Falls resulting from losing balance may lead to untoward accidents. This is why safety devices such as grab bars are installed to prevent falls or slips. All types of commercial business and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, courthouses, and prisons in compliance with the American Disability Act (ADA), are compelled to follow a specific guideline in their building requirements. Installing commercial grab bars is one of the life-preserving measures that all public facilities and businesses must observe.
Accidents often happen in slippery places; therefore, grab bars should be ubiquitous in these places, not just bathrooms. The ADA patterns the guidelines for commercial buildings on how to maintain safety in public amenities, and safety grab bars are one of the requirements. Commercial grab bars are devices that are part of providing solutions for people experiencing mobility issues, patients recovering from surgery, children, and the elderly. In addition, falls in the bathroom become the leading cause of injuries as people get older and lose agility.
A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011 showed that around one million of injuries that occur every year in the United States are associated with bathroom accidents. The impact of slipping and falling in the bathroom is worse compared to other areas, such as corridors because bathrooms have hard surfaces, sharp fixtures such as toilets, counter edges, and tubs that can cause severe injuries during a fall. Moreover, bathroom injuries can result in severe head, neck, and other traumatic injuries.
Benefits of installing grab bars
ADA Guide to Installing Commercial Grab Bars in Commercial Bathrooms
Local laws and standards have to be followed when installing commercial grab bars in bathrooms. These standards define the exact measurements of suitable grab bars to be used. While there is a variety of shapes and styles for different designs of surfaces, comfort and safety come as priority. This is why it is very important that you hire professional services when installing grab bars in your business. Below are ADA-approved grab bar installation dimensions:
Commercial Grab Bars Dimension
Commercial grab bars need to be installed 33-36″ (840–915 mm) for easier reach and better grip. For horizontal side wall grab bars, they need to have a minimum length of 42″ (1065 mm). While there is still no ADA guidelines for vertical grab bars, the dimensions are specified by the American National Standards Institute as shown in this diagram.
Grab Bars in Commercial Toilet Stalls
In order to conform with the ADA specifications of grab bar installation, the toilet must be at the center, 18″ adjacent to the side wall (which should have a minimum length of 54″). If non-automatic, flush controls must be located on the open side of the toilet where it is more accessible to the user.
The outside gripping surface of the grab bar must have a diameter of 1-¼” to 1-½”. If a grab bar is installed next to a wall, the gap or space between the grab bar and the wall must be 1-½”. The grab bars must be mounted between 33″ and 36″ above the floor.
Dimensions for Side Wall Grab Installation – Grab bars installed on the side wall need to be 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum and shall be mounted 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the rear wall, and the end of the grab bar must extend 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum from the rear wall.
Dimensions for Rear Wall Grab Installation – Grab bars installed on the rear wall need to be 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum. It should extend from the centerline of the toilet stall 12 inches (305 mm) minimum on one side and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum on the other side.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Safety has a price
We, at Delta Accessibility, endeavor to ensure that our clients get low-cost investments that offer stability and safety in their lives. It is true that convenience has a price tag. But with our different types of grab bars, you do not have to get into expensive bathroom remodels since the installation process is simple and you get the quality you deserve.
Choosing Delta Accessibility for all your commercial grab bars needs will give you peace of mind, knowing that your property will not face personal injury claim lawsuits or hefty insurance fines when visitors sustain injuries. Our grab bars are ADA-certified and our specialists are dedicated to installing grab bars according to standards.
Check our website for a wide range of products and grab bars suitable for different applications or contact our team of professionals who are in standby to respond to all your concerns.
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Delta Accessibility can meet your commercial and Residential adaptation needs no matter the size of the project. From small businesses to large corporations, we are big enough to serve and small enough to care.
