The purpose of a grab bar is to help support a person. It must be able to support a person's weight until help arrives or the person can right him/herself. A grab bar is both pulled and pushed against. It must withstand at least 250 pounds of pressure.
The standard size for a grab bar is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It should be 1 1/2 inches away from the wall. A sturdy towel rod can be used if it is screwed into a stud or blocking. Make sure it does not rotate in its fittings. With some new construction, blocking is placed in the walls such that grab bars can be installed easily. If there is no blocking in the walls, it can be added. The recommended type is 3/4 inch plywood, 6 to 12 inches wide, toe-nailed (at an angle) into the studs; or a 4 by 8-inch block toe-nailed into the studs.
Heavy-duty towel racks or grab bars can be used if they are anchored securely to the wall. Grab bars come in metal or plastic and in many sizes and colors. Colors are easier to see in an emergency. Medical supply stores, plumbing fixture shops and hardware stores have towel racks and/or grab bars. Grab bars with a slight texture are easier to grip.
Last modified: Wednesday, 19 October 2011, 9:15 AM
Participants