- Grab bar
Grab bars are
safety device s designed to enable aworker to maintainbalance by holding ("grab bing") onto each bar as he or sheclimb s. Grab bars are found on equipment or abovefixed ladder s wherefoothold s exist but otherhandhold s lack. They may be positioned horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. When using grab bars as safety devices, in order to prevent falls, the optimum choice would indicate the use of a horizontal bar.Fact|date=July 2007In industry and
construction , only horizontal grab bars are reliable to sustain a dynamic fall of the body, especially if the feet should slip off a fixed rung near the top of a ladder. Best size is approximately 5inches (13 cm) clear width, diameter similar to the ladder rungs, and spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart. If a vertical member is held, such as a ladder side rail bar, no matter what the shape of the side rail or the strength of the grip, the force of falling causes the hand to slide producing an impact with whatever is below resulting in the release of the handhold and subsequently resulting in a fall, all in a fraction of a second.USDOL Bureau of Labor Statistics produced an 11-year study through 2002 showing 26 occupational fatalities on fixed ladders that resulted from falls which occurred at American industries.Fact|date=July 2007Scientific research, including physical testing, has found that the human hand simply cannot maintain a grip on a vertical bar or rail in a fall situation. Further research and testing in this area, using lifelike
dummies , continues in order to determine the maximum strength that can be expected from the human grip in fall situations. Research demonstrates, however, that a hook grip can be maintained on a horizontal bar. This makes horizontal grab bars the safest and only logical choice.Fact|date=July 2007Horizontal grab bars have been used by industry on fixed-ladder siderail extensions for some time with good acceptance. Products such as [http://www.fallsafety.com/prod_grabsafe.cfm GrabSafe] provide
bolt -on orweld -on horizontal grab bars for fixed ladders. [http://www.roofhatchsafety.com LadderPort] and [http://www.fallsafety.com/prod_hatchgrip.cfm HatchGrip] do the same for roof hatch ladders by mounting to the curb for rooftop access security.Application for horizontal grab bars is not limited to industrial use. Horizontal grab bars provide for the greatest safety in bathroom, hospital, and nursing care facilities. Only a horizontal grab bar can reasonably stop a fall.
Accessibility
In
accessibility , grab bars arearchitectural products commonly used intoilet stalls for handicapped people. Grab bars are smooth,metal cylindrical bars that are mounted on the side and rear walls of the stall, to help handicapped people move from awheelchair to the toilet seat.The ADA Standards [ [http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.26 ADA grab bars standards] ] are supported by substantial research regarding the best placement for grab bars. For example, research conducted on behalf of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates that both walking aid users and
wheelchair users preferred horizontal grab bars at heights of 33 to 36 inches rather than lower bars. Further, all accessible bathing facilities require grab bars installed to meet ADAAG specifications. Diameter of grab bars should be 1¼ to 1½ (30-40 mm) with 1½ inch (40 mm) clearance from the wall. Grab bars should not rotate in their fittings. The required mounting height is universally 33 to 36 inches (840-910 mm) from the centerline of the grab bar to the finish floor. Structural strength of ADA-style grab bars and their mounting devices should withstand more than 250 pounds of force (1100 N).In the
United States , theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that:* Grab bars be mounted between 33"-36" AFF, and support 250 lb
* Side grab bars be 42" long and mounted 12" from the rear wall
* Rear grab bars be a minimum of 36" long and mounted a maximum of 6" from the side wall
* The grab bar surface besmooth and notrotate in its fittingsReferences
External links
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.