Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

5.4.8 Transfer Support Gripping Surface Hazard Recommendation for M301 and M302

Description: Gripping surface hazards are sharp or abrasive elements that prevent an individual from sufficiently grasping the support and may pose an injury hazard during use. The provision would prevent such hazards.

NPRM Proposed Provision: Gripping surface hazards not addressed.

NPRM Preamble Discussion: Did not address.

The Committee recommends gripping surfaces be free of sharp or abrasive elements and have rounded edges.

Rationale for the recommendation

Gripping surface configurations must provide an effective and safe surface for patients to hold onto. Sharp edges or abrasive elements may injure and cause the patient to lose his/her grip during positioning or transfer. This provision, like those above, originates in the technical provisions for grab bars in the 2010 Standards