FEATURE 19
Grabrails
• These are fundamental to ensuring the person using them is able to do so without endangering themselves . Consequently , such rails should be manufactured to meet the purpose they are designed for and installed in such a manner that they can withstand the loads imposed on them .
• The surface of the grabrails should be of such a nature that the person using them cannot slip when grasping the rail and this must be considered a part of the manufacturing to meet the purpose of the rail .
Employment Equity Act , the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act which all in one way or another refer to safety , equality , and unfair discrimination . PA
The standard is clear on where the rails should be positioned and the OD of the tube which should be between 32 mm and 38mm .
Section 4.12.3 refers to the fact that a person on a wheelchair should be able to roll into a shower cubicle without any obstruction i . e ., a kerb or level change .
Section 4.12.4 refers to the floor surface which must have a firm and non-slip surface in wet and dry conditions .
Vortex
Single lever taps
Both these sections refer to the bath as well which must have a firm and slip-resistant surface .
As stated earlier with larger places like auditoriums and such it is laid out in Part P of the standard as to the number of toilets for a certain number of people .
“ The standard caters for those in wheelchairs as well as ambulant persons with disabilities …”
For those plumbers involved with Fire , Part T is the reference particularly for egress purposes .
Annexure three of Part S ( C . 10.4 ) refers to drainage where the floor of a shower cubicle is required to be level the gradient of 1:50 to 1:60 should be achieved .
The standard has detailed diagrams as to measurements and layout and the Annexures , whilst considered normative , are essential and helpful to both designer and plumber .
Whilst one refers to the Equity Act in matters concerning the disabled , bear in mind the Constitution of South Africa , The
April 2022 Volume 28 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za