Pinch and power grips
We have worked hard to become one of the barrier industry's top suppliers. Our team can supply clients in the UK with an impressive collection of goods. This includes handrail items as well as barriers, bollards, and much more. The range ensures that people are as safe as they possibly can be. Most crucially, we manufacture the items in our inventory to the best standards.
Every year, many people injure themselves due to falls, trips, and slips on stairways. Handrails can give them the stability and support they require whilst climbing down or up a set of stairs. It is the same when they manoeuvre in a bathroom, or walk down a walkway or hallway. Furthermore, they give users a third point of contact. This is critical for elderly people and can even help young children.
Handrails have the potential to minimise the chances of falls when people use them correctly. The result is a safer environment. What's more, they offer a universal design element capable of benefiting all populations. We want to discuss some of the grip types that exist for the rails in this post. It can have an impact on the style and design of the handrail.
A pinch grip
Firstly, we have the pinch grip. This happens when the grip's force originates from pinning the thumb and forefinger towards one another. These sorts of grips only enable 25% of the total grip strength. It is suitable for precision manoeuvres like picking small items up, eating sandwiches, or using pencils. Multiple decorative wooden railings include a pinch grip. This is efficient for guidance down and up the stairs, walkway, or ramp. Although, there is not enough grip strength here to stop a fall.
Power grip
Secondly, we have the power grip. As you can guess from the name, this is much stronger than a pinch grip. In fact, it can easily have five times the strength. It also permits you to use your maximum grip strength since your fingers flex towards your palm.
Suitable handrail designs include power grip accommodations. A cylindrical rail possessing a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches supplies the ideal dimensions for max grip strength. This can minimise and stop falls on ramps and stairways. What's more, a power grip lets people with mobility impairments use their upper body strength and arms to aid their lower body whilst moving.
Speak to us to design a durable handrail system
At Barrier Mart, we ensure that clients have every safety product they need. In addition to the handrail, we can supply traffic control measures, bollards, and crash barrier merchandise. We have more stock available too.
So, if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.