How To Provide Makeup Air For Public Restroom

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards for bathing rooms.

Notation tips for screen readers: ″ indicates inches, ′ indicates feet.

Required Compliance

[§213]

Plumbing and edifice codes accost the number and blazon of bathing rooms and fixtures required for a facility. The ADA Standards, on the other hand, accost access to bathing rooms where they are provided. In new construction, access is required to all bathing rooms, including those for employees. Still, where single user portable units are provided, at least 5% at each cluster must comply and exist labelled by the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) unless all in a cluster are accessible (§213.2. Ex. three, §216.8).

Unisex Bathing Rooms

[§213.2]

Where multi-user bathing rooms are provided, attainable unisex bathing rooms cannot serve as a substitute for compliant multi-user rooms, except in alterations where making multi-user rooms comply is not technically feasible (§213.2, Ex. ane). Otherwise, where multi-user and unisex bathing rooms are provided, both types must comply. Unisex bathing rooms, where provided, must have privacy latches and contain a shower or shower and tub, a lavatory, and a water closet (§213.2.i). Providing an attainable unisex bathing room in add-on to accessible multi-user bathing rooms is helpful for those who use personal intendance assistants of the reverse sex. The International Building Code requires accessible unisex bathing rooms in recreational facilities with dissever-sex bathing rooms that accept more than one shower or bathtub fixture (§1108.two.one in the 2000 IBC and §1109.ii.1 in later editions).

Additions

[§202.2]

Additions are required to comply with requirements in the Standards for new construction. Each bathing room of an addition must comply equally would be required in new construction.

Alterations

[§202.3]

When existing bathing rooms are contradistinct, the Standards use according to the planned telescopic of work. If one bathing room on a floor is contradistinct, the Standards apply to that room only; if all bathing rooms on a floor are altered, the Standards use to each bathing room that would exist required to comply in new construction. The scope of work also determines which technical requirements apply. If some, but non all, elements in a bathing room are altered, only those elements contradistinct must comply. If a room or space is completely altered (or built new as part of an alteration), the unabridged room or space must comply.

Compliance in an alteration is not required where it is "technically infeasible." The term is defined equally "something that has trivial likelihood of being accomplished because existing structural conditions would require removing or altering a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame; or because other existing concrete or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces, or features that are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements." When it is technically infeasible to brand existing men's and women'southward bathing rooms comply, an accessible unisex bathing room tin can be provided instead if it is in the same expanse and on the same floor as the existing bathing rooms (§213.2, Ex. one). If technical infeasibility is encountered, compliance is still required to the maximum extent feasible. Where existing bathing rooms in an alteration exercise not comply, signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) must be provided indicating the location of the nearest accessible bathing room. Those that comply must be labeled past the ISA (§216.8).

Bathing Room Location

The Standards do not generally require bathing rooms to be provided in a specific location. All the same, in multi-story facilities that are exempt from the requirement for vertical access between stories based on the story count or square footage per floor (§206.2.3, Ex. i or 2), if a bathing room is provided on an inaccessible story, a bathing room also must be provided on an accessible story and then that it is connected to an accessible archway by an accessible route (§213.1). Bathing rooms provided on other stories must fully comply likewise.

Bathing Fixtures

[§213.iii]

Bathing facilities must have at least one compliant shower compartment or bathtub. In transient lodging guest rooms, a portion of accessible invitee rooms must accept a roll-in shower with a folding seat (§224.two).

Components of an Accessible Bathing Facility

Requirements in the Standards address doors, turning space, fitting, mirrors, dispensers, shelves, and other elements provided. Other provisions in the Standards also use.

Urinals (§213.iii.3)

An accessible urinal is required only in toilet rooms where more than one urinal is provided.

Roll-In Shower Compartments

[§608]

Roll-in shower compartments provide access for shower chairs and other wheeled mobility aids without the demand to transfer to a seat. The Standards provide specifications for a standard blazon and an alternating type of ringlet-in compartment.

A seat can be provided in roll-in showers (and is required in those roll-in showers that must be provided to serve a portion of attainable transient lodging invitee rooms). If a seat is provided, it must be folding so that it does not impede use with a shower chair or other wheeled mobility aid.

