covers the essential dimensional data and tolerances for PVC handrail covers per IS 12867.

IS 12867 — Key Requirements for PVC Handrail Covers

1. Physical & Mechanical Properties (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

2. Dimensions and Tolerances (Table 1, Clause 5.1)

• Note: For 6 mm metallic flat thickness, B = 6 +1 / -0 mm.

3. Testing Methods

• Heat Ageing & Exudation: Check for no plasticizer bleed or visual changes after heat exposure (Annex A).
• Resistance to Combustion: Specimen must not burn past 25 mm and extinguish within 5 seconds after flame removal (Annex C).

flowchart TD
    A[PVC Handrail Covers] --> B[Physical Properties]
   

IS 12867 - Key Tests for PVC Handrail Covers (Clause 5.1)

Important Dimensions for PVC Handrail Covers (mm)

Summary of Test Procedures:

• Annex A: Heat ageing test involves exposing specimens to elevated temperatures and checking for plasticizer exudation or visual changes.
• Annex B: Surface hardness measured using Rockwell Hardness test; average of six readings taken.
• Annex C: Combustion resistance test ensures material does not sustain flame beyond 25 mm and extinguishes within 5 seconds after flame removal.

flowchart LR
    A[PVC Handrail Cover] --> B{Tests}
    B --> C[Heat

IS 12867: Installation of PVC Handrail Covers — Key Specifications and Procedures

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Table 1, Clause 5.1)

• Note: For 6 mm thick metallic flats, thickness B = 6 +1/-0 mm.

2. Installation Guidelines (Annex D, Clause 7.1)

• Use suitable metallic flat supports (width & thickness matching PVC cover).
• Ensure metallic flat is smooth and uniform.
• Fix PVC covers from top to bottom of staircase.
• Avoid overheating to prevent deformation.
• Allow 20–30 mm margin at ends for contraction; trim after cooling.
• Weld joints by pressing heated ends against hot metal plate; trim and smooth after cooling.
• Clean installed covers with methylene chloride or methyl-ethyl ketone; polish with wax polish.
• Periodic cleaning with soap/detergent solution recommended.

3. Material Requirements (Table 2, Clause 5.1)

IS 12867: Marking of PVC Handrail Covers

Key Specifications (Clause 8.1 & 8.1.1)

• Manufacturer's name or trade-mark must be marked on the handrail cover body (inside or outside).
• Standard mark (BIS mark) must be embossed at intervals not exceeding 3 m on the handrail body.
• Marking ensures compliance with BIS quality and inspection norms.

Installation Notes Affecting Marking (Annex D)

• Handrail covers should be fixed from top to bottom to avoid deformation.
• Allow 20-30 mm margin at ends for contraction after heating; trim and weld caps smoothly.
• Joints are welded by pressing ends against a hot plate, then finished by filing and sanding.
• Clean marks and scratches post-installation using solvents like methylene chloride or methyl-ethyl ketone.
• Periodic cleaning with soap/detergent solution recommended.

Summary Table: Marking Requirements

BIS Marking Importance

• Indicates product conformity to Indian standards.
• Ensures ongoing quality control and inspection by BIS.

flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer] --> B[Emboss Mark on Handrail Body]
    B --> C{Interval ≤ 3m?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Marking Complies]
    C -- No --> E[Non-compliance]
    D --> F[Product Quality Assurance by BIS]

This marking system guarantees traceability and quality adherence as per IS 12867.

IS 12867: Storage and Handling of PVC Handrail Covers

Storage Specifications (Clause 10.1)

• Store bundles lying flat; max bundle height: 2.5 m.
• Do not place heavy materials on top.
• Avoid scratches from sharp/metallic objects.
• Follow same precautions during transport.

Key Requirements for PVC Handrail Covers (Clause 5.1, Table 2)

Dimensional Tolerances (mm) (Clause 5.1, Table 1)

Note: For 6 mm metallic flats, thickness B = 6 +1 -0 mm.

Handling & Installation Highlights (Annex D)

• Fix covers from top downward; avoid overheating.
• Allow 20-30 mm margin for thermal contraction.
• Weld ends using hot metal plate; finish joints smoothly.
• Clean post-installation with solvents like methylene chloride

IS 12867: Method of Test for Heat Ageing and Exudation (Annex A)

Objective:
Check PVC handrail covers for plasticizer exudation and appearance changes after heat ageing.

Key Specifications (Table 2, Clause 5.1):

Test Procedure Summary (Annex A):

• Sample Conditioning:
  Heat age specimens in a circulating air oven at 70 ± 1°C for a specified duration (usually 168 hours or as per detailed clause).

