Padded Radiator Guards for a South Wales Housing Association

Product: Six bespoke padded radiator guards with standard grilles

Challenges: No existing covers, high risk of injury from falls, varying room layouts

Solutions: Padded guards with standard grilles, sloping and flat tops, site visit to confirm measurements

Outcome: Discreet, safe radiator protection tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable residents

Background

Contour was approached by a contractor on behalf of a housing association seeking radiator protection for a supported living property in South Wales. The property is home to individuals with learning difficulties, including two residents who suffer from drop seizures with no warning. These conditions present a high risk of forward falls into hard surfaces, making safety a top priority.

The customer was keen to understand whether we offered off-the-shelf sizing or fully bespoke options. After discussing grille styles and safety needs, the client confirmed they required standard grilles rather than anti-ligature variants.

They also highlighted that padded guards were preferred over standard metal guards due to the severity of fall risk, particularly from epileptic seizures.

The Challenges

Several key factors needed to be addressed for this project: 

1. No Existing Radiator Covers

The property had bare radiators, increasing the risk of injury if a resident were to fall onto or brush against them during a seizure or accidental trip.

2. Severe Fall Risk

Two of the residents experience drop seizures without warning, meaning they fall forwards. A padded solution was required to reduce potential injury on impact. 

3. Varied Room Requirements

While most of the six guards required sloping tops for safety and hygiene, one radiator was located beneath a window, necessitating a flat-top design to fit the available space without obstructing the sill.

4. Calm, Comfortable Aesthetics

 As part of a longer-term goal to promote a peaceful environment, the client requested a neutral colour that would blend subtly into the surroundings. 

Solution Implemented

Contour conducted a site survey to accurately measure each radiator and assess room layouts. This ensured a seamless installation process and guaranteed that the guards would fit perfectly, including allowances for pipework and windowsills.

We supplied six padded radiator guards; all designed for residential use with safety and discretion in mind:

• Five sloping-top padded guards
• One flat-top padded guard (due to a window reveal above the radiator)
• Standard safety grilles for ventilation
• Rounded edges and bullnose corners to further minimise injury risk
• Soft padding and wipe-clean finish for hygiene and ongoing maintenance
• A neutral yellowy-cream colour to contribute to a calming domestic environment

This custom approach provided a professional, durable and above all safe solution tailored to the residents’ individual needs.

Conclusion

This project reflects how Contour’s padded radiator guards can offer more than just compliance; they actively contribute to wellbeing in care environments where safety is critical. By combining thoughtful aesthetics, tailored sizing, and soft but durable protection, the solution delivered peace of mind for both carers and residents.