Handrail is defined as anything your hand touches going from one grade to the next. Not to be confused with guardrails, which prevent people from stepping off or falling off from one grade to the next. Handrails are typically wall mounted and are single rails.

 

Guardrails are defined as a means to protect equipment and personnel from slipping or stepping off of one grade to the next. Guardrails are typically floor mounted and are double horizontal rails with vertical posts.