FlowRail is a patent-pending, OSHA-compliant aluminum guardrail that adjusts in the field to slopes, curves, corners, and grade changes without welding.
Upside Innovations, the West Chester, Ohio, maker of prefabricated aluminum ramps, stairs, and access products owned by SixAxis, has rolled out FlowRail, a patent-pending aluminum guardrail system that meets OSHA requirements. According to the company, it is the first prefabricated guardrail that can be adjusted on the jobsite to handle any slope, curve, corner, or grade change, eliminating the need for welding, custom fabrication, or fittings made for a specific slope.
The base adjusts anywhere between 0 and 20 degrees, keeping posts plumb whether the rail runs along a ramp, a walkway, or a platform. Pivoting joints let the rail turn corners, bend around curves and switchbacks, and change grade, so installers don’t need splice castings or shop drawings. Contractors order the system by the linear foot, and it ships with hardware for assembly on site using basic hand tools.
“Real ramps and walkways have slopes, curves, and corners. Most guardrail systems don’t,” said Kevin Sharp, President of Upside Innovations. “One product covers the slope, the curve, the corner, and the grade change, and it bolts together without welding. That changes the math on installed cost and install time.”
FlowRail is made from 6061/6063 aluminum in mill or powder-coated finishes and is designed and manufactured in West Chester, Ohio. It meets OSHA 1910.29 and 1926.502. It can be top-mounted on ramps and decks or side-mounted to vertical concrete or metal surfaces. The product is in stock, with details at upsideinnovations.com/guardrails/.
Key features:
- Adjustable base from 0 to 20 degrees
- Pivoting connections for curves, corners, and switchbacks
- Top-mount and side-mount options
- Bolted assembly with no field welding
- 6061/6063 aluminum, mill or powder-coated finish
- Compliant with OSHA 1910.29 and 1926.502
- In stock; made in West Chester, Ohio
