Though many do not consider what safety measures can be taken to avoid injury or falls on their property until after an accident or a mobility-changing event occurs, the savvy property owner regularly assesses his or her property and makes the necessary changes to ensure safety for himself or herself and guests. An affordable and attractive option for many a homeowner is the installation of stainless steel grab rails.
Applications of Stainless Steel Grab Rails
Grab rails are an excellent source of additional support and security in any area of the home and boat where it is necessary. Grab rails can commonly be found in restrooms next to the toilet for additional support when standing or sitting, as well as in bathtubs and showers where the slippery surfaces are the cause of many falls. Grab rails are also quite common on boats where the rocking waves can cause even the most sure-footed to lose their balance. In the homes of individuals with challenges in mobility or the elderly, grab rails can be found in any number of rooms where the individual may be prone to losing his or her balance or having difficulty sitting or standing.
Installation of Grab Rails
Whether it be to provide some additional peace of mind that your mobility-challenged loved one has an additional source of support and balance should he or she need it, or to solve a safety issue within your own home, the ease of installation and the attractive appearance likely lend to the popularity of installing stainless steel grab rails in Melbourne homes. Installation is a simple process that the homeowner can complete himself or herself, though some may prefer to leave this to the experts to ensure proper anchoring and stability.
When installing grab rails, it’s of the utmost importance to ensure that the installation is being done on a stud to allow the full stability potential of the rail. If the rail is improperly anchored or installed, it may lead to failure of the grab rail when it’s needed most. After you locate the studs, an ordinary drill can be used to drill the pilot holes that will be used to mount the grab rail.
Placement of Grab Rails
The placement of the grab rail is dependent on what its most common use will be. If the grab rail is being installed to assist in the prevention of falls, a horizontal placement will provide the user with adequate support. Pushing down on the horizontally-placed grab bar will steady the user and allow him or her to shift some of his or her body weight from the legs to the upper body. If a horizontal placement is used to stand up from a sitting position, the user is able to pull directly up without concern that his or her hand will slip as it may with vertically-placed grab bars.
Vertical placement is most commonly used in situations where the individual will be stepping in or out of something such as a bathtub, or stepping up and down on a small step. Vertically-placed grab rails benefit those with balance issues more than those with strength issues as the push-pull motion provided by the vertical grab bar placement allows for the individual to easily steady himself or herself.
