Grab Bar Variations

By: Patricia Holland

There are many Grab Bar Variations which include bars for bathrooms, hallways, medical examination areas, and the workplace. Grab Bars are safety devices that are designed to help people with balance, support, and movement. When most people think of grab bars they think of the disabled or handicapped. But there are many situations where grab bars are useful for the elderly or for the industrial workplace. Grab bars are found on industrial equipment and near fixed ladders where there may be footholds but handholds (grab bars) are also needed.

Generally, grab bars are manufactured in lengths of 12 to 36 inches although there may be longer versions for vertical applications. Most grab bars are constructed of either stainless steel or chromed steel and are 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Often grab bars have a smooth finish but now some are being produced with a knurled finish. A knurled finish is an area where slight ridges are cut into the surface in a diamond pattern and this type of finish helps reduce hand slippage. Other grab bars are painted and some of the newer ones are being produced with colorful thermoplastic coatings.

Grab Bar Variations include the positioning of the bar. The basic positions are horizontal, vertical, or at an angle (diagonal). Research and physical testing has found that horizontal grab bars offer the best result when the human hand is attempting to maintain a grip in a fall situation. Research has shown that horizontal bars are better than vertical bars in most fall situations. The reason is because the force of the fall will cause the hand to slide down the vertical bar until the hand impacts the end of the bar. This impact causes the release of the handhold and a subsequent fall. In industrial settings the horizontal grab bar has been installed and accepted for years with good results. It is felt by many safety experts that horizontal grab bars in the industrial setting are the safest and most logical choice. However, vertical and diagonal grab bars certainly serve a role in other settings such as bathrooms, hospitals, and nursing homes.

One of the more common Grab Bar Variations is known as the right angled or “L” shaped grab bar. There are various construction and design versions of this bar but they all have a 90 degree or “L” shape. They can be mounted as right hand or left hand bars. Or they can be mounted in whichever way best suits the user.

Another one of the popular Grab Bar Variations is known as the floor to ceiling pole. These poles can be installed in any location where there are no walls to attach a conventional grab bar. These poles will clamp between the ceiling and the floor and are adjustable for ceilings of different heights. Some poles offer options such as attached trays and trapeze bars to aid the user. And the floor to ceiling pole is also transportable. However, the pole can not be used on sloped ceilings.

Grab Bar Variations also include the flip-up grab bar for use in the bathroom. Most flip-up grab bars are very similar and they attach to the wall and swing down for use and swing up to be stored against the wall. The flip-up grab bar is usually located near the toilet and should be installed directly into wall studs.

The clamp-on bath tub grab bar clamps to the side of the bath tub to assist people when stepping in and out of the bath tub. It provides a very secure handhold and is specifically for people who are amblatory and are able to step into the tub area. However, it should be securely clamped onto the tub by someone who has sufficient strength in their arms and hands. This bath tub grab bar is also portable and can be taken on trips.