Standard Roll-In Shower Compartment

Size and Clearance

The compartment size and the required clearance adjacent to the open face of the compartment allow maneuvering into the shower with shower chairs or wheelchairs. The clearance must adjoin, or be close to, the shower entry only may exist slightly forward of the shower to accomodate tile edges or flanges effectually the face of prefabricated showers.

Note: Dimensions measured to the center point (vertical and horizontal) of opposing walls. A compliant lavatory can overlap one end of the clearance simply cannot be adjacent to controls (or a folding seat).

Take hold of Bars

Grab bars are required on 3 walls in standard compartments without a seat. Grab bars tin exist continuous or carve up. If separate, they must be half dozen″ maximum from adjacent walls and each must be at the same peak in a higher place the finish floor. The take hold of bars must extend beyond the side wall to the entry. A maximum altitude of the grab bar from the shower entry is not specified, simply they are to be installed well-nigh the entry.

Note: Grab bar to extend to shower entry (distance from entry not specified)

Controls and Enclosures

In a standard roll-in compartment without a seat, the controls, faucet, and shower spray unit of measurement can be located on any of the three walls. They must be located in a higher place grab bars and inside attainable reach range. Shower controls and fittings must be at least i½″ higher up the catch bar and so that they practise not impede the bar's gripping surface. Enclosures cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower spray units or transfer to seats.

Thresholds

Thresholds at roll-in showers must comply with specifications for changes in level to allow access to wheeled mobility aids. While a threshold acme up to ½″ (if properly beveled) is permitted, trench drains and other designs that allow a flush transition to the shower flooring volition provide easier access. Shower floors can slope to drains (a ane:48 maximum slope will help control h2o without impacting accessibility). Where floor drains are provided in bathing rooms, information technology is important that the gradient of the floor not exceed the 1:48 minimum cross gradient.

Standard Scroll-In Shower Compartment with Folding Seat

Equipping scroll-in showers with folding seats enhances usability by providing a transfer option. This is helpful since many wheeled mobility aids are not usable in showers. If provided, the seat must be folding, attached to the wall, and extend to within 3″ of the entry. In standard compartments, it must exist located on a side wall. The controls, faucet, and hand-held shower spray unit are required to exist on the back wall every bit specified then that they are usable from the seat. Grab bars cannot overlap the seat and are required on the side opposite the seat and on the back wall to the forepart border of the seat.

A compliant lavatory tin can overlap the clearance on the side further from the seat (locating it on the seat side would obstruct transfer). In a compartment without a seat, it cannot overlap the side of the clearance adjacent to controls.

Alternating Ringlet-In Shower Compartment

The alternate compartment design allows the shower opening to be partially enclosed on one side. An entry at least 36″ wide is required at one end for maneuvering into the shower. The controls, faucet, and shower spray unit of measurement are located on the side wall farther from the entry. As with the standard curlicue-in compartment, a folding seat tin be provided.

Note: Side wall not shown for clarity.

Size and Clearance

The compartment entry and dimensions provide space for making a right angle turn into the shower using wheeled mobility aids.

Annotation: Dimensions measured to the heart point of opposing walls.

Grab Confined

Take hold of bars are required on the back wall and the side wall farther from the entry. Take hold of confined can exist continuous or separate. If separate, they must exist six″ maximum from adjacent walls and must be at the same height in a higher place the terminate flooring.

Controls, Enclosures, Thresholds

The controls, faucet, and shower spray unit of measurement must exist located on the side wall further from the entry if no seat is provided. Shower controls and fittings must be at least one½″ above the catch bar so that they do not impede the bar's gripping surface. Enclosures cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower spray units or transfer to seats. Every bit with standard ringlet-in compartments, thresholds must comply with specifications for changes in level (i.e., ½″ high maximum and, if greater than ¼″ loftier, askew i:2 max).

Alternate Curlicue-In Shower Compartment with Folding Seat

If provided, a folding seat must exist mounted on the front wall and extend to inside 3″ from the compartment entry. The width of the front wall is not specified, simply where a seat is provided it should be wide enough to accommodate a folding seat of sufficient size.

