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What is a Grab Rail?

What is a Grab Rail?

A grab rail is a safety device designed to enable users to maintain their balance, reduce fatigue while standing, and support users' weight when moving between two places. They are commonly installed in high-risk areas such as bathrooms to reduce the possibility of slipping or falling.

To comply with Australian Standards* 1428.1-2009, a grab rail must display the following characteristics:

• The rail must be 30mm – 40mm in diameter (Figure 1)
• Exposed edges and corners must have a radius of not less than 5mm.
• The rail must be able to withstand a force of 1100N (approx. 112kg)
• Unless otherwise specified, the clearance between the rail and the adjacent wall must not be less than 50mm or more than 60mm (Figures 2 and 3)
• The rail must be fixed so that there is no obstruction to the hand along the top 270° of the rail (Figure 4)

*Copies of the Standards can be purchased from the Standards Australia website www.standards.org.au

Fabrication of a Grab Rail

Grab Rails can be made from a range of materials including stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and galvanized tubing. There are no specified material requirements for grab rails, however, the thickness of the rail tubing and construction methods all play a key role in determining the strength of a rail and how much force can be applied. For this reason, stainless steel is commonly used due to its strength, durability, and hygienic advantages.

The advantages of stainless steel grab rails:

• Durability. Stainless steel is strong and easy to work with making it a cost-effective and durable solution for grab rail manufacturing.
• Corrosion, scratch, and stain-resistant. Stainless steel contains a natural passive, chromium-rich, oxide film that forms on the surface of the steel. This invisible shield is self-renewing and acts as a protectant against corrosion and damage.
• Easy to clean. Stainless steel is non-porous and easy to clean. Never use chlorides, acids, or steel wool. Simply wipe over the surface using a mild detergent or ammonia solution with a soft cloth for a perfect finish.

All Con-Serv grab rails are fabricated from 32mm x 1.2mm grade 304, 18/8 stainless steel.

The Con-Serv Grab Rail Collection

	LINEAR GRAB RAIL This symbol represents Con-Serv’s “T” leg Linear flange. The flange is designed with a 5° radius to comply with clause 17 of AS 1428.1-2009 for Design and Construction.
	HYGIENIC SEAL® This symbol represents Con-Serv’s 50mm fitted Hygienic Seal® flange. The flange is designed with a 5° radius to comply with clause 17 of AS 1428.1-2009 for Design and Construction.
	CLAM FLANGE® This symbol represents Con-Serv's pre-formed 78mm snap-on dome cover with a 5° radius to comply with clause 17 of AS 1428.1-2009 for Design and Construction.

Compliant Symbols – what to look for.

When selecting 1428.1-2009 compliant products, a number of symbols have been developed to help identify compliant products. Con-Serv has used these symbols throughout their price book and grab rail manual to assist users in choosing the most suitable grab rail option.

	AMBULANT TOILET COMPLIANT This symbol confirms that the grab rail complies with the requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 for installation in Sanitary Compartments for People with Ambulant Disabilities.
	AMBULANT TOILET COMPLIANT This symbol confirms that the item complies with the dimensional requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 for installation where applicable in water closets, 2 walled shower enclosure.
	PWD SHOWER COMPLIANT - 2 This symbol confirms that the grab rail hand shower kit complies strictly with all requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 for a 2 walled shower enclosure for People with Disabilities (PWD).
	PAPER ZONE COMPLIANT This symbol confirms that the item complies with the positional requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 for a paper dispenser zone.

IMPORTANT: A grab rail cannot be classed as compliant until it has been correctly installed by a qualified tradesperson to ensure it complies with the height and mounting restrictions as per requirements of the AS 1428.1-2009 for Design and Construction.

For more information, contact a Con-Serv Representative (07) 3630 5744 or mail@con-serv.com.au.