Where should handrails be for the disabled? At what height and what diameter should be handrails for the disabled (GOST)

If people lived to the oldest age and remained healthy, the entire human society would not have to develop and implement a number of auxiliary devices that make life easier for patients with disabilities in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. Perhaps the simplest, but this does not become less important is a device such as handrails for disabled people.

Why do we need handrails?

Typically, handrails that help people with limited motor abilities are the structural elements of the enclosure, which are equipped with stairs and inclined ramps used for support during descent or ascent. All self-respecting European countries consider it their duty even while designing and constructing civil or industrial buildings to take care of the availability of such aids for people with disabilities. The equipment of houses and offices with handrails makes it clear that the owner of the building or his tenant cares about the convenience for all his clients without exception. Objects of transport infrastructure also need to be designed taking into account the fact that they will be used by people with limited motor abilities.

Mandatory installation of handrails

The building is considered to comply with all European standards, if along the whole route of a person with limited motor abilities, he is accompanied by wall handrails for disabled people, which allow him to do without outside help. Must be equipped with such structural elements of the stairs and ramps. In this case, it is desirable to install fences at two heights: 70 cm for wheelchair users, 90 cm for accompanying persons and all other people. If possible, these aids should be provided for all the frequently visited places of the home. The ideal option is when an invalid with a handrail can safely move around the house, even in conditions of total darkness.

Security assurances

Handrails for the disabled will be fully safe and comfortable only if the installation is handled by a professional with years of experience in this field. Only such a person can correctly orient himself in the variety of handrail models offered to consumers and choose the most acceptable option for each specific customer. After all, several important factors must be taken into account in the selection process: the installation site, the area of the room and the individual characteristics of the user - a person can be high or low, thin or full, move independently or in a wheelchair. For a layman, the combination of all these parameters can be quite complicated.

In addition, today, consumers are offered two types of handrails:

1. Equipped with a full set of fasteners. They have the advantage that they can be fixed in any desired place, because the fastening is suitable for walls from a wide variety of materials.

2. Without fasteners. Used less demand, because you will have to choose the mount yourself. But the cost of such handrails is lower.

Only an expert can competently evaluate all the pros and cons and give preference to this or that variant, which will provide comfort and convenience in each specific case.

Possible options for handicapped handrails for toilets

Mandatory handrails in the dwelling of a disabled person must be equipped with a bathroom. The dispatch of natural needs is an intimate process, and it is much more comfortable for a person with limited motor functions to feel himself if he can visit the toilet himself, without outside help.

Depending on the area of the bathroom and the physical capabilities of the patient, handrails for the disabled in the toilet can be fixed or folding. The first, as a rule, can be installed in rooms with a large enough area. Usually, for comfortable and convenient arrangement of the toilet for a disabled person, 3-4 handrails in different points of the room may be required.

A folding handrail for the disabled is installed in the bathrooms of a small area, so as not to restrict the very small space.

Toilet bowl for disabled person

To improve the quality of life of people with limited motor functions, the modern plumbing market can offer a whole range of adaptations. These can be nozzles on the toilet with or without handrails. If a person's condition is such that he can not be moved to the toilet, it is possible to purchase a toilet seat. Preference of the first or second option should be based on an analysis of the physical condition of the disabled person, his age, the capabilities of those who care for him, the size of the bathroom, its technical capabilities. In one case, it may be enough to purchase a nozzle, and sometimes you can not do without a toilet seat.

Basic requirements for a toilet for a disabled person

The toilet bowl for disabled persons with handrails allows to increase the height of the seat and must have certain characteristics:

1. Strength (ability to support weight up to 136 kg).

2. Hygienic (devices of this direction should be easily cleaned with water, soap or powder).

3. Inertness to water.

4. Mobility (light weight, the ability to disassemble and, if necessary, transport).

5. Stability (impossibility of sliding, reliable fastening).

6. Versatility (can be placed on standard plumbing of any shape).

7. The nozzle with handrails is designed taking into account all the rules of ergonomics.

Basic normative documents

The design of such elements as handrails for the disabled, their installation are regulated by two normative documents: GOST R51261-99 and SNIP 35-01-2001. These documents detail all the necessary parameters of handrails (shape, dimensions, design, materials allowed for the manufacture of handrails). Compliance with all requirements will make it safe and comfortable for disabled people to use ramps and public toilets. Owners of the same buildings fully protect themselves from punishment for violating the law "On the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in the Russian Federation".

Requirements of GOSTs and SNIP with regard to handrails for disabled people

The form of handrails for people with disabilities should be dictated not only by aesthetic considerations. Also, convenience and safety in operation should be taken into account. GOST handrails for disabled people can be manufactured from pipe rolled products. The cross-section of the pipe can be round, square or rectangular. The handrail must end with a bent outlet, hemisphere or flat plug. The basic rule is the ability to conveniently grasp the element by hand.

The standard height of handrails for the disabled is in the range of 70 cm to 1 m. If it is a question of stairs and ramps, the distance between the handrails should be at least 1 m so that the wheelchair moves without any difficulties and inconveniences. A rectangular or round pipe is used for manufacturing. Rectangular rolling should be 25-30 mm in size, round diameter handrails for disabled people should be within 30-50 mm. If possible, these elements should protrude 30 cm beyond the first and last steps of the ladder so that a person can stand on a level surface without losing support.

For people with poor eyesight, the handrails must be at the beginning and at the end marked with a contrasting color (usually white or yellow). The fences must have a high degree of fire resistance. To ensure that children with disabilities can move safely on the ramp, it is envisaged to install guard rails at a height of 50 cm.

Materials for the manufacture of handrails

Of the materials suitable for the manufacture of handicapped handrails, stainless steel is preferred. Fencing steel structures are durable, have a long service life and are inert to regular hygienic treatment. Aggressive detergents, through which daily disinfection is carried out in public bathrooms, will not cause any appreciable harm to steel handrails. In addition, stainless steel is successfully used both indoors and outdoors.

Handrails for the disabled - this is only a small fraction of what a healthy society can do for people with limited musculoskeletal functions, living side by side. The presence of such auxiliary structures will instill in a person deprived of nature, self-confidence and opportunities.