Note: Side wall not shown for clarity

A benefit of the alternate compartment is that it provides a grab bar within reach from the seat on the opposite wall. The grab bar on the side wall is dimensioned so that it does not overlap the seat when downwards. With a folding seat, the controls, faucet, and shower spray unit can be located on the back wall contrary the seat instead of the side wall.

Note: Front wall not shown for clarity

Whether on the side or back wall, the location of the controls, faucet, and shower spray unit are specified so that they are within reach from the seat.

Controls and Shower Spray Unit Reverse Seat

Controls and Shower Spray Unit on Side Wall

Transfer Shower Compartment

[§608]

Transfer shower compartments must accept a seat (folding or non-folding) and are sized and then that controls and catch bars are usable from the seat. The depth is as well limited so that support is available from the back wall once transfer is made to the seat. This is why the width and depth are absolute, not minimum, dimensions of 36″.

These dimensions are measured from the centerline of opposing walls since prefabricated units ofttimes have rounded corners and slightly tapered walls to get the class off the mold. The entry must exist at least 36″ wide on the face of the compartment.

In home units, a seat is non required if walls are properly reinforced to support later installation of a seat in compliance with the Standards (§608.4).

Clearance

The required clearance must exist located and so that it aligns with the control wall and extends 12″ minimum from the seat wall. This allows proper alignment with the seat for transfer from wheelchairs. No elements, including lavatories, tin overlap this clearance as they would impede transfer. The seat wall or the flange around the confront of prefabricated showers may slightly offset the clearance from the shower. It is of import that this offset be minimized and to limit the gap between the clearance and the edge of the seat (which must extend to a point inside three″ of the compartment entry).

Grab Bars, Controls, and Enclosures

Grab bars are required on the wall opposite the seat and the back wall. They can be continuous or carve up. If divide, they must exist at the aforementioned height above the finish floor. The catch bars must extend across the control wall to the entry. If separate, the grab bars must extend as close every bit possible to the adjacent wall. Controls are located and then that they are within accomplish from exterior the compartment. Enclosures cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower spray units, or transfer to seats.

Thresholds

Thresholds are limited to a height of ½″ and tin be askew, rounded, or vertical. No width is specified for the threshold.

Note: A threshold 2″ high maximum is permitted in alterations where providing a ½" threshold would disturb the structural reinforcement of the flooring slab.

This guide notes some provisions in the International Building Code (IBC) and the ICC A117.ane Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities that are not found in the ADA Standards. For example, the A117.1 standard, which provides technical provisions and is referenced by the IBC, requires a vertical catch bar at showers and bathtubs. Information technology also requires a folding seat in all curl-in showers. Non all differences between the ADA Standards and editions of the IBC and A117.i standard are noted in this guide.

Gang Showers

Where gang showers are provided, a fully compliant shower is required. Either a transfer compartment or a whorl-in compartment tin can be integrated with a gang shower.

Transfer Compartment at Gang Shower

Note: the seat wall must be loftier enough to provide sufficient back support at the seat. (Back support at dressing room benches must extend 18″ higher up the seat surface.)

Gang Shower Incorporating Roll-In Compartment

Note: A folding seat can be included in this solution as specified for curlicue-in compartments.

Controls at Bathtubs and Shower Compartments

[§607.5]

Controls and faucets at showers and bathtubs must exist usable with i hand and non crave tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, or more than 5 pounds of force (lbf) to operate. Their location is specified then that they are inside accessible accomplish range while not obstructing grab bars and are usable from outside transfer shower compartments and bathtubs.

Shower Spray Units and Water Temperature at Bathtubs and Shower Compartments

[§607.6]

A hand-held shower spray unit of measurement that can as well be used in a fixed position is required at all accessible showers and bathtubs. The required on/off control for the hand-held unit of measurement must have a "not-positive shut-off" which does non fully stop the flow of h2o but allows it to be reduced. It too prevents cross-connections and other hazards prohibited past plumbing codes. The water temperature is limited to 120°F.

