Traction, traction, traction. That's what the safety managers, OSHA, and the insurance industry are always preaching. Traction for the shoes, traction for the shoes, traction for the floor, but we leave out one of the most vital aspects of safety... the railing... slick and vulnerable to the elements. It's time to get a grip on the slip and fall problems associated with steps, stairways, and ladders by adding traction to the railing with Grip Link safety railing covering.

When descending and ascending stairs and steps, an individual only has one point of surface contact at any time (usually only a small section of the foot), unless they grab the railing. By holding onto the rail, the level of balance is more than doubled, increasing stability and greatly reducing the risk of falling.

Friction surfaces for the feet can not help maintain or restore balance in the case of a slip on steps or stairs. The use of railing needs to be encouraged. But problems arise when element-exposed railing becomes too hot or too cold to touch. How can anyone manage an adequate grasp on sunbaked or icy cold railing, or even a railing that is wet, and perhaps oily? Yet providing the public with railing that can be adequately grasped is a regulation prescribe in the OSHA rules and regulations 1926.1052(c)(9).

The answer is Grip Link, the newest product in fall protection. It is a patent-pending railing cover that improves handrail effectiveness by adding a non-slip surface that is comfortable to hold, thermally stable, and adds visual cues. It not only makes railing easier to grip, but improves the level of control of movement. It works well in wet and damp environments, and can be cleaned and replaced easily (when needed).

There is even a glow-in-the-dark version available to increase the level of safety if there is a sudden loss of light.

Key Benefits

• Insulates - bare railing can easily reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees (even on 70 to 80 degree days). In cold environments, the railing will also have a 40 degree variance, making them unbearably cold to grasp. Grip Link keeps the railing at a functional surface temperature.
• Works well in wet conditions - stays in place and does not become slippery. It actually increases in friction when wet, keeping the hands from slipping.
• OSHA and ADA compliant
• Durable - long wearing and easy to clean. Wipes clean with any standard cleaning agent.
• Easy to use - no prep work needed, no scraping, no drop cloths, no fumes, no harsh chemicals to deal with, no brushes to clean, no drips or spills to wipe up, and no drying time required.
• Easy to replace - while Grip Link has the feel of being on the railing as a permanent fixture, it can be peeled off in one piece, when needed, with a specific removal technique. When removed, it comes off clean and leaves no sticky residue.
• Adds visual effect - making the railing easier to see and grab in a distress situation.
• Adds contrast - making the railing more obvious, creating better depth perception.
• Adds comfort - Grip Link adds a comfortable and inviting texture to the railing.