Customer Portal
At NHC Group Ltd, we understand the critical role bed side rails play in resident safety within care home environments. With our specialist knowledge in care equipment and commitment to best practices, we support care homes in making informed, compliant decisions that prioritise wellbeing. While side rails can effectively reduce the risk of falls, they must be used correctly to avoid serious harm. Our guidance helps ensure safety and compliance at every stage.
How Can We Help
Navigating the complexities of equipment standards and regulations can be challenging. That’s why we offer straightforward and practical advice, along with a dedicated NHC Side Rail Safety Regulated Guide, designed to provide care home managers and staff with a clear, easy-to-follow resource on side rail use, compliance, and maintenance.
What You Need to Know
Patient Safety
Bed side rails help reduce the risk of falls, especially for residents with dementia or neurological conditions. They provide added peace of mind for care teams and families, but their use must always be tailored to each resident’s individual needs.
Understanding the Regulations
Most bed rails are classified as medical devices and must comply with MHRA guidance. This ensures they meet strict safety criteria for use in care settings.
Following Key Safety Standards
Bed rails must comply with BS EN 60601-2-52 for adult beds, which includes the following safety-critical measurements:
- Gaps between horizontal rails: no more than 120mm
- Gaps between the bed frame and rail: 60mm or less
- Top rail height above mattress surface: minimum 220mm
- Gap between split rails: no more than 60mm
These specifications are essential to reduce the risk of head, neck, and limb entrapment.
Importance of Compatibility
Beds and side rails must be compatible. We strongly recommend using integrated rails supplied by bed manufacturers, as they are purpose-designed to reduce entrapment risk. Always check compatibility when using hybrid mattresses or overlays, as increased mattress height can impact compliance.
Risk Assessments
A thorough, individualised bed rail risk assessment must be completed for each resident. A government-approved template is available, compiled using insights from manufacturers and safety incident data, helping you make informed, case-by-case decisions.
Download the NHC Bed Rail Risk Assessment Template
Created by our expert team using government guidance and real-world safety insights, this easy-to-use template supports safer, compliant decision-making in your care home.
Download Rail Compliance Template
Regular Maintenance
Routine inspection and upkeep of bed rails is essential. Regular checks should identify:
- Rust or corrosion on joints
- Cracks or peeling in protective coatings
- Loose or missing fixings
- Bent or misaligned parts
- Missing or illegible safety labels
All maintenance should be carried out by trained personnel to ensure continued safety and functionality.
What Our Support Includes
- Product Selection Guidance: Recommendations based on your care home’s specific needs.
- Installation Advice or Professional Installation: Guidance on fitting side rails or full installation services, ensuring compatibility with profiling and adjustable beds.
- Comprehensive Handover Pack: You’ll receive a full handover sheet and detailed user manual following installation, providing easy access to key safety information.
- Maintenance Support: Assistance in identifying warning signs and maintaining rails to ensure safe operation over time.
Partner with Us for Safer Care Environments
Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in creating a safer, more compliant care environment - and to request your copy of the NHC Side Rail Safety Regulated Guide.
