Functional design
Folding support handles offer safety
Support handles
Safe support in the washroom and washroom
Folding support rails are necessary in barrier-free bathrooms. They provide important support for people with limited strength and mobility and increase safety in all areas of the bathroom. Folding support rails are attached to the basin, toilet or shower.
It is particularly pleasant for users if the folding support handle has ergonomically designed and flat grip levels. This provides a particularly secure hold. HEWI has designed support rails precisely for this purpose - they are easy to grip. Users can safely support themselves or pull themselves up if necessary.
Why are folding support rails so important in the bathroom?
Folding support rails make it easier to stand up and sit down if strength and mobility are limited. Wheelchair users like to use a folding support handle to move from the wheelchair to the toilet and vice versa. A secure hold is essential in the bathroom. This applies not only to barrier-free bathrooms, but also to bathrooms for the elderly or care bathrooms, for example.
The advantage of a folding support handle is that it can often be folded back against the wall to save space. This means it doesn't take up too much space, which is particularly important in the bathroom in your own home . When selecting the handle, ensure high quality and stability. Good for you as a planner or architect to know: HEWI folding support rails can bear a maximum load of 100 kg.
Standards for folding support rails
Important regulations regarding accessibility in public buildings and in the home can be found in DIN 18040. The aim is to enable individual, future-proof and sustainable use of buildings for everyone. DIN 18040 includes motor impairments as well as sensory and cognitive impairments. It is therefore essential for planners, architects and tradespeople to observe these regulations when planning and building.
In public buildings (DIN 18040-1) and in flats for wheelchair users in accordance with DIN 18040-2 (R), folding support handles must be installed to the right and left of the WC. The upper edge of the folding support handle must be 28 cm above the seat height. A back support is required at a distance of 55 cm behind the front edge of the toilet bowl. It must be possible to reach and operate the toilet roll holder and flush release with one hand or arm. Contactless flush actuation is also possible. Below is an overview of the installation recommendations for WCs and showers:
Installation recommendations
DIN 18040 PART 1
Public
DIN 18040 PART 2
Flats for wheelchair use
DIN 18040 PART 2
Flats
Folding support handles on the WC
- left and right
- top edge of folding support handle 28 cm above seat height
- folding support handle protrudes at least 15 cm above toilet
- light distance between handles 65 - 70 cm
- load capacity: Point load of 1 kN at the front end of the handle
- left and right
- top edge of folding support handle 28 cm above seat height
- folding support handle protrudes at least 15 cm above WC
- light distance between handles 65 - 70 cm
- load capacity: Point load of 1 kN at the front end of the handle
- must be retrofittable
Folding support rails in the shower
- A folding support handle must be fitted on each side of the folding seat
- Upper edge of folding support handle 28 cm above seat height
- 15 cm protruding above the seat, clearance between the handles 65-70 cm
- Retrofit option for folding support rails on both sides of the seat
- Upper edge of folding support rail 28 cm above seat height
- Retrofit option recommended
Further information on the DIN standards can be found in our free planning guide.
The suitable height
Folding support handle mounting height: What is important?
The installation height is very important, as this is the only way for users to use the folding support rail properly and safely. In addition to a shower seat , a folding support handle must be installed on each side of the shower. The upper edge of the folding support handle should be 28 cm above the seat height. In addition, the folding support handle should protrude 15 cm beyond the seat. A clear distance of between 65 and 70 cm is recommended between the handles.
Hinged support handles should also be fitted on both sides of the toilet. The top edge of the folding support handle on the toilet should be 28 cm above the seat height. It is also recommended that the folding support handle extends 15 cm beyond the seat. A clear distance of 65 to 70 cm between the handles is recommended. These values are intended for the public sector. In private homes, it is important that folding support rails can be retrofitted. Installing a suitable mounting plate when planning a new bathroom or renovating an existing one is an important decision for the future.
Different handles for different applications
Which folding support handles are available?
Folding support rails are available in many different versions. Depending on use, they are height-adjustable, mobile or fixed. They offer a space-saving way to provide more stability in the bathroom. As a sturdy grab rail, they create more safety at the washbasin, shower or toilet. They are available in different versions and with different extras from HEWI. This allows them to be optimally customised to the needs of the user. The following models are available from HEWI:
- Folding support handles with height adjustment
- Mobile folding support handles that can be easily and flexibly retrofitted
- Folding support handles WC
- Folding support handle with floor support, in different installation heights
- Folding support handles with WC paper holder
- Folding support handles with an upgrade kit for WC flush release
- Folding support handles with arm cushion
- Fixed support handles
- Folding support handle Duo: This also has a round lower rail that provides optimum support for turning sideways onto the toilet
MOBILE SUPPORT FOLDING HANDLES
Support folding handles are easy to install
The installation of HEWI support folding handles is very simple, for example with the mobile support folding handle from the 477/801 series. With this handle, you as the installer only need to attach the mounting plate to the wall. The mobile folding support handle is then hooked into the wall device. This requires a folding rule, spirit level, a pencil, Allen key and a drill. Only two drill holes, plugs and screws are required to attach the mounting plate.
Hinged support rails
HEWI hinged support rails are available in high-quality polyamide, as WARM TOUCH version, high-gloss chrome-plated, in easy-care stainless steel or with powder coating.
Further information
The HEWI catalogue
- All product ranges and systems in one assortment
- From washbasins and accessories to fittings, hinged support rails and seats
All information about the products
- Products, photos, sizes and details
- Various design options and colour combinations
Design
- NOA Product design, Aachen
- HEWI, Bad Arolsen
Awards
- universal design award: consumer favourite 2014
- universal design award 2014
- Innovation Award for Elderly Care 2014