The manus-held unit needs to be reachable within a height of 48″ to a higher place the shower floor, measured to the operable portion. Vertical bars with adjustable heights offer more than options for using it in a stock-still position and are permitted, just they likewise may event in the hand-held unit being out of accomplish unless it is returned to a lower position. Vertical bars cannot obstruct utilize of catch bars and must be at least one½″ above the top gripping surface.

An on/off command with a non-positive close-off is required

A stock-still shower head at 48″ maximum above the shower flooring can substitute for a paw-held shower spray unit at shower compartments (non bathtubs) in facilities not serving as medical or long-term intendance facilities, transient lodging, or dwelling units.

Take hold of Bars

[§607.4]

So that employ of take hold of confined at shower compartments and bathtubs is not impeded, any projecting objects must be located at least 12″ above the top surface of grab bars and at least i½″ from the bottom and ends of catch bars. All the same, other take hold of confined and shower controls and fittings can be located at least 1½″ in a higher place catch bars.

Shower controls and fittings can be 1½″ minimum above grab bars, simply other projecting objects, such as lather dispensers, must exist outside the 12″ minimum articulate space above grab bars. This required 12″ minimum clearance limits to a narrow range (45″ to 48″) the summit of accessible operable parts depending on the take hold of bar height (33″ to 36″).

Grab bars can have round or non-circular cantankerous-sections but must have rounded edges. The one½″ clearance between the grab bar and wall is not a minimum but an accented dimension to prevent entrapment. Grab bars cannot rotate within fittings. The structural force of grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal strength of 250 lbs. at whatsoever point on the take hold of bar, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.

In dwelling units and in single-user bathing facilities accessed but through a individual part and not for public or common use, grab bars are not required at showers or bathtubs if walls are properly reinforced for their subsequently installation in compliance with the Standards (§607.4 and §608.iii).

Shower Seats

[§608.4]

Seats at transfer and curl-in shower compartments can be rectangular or L-shaped. The L-shaped seat affords users additional support and stability from the back wall. To facilitate transfer, the seat height (17″ to 19″ measured to the bathroom finish floor) approximates wheelchair seat heights. Seats must extend to a point within iii″ of the compartment entry to minimize the transfer gap. Seats must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at whatsoever bespeak on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure. Folding seats can accept legs.

Bathtubs

[§607]

Bathtubs must exist equipped with a removable in-tub seat or a permanent seat at the head cease of the tub.

Removable In-tub Seat

Removable seats must secure to the tub so that they stay in place during transfer and use. Specifications address seat height, depth, and structural forcefulness. Seats must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at whatsoever signal on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or supporting construction. Designs providing back support are appropriate merely not required.

Clearance and Grab Bars

The required clearance at bathtubs provides access to controls and space for transfer to in-tub seats. Grab bars are required on iii walls. Those required on the control cease and head end walls must exist located at the forepart border. A compliant lavatory can overlap the clearance at the control cease, but keeping this cease clear will ease access to controls.

Take hold of bars on the command stop and head finish walls must extend to the front edge of the bathtub. A maximum distance from the bathtub forepart edge is not specified, only the grab confined should be as close as possible while allowing for the bar and attachment to be properly secured.

Back Wall Grab Bars

Controls and Enclosures

Controls (excluding drain stoppers) must be located below grab bars toward the forepart so that they are inside reach from outside the tub. Enclosures cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower and spray units, or transfer to tub seats or into bathtubs or have tracks on the rim of the open tub face up.

Head End Wall Grab Bar

Control End Wall Catch Bar, Controls, and Shower Spray Unit

Bathtub with Permanent Seat

[§607]

Permanent seats must be located at the head terminate and extend from the back wall to or across the outer border of the bathtub. Specifications for grab bars and clearances are different for bathtubs with permanent seats. The head finish provides back support at the seat and does not contain the 12″ minimum grab bar required at bathtubs with removable seats.

Grab Bars and Clearance

The grab confined on the dorsum wall must extend to 15″ maximum from the head end wall then that they are usable from the seat.

