ADA Bathroom Rules
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, along with the revisions and amendments that have been made since it was first signed into law, gives disabled Americans access to services and job opportunities that had long been virtually off-limits to them. Part of this broad-ranging statute provides guidelines for the design or renovation of buildings to facilitate access by the disabled. The Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing ADA regulations.
What's Covered
Under ADA, all bathrooms and washrooms in public accommodations, private places of business and multifamily housing developments must provide a minimum of one of each of the following handicapped-accessible features: wheelchair-accessible toilet stalls, grab bars, tub and shower seats (where such facilities are available to others) and dispensers, sinks and countertops that can be reached by people in wheelchairs.
Toilet Stalls
Toilet stalls designed to be accessed by those confined to wheelchairs must have a minimum clear space measuring at least 30 by 48 inches to provide adequate room for a single wheelchair. This space allotment can be provided either parallel to or in front of the toilet to permit easy transfer from wheelchair to toilet and back again. Stalls and areas leading to them should allow adequate space for turning a wheelchair, which ideally requires a diameter of 60 inches for a full 180-degree turn. However, also acceptable is an area at least 36 inches in width that allows for wheelchair-users to make a three-point turn. Each stall must also provide a side-wall grab bar of at least 42 inches in length and a rear-wall grab bar of at least 36 inches.
Height for Grab Bars, Dispensers
ADA regulations mandate that grab bars and dispensers---intended to be accessed by forward reach---be mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor when there is no obstruction between the wheelchair-bound person and the object in question. Downward adjustments may be required when intervening obstructions are present.
Countertops and Sinks
The maximum height for a handicapped-accessible countertop is 34 inches, and provision must be made for an area in front of the counter that measures at least 48 inches deep and 30 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair. Sinks mounted in countertops should be located within 2 inches of the counter's front edge to permit easy access. Controls for the operation of lavoratory sinks, toilets, urinals, showers and bathtubs must be able to be activated with one hand and should not require pressure greater than 5 lbs.
Showers, Tubs
Where showers and/or bathtubs are provided for the use of other employees or residents, handicapped-accessible facilities must be provided as well. In the case of showers, roll-in units must have a minimum inside area of 60 by 30 inches to provide easy maneuverability. Shower units into which disabled individuals will transfer from a wheelchair must provide multiple grab bars and a shower seat capable of accommodating a stress load of at least 250 pounds per square foot. Minimum interior floorspace dimensions for a transfer shower are 36 by 36 inches. Bathtubs intended for use by the disabled must have multiple grab bars installed to provide for transfer into and out of the tub.
Tags: least inches, grab bars, must have, bars shower, Bathroom Rules