HEWI MAG / Sanitary
Accessible fittings for washbasins and showers: Comfort and safety in the bathroom
One thing must not be missing from a barrier-free bathroom: barrier-free fittings. Whether at the washbasin or in the shower - accessible fittings make a significant contribution to an inclusive bathroom. However, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the right product solutions. In this article, we will introduce you to different barrier-free fittings for washbasins and showers.
Barrier-free fitting: Which features are important?
First things first: In the context of washbasins and showers, fittings are considered barrier-free if they are designed in such a way that they can be easily operated and reached by all people, regardless of their physical abilities. For example, barrier-free fittings have controls that people can easily recognise, grab and use. Ideally, barrier-free solutions can also be operated with little effort. The ability to recognise the operating elements by touch of the controls also plays just as important a role in barrier-free fittings as their ergonomics.
WHAT ADVANTAGE DO BARRIER-FREE FITTINGS PROVIDE?
The fact that fittings are designed to be barrier-free benefits people with physical impairments in particular. Suitable products contribute to a self-determined and independent life. But barrier-free fittings offer advantages not only for people with restricted mobility. Thanks to their easy handling and intuitive use, they offer comfort to all users and increase user-friendliness.
Barrier-free fittings at the washbasin
Since fittings are considered barrier-free if they are easy to operate by all people, we present various models of barrier-free fittings below:
- Sensor-controlled fittings: These taps trigger the water flow with a hand movement and stop it automatically after a preset time interval. This simplifies handling and people with physical impairments are given the chance to shape their everyday lives in a self-determined way. Sensor-controlled variants also offer extra hygiene. By not touching the fitting, pathogens are transferred less easily and infections are reduced. Another advantage of electronic fittings, apart from being barrier-free, is that they actively conserve the scarce resource of water.
- Single lever washbasin mixer: Single-lever taps impress with their intuitive and easy use. Thanks to its hot/cold mark, use and temperature setting is child's play. With the colour-highlighted control element of the single-lever washbasin mixer in the familiar HEWI colours, the area of use is visualised and made perceptible by feel. The handle element is made of high-quality polyamide and is pleasant to grip. Thanks to the variety of colours, this model in the colour red is suitable for dementia patients. You can find out how this special colour affects the disease and how to design a bathroom for dementia patients in this article.
- Barrier-free fittings with extended operating lever: Fittings that have an extended operating lever make use noticeably easier. This is particularly beneficial for wheelchair users who have to reach the fittings from a sitting position. The HEWI models are equipped with a coloured control element made of polyamide, which promotes intuitive use, enables easy handling, can be operated with little effort and is noticeable to touch.
How to install the washbasin tap barrier-free
In general, barrier-free fittings should be installed in such a way that they are easily accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. In this case, it may be advisable to install the fitting slightly lower than with conventional installations. This ensures that wheelchair users or seated persons with limited strength can easily reach the fitting. At this point, it is also important to ensure that barrier-free washbasins can be lowered to facilitate access for wheelchair users. In this article we provide you with helpful tips for planning a barrier-free washbasin.
Barrier-free shower fittings for a comfortable shower experience
Compared to barrier-free washbasin fittings, barrier-free shower fittings have different requirements. It makes sense to use a shower fitting that is suitable for disabled people. It is important to install a thermostatic fitting that has precise temperature control and scald protection. Our barrier-free shower fitting in the SAFE TOUCH variant has both a hot water lock and a device that cools the fitting so that it does not get too hot. In addition to safety, user-friendliness is of course of great importance for barrier-free shower fittings. Large, easily recognisable controls with a clear hot/cold mark are ideal. You can find out how to fit your customers' showers barrier-free with the highest level of comfort in this article.
Barrier-free fittings: Functional and aesthetic
There is no question that accessible fittings should be as functional as possible. But the design of the solutions is just as important these days. Fortunately, accessibility no longer means that users have to forego aesthetics. Our barrier-free fittings for washbasins and showers are available in different finishes and colours. In this way, they offer design options and you as the planner do not have to make any compromises. With our models in the black matt finish, for example, the fittings become a modern and contemporary design element in the accessible bathroom that catches everyone's eye.
Barrier-free fittings: Comfort for all
Accessible fittings at the washbasin and in the shower offer physically impaired people the possibility of a self-determined life. But they also offer various advantages for everyone else. From safety and comfort, to ease of use, and a straightforward user experience, accessible fittings have so many positive attributes. This is particularly useful in times of demographic change and the continued rise in popularity of generational bathrooms.
