All posts by Joey Bolohan

About Joey Bolohan

I founded OC Grab Bars in 2005 when I realized there was a high demand in my community for quality installations of grab bars and general bathroom work. Working with my dad in his construction firm, OC Contractor, Inc. a bathroom remodeling company, gave me the skills necessary to provide you with superior and dependable service. Contact me today I will be happy to help make your bathroom safe and comfortable for the whole family.

California ADA Complyance

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California ADA

California – one of the most ADA compliant states in the nation – is also the most ADA litigious.  Under California law, any violation of the ADA is considered a civil rights violation and subject to a minimum statutory penalty of $4,000, plus attorney’s fees.

Any disabled person who encounters a building condition that does not meet the accessibility requirements of the ADA or the California Building Code (CBC) is entitled to file a lawsuit and receive a minimum of $4,000 in statutory damages plus attorney’s fees.

While the ADA laws were enacted to protect  the rights of the disabled, they have also led to an expensive flood of ADA lawsuits by individuals intent on taking advantage of the system.

It is estimated that over 20,000 ADA lawsuits have been filed in California courts since enactment of the ADA in 1992, and conservative estimates indicate that this litigation costs California businesses over $20 million each year.

ADA lawsuits are difficult to defend and typically result in minimum payouts of $4,000 – $6,000, even if the lawsuit is uncontested.  Fortunately, there is now an effective defense against such lawsuits.

Newly Available Protections Agents A Lawsuit

Recent California legislation provides essential protections for business and property owners from unwarranted ADA lawsuits.

Senate Bill 1608 enables business and property owners to have their facilities inspected for access compliance by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp).

A CASp inspection will:

  • Protect against unwarranted ADA lawsuits
  • Insure compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements
  • Identify “readily achievable” issues requiring correction
  • Provide reasonable time frames to make required corrections
  • Insure that your business is accessible to all potential customers, regardless of disability

Even if a building is not fully accessible, a CASp inspection provides a business owner with immediate protection by identifying “readily achievable” issues for correction and establishing an intent to address required accessibility issues.

Tax Benefits

Tax credits and deductions are available to help pay for inspection and construction costs. A tax credit of up to $5,000 is available for small businesses that incur expenses related to accessibility improvements.

A tax deduction of up to $15,000 per year is also available to all businesses for qualified accessibility expenses that are normally capitalized.

Check with your tax advisor regarding the applicability of these credits and deductions.

Protect yourself, your property and your pocketbook

The best protection against expensive and time-consuming ADA lawsuits is to have your business or property inspected, as soon as possible, for access compliance by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp).

This information comes from http://ada.ashdownarch.com

Best Places To Install Grab Bars In The Bathroom Or Around The Home

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Entry Grab Bar

The most common install would be a 16″ to 18″  A 24″ bar is great if a client is in a shower chair and needs more assistance at the lower position to help pull up on to get to a standing or seated position.” At the entry vertical to help the person step in and out of the bathtub or shower. This is the most important bar as most fall occurs at this point making the transfer form 2 different heights and well being wet.

“Install Note: make sure you are not installing the bar to close to a shower door railing on the wall where you would bump your hands against as this can cause bruising to the had or arm. I recommend 4″ to 6″ in towards the back wall from any shower door railing.”

Backwall Grab Bar

Along the back wall of the bathtub or shower, we like to see a 24″ to 36″ horizontally hung at 33″ to 36″ from the floor of the bathtub or shower.

“Install Note: If you are installing a bar less than 32″ shift the bar from the center towards the plumbing wall of the shower to give more usable bar to the user when standing under the water of the shower head.”

Toilet Grab bars

Having grab bars by the toilet is a great idea for anyone that is having any trouble sitting or getting up from the toilet. If possible having 2 grab bars one on each side of the toilet will stabilize the user when sitting or getting up form the toilet. We recommend a 16″ to 32″ grab bar hung horizontally at 33″ to 36″ from the floor to the top of the grab bar.

Other places to think about having grab bars installed

Take the towel bar down and have a grab bar installed in its place, You can still hang the towel over the grab bar and grab it as you step out of the shower area.

Any steps in the home along the wall to have a grip. Grab bars at a garage step.

ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls

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ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls.

Figure 37(a) 36 in by 36 inches (915 mm by 915 mm) Transfer Stall. The L-shaped shower seat shall be 18 inches (455 mm) above the floor measured at the entry. An L-shaped grab bar (or two single grab bars with the ends close together) shall be provided, located along the full depth of the control wall (opposite the seat) and halfway (18 inches (455 mm)) along the back wall. The grab bar(s) shall be mounted 33-36 inches (840-915 mm) above the shower floor measured at the entry.

The controls shall be placed in an area between 38-48 inches (965-1220 mm) above the floor. The controls and spray unit shall be within 18 inches (455 mm) of the front of the shower.

