ASTM E1481-00a(2021)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1481 − 00a (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Terminology of
Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1481; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope and Rails for Buildings (Withdrawn 2015)
2.2 ANSI/ASSE Standard:
1.1 This terminology consists of terms and definitions
pertaining to railing systems and rails for buildings, and in A1264.1 Safety Requirements forWorkplace Floor andWall
particular, terms related to the standards generated by ASTM Openings, Stairs, and Railing Systems
Committee E06 on Performance of Building Constructions.
3. Terminology
1.2 The purpose of this terminology is to provide meanings
and explanations of technical terms, written for both the 3.1 Definitions:
technical expert and the non-expert user.
baluster, baluster bar, n—one of a series of closely spaced,
upright, and parallel infill members of a balustrade, located
1.3 This terminology is one of a group of special terminolo-
between top rail or handrail and bottom rail or tread or floor
gies subsidiary to the comprehensive Terminology E631.
beneath balustrade. (Synonym for picket.)
1.4 Terms are listed in alphabetical sequence. Compound
baluster casting—an ornamental cast element attached to a
terms appear in the natural spoken order. Where definitions
baluster.Also, cast element designed to attach baluster to top
herein are adopted from other sources, they are exact copies.
and bottom rails.
The source is identified at the right margin following the
definition and is listed in Section 2.
baluster railing system—a system consisting of posts,
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
balusters, top rail, and bottom rail.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
balustrade, n—a railing system consisting of a row of balus-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
ters capped by a rail or handrail.
and are not considered standard.
bottom rail—the lowest member of a railing system, support-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
ing balusters or panels, if any.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
building, n—a structure comprising a partially or totally
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
enclosed space, erected by means of a planned process of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
forming and combining materials. E631
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cap, n—a fitting or plug used to close the end of a pipe, tubular
2. Referenced Documents post, newel, or rail.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cap rail—a secondary railing element, often a handrail,
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
fastened to the top rail of a railing system. (Synonym for rail
E935 Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Metal
cap.)
Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
collar, n—Synonym for escutcheon. E631
E985 Specification for Permanent Metal Railing Systems
cover flange—Synonym for escutcheon. E631
1 cover plate—Synonym for escutcheon.
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.56
cover ring—Synonym for escutcheon.
on Performance of Railing Systems and Glass for Floors and Stairs.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2021. Published August 2021. Originally
ε1
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E1481 – 00a (2014) .
DOI: 10.1520/E1481-00AR21.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), 520 N.
the ASTM website. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, IL 60068, http://www.asse.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1481 − 00a (2021)
drop cap—the cover of a railing post or newel that is exposed infill area—the field of baluster and panel railing systems,
to view, usually below the stair stringer or floor. E631 bordered by top and bottom rails and posts. E935
easement, n—the curved portion of a rail and handrail forming
intermediate rail—one of two or more rails between the top
a transition in the vertical plane between the horizontal and
rail and floor.
inclined sections of a handrail.
kick plate—Synonym for toe board. E631
escutcheon, n—a protective or ornamental cover located at the
lamb’s tongue—an ornamental curved or tapered fitting ter-
termination of a post, baluster, or rail against a tread, floor,
minating a handrail, usually tapered to the tip.
or wall. (Synonym for collar, cover flange, cover plate,or
cover ring.)
lateral scroll—a fitting that curves in a horizontal plane, used
to terminate a handrail; often ending as a round plate
expanded metal—See screen.
covering the top of a post. E631
finial, n—an ornamental piece on the top of a post, newel, or
mid rail, n—a rail located between top rail and bottom rail or
railing; frequently in the form of an urn or pineapple, and so
between top rail and floor if there is no bottom rail.
named. E631
flange, n—a flat plate or formed piece at the end of a railing or miter ending—an angular or dovetailed member end, de-
rail element for attachment to the adjoining construction or signed to fit an adjacent matching member, thereby provid-
supporting member. ing continuity of profile at the connection.
grab bar—Synonym for grab rail. E631
newel, n—a decorative or structural post member at the start or
end of a stair run, often extending above a handrail; usually
grab rail—a short length of rail located for safety or conve-
square or rectangular in cross section, supporting the end of
nience to assist a person in movement at a specific location.
a stair railing or serving as the common support for two stair
(Synonym for grab bar.) E631
railings, often supporting a stair stringer and platform; also,
the center post of a spiral stair.
guardrail system—a railing system, providing protection for
building users against accidental fall and injury, located at or
ogee, n—a molding with a profile having a double curve
near the outer edge of a stair, ramp, landing, platform, deck,
formed by a convex line turning into a concave line,
balcony, hatchway, manhole, floor opening, porch, or acces-
resulting in an S-shape. E631
sible roof; at the perimeter of an opening or accessible
surface, such as the opening of a stair; or at a location at
panel, n—a flat infill element between a top rail, bottom rail,
which an operating condition requires access limitation to a
and posts. E631
designated area. (Compare railing system.)
picket, n—Sy
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