Installing railings, sanitary fixtures and built-in units
Six steps for railings from post set-out and anchors to handrails and glass, the sequence for sanitary fixtures and built-in units, and how to protect them.
In this article
Stair, corridor and platform railings, sanitary fixtures and built-in units are among the last items installed, but they directly affect the safety and everyday use of a factory. World Steel installs them to approved shop drawings, fixes them to the structure with accepted chemical anchors or expansion bolts, and protects them until handover.
Installing railings
| Step | Work | Control |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drawings | Prepare the installation method. Railings longer than 3,000 mm made of many modules are best adjusted to site dimensions under 3,000 mm to save material and labour. | Approved shop drawings. |
| 2. Post positions | Set out the base plates from the survey grid lines and the +1000 datum; drill the concrete beams and slabs; set threaded rods in adhesive or use drop-in anchors. | For chemical anchors: accept the hole depth (usually 100 mm) and clean the holes before injecting adhesive. |
| 3. Posts | Fit the base plates and bolts; cut the rod ends so they do not stand above the finished surface. Where welded to cast-in parts, use matching filler material. | Base plate level against the finished level; posts plumbed with a spirit level. |
| 4. Handrails | Fix the handrail to the post tops: timber handrails by screws, metal ones by bolts or TIG welding. After checking, grout the base plates with non-shrink grout (clean and dampen the concrete first). | Railing line vertical and horizontal. |
| 5. Glass (if any) | Fit the glass panels into the clamps in the planned sequence; check and retighten. | Gaskets and supports not visible. |
| 6. Finishing | Check plumb and level; welds and fixings tight; clean glass, handrails and posts with a soft cloth. | Protection in place while following trades work. |
Sanitary fixtures
- Installed after the waterproofing, toilet tiling and water supply and drainage are complete and accepted.
- Sequence: vanity frames and stone tops; basins; WCs; taps, showers and floor drains; function test.
- Wrap fixtures immediately after installation: uncovered WCs and basins scratch easily, and so does the plating on taps and showers.
- Cover fixture outlets so mortar and debris cannot enter the drains.
- Wear gloves when fitting lights and socket covers to keep ceilings and walls clean.
Built-in units
- Check site dimensions and mark the unit positions.
- Erect the side panels, shelves and modules; check level and plumb; screw them to the wall.
- Join the modules, fit worktops and appliances; drill for hinges, hang doors, fit handles and accessories; check and hand over.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Rods anchored too shallow, holes not cleaned | Accept depth and clean the holes before injecting adhesive |
| Rod ends above the finished surface | Cut the rods after the base plates are fixed |
| Railing not straight, handrail at uneven heights | Set out from survey lines and check every span with a level |
| Scratched fixtures, drains blocked with mortar | Wrap and cover immediately after installation |
Reference standards
The edition in force when the contract is signed applies.
- TCVN 5674:1992 Finishing works in construction – Execution and acceptance
- TCVN 7505:2005 Code of practice for application of glass in buildings – Selection and installation