Figure 37(b) 30 in by 60 inches (760 mm by 1525 mm) Roll-in Stall. A U-shaped grab bar (or three separate grab bars) shall be provided. The grab bar (or bars) shall be 33-36 inches (840-915 mm) high. The controls shall be placed in an area between 38-48 inches (965 -1220 mm) above the floor. Controls shall be located on the back (long) wall 27 inches (685 mm) from the side wall. The shower head and control area may be located on the back wall or on either side wall. 

ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls

ADA Grab Bar high in Shower Stalls

Fig. 37
Grab Bars at Shower Stalls

Sourced from: http://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html – https://ocgrabbars.com/

ADA Height Requirements For Grab Bars By Toilet

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ADA Height Requirements for Grab Bars By The Toilet.

  There is a lot to know about ADA Height Requirements for grab bars by the toilet. Keep in mind that the measurements should be taken from the top edge of the grab bar and to the centerline of the mounting flange. OC Grab Bars is a full-service installation service to install grab bars for you. If this is confusing to you and too much for you to handle on your own, please give us a call for a FREE quote to supply and install grab bars for you. Contact Us Now! 

Figure 29(a) Back Wall. A 36 inches (915 mm) minimum length grab bar, mounted 33-36 inches (840-915 mm) above the finish floor, is required behind the water closet. The grab bar must extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) from the centerline of the water closet toward the side wall and at least 24 inches (610 mm) from the centerline of the water closet toward the open side.

Figure 29(b) Side Wall. A 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum length grab bar is required on the side wall, spaced a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the back wall and extending a minimum of 54 inches (1370 mm) from the back wall at a height of 33-36 inches (840-915 mm). The toilet paper dispenser shall be mounted below the grab bar at a minimum height of 19 inches (485 mm). The height of the toilet seat shall be 17 to 19 inches (430 – 485 mm) above the finished floor.

 

ADA Requirements For Grab Bars By Toilet

Fig. 29
Grab Bars at Water Closets

Figure A6. Wheelchair Transfers.

A6(a). Diagonal Approach. Shows a person using a wheelchair approaching a water closet or toilet (toilet) from the front and turning to the left to position the wheelchair at a diagonal to the water closet or toilet. The centerline toilet is shown as 18 inches (455 mm) from the closest side wall. The edge of the clear floor space on the opposite side of the toilet is shown as 18 – 30 inches (455 – 760 mm) from the edge of the clear floor space to the centerline of the toilet. Four illustrations show the transfer from the wheelchair to the seat of the toilet. In (1), the user takes a transfer position, swings footrest out of the way, and sets brakes. In (2), the user removes the armrest closest to the toilet, and transfers by pivoting counterclockwise and moving from the wheelchair seat towards the toilet seat. In (3), the user moves the wheelchair out of the way and changes position (some people fold chair or pivot it 90 degrees to the toilet). In (4), the user positions on toilet, and releases brake.

A6(b). Side Approach. Shows a person using a wheelchair positioned to one side of a toilet. The back of the wheelchair is facing the wall that is behind the toilet. In the figure, the toilet is to the left of the wheelchair user. The centerline toilet is shown as 18 inches (455 mm) from the closest side wall. The edge of the clear floor space on the opposite side of the toilet is shown as 42 inches (1065 mm) from the edge of the clear floor space to the centerline of the toilet. Three illustrations show the transfer from the wheelchair to the toilet. In (1), the user takes the transfer position adjacent to the toilet, removes the armrest closest to the toilet and sets brakes. In (2), the user transfers from the wheelchair to the seat of the toilet by sliding sideways from the wheelchair seat onto the toilet seat. In (3), the user positions on the toilet seat. The wheelchair remains positioned beside the toilet.

 

Wheelchair Transfers

Wheelchair Transfers

Fig. A6
Wheelchair Transfers

OC Grab Bars is a full-service installation service to install grab bars for you. If this is confusing to you and too much for you to handle on your own, please give us a call for a FREE quote to supply and install grab bars for you. Contact Us Now! 

Sourced from: https://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html – https://ocgrabbars.com/

ADA Requirements For Grab Bar Height In Bathtubs

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ADA Grab Bar High in Bathtubs.

Controls are required to be located in an area between the open edge and the midpoint of the tub (“offset”) and to be located at the foot of the tub.

Figure 34(a) With Seat in Tub. At the foot of the tub, the grab bar shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum in length measured from the outer edge of the tub. On the back wall, two grab bars are required. The grab bars mounted on the back (long) wall shall be a minimum 24 inches (610 mm) in length located 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the foot of the tub and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the head of the tub. One grab bar on the back wall shall be located 9 inches (230 mm) above the rim of the tub. The other shall be 33 to 36 inches (840 mm to 915 mm) above the bathroom floor. At the head of the tub, the grab bar shall be a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) in length measured from the outer edge of the tub.