The clearance in front end of the bathtub must extend 12″ minimum beyond the seat wall then people using wheelchairs tin can align with the seat for lateral transfer. The seat wall often extends farther than the border of the bathtub. While the bathtub clearance does non have to adjoin the bathtub, information technology is important that any offset necessary for the seat wall be minimized

Example Bathrooms

The Standards do not directly specify the size of bathrooms which is determined by the layout, the blazon and number of fixtures, and other factors and design choices. How diverse requirements are met, including fixture clearances, turning space, and door maneuvering clearance will determine the minimum dimensions of the room. Bathing facilities, including single-user bathrooms, can be configured in many different ways. The sample layouts shown here are used only as examples of how the technical requirements apply.

Bath with Standard Roll-In Shower Compartment

This case of a unmarried-user bathing facility features a standard roll-in shower compartment.

Fixture Clearances

Specified clearances are required at the lavatory, h2o closet, and shower compartment. Fixture clearances can overlap. The door cannot swing into fixture clearances (unless, in the instance of single-user facilities, unobstructed wheelchair space is provided in the room beyond the arc of the door swing). Clear floor space is likewise required at provided dispensers, receptacles, controls and other operable parts, clothes hooks, and shelves (non shown).

Turning Space

Turning space is required in the room (60″ bore circle or a T-shaped space). The turning infinite can overlap fixture clearances, and doors can swing into the turning space nether whatsoever condition. Elements with compliant knee and toe space, such equally a lavatory, tin partially overlap the turning space.

The door maneuvering clearance can be starting time up to 8″ from the face of the door. Elements, such equally grab confined, that can fit within this offset are permitted and then long equally they exercise not protrude into the minimum maneuvering clearance.

Bathroom with Alternating Roll-In Shower Compartment

This example shows a single-user bathing facility with an alternating scroll-in shower compartment that is equipped with a folding seat.

Fixture Clearances and Clear Floor Infinite Across Door Swing

An accessible road must connect to the entry of the alternate scroll-in shower compartment, but additional clearance at the fixture is non required. At to the lowest degree one lavatory must provide the required clearance. Since the door swings into the clearance of i fixture (the water closet), an unobstructed clear flooring space thirty″ minimum by 48″ minimum is required in the room beyond the door swing. This provides infinite in single-user facilities to enter the room and clear the door. The location or orientation of the space is non specified, but it should be like shooting fish in a barrel to occupy upon entry into the room.

Turning Infinite

As noted above, doors tin swing into the turning space in all cases. While elements with compliant knee and toe infinite can partially overlap the turning space, keeping the turning space entirely articulate enhances usability.

Door Maneuvering Clearance

The door maneuvering clearance must always be clear of any fixtures or elements.

Bathroom with a Bathtub

A bathtub can be provided instead of a shower compartment. Compliant bathtubs must have either a removable in-tub seat as shown here or a permanent seat.

Fixture Clearances and Articulate Floor Space Beyond Door Swing

An unobstructed clear flooring space 30″ minimum by 48″ minimum is required in this design considering the door swings into fixture clearances (lavatory and bathtub). (In residential domicile units, a lavatory adjacent to the water closet can overlap a portion of the water closet clearance if the clearance depth is increased past 10″, merely keeping the space beside the water closet articulate provides ameliorate access by allowing positioning for side transfers).

Option: Bathtub with a Permanent Seat

Bathtubs with a permanent seat require more than clearance. The clearance must extend the total length of the bathtub and seat and at to the lowest degree 12″ beyond the seat to allow proper alignment for transfer.

Turning Space

Door Maneuvering Clearance

Bathroom with Transfer Shower Compartment and Bathtub

Only 1 bathtub or shower compartment is required to comply in a bathing facility. If a bathroom has a dissever bathtub and shower compartment, providing access to both is advisable for greater access simply non required. In this configuration, providing the required clearance at the transfer shower does not impact the size of the room. Transfer shower compartments must have a seat.

Fixture Clearances and Articulate Floor Space Across Door Swing

Since this bathtub has a permanent seat, the required clearance extends at least 12″ beyond the head end wall. Similarly, the clearance at the transfer shower must extend the same altitude beyond the seat wall. The shower and bathtub clearances partially overlap. The door swings into these clearances, and the required unobstructed wheelchair space beyond the door swing is hands accommodated in this design.

