Grab bars or handrails placed around the toilet help prevent falls.
Public handicap restrooms designed for adults and children must adhere to guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This applies to handicap facilities installed inside of standard public restrooms. The ADA allows companies to use technologies and designs outside of the guidelines as long as the designs provide the same benefits or better.
Appliances
Handicap users benefit from appliances placed in the restroom, in the order of use. This prevents the user from having to travel far. Appliances include soap dispensers, paper towels or hand dryers, feminine hygiene dispensers, and trash containers. Sensor-operated appliances, such as hand dryers, can encourage hygiene.
Doors
Businesses must install a door to the toilet stall so it has a minimum of 42 inches clearance space between the door and any barrier from the latch side. Doors can have a pull bar mounted on the inside, so those who are in wheelchairs can close the stall doors more easily.
If disabled people must push against the door with their wheelchair to enter the restroom, install kickplates along the length of the door width, about 2 inches from the bottom of the door, up to 16 inches. Install door closers also, which have a delayed action, allowing the disabled enough time to get into the restroom.
Grab Bars
Disabled people depend on grab bars or handrails to keep their balance. The space between the wall and grab bar must have a 1 1/2-inch clearance. This allows enough room to hold the bar and prevents arms from slipping into the opening. Grab bars must have the ability to resist 250 lbs. in weight. Grab bars cannot move or rotate--they must remain sturdy.
Install grab bars 33 to 36 inches above the floor. For children, install grab bars 18 to 27 inches above the floor. Wide toilet stalls require rear grab bars, at least 54 inches long. Narrow toilet stalls must have grab bars on both sides of the stall. Install 42-inch long side grab bars within 12 inches from the rear wall.
A shower room that is 30 by 60 inches must have grab bars around the wall. Also, install shower room grab bars between 33 and 36 inches above the floor.
Mirrors
Mirrors must hang at least 74 inches high at the top edge, if shared by wheelchair users and walking people. All people, including the disabled and children, can use full-length mirrors. Full-length mirrors need clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches to provide enough room for approach.
In children's stalls, hang mirrors with the bottom edge up to 34 the floor.
Sinks
Sinks must have rims no higher than 34 inches above the floor and have a depth of 6 1/2 inches or less. The room underneath the sinks must have a width of 30 inches, a height of 24 inches and a depth of 19 inches. The approach to the sinks must have at least 30 by 48 inches of floor space, extending up to 19 inches under the sink. Keep all exposed pipes under the sink insulated, and remove any sharp surfaces underneath that could cause injury.
For children, install sinks no higher than 31 inches from the floor, with a knee clearance of 24 inches.
Acceptable faucet designs include the push, touch, electronically controlled and lever-operated types.
Toilets
Install the top of the toilet seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor. These measurements apply to wall-hung toilets also. The floor space to the toilet must have a minimum width of 30 inches.
For children ages 3 and 4, install the toilet seat 11 to 12 inches above the floor. For ages 5 through 8, 12 to 15 inches from the floor, and, for ages 9 through 12, 15 to 17 inches above the floor.
The required height of urinals must have the elongated rim 17 inches above the floor maximum. This height applies to wall-hung or stall-type urinals.
Toilet Stalls
The standard, single-occupant stall must have a minimum width of 60 inches, with the center line 18 inches from the side wall and the door swinging into the stall. This 5-foot circle must be free of obstacles to allow enough room to move the wheelchair around.
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