As citizens, we tend to think of handrails as a convenience – they make it much easier for us to move around certain spaces, particularly crowded environments and those with lots of steps and staircases. In healthcare, however, handrails are much more than a convenience – they’re an essential safety tool that feeds into that most fundamental healthcare commitment: first, do no harm.
It’s essential that service users and staff alike are kept safe within healthcare environments and handrails are a key part of that strategy, preventing thousands of falls each year that might otherwise result in injury and huge associated costs due to loss of earnings, absenteeism and indemnity.
Like many essential elements of building infrastructure, handrails are governed by code requirements and fire regulations. The same handrail may not be suitable for all buildings for this, and a variety of other reasons. To make it easier for hospitals and care homes to make the best choice, we’ve put together a brief guide to the type of handrail available at Belroc.
Bariatric handrails
Bariatric handrails are designed to support weights up to 1,000lbs when installed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, making hospitals and care homes more accessible for a wider range of people. They help to prevent slip-fall injuries on key thoroughfares, especially in patient rooms or on routes from bed to bathroom.
- Constructed to meet the stringent safety standards
- Available in stainless steel brackets, returns & corners or powder coated aluminum
- Ideal for use in high-traffic areas, or in areas with potentially wet flooring (eg. washrooms)
- Easy installation with minimal wall invasion
Stainless steel/Aluminum handrails
Metal handrails made from stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum are a sleek and highly durable option that are easy to maintain and have an attractive appearance. These handrails usually have a slim profile making it easy to get a good grip, proving to be a preferred option for high-risk areas and bariatric wards. Powder coating the surface reduces thermal conductivity which helps prevent metal handrails from becoming very hot or cold depending on environmental conditions.
- A method of preventing wall damage caused by bumps, scrapes and abrasion
- Decreases damage to walls and corners
- Attractive aesthetics with brushed finish
- Stainless steel crash rail can reduce the likelihood of injury when used as an alternate handrail
Vinyl handrails
Vinyl handrails normally have an aluminum core and steel brackets for strength, and a vinyl outer cover that brings several key benefits. Vinyl is naturally non-conductive which means these handrails are unaffected by extremes of heat and cold. They can be moulded to almost any profile, allowing hospitals and care homes to select a shape that best suits their specific application. They also have some non-slip properties that can further improve safety. Vinyl is highly durable with an excellent degree of impact resistance for long-lasting performance. It comes in an array of colours including faux wood finishes which blend seamlessly into both clinical and non-clinical settings.
- Available in traditional style, round and oval profiles
- Highly cost-effective
- Low maintenance with easy-to-clean materials
- Available in rigid vinyl or PVC free materials
Dual purpose handrails
Dual-purpose handrails are designed to function as a handrail and a crash rail in one, offering additional wall protection for areas with passing bed, cart and foot traffic. They can be made from metal – usually a combination of stainless steel and aluminum for strength – or vinyl, usually with a steel and aluminium core structure. A wide variety of profiles are available and are selected depending on the healthcare organization or specific unit priorities – i.e. whether it’s more important to guard against wall protection, slip/fall injuries, or an equal combination of the two. Dual purpose handrails are ideal for small or busy spaces where the presence of a separate handrail and crash rail might create a cluttered look and feel.
- A method of preventing wall damage caused by bumps, scrapes and abrasion
- Reduce likelihood of injury caused by slips and falls
- Reduced damage to essential equipment, including beds and trolleys
- A cost-effective method to encourage patient wayfinding
Behavioural health handrails
When considering handrails for behavioral health organizations there is a balance of risk that needs to be considered – someone falling vs. a self-harm event. These handrails feature a solid aluminum ligature-resistant retainer specifically engineered to reduce the wedge point from the top of the handrail. Through one-piece construction, it is mounted directly to the wall allowing for a smooth surface with no gaps and the integrated cover reduces opportunity for it to be removed. Ligature resistant handrail can provide an innovative, durable, stylish option, while meeting specific code requirements for behavioural health environments.
- Approved for Behavioural Health applications
- Vinyl cover sits within the integrated aluminum channel, removing a pick point
- Retainer designed to reduce wedge point from top of handrail
- Easy installation with one piece aluminum bracket and returns
To make an enquiry about handrail or to receive detailed information about the products we have available, email [email protected].
More resources can be found in our Surface Protection Brochure.