Turning Space and Door Maneuvering Clearance

Multi-User Bathroom with Transfer Shower Compartments

In multi-user bathing facilities, every bit in unmarried-user bathrooms, the requirements are based on the type and number of bathing fixtures and elements provided.

Mutual Questions

Bathing Rooms

Are bathing rooms that serve employees merely non the public required to be accessible?

Yes. Public and mutual use bathing rooms, including those used exclusively by employees, must comply. Individual bathrooms for a single occupant accessed simply through a private function are permitted express exceptions for certain admission features, such every bit the later installation of grab bars if walls have blocking or are reinforced.

Is access required to a unisex bathing room that is provided in addition to accessible men'south and women'due south bathing rooms?

Yes. Unisex bathing facilities must be accessible, including where they are provided in add-on to accesible men's and women'due south bathing facilities.

Can access be provided to a unisex bathing room instead of to separate sex bathing rooms?

If men's and women's bathing rooms are provided, they must be accessible fifty-fifty if a unisex bathing room is besides provided. However, in alterations when it is technically infeasible to make existing men's and women's bathing facilities comply, an accessible unisex bathing room can be provided instead if it is located on the same floor and in the aforementioned area every bit the men'southward and women's bathing facilities (§213.2, Ex. ane).

If a bathing facility has multiple shower compartments or bathtubs located in dissever rooms for privacy, how does scoping use?

If multiple shower compartments or bathtubs are provided in a multi-user shower or bathing room, then at to the lowest degree 1 shower compartment or bathtub must comply (§213.3.6), including where showers or tubs are enclosed past total-height partitions for privacy. If single-user bathing rooms are provided in a cluster and accessed direct from a common apply corridor or hallway, and so each is required to comply as a split bathing room. Where portable bathing units are provided, at least 5% at each cluster must comply (§213.2).

Can bathing rooms be designed for assisted use instead of independent access?

In licensed medical care and long-term care facilities, bathing rooms that are office of accessible patient or resident sleeping rooms must comply. The Standards cover independent accessibility and do not address design for utilise that is assisted by medical or resident care personnel. Design features for assisted use that conflict with requirements of the Standards can be provided in those bathing rooms that are non required to encounter the Standards. Under the provision of "equivalent facilitation" (§103), the Standards permit alternatives to prescribed requirements that result in "substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability."

Can bathing room doors swing into turning infinite and fixture clearances?

Bathroom doors can swing into the turning space. They cannot swing into the clearance required at plumbing fixtures, except at single user bathing rooms where unobstructed wheelchair space is provided in the room beyond the arc of the door swing (§603.2.3, Ex. 2). In addition, doors can swing into fixture clearances at unmarried-occupant bathing rooms accessed only through a private role and not for mutual apply if the swing of the door can be reversed (§603.2.three, Ex. 1).

Must bathing rooms be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)?

Labeling accessible bathing rooms with the ISA is required only where inaccessible bathing rooms are present. At least 5% of single user portable bathing units of the same blazon in each cluster must comply and be identified by the ISA unless all are accessible (§213.2., Ex. iii, §216.8). In alterations where existing bathing rooms do not comply, directional signs with the ISA must exist provided to point the location of the nearest accessible bathing room which must exist labeled past the ISA (§216.8).

In transient lodging facilities, can roll-in showers be provided in those attainable guest rooms not required to have them?