Figure 34(b) With Seat at Head of Tub. At the foot of the tub, the grab bar shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) in length measured from the outer edge of the tub. On the back wall, two grab bars are required. The grab bars mounted on the back wall shall be a minimum of 48 inches (1220 mm) in length located a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the foot of the tub and a maximum of 15 inches (380 mm) from the head of the tub. Heights of grab bars are as described above. No horizontal grab bar should be placed at the head of the tub.

ADA Requirements For Grab Bar Height In Bathtubs

ADA Requirements For Grab Bar Height In Bathtubs

Fig. 34
Grab Bars at Bathtubs

Sourced from: https://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html – https://ocgrabbars.com/

Grab Bar Installation

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Chrome Shower Grab BarsGrab bars are not used only for the safety purpose of public restrooms and hospitals. They also provide safety for your own home, especially in bathrooms. These bars do not just provide benefits to the elder or disabled people, but are also useful for any age group. Installing grab bars in your shower or bathtub provides extra security at the very first step in your bathroom, which are usually quite slippery.

Everyone should add grab bars to avoid injuries. These bars prevent you and your family member from falling and slipping inside the bathrooms. You can install grab bars as per your requirements; it may be horizontally, vertically or diagonally. People should always install a grab bar in the bathtub or shower to avoid injury at first step. It should be installed vertically in front of the bathtub or shower to facilitate your entry or exit. For this purpose, the bar which will work well is a smaller one. On the other hand longer bars will accommodate the users of various heights. Generally, having bars at this particular place will help to prevent the tendency to reach sliding glass doors, towel bars or other unstable fixtures in your bathroom.

To get assistance in both standing and sitting position, grab bars can also be installed near the toilet. These bars can be used in conjunction to raised toilet seat and with a chair height toilet. Mostly grab bars are installed either diagonal or horizontal direction near the toilet. Bars installed in diagonal direction might not reach between studs. To coupe up with this kind of situation, users can mount it with secure mounting anchors at one or both the ends. The diagonal bars put less strain on the wrist because these are more in tune with the natural movement of wrist and hand. They provide comfortable grip for both taller and shorter users. The horizontal bars provide added stability mounted inside the shower or tub. On the other hand the diagonal bars provide added stability when you lower down to sit on the toilet seat.

OC Grab Bars – The Best Safety Bar Installer In Town

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Grab Bars in showerOC Grab Bars was established in 2005 by Joey Bolohan. The main objective of the company is to provide quality service to their customers with honesty, integrity and respect. The owner began this company when there was a great demand for grab bars in Orange County. He noticed that the elder population is growing remarkably throughout the state including the Orange County. The products which OC Grab Bar company can install are- shower chairs, toilet safety bars, grab bars, hand held showerheads and toilets etc. All the products of the company are certified by ADA and provide 100% guarantee for life.

If you are planning to install grab bars at your home to avoid injuries, then the best place to approach is OC Grab Bars. It not only provides safety to your home, but also maintains a fashionable and awesome look.

The bathroom is the area which is mostly prone to accidents. To avoid these accidents OC Grab Bars are providing remedies to users to maintain their balance in bathrooms. These bars are available in different colors and sizes and user have a variety to choose from as per their interiors. As you grow old, the chances to fall down inside the bathroom increase and these incidents start happening very often. In a year, approx. 2,340,000 elders fall down in bathroom due to slipping or falling and get treated in the emergency room. Out of these adults, one third (aged 65 and older) were treated with fractures due to falling in the bathroom. Whereas rest of them (almost 38% of them, aged 85 and more) were hospitalized due to slipping in the bathrooms.

You can avoid your trip to the emergency room to get treatment due to falling in the bathroom. If at least 30% of the people (who had suffered a hip fracture sometimes) will install grab bars in their bathroom, they will definitely decrease the accident cases in the bathrooms. You can install them in various areas at your home according to your need, such as near the toilet, in the garage, in the shower, in the entryway to your home etc. You can install them in any direction as per your comfort level, like diagonally, horizontally or vertically.

The horizontal grab bars will provide you the ability to push upward or reach in from the entry. The horizontal bars are most commonly used during sitting in a shower chair because they are found to be a little easier to push down. The diagonal bars are usually placed at a slight angle to help the users with weak and painful arms or wrist.

