handrail

hand +‎ rail.

handrail (plural handrails)

1. A rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard.
   • 2020 July 15, “Network News: £2 million repairs complete at Eskmeals viaduct”, in Rail, page 22:

     Walkways and handrails were also upgraded during the work, to improve safety for maintenance staff.

2. A moving continuous belt-like rail on either side of an escalator which users can hold on to for support.
   • 2020 December 2, Andy Byford talks to Paul Clifton, “I enjoy really big challenges...”, in Rail, page 54:

     We trialled a new ultraviolet system that runs under the handrail of an escalator, killing the virus. We are rolling that out at more than 100 stations.

• hard nail