At what height should handrails be installed in inclusive bathrooms?
Today, the issue of equipment of separate bathrooms for people with disabilities is relevant. Among the requirements for the arrangement are not only the presence of ramps and stairs, but also various special handrails that provide convenience and contribute to the comfortable independent movement of low-mobility groups of the population.
The low - mobility groups of the population include:
· Elderly people (60 years and older);
· Temporarily incapacitated (after surgery, etc.);
· Late-term pregnant women;
· People with small children;
· Preschool children;
· People with heavy luggage, carts.
Since access to the bathroom appliances should be unobstructed, there are certain recommended indicators for the placement of handrails.
Speaking of handrails located directly near the toilet, they should be at a height of 70 – 80 cm above the floor level. The diameter of the handrail suitable for an adult hand is 25mm -32 mm. The optimal length of the handrail is 40-60 cm.
The function of this handrail is to help a person in a wheelchair to move to the toilet. For greater convenience, it is recommended to install a folding handrail.
Mount it at a height of 70-75cm from the floor. If the toilet is not installed in the corner, then it is better to install an L-shaped handrail instead of a folding handrail.
If we talk about the space near the sink, then it is necessary to install a special U-shaped handrail at a height of 80 cm, which has 4 support points - 2 in the wall, 2 in the floor.
It is also necessary to install a straight handrail next to the door, the optimal length is 40cm. It will allow you to close or open the door.
Handrails are mounted only on the load-bearing wall with metal fasteners to ensure reliable fixation. All holders must be strong to withstand the weight of the human body.
When arranging shower cabins, it is necessary to install equipment on which you can sit down and support for maintaining balance in a sitting and standing position.
For these purposes, wooden folding seats for bathing, folding and vertical support handrails (L and D type, straight or angular) are ideal.
For people with limited mobility, it is necessary to equip a shower area with a minimum size of 140 * 140cm with a folding seat for comfortable bathing and handrails near it on both sides.
When equipping bathrooms for low-mobility groups of the population , it is necessary to take into account:
- Area
- The place where the bathroom will be located
- Configuration and convenience of auxiliary devices (ramps, handrails, seats, etc.).
After arranging the premises with handrails, it is necessary to check all fasteners, and check them periodically. Since our handrails are equipped with high-grade stainless steel fasteners, the fasteners will not rust and transmit corrosion to the product itself. And this is a big plus!