Senior & Disabled Earthquake Safety Tips

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Earthquake Safety TipsRecently with the earthquakes hitting California many people are trying to figure out what exactly  to do. The disabled that are confined to a wheelchair or the elderly do during an earthquake? Well when an earthquake strikes and you are in your wheelchair, place yourself under a doorway or into an inside corner, be sure to lock the wheels, and cover your head with your arms.  Be sure to remove any items that are not securely attached to your wheelchair.  If you are able to find shelter under a sturdy table or desk, be sure to stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, and other hanging objects.  If you are unable to move from a bed or chair, make sure to protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows; be sure to protect your face.  If you happen to be outside when an earthquake hits then go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, and stay there.

If a family employs you as a caregiver then the most important thing is to take care and protect yourself during an earthquake because you will play an important role once the earthquake is over.  When taking cover it is a good idea to call out to the other person in the room in order to reassure them that you are okay.  When the earthquake is over, proceed carefully to check on the individuals that you care for and then assess the situation of the building and check the clients for any possible injuries.  If an evacuation is necessary then move very carefully throughout the house and take all essential equipment with you.  Equipment includes: wheelchair chargers, any important medications, water, extra clothes, and non-perishable food items.

Why grab bars should be a standard in Homes

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Grab BarsDid you know that the bathroom is the most dangerous place in your home? Approximately 235,000 people each year over 15 years of age fall and injure themselves in their own home bathroom with more than 14% of those injuries occurring while getting and off of the toilet.

Bathroom injuries increase with age however, shower and tub injuries are most common among 15 to 24 year old people. Bathroom injuries that occur while exiting the bathtub add up to more than two thirds of all emergency room visits.

These are a lot of injuries from visiting your bathroom; however, these injuries can be prevented and lessened if grab bars were a standard in all homes. Placing grab bars next to the toilet and inside the tub and shower area can prevent up to 50% of these accidents from occurring.

As we age, our response time is lessened and so isn’t our strength. Women’s bones are not as dense as men’s and these result in many fractured hips and concussions while slipping and falling in the bathroom. There are many times that when we are sick, have had surgery and are living alone people need assistance in getting on and off the toilet as well as in and out of the tub or shower enclosure.

With grab bars being a standard in all home’s a person living by themselves will be able to safely use their bathrooms and prevent a terrible fall which may occur in a broken bone or head trauma. We have all been taught that safety is number one in the bathroom due to the water and slippery conditions. If we have grab bars installed in tub and shower enclosures the injury rates would drop.

Every person will need assistance at least once in their life getting in and out of the bathroom. The installation of grab bars will help those who are living alone to be more self sufficient in a potentially embarrassing moment. If you are on new medication and feel dizzy, faint or if you have a leg in a cast the extra help from using a grab bar next to your toilet or tub and shower will provide you with added safety.

Using towel racks and sliding glass doors for support while in your bathroom will only lead to more injuries. With a properly installed durable grab bar you will have the support that is necessary to aid you when you need it the most in your bathroom.

Prevent a serious injury from happening to your family or loved one and have a bathroom grab bar installed in your home. Safety should come first when it comes to your family. It would be a terrible thing to come home from work to see a family member lying on the bathroom floor all day when the fall could have been prevented.

Upgrade your Bathroom

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There is nothing worse than being stuck in your own bathroom from either the inability to get out of the tub, off of the toilet or you have fallen and can not get up by yourself. From personal experience having to call a neighbor to help me out of the bathtub due to a bad back was embarrassing and definitely threw modesty right out the window. I was lucky I had my cell phone with me.

Making your bathroom a safe zone in your home is a priority for all ages. Slipping and falling in a bathroom can happen to the young and old alike. With bathrooms generally being small in size your chances of falling and hitting your head either on the toilet or the edge of the bathtub can result in a concussion and even a fractured skull.

There is no time like the present to upgrade your bathroom. Not only will you be creating a safer bathroom environment, you will be adding salability to your home in the event you are in the market to sell. When potential buyers see your bathroom upgraded to include safety grab rails and a higher sitting toilet they will take note.

Safety grab bars and higher sitting toilets do not have to be ugly. In fact, there are many styles and finishes to choose from to match any bathroom. Installing a shower bath grip shower head will prevent the shower head from slipping out of your hand and landing on your foot breaking a toe which, in turn, will make you stand on one leg and causing you to slip and fall.

There is no such thing as having your bathroom upgraded to be too safe. Even in small bathrooms bathtub rails can be installed without taking up any space. Falling in the bathroom is like a row of dominoes that have been touched off. Once you start to fall in your bathroom there is no stopping it. Bathroom injuries include broken bones, concussions, bad cuts that require stitches, and even death.

Safety for your family should be your number one priority. Consider upgrading your bathroom and having the professionals at OC Grab Bars install grab rails and a high sitting toilet to help you keep your family out of harms way.

You never know when you may need assistance going to and leaving your bathroom. When no one is around to assist you, you will still be able to be independent by using safety grab rails. Be safe and not sorry. Installing safety equipment in your bathroom is less expensive than an emergency room bill.