A specified portion of accessible guest rooms in transient lodging facilities with over l invitee rooms must have a roll-in shower with a folding seat (§224.ii). This shower design is required for transient lodging facilities because information technology affords users the choice to coil in or to transfer to a seat. To provide additional bathing options, the Standards specify transfer showers and/or bathtubs for the other guest rooms required to comply, which are referred to every bit "Rooms Without Roll-in Showers" (Table 224.2). Curl-in showers are not specified for these other guest rooms, but the Standards do permit alternatives to prescribed requirements that issue in "essentially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability" under the provision for "equivalent facilitation" (§103). It is important that departures from the types of bathing fixtures specified for guest rooms (roll-in showers versus transfer showers or bathtubs) nether equivalent facilitation provide people with disabilities an equal or greater level of pick. For example, like the required roll-in showers, whatever boosted roll-in showers provided instead of a transfer shower or bathtub should be equipped with seats. Further, offering a option of standard and alternate roll-in showers volition likewise heighten options, every bit each has its own benefits; the alternating roll-in shower with a seat is similar to a transfer shower by providing a grab bar contrary the seat that is within reach, while the standard roll-in shower provides easier maneuvering into the shower considering the entry is as wide as the compartment. Additionally, accessible guest rooms must be dispersed among the various classes of guest rooms and provide choices in amenities comparable to those afforded other guests (§224.5). If ane type of bathing fixture is provided in a form of guest room, that same type of fixture should be provided in the attainable guest room in that class to ensure an equivalent level of choice in amenities.

Are benches required in bathing facilities?

The Standards require a compliant bench in accessible dressing rooms, fitting rooms, and locker rooms (§803.4). A demote is non required in bathing facilities more often than not (except those that are part of locker rooms). If changing or dressing rooms are provided in bathing rooms, they must comply as dressing rooms and include a compliant bench. Providing a compliant bench in all bathing rooms will provide greater accessibility.

Shower Compartments

Are seats required in coil-in showers?

Seats are not required in roll-in shower compartments except folding seats that are required to be provided in a portion of accessible guest rooms in transient lodging facilities. Folding seats are recommended in all roll-in showers because they provide options for users. They do good people with disabilities who prefer to sit and accommodate those who wish to transfer from wheeled mobility aids. Seats (either folding or non-folding) are required in transfer shower compartments.

Are ringlet-in showers preferred over transfer showers?

Preferences vary amid users and each shower type has benefits. Transfer shower compartments ever take a seat which is helpful to many people with disabilities, including those who are ambulatory. Even so, they do not provide any roll-in selection for those who prefer not to transfer to a seat. Coil-in showers provide easier access for those who do non wish to transfer. However, many people need to transfer from wheelchairs to either a shower seat or shower chair. For these reasons, designs that beget users options are ameliorate, such equally equipping all gyre-in showers with folding seats. In facilities with multiple bathrooms or bathing facilities, it is by and large advisable to provide different types of bathing fixtures to let more options.

Can transfer shower compartments exist larger than 36″ by 36″?

No. These are absolute, not minimum, dimensions. The specified size provides sufficient space while keeping the controls and grab bars within accomplish of the seat. The back wall also provides support at the seat.

Can the corners of prefabricated shower compartments be rounded?

Yes. Shower compartments are measured at the middle points (horizontal and vertical) of opposing sides to permit rounded corners.

Is a stock-still shower head required in addition to the hand-held shower spray unit?

The Standards require only a mitt-held shower spray unit that is as well usable in a stock-still position. A separate fixed shower caput at a standard height tin be provided in addition to the hand-held shower spray unit of measurement. A stock-still shower head at 48″ maximum above the shower floor can substitute for a hand-held shower spray unit at shower compartments except in medical or long-term care facilities, transient lodging, or abode units.

Can access be provided at gang showers?

Yeah. Attainable shower compartments can be incorporated into gang showers provided they run across all applicable requirements.

Can shower grab confined exist continuous?

Yes. Grab bars at showers can be continuous or separate.

If separate shower catch confined are provided, must they be at the aforementioned meridian?

Yeah. Grab bars required at showers must be installed at the same top (§608.3).

Can a shower grab bar be located on a half wall or wing wall?

Yes. Catch confined, if properly secured, can be located on a half wall or wing wall. However, information technology is important that adequate wall surface is bachelor to provide support and to keep arms from slipping off the bar. Wall surface that extends the full top of the required 12″ clearance above grab bars, or preferably to the standard adult shoulder height for standees, should provide sufficient support in using grab bars.

How shut must the grab bar extend to the shower opening?

It is important that the take hold of bar on the control wall of a transfer shower extend close to the shower entry so that it is usable from outside the compartment for transfer. A maximum horizontal distance between the grab bar and the entry is not specified in the Standards. In standard whorl-in showers, grab confined are generally required to extend near the opening; if the shower is considerably deeper than the 30″ minimum, take hold of confined should exist lengthened so that they extend to the entry, but this is not required.

