Hospital Corridor Hand Rails(Suicide resistant) - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Aggressive · 08-21-2008, 01:05 PM

I am looking to see if any of you know about suicide resistant hand rails for psychiatric hospitals. I have only been able to find one thus far. Any additional products or manufacturers would be great. Thanks.

Tepromark 700 Series- Hand Rail

Where used

Tepromark 700 series is specially designed to protect walls and other vertical surfaces against impact damage and wear.

In some areas, as required, a safety handrail in psychiatric hospitals.

**BuiltByMAC** · 08-21-2008, 04:17 PM

Wouldn't any rounded continuous rail bolted to the walls be suicide resistant? I mean, I know those rails can get pretty down sometimes, but to actually carry through with it? I think it might just be a cry for attention...

(Have no idea what you're talking about. How does one commit suicide w/ a graspable handrail - bash one's head against it until brain hemorrhage? Talk about a slow, painful way to do yourself in...)

Mac

neolitic · 08-21-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuiltByMAC

Wouldn't any rounded continuous rail bolted to the walls be suicide resistant? I mean, I know those rails can get pretty down sometimes, but to actually carry through with it? I think it might just be a cry for attention...
(Have no idea what you're talking about. How does one commit suicide w/ a graspable handrail - bash one's head against it until brain hemorrhage? Talk about a slow, painful way to do yourself in...)
Mac

I think it's about not being able
to tie anything to it so that you
could strangle yourself.
Hanging suicides don't all look
like the movies...feet dangling.

MALCO.New.York · 08-21-2008, 04:35 PM

I have seen the inside of a Psych Ward. The rails are contiguous and are not "loopable".

They also provide wall protection against Gurneys and Laundry carts. Sorta like Bumpers.

**BuiltByMAC** · 08-21-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

I think it's about not being able
to tie anything to it so that you
could strangle yourself.
Hanging suicides don't all look
like the movies...feet dangling.

Ahhh. I see where you're going with that. Although, if the patient is walking around free w/ a loop of cord and a strong will, he'll probably be able to find something to tie it to. (pneumatic arms at top of door comes to mind- look at Malco's first picture).

How about a 2x8 on edge w/ a 2x4 screwed to the inside of it? Mount the 2x4 to the wall - voila - no place to loop around. Not as cool looking as the PVC one-piece option but definitely more affordable (for the state-run hospitals).

Mac

neolitic · 08-21-2008, 05:16 PM

Haven't seen many exposed closers in
psych wards for a looong time.
The ones we used to put in were
just oak, more or less like you said.
The new ones stand up to the abuse
better.
Like Malco said, they really serve as
bumpers mor than anything else.

Pearce Services · 08-21-2008, 05:31 PM

I've purchased from this company before (Pawling.com), it worked out well for a back corridor service entrance to a mall, I do not know if they qualify for what you need

http://architectural.pawling.com//pr...ct_protection/

mdshunk · 08-21-2008, 05:33 PM

There's actually a detail print of such a handrail in the ADA regs.

MALCO.New.York · 08-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearce Services

I've purchased from this company before (Pawling.com), it worked out well for a back corridor service entrance to a mall, I do not know if they qualify for what you need

http://architectural.pawling.com//pr...ct_protection/

That is some good-lookin' stuffs!!!!

I think we have a winner here!!!!

**BuiltByMAC** · 08-21-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

Haven't seen many exposed closers in
psych wards for a looong time.

I'm so glad they finally let you out!! Bwaa haa haa!!

OK, I confess, I first replied to this thread just 'cause I had a smart-ass answer just busting outta me! (I try to keep them in check but sometimes there's just no stopping them!)
I have absolutely NO experience w/ psych wards (working on them or residing in them!) and my responses show it.

Hey MD, where's that detail? I pulled down the ADA regs from their site and couldn't find it. I was looking in Appendix A to Part 36 -- Standards for Accessible Design

I found some diagrams in section 4.26.2 but nothing like what's mentioned. Not trying to bust your balls, just interested in knowing all I can about building methods I might use...

Mac

neolitic · 08-21-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuiltByMAC

I'm so glad they finally let you out!! Bwaa haa haa!!

OK, I confess, I first replied to this thread just 'cause I had a smart-ass answer just busting outta me! (I try to keep them in check but sometimes there's just no stopping them!)
I have absolutely NO experience w/ psych wards (working on them or residing in them!) and my responses show it.

Mac

All of my friends aren't in high places....
I have done work in/on hospitals too.

You use to have an expert in your
neighbor hood.
Ken Kesey...One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest?
That book bought him a farm
not far from Eugene.

Unforgiven · 09-21-2008, 11:41 AM

I worked on a penal project where the psych ward in the jail was outfitted with stair rails that went up to 8' above the stair nosings with a ceiling, and all upper tier balconies were railed to the ceiling(to prevent jumpers). All metal railing and balusters were covered in plexi to prevent hanging. There was no attempt at attractive finishes though.