The ADA guarantees equal access to public spaces.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA sets uniform standards for accessibility to public spaces to ensure equal access to those spaces for persons with disabilities. One of the key areas of concern addressed in the law is that of public restrooms. Specific guidelines dictate the width of doors and stall openings and placement of other vital fixtures.
Widths
All accessible pass-through doors, including those to toilet facilities, must be a minimum of 32 inches in width. This measurement is assessed with the door opened 90 degrees, measuring from the face of the door to the opposite stop.
Hardware
The ADA requires that all latches, pulls and locks be of a shape that can be easily grasped, but that doesn't require tight gripping or the twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-type designs usually are acceptable. Hardware should be mounted no higher than 48 inches from the finished floor.
Clearing
Hinged restroom doors must not swing into the clear floor space required to use any fixture. It must swing in a direction that does not interfere with the use of sinks, toilets, etc.
Tags: equal access, must swing, public spaces