Bed rails are used extensively in hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes to reduce the risk of bed occupants falling out of bed and injuring themselves. For the purpose of this document the term bed rail will be adopted, although other names are often used, for example, bed side rails, side rails, cot sides, and safety sides Rails set at an incline (fixed at a slight angle to the horizontal) may assist someone with weak or painful arms or wrists to support his/her forearm on the rail whilst pushing up, thus spreading the body weight over a larger area. An adverse incident is an event that causes, or has the potential to cause, unexpected or unwanted effects involving the safety of device users (including patients) or other persons. Adverse incidents can be caused by:

Advice – Risk assessments should include an evaluation of the suitability of the equipment for the physical characteristics of the intended user. These may need to be updated more regularly where the physical characteristics are changing, for example with growing children. Adjusting or profile beds There are many types of grab rail. The main types are briefly introduced below, before going into greater detail about grab rails and their use in specific areas of the home. Newel rails are designed to turn through 90o around the newel post (the upright post of the stair banister). They provide a continuous grip as the user reaches the bottom or top of the stairs and turns the corner. They are available in a range of sizes.

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Consider your daily routine. What movements are you making or what activities are you doing when you feel that additional support, or something to hold on to, would give you extra safety? For example: Featuring a side rail that easily drops down below the height of the mattress by a simple release mechanism. The Care Quip Dropside Bed Rail is easy to install and remove and is constructed of sturdy powder-coated steel. If you fail to return any VAT exemption forms to us we WILL charge your card for the outstanding VAT. Entrapment can also occur in the space between a poorly fitting mattress and side of the bed rail or bed rail that does not fit the bed base snugly enough. Use of bed rails in the community comes with additional challenges. There may be greater variability in available equipment, and it can be more difficult to maintain equipment appropriately than in hospitals. Those responsible for day to day care may be less aware of the serious risk that can be present with improper use of bed rails. Any subsequent changes in the bed occupant’s health and wellbeing (such as cognitive decline, deterioration in eyesight or weight changes) could increase the risk of inappropriate bed rail use.

Why not also take a look at our range of bedding accessories to further elevate your sleeping experience? Safety at night We strongly encourage everybody (patients/users/carers) to report all suspected adverse incidents to us. By reporting to us we can: Horizontal rails may help when pushing up from sitting and provide support when lowering, e.g. on to a toilet. Most people find it easier to push down on a rail rather than pull on one, so horizontal rails are more commonly used. This bed rail has a basic yet proven design that effectively supports elderly and disabled individuals by preventing falls around the bed. Case study 6 – Bed occupant fell over the top of the bed rails after additional equipment installed

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Split bed rails (one pair at the head end and one pair at the foot end) also require care in use because the space between the head and foot end rails may vary according to the bed profile adjustment. Therefore, on some designs, entrapment hazards may be created when the bed is adjusted to profiles other than flat. Rails set at an angle can help a person who needs a steadying support - e.g. to stand from a bath board to shower. The rail can be placed at an angle of 45 degrees up and away from the user. This keeps the wrist in a neutral position. It is not necessary to lean far forward to grasp the rail at the lower end and the hand can travel up the rail to maintain the support once the person is standing. BS EN 60601-2-52 BS EN 60601-2-52 Full length rails gaps side view, split rails gaps side view and gaps top-down view Appendix 3 – Bed Rail Dimensions in BS EN 50637:2017 Medical electrical equipment. Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical beds for children. Description We have also received reports of entrapment in hospitals (acute settings) with side rails on trolleys and stretchers. This guidance should also be followed in acute settings where bed rails are used with trolleys, stretchers and emergency department beds, particularly if the patient is unattended. BS EN 50637:2017 “Medical electrical equipment. Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical beds for children”