Friday, April 3, 2009

Handicap Restroom Regulations







Grab bars are among the restroom fixtures required under the Americans With Disabilities Act.


As of 1992, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public restrooms must be accessible for persons with disabilities. Restroom regulations specifying requirements for toilets, sinks, and mirrors are found in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.


Toilets


Public toilets must be between 17 and 19 inches high, measured from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. The control for flushing the toilet may be automatic, but if it is not, it must be no more than 44 inches high. Grab bars must be mounted beside or behind the toilet, and must be 36 inches from the floor. Grab bars should have a non-slip surface.








Sinks and Mirrors


Sinks should be between 29 and 34 inches high, measured from the floor to the top of the sink. Faucets may be operated by a lever, a push button or an automatic sensor. If a mirror is installed, its bottom edge must be no higher than 40 inches from the floor.


Clear Floor Space


Accessible bathrooms must meet the minimum clear floor space requirements in Section 4.2 of the Accessibility Guidelines so that people who use wheelchairs can maneuver. The minimum clear floor space must be at least 30 inches by 48 inches. In an accessible restroom, this minimum clear floor space must be provided both in a toilet stall and in front of an accessible sink.

Tags: from floor, Grab bars, inches high, minimum clear, minimum clear floor