How close must the grab bar extend to the corner of the shower compartment?

In roll-in showers, grab confined must be located half dozen″ maximum from adjacent walls. In a transfer shower, grab bars that are divide must extend as close equally feasible to the adjacent wall (a maximum distance is not specified).

Can shower diverter valves be located on stock-still shower heads mounted more than 48″ above the shower floor?

No. Shower controls, including diverters for shower spray handheld units, must be within the location specified for shower controls at transfer and roll-in shower compartments. The maximum height is 48″ in a higher place the shower flooring.

Can a handheld shower spray unit exist mounted to a vertical bar that provides adjustable positions in a higher place a elevation of 48″?

Aye. Handheld shower spray units tin can exist mounted to vertical bars with adjustable heights. The bar must be located so that the shower spray unit of measurement can be positioned within the specified location and maximum 48″ summit. The vertical bar cannot obstruct the use of grab confined (§608.6); while it tin can be located inside the 12″ minimum clearance in a higher place the grab bar equally a shower fitting, it must let a clearance of at least 1½″ in a higher place the bar and cannot extend behind the grab bar. Shower spray units should be returned to a lower position so that they remain inside accessible attain for other users.

Can attainable shower compartments accept doors instead of curtains?

Shower enclosures, including doors, cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower spray units, or transfer from wheelchairs to transfer seats (§608.8). Shower doors on transfer compartments and standard roll-in compartments will typically neglect this examination. For example, a swing door on a transfer shower volition hinder transfer unless it tin swing clear of the required clearance, but it volition be very hard to shut such a door from the shower seat. A door may exist possible on an alternating roll-in shower if the shower opening provides a clear width of at least 36″ minimum when the door is open 90 degrees.

Are rinsing showers at swimming pools, beaches, and camping areas required to comply as showers?

Shower fixtures located outside bathrooms for use at swimming pools and beaches are non required to comply as showers. However, they must still meet applicable requirements for operable parts, including articulate flooring space and compliant controls within accessible reach range. The ABA Standards, which apply to federally funded facilities, include provisions for outdoor developed areas on federal lands. These provisions include requirements for outdoor rinsing showers (§1011.7) which can exist consulted every bit a reference for other types of outdoor sites.

Grab Bars and Shower Spray Units

Can grab bar attachments be located at points along the bar instead of at the ends?

Yes. Grab bar attachments can be at points other than the ends of grab confined.

How is the length of take hold of bars measured?

Grab bar length is measured to the centerline of the return, consistent with industry convention. This also applies to post-mounted catch bars. When fastened at points other than the ends (east.thou., "European" style grab bars), the length is measured to the end of the bar.

Must grab bars have a peened or other textured surface?

No. The Standards do not require take hold of confined to have peened or textured surfaces.

Is a vertical take hold of bar required past the Standards?

No. The ADA Standards do non crave a vertical grab bar at bathing fixtures. Vertical confined are helpful and provide back up when stepping into bathtubs or showers. The ICC A117.i standard, which is referenced by the International Building Code, requires an 18″ minimum vertical grab bar at transfer showers and bathtubs.

What is a non-positive shut-off for the on/off control on mitt-held shower spray units?

The handheld shower spray unit must have a "non-positive shut-off" to prevent cross- connections and other hazards prohibited past plumbing codes. A not-positive shut-off does not completely stop the flow of water so that the main close-off is nonetheless used.

Bathtubs

Exercise requirements for bathtubs also use to spa tubs, or tubs used for rehabilitation, physical therapy, or sports training?

The requirements for bathtubs apply only to bathtubs used for bathing. Requirements for spas (§242.4), which specify access by lifts or transfer walls or systems, utilise to spa tubs.

Do the Standards specify the peak of bathtub walls?

No. The Standards specify the height of removable and permanent tub seats (17″ to 19″) but not the height of tub walls or rims. The exterior tub wall should be the same height as permanent tub seats for easier access.

Source: https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-6-bathing-rooms/

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