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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Guide to Selection of Grab Rails
ILC Reference NO 81:70:601
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
This guide outlines points to consider when planning the installation of grab rails. Grab rails are commonly installed beside baths and toilets and in shower recesses. Handrails are installed alongside indoor and outdoor stairs and along passageways. In general, rails should only be fixed to sound masonry or timber structural supports using corrosion resistant patent anchors or wood screws.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Rails should be selected and positioned to suit the individual needs of the user ie in the correct position and at the correct height. There must be a clear distance between the inner side of the rail handgrip and the wall, to allow for finger clearance and forearm support. (50 - 60 mm is appropriate).
GRAB RAIL DIAMETERS:
25mm
Light duty rail; suitable for use by children and those with small grip. Also suitable for towel rail use.
32mm:
Standard rail; suitable for general use by adults with reasonable manual dexterity and average grip. Recommended diameter in Australian Standard: Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access - Buildings 1428.1-2001 is 30 - 40 mm.
38mm
Heavy duty rail; suitable for use by adults where rail is used frequently and additional strength is required. Often used in public buildings.
There must be a clear distance between the inner side of the rail
handgrip and the wall, to allow for finger clearance and forearm support. (50 - 60 mm is appropriate).
GRAB RAIL LENGTHS
Most manufacturers supply grab rails in a range of standard lengths. Common lengths are 300mm, 450mm, 600mm, 900mm. Some manufacturers also custom make rails to meet individual needs. Combination designs eg L-shaped rails are also available.
INSTALLING RAILS
Installing rails in areas where hands are wet (eg shower, bath)
- consider rails with a slip resistant finish.
- generally 900mm above the shower floor is a suitable height for horizontal rails to be used by adults, but where possible place the rail/s to suit the individual.
- a vertical rail near the hob may assist stepping in and out of the shower.
Installing rails beside the toilet:
- Consider the position of the pan, whether there are walls on each side of the toilet, on which side the client needs the rail/s, type of transfer method used by client (eg pivot, sideways, 180 degrees), position of doorways and/or wash basins and individual needs.
- rails placed at an angle of 45 degrees and vertical rails may be useful to pull up on. Horizontal rails may be useful to push up on.
OTHER CHOICES
Rail finishes:
- hand polished stainless steel for a mirror or satin finish.
- slip resistant surface stainless steel.
- epoxy coated (powder coated gloss finish in a choice of colours) with or without an etched finish.
NB: No product can ever be 100% slip resistant.
For advice on selecting and installing grab rails:
- Consult with an Occupational Therapist (OT) at the Independent Living Centre (ILC) who can show you rails of various types and give advice and information. For an appointment, Phone 6205 1900.
- Occupational Therapists in the community are able to visit you in your home and offer advice on rail types and positioning to suit individual needs. For an appointment, phone Community Health Intake on
6207 9977
- Private Occupational Therapists can also do home visits to provide advice. Contact the ILC for the names of private OTs.
- Information about installation can also be obtained from suppliers of grab rails.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information on what standards the equipment may need to meet, see http:// www.ilcaustralia.org.au/home/standards.asp
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
ACCESS-ABLE BUILDING SERVICES,
KAMBAH , ACT
BPM TRADING - POLYMEDIC AGENT,
DEE WHY , NSW
EASIER LIVING SERVICES PTY LTD,
CURTIN, ACT
FAW BUILDING SUPPLIES,
MITCHELL, ACT
HAFELE ACT,
FYSHWICK, ACT
KEELER HARDWARE ACT,
FYSHWICK, ACT
MOBILITY MATTERS - SOS,
FYSHWICK, ACT
Additional /images
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