• Post-Ageing Inspection:
  Check visually for any exudation (bleeding) of plasticizer or surface changes.

• Evaluation:

  • No visible exudation allowed.
  • No change in surface appearance permitted.

• Data Analysis:
  Take six readings of appearance and exudation; calculate the average for assessment.

Important Notes:

• Heat ageing simulates long-term thermal effects on PVC.
• Plasticizer exudation indicates material degradation or poor formulation.

Summary Table for Heat Ageing Test:

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare PVC sample] --> B[Shape on 25 mm mandrel]
    B --> C[Place in oven at 70 ± 1°C]
    C --> D[Age for specified duration]
    D --> E[Visual inspection for exudation]
    E --> F{Exudation or appearance change?}
    F -- No --> G[Pass]
    F -- Yes --> H[Fail]

For detailed tensile, elongation, hardness, and combustion tests, refer to IS 8543 and Annex B, C respectively.

IS 12867: Test for Surface Hardness (Rockwell Hardness Test)

Key Specifications:

• Indentor: L scale, diameter = 6.330 ± 0.0025 mm
• Loads:
  • Minor load = 98.1 N
  • Major load = 588.4 N
• Test environment:
  • Temperature = 27 ± 2℃
  • Relative Humidity = 65 ± 5%

Test Procedure (Clause B-3.1):

1. Condition sample for 24 hours at specified temperature and humidity.
2. Place indentor on a flat part of the handrail, at least 6 mm away from edges or previous indentations.
3. Apply minor load (98.1 N) → small pointer at zero, large pointer near 830 ± 5 divisions on red scale.
4. Within 10 seconds, apply major load (588.4 N) using trip lever.
5. Hold major load for 15 ± 1 seconds, then remove.
6. Read hardness value 15 seconds after removing major load, to nearest full division on red scale.

Objective:

• Ensure handrail surface resists unacceptable indentation, confirming durability.

flowchart TD
    A[Condition Sample 24h @ 27±2℃, 65±5% RH] --> B[Place Indentor on Flat Surface]
    B --> C[Apply Minor Load (98.1 N)]
    C --> D[Within 10s, Apply Major Load (588.4 N)]
    D --> E[Hold Major Load for 15±1 s]
    E --> F[Remove Major Load]
    F --> G[Read Hardness after 15 s]

This test ensures surface hardness meets durability requirements for handrails per IS 12867.

IS 12867: Method of Test for Resistance to Combustion (Annex C)

Objective:
Ensure conduit material neither supports combustion nor ignites easily.

Key Specifications:

Test Setup Summary:

• Use a non-luminous flame (12.5 mm to 20 mm height) from an alcohol lamp or Bunsen burner.
• Specimen: Strip with 6.5 mm unsupported end projecting beyond gauze.
• Flame touches the free edge of the specimen.
• Flame intensity test:
  • Insert 0.71 mm diameter copper wire 50 mm above burner top.
  • Wire should melt in ≤ 6 seconds to confirm flame intensity.
• Apply flame for 10 seconds, then remove.
• Observe burning length and afterglow duration.

Calculation:

• Take six readings of burning length.
• Calculate the average burning length:
  [ \text{Average length} = \frac{\sum_{i=1}^6 L_i}{6} ]
• Must be ≤ 25 mm for compliance.

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Specimen] --> B[Expose free edge to flame (10s)]
    B --> C[Remove flame]
    C --> D[Measure burn length]
    D --> E[Repeat 6 times]
    E --> F[Calculate average burn length]
    F --> G{Average ≤ 25 mm?}
    G -- Yes --> H[Pass]
    G -- No --> I[Fail]

Reference: IS 12867 Annex C, Clause 4.1 & Table 2 (Item v)

IS 12867: Installation of PVC Handrail Covers - Key Data

1. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 5.1, Table 1)

*Note: Thickness B is for metallic flat thickness 5 mm. For 6 mm flats, B = 6 +1 -0 mm.

2. Specifications (Clause 4.1)

• PVC covers match metallic flat widths: 25, 40, 50, 65 mm
• Covers welded to metal strips for ergonomic grip.

3. Installation Method (Clause 7.1 & Annex D)

• PVC covers are slipped over metallic flats.
• Ensure proper welding of metal strip before installation.
• Maintain dimensional tolerances for a snug fit.

Summary Diagram of PVC Handrail Cross-section (Fig. 1):

graph LR
A[Width A] --> PVC[PVC Cover]
PVC --> B[Thickness B]
PVC --> C[Minimum Clearance C]
PVC --> D[Overall Width D]
MetallicFlat --> PVC

Use these dimensions and tolerances to ensure secure, comfortable handrail covers per IS 12867.