There is a range of tap turning equipment and modifications that can assist with the turning of tap handles. Tap turners are designed for strength and versatility and are easy to fit and adjust to suit almost any size of crystal or crosshead tap. Other examples of tap modifications include lever tap replacements and finger grip key turners.
Tap modifications and turners are ideal for people with limited hand strength or coordination as they provide increased leverage and grip required to turn a tap (ILC Australia 2008).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Underlying causes of limited hand strength or coordination difficulties include arthritis, acquired brain injury, upper limb conditions (for example, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis), paraplegia or neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Tap modifications may need to be made to kitchen and bathroom areas within the workplace accessed by people with reduced fine motor strength or coordination. People with limited hand strength and coordination may also need to incorporate on the job strategies to assist them to complete other fine motor tasks.
If tap modifications or other building modifications are required to promote access for a person with disability (where modifications are not the normal Occupational Safety and Health requirements for an employer) consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Workplace Modification Scheme. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
Relevant Links:
References:
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 March 2008, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=NSW&MC=32&MinC=12>.
Stevenson, M.G. 1999, Notes on the Principles of Ergonomics, Mike Stevenson Ergonomics, Sydney.