Decorative handrails that hinder maintaining a natural grasp are generally considered what?

Decorative handrails that hinder maintaining a natural grasp are generally considered deficient because they do not meet the functional requirement of providing a secure and comfortable hold for users. Handrails are a critical safety feature in buildings, particularly on stairs, ramps, and other elevated surfaces. They must be designed to support proper user engagement, which means they should allow for a natural grip that is both comfortable and secure. When handrails are decorative but impractical, they can lead to risky situations where users might struggle to hold on effectively, potentially resulting in slips or falls. This compromises safety and therefore warrants a deficiency designation in inspections. A safe handrail would facilitate a firm and reliable grip and not detract from the user experience. The other terms do not adequately capture the safety concern related to usability and grip.