Frankfurt school hires 12 guards for a 100-year-old handrail deemed too short
A 100-year-old handrail at Frauenhofschule in Frankfurt has triggered an unusual safety response. Since Monday, twelve security guards have been stationed in the stairwell because the railing sits 7 centimetres below the required 110-centimetre height. The temporary measure is costing the city around €13,700 per week in gross expenses. The school's acting principal, Solmaz Heidlindemann, expressed surprise at the decision. She noted that the handrail had stood without incident for a century. According to her, a simple and low-cost adjustment could secure the railing if needed.
A meeting on Monday will decide the next steps for the handrail and security arrangements. The guards will remain in place during the Easter break, though costs are expected to drop to between €5,000 and €6,000 per week. The height requirement originates from the Model School Construction Guidelines, last updated in 2009. While the city must comply with all legally mandated safety rules, Heidlindemann suggested that a practical solution might avoid prolonged expenses.
The situation highlights the balance between strict safety regulations and practical considerations. For now, security personnel will stay until officials agree on a permanent fix. The outcome of Monday's meeting will determine whether the railing is modified or alternative measures are taken.
