Handicap restroom facilities are required by the ADA in all public bathrooms.
The U.S. Department of Justice enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal institution is responsible for implementing and seeing through national regulations regarding specifications of public access facilities for people with disabilities. This includes the state of Indiana, which must comply with ADA standards. Very specific guidelines apply when building a public restroom and making it accessible to people with disabilities.
Clear Floor Space
The ADA requires that all restrooms in public places or work places be accessible for people with disabilities. For the restroom to be considered accessible you must be able to get a wheelchair into it. There has to be a clear floor space measuring 30 inches by 48 inches to get a standard size wheelchair in the room. A portion of this space may be located beneath fixtures that are high enough to allow for knee clearance. Also, a standard wheelchair requires 60 inches to make a 180 degree turn. To conserve space, a builder can design the restroom to allow for a three-point turn rather than making 60 inches of clear space.
Sinks
All compliant restroom sinks must be of knee clearance height, which is 29 inches from the floor. Keep in mind that the lower skirt of the sink must be 29 inches off the ground. Exposed pipes beneath the sink must be padded or above knee clearance height and no sharp edges are to be left unpadded. The counter must extend at least 17 inches from the wall and not exceed a height of 34 inches. The clear floor space must be positioned in front of the sink or countertop to allow for forward approach in a wheelchair. The mirrors above a lavatory must be mounted at a height no greater than 40 inches from the floor.
Toilets and Stalls
All restrooms that include stalls must have at least one stall that is wheelchair accessible. In a stall that is less than 60 inches deep, toe clearance must be provided. This means the walls of the stall should begin no less than 9 inches off the floor so a person in a wheelchair can turn around without hitting their toes on the wall. Grab bars should be installed on the nearest wall and behind the toilet. Toilet seat height should not exceed 19 inches from the floor. Flush handles and toilet paper dispensers should be placed within reach, no higher than 44 inches above the floor. All urinal bathrooms must have one wall-mounted urinal with an elongated bowl. The rim of the bowl should be no more than 17 inches above the floor.
Showers
In bathrooms that feature bathing or shower facilities, one regulation tub or shower must be installed. Bathtubs are acceptable if their enclosure does not disrupt the controls on wheelchairs. Clear floor space should be located in front of the tub, and tub enclosure may not include rims with tracks. Showers must feature a structurally stable seat. They must also have a removable shower head that can be hand operated and mounted no more than 60 inches from the floor of the shower. Grab bars must be installed in both shower and tub units.
Tags: than inches, inches from, from floor, inches from floor, knee clearance, people with