Grab rails, also known as grab bars, are often confused with handrails. The difference is that grab rails provide enhanced support and stability – whether standing, sitting, or walking to a new location.

In shared spaces such as school or healthcare bathrooms, accessibility is essential. When placed and positioned correctly, grab rails provide independence and reduce the risk of slips or falls which could cause injury. With over 60 years of experience, BOYCO is here to help you choose the right grab rail to suit your project needs…

Hinged Grab Rails

Differing from traditional fixed, hinged grab rails offer versatility to the user. In a disabled toilet, they are often installed next to spaces which require movement from a standing to a seated position and vice versa, such as a toilet. One benefit of the counterbalanced arm is that it can be operated at the touch of a finger to support those who need a helping hand. Thanks to the intelligent low-level loading, it provides excellent weight distribution, and ease of use even for those with arthritic-type conditions.

The movement range of the arm not only supports users but also potential caregivers. The design allows effortless positioning, providing personalised support when it’s needed most. This is important in communal spaces as accessibility needs can vary.

BOYCO’s wall and floor mounted hinged grab rail offers a compact and simple option for disabled toilets or bathrooms. Utilising wall space, it can be folded away against the wall to free up space and stop any obstructions, that could be caused if using a fixed or non-dynamic alternative. This makes it the ideal choice for commercial, or sports and leisure spaces, which have higher-traffic washrooms.

Shower Grab Rails

In the shower space, there is a potential for slips and falls due to it being a wet environment. Shower grab rails are a great choice for increasing accessibility and safety. In particular, BOYCO’s left-hand 3-sided shower rail’s ergonomic design is a great choice. The grab rail’s shape and dual-corner positioning enables the user to easily grip the structure even when wet, providing secure support and access to shower facilities.

Anti-Ligature Grab Rails

Specially designed to support patients in mental health or high-security environments, anti-ligature grab rails offer enhanced safety in their design for when it’s needed most. BOYCO’s anti-ligature range offers the following safety features:

1. Edges are smooth and curved, preventing anything from being securely fixed to them.
2. Closely mounted against the wall to minimise any gaps.
3. They have a 6-point security fixing for maximum impact resistance during incidents of attacks or barricades.

Along with these features, they still provide structured support to users when movement is needed, with our anti-ligature hinged grab rail still having the same market-leading versatility as our non-anti-ligature range.

BOYCO Premium Grab Rails

BOYCO’s premium grab rails offer a modern and sleek finish to any environment, whilst still providing the same outstanding support and functionality as standard grab rails.

Specially designed with a 44mm ‘swan neck’ arm, the rounded edge allows a natural hold, enhancing a user’s grip on the grab rail and ensuring comfort for those with arthritic-type conditions. It also features 5-point fixing plates with concealed fixings, giving unrivalled durability when attached to the wall. Along with the fixings, the hub and pivot points are covered, preventing fingers from being trapped when the arm is moved up or down. This range of grab rails is an excellent choice for care homes, hospitals, and accessible spaces.

What makes BOYCO Grab Rails different?

Hot Dip Nylon

As per the BOYCO standard, all our grab rails are coated with our in-house pioneered ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon. This is 4 times thicker than powder-coated alternatives, giving unparalleled abrasion resistance. Even with rigorous daily use, it protects against scratches and scrapes.

We understand that our grab rails provide essential support to those who need it when completing everyday routine tasks. Due to them being ‘dipped’, both the inside and outside of the steel are coated, providing additional internal structural support.

Part M & DDA Compliant

Not just offering external protection, the ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon features a ‘not cold to the touch’ finish. Even in cold conditions, the metal doesn’t get excessively cold which could lead to injury due to users being unable to grip the rails fully. This standard follows recommendations from Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings Vol 2 (2010).

Anti-Microbial Properties

‘Hot Dip’ Nylon also has anti-microbial properties. Protecting against 99% of all known bacteria, when microbes land on the surface of the coating they are prevented from multiplying and therefore cannot survive. This is an excellent addition to any communal space such as a disabled toilet or hospital bathroom, it supports health and safety practices, contributing towards safe and clean spaces.

Whether you’re working on an education, healthcare, sports and leisure, or commercial project, accessibility is a priority to allow everyone to access everyday facilities – such as bathrooms and washrooms. Grab rails are key in facilitating this.

Ready to elevate your next project? Explore our full range of Grab Rails and Fittings here.

Architect? Specify our grab rails through our integrated NBS library here.