Lever taps are specialised taps with an extended handle or bar for use with the hand, forearm or elbow, thereby reducing the pressure placed on small joints of the hand and wrist when twisting or turning a standard tap.
Lever taps come with either separate lever controls, also known as twin levers, for the cold and hot water, or as a single lever or mixer style tap. Single lever taps are pushed horizontally to regulate water temperature and the rate of water flow is adjusted by vertical movement of the lever. Lever taps are also available with automatic shut off valves after a set period of operation.
When choosing an appropriate style of lever tap, consideration should be given to:
- the physical capacity of the user
- safety factors such as the users capacity to sense temperature
- the length, style and design of the lever.
Alternatives to lever taps to assist with independent tap operation include:
- tap turners
- tap modifications
- taps operated by push button with automatic shut off features
- taps activated by a foot pedal, button or sensor
- taps operated using the knee against a lever which generally have a specified running time before automatic cut off is activated
- electronic or sensor taps which are operated by battery or mains power with water running when a sensor is activated. Sensors can be inbuilt within the taps or be wall mounted. Cold or premixed warm water is possible.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with disability with limited ability to turn on a standard tap using a twisting motion with the hand, lever taps may be of benefit in work situations like kitchens, workshops or simply to enable the independent operation of taps during personal care tasks.
References
Enware (no date specified), Specialist plumbing solutions: Electronic Tapware, Enware Australia Pty Limited, Sydney, viewed 6 April 2011, http://www.enware.com.au/estore/category.aspx?id=2736&FolderID=24.
Enware (no date specified), Specialist plumbing solutions: Lever Action, Enware Australia Pty Limited, Sydney, viewed 6 April 2011, http://www.enware.com.au/estore/category.aspx?id=2716&FolderID=24.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Building Requirements & Design Ideas: Taps & Tapware Accessories, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 April 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&page=1&MC=81&MinC=51.