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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 Selecting Grab Rails
ILC Reference NO 81:70:900
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
Grab rails are defined as - a rail used to give a steadying or stabilising assistance to a person engaged in a particular function.
Hand rails are defined as - a rail used in circulation areas such as corridors, passageways, ramps and stairways to assist in continuous movement.
The use of a bathroom basin, a door, taps, toilet roll holder or towel rail are not suitable items to be used in place of a rail.
Rails provide a safe means of support in a range of different areas, from transfering safely on and off the toilet; getting in and out of the bath; to transfer safely in the shower recess; to move safely up and down steps and stairs; to negotiate ramps or a corridor.
Correct installation is important to ensure the effectiveness of the rail and safety of the individual(s) using the rail.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
There may be many factors to consider when installing grab rails to the home:
Base materials: different materials will suit different environments in to which the rail is to be installed. Also cost will differ depending on the material chosen. Mild steel is not recommended in wet areas as it may rust if the surface is chipped. Materials include: brass, stainless steel, mild steel, plastic and aluminium.
Type of finish: the range of finishes include: stainless steel (with a satin or mirrored finish), chrome, epoxy coated (usually available in a range of colours), and slip resistant finishes (peened, ridges etc).
Construction: there should be a clear gripping surface with no joins, except where the flanges (fixings) are welded on. The flanges may be exposed or concealed (have a cover plate). There should be no obstruction to the hand gripping the rail along the top 270 degree of the rail.
Hand rail diameter: the diameter of the rail is to be comfortable and of a suitable size to allow an adequate grip for the user (a diameter of 30mm - 50mm is generally suggested).
Grab rail diameter: the diameter of the rail must provide a secure grip for the user (a diameter of 30mm - 40mm is generally suggested).
Clearance: there needs to be a clear distance between the inner side of the rail's hand grip and the wall, to allow for finger clearance and forearm support (50mm - 60mm is generally suggested).
Slip resistant surface: a slip resistant surface may be an option on the rail, and this may be a grooved surface or a textured (sand paper) type finish.
Selecting A System
Rails should be selected and located to suit the individual needs of the user - this includes careful consideration of rail diameter, distance from the wall, surface finish, fixing style and location / orientation of the rail.
Rails must be able to support the weight / stress placed on them by the user(s) and the environment into which the rail is to be installed - special consideration needs to be made for rails being installed in wet or outside exposed areas.
Rails should only be fixed to sound masonry or wooden structural supports - attachment to these should be by corrosion resistant patent anchors or wood screws.
Rails over 1200mm in length require a centre support.
Options
Wall or floor mounted swing away grab rails (lock in a position at right angles to the wall, but can be swung away to the side). These allow assistance during a transer / standing up or sitting down, but can be swung away when not in use.
Fold away / lift away rails (fixed wall mounted grab rails which fold down to horizontal position for use). This may allow assistance in a transfer, for example on and off a toilet, where there is no wall adjacent to the toilet on to which a rail can be fixed.
Modular units which allow for 'customised' configurations. These are often constructed of plastic.
Adjustable clamp on rails for baths. These clamp on to the side of the bath, but will not take as much force as those safely secured to the wall. They may also obstruct the person getting in and out of the bath. Ensure the side of the bath provides adequate support for the rail.
Rails combining horizontal and vertical supports. These are commonly used around a bath or in a shower recess. An extensive range of different configurations are available. Some manufacturers can customise a rail to suit individual need.
A grab rail can be installed vertically in a shower recess and a hand held shower hose can be mounted on it. This can allow the shower hose to be at a height to suit the individual and the rail can double as a grab rail.
Installation
The need for a heavy duty rail (larger diameter, heavy duty material) or more durable wall fixing will be required if the rail is used frequently and / or by a person who places a greater weight on the rail. Different fixing methods will need to be used on different wall surfaces. A minimum of two points of fixing are required at each end of the rail.
Where to fix the rail:
Brick / cement: can be safely attached in any position;
Wooden frame: rail must be fixed at each end of the wooden studs. If unable to place the rail in the desired position, consider - a longer rail, or securing a piece of wood to the wall and then securing the rail to the wood.
Metal frame: the rail must be fixed at each end of the metal studes. If this is not possible, consider a rail mounted on the floor.
Additional Information
Many other equipment items may assist in conjunction with a rail to ensure additional safety or increased independence:
Slip resistant floor surfaces;
Shower chair or stool, to allow sitting whilst showering or at the basin. If the stool or chair has arms, addition support is provided when sitting down or standing up;
Toilet frames: a toilet surround is a frame which surrounds the toilet to provide additional support when standing up or sitting down; a toilet frame has the addition of a toilet seat which also acts to raise the height of the toilet, again to assist in the transfer process.
Australian And Other Standards
When designing requirements for a public building, the Australian Standards must be consulted. Relevant standards are:
AS 1428.1 - 1998 Design for access and mobility. Part 1: General requirements for access - New building work.
AS1428.2 - 1992 Design for access and mobility. Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements - Buildings and facilities.
Although the Australian Standards are not mandatory for private homes they may also be a useful reference to the private builder or renovator.
Rail diameter required by AS 1428 - Design for access and mobility, is 30mm - 50mm.
Further Sources Of Information
- Talk to a retailer or manufacturer.
- Check Choice Magazine.
- Contact the Independent Living Centre.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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