The Americans with Disabilities Act is designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensure that they have equal access and opportunity. Public and commercial entities are required by law to meet minimum standards for accessibility for alterations, renovations and new construction of facilities. One area directly impacted by these requirements is the bathroom, and failure to meet these criteria can create liability issues. ADA bathroom compliance or ada bathroom requirements provide clear standards for many common features.
ADA Bathroom Compliance Features
Disabled Access Doors
The guidelines laid out for ADA compliant bathroom requirements are about making space accessible and easy to use for people with all kinds of disabilities. With that in mind, it makes sense that doors are expected to open to at least 90 degrees, have handles that can be grasped with one hand, and require only minimal force to move. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide.
ADA Design Space
A handicap bathroom should provide space for maneuvering with any necessary mobility tools. Single-use bathrooms must have a clear circle of at least 56 inches from the rear wall and 60 inches around the side wall so that a wheelchair can turn. Multiuse bathrooms must provide an appropriate number of stalls with the space needed for movement.
High Toilets for Handicapped
An ADA compliant toilet will have user-friendly flush valves that do not require pinching, tight grasping or twisting of the wrist. Height is also a factor. The ADA bathroom compliance requirements state that toilet seat height should be 17-19 inches from the floor.
ADA Bathroom Grab Bars
Grab bars are helpful for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Sturdy, easy-to-grip models that are capable of withstanding at least 250 pounds of pressure and have a gripping surface of at least 1.25 inches should be mounted 33-36 inches above the floor and at least 1.5 inches from the wall. In a handicap bathroom, grab bars should be installed near the toilet. On the rear wall, they should be at least 36 inches long; on the side wall, a minimum length of 42 inches is required.
ADA Compliant Sinks
According to ADA bathroom compliance requirements, the sink shouldn’t be mounted more than 34 inches above the floor. In addition, there should be knee clearance below the sink in the form of a space that is 30 inches wide, 27 inches high, and between 11 inches and 25 inches in depth.
ADA Compliant Faucets
With faucets, the user should not have to exert more than 5 pounds of pressure to get results, and they shouldn’t have to use more than one hand or pinch, grasp tightly or twist the wrist. Faucets should be either lever-operated or controlled with a push, touch, or electronics. Reach is another factor that must be considered. The ADA sets a height limit of 48 inches for all accessories, including faucets and soap dispensers, when the reach depth is up to 20 inches deep; 44 inches is required when the reach depth is over 20 inches.
ADA Bathroom Requirements
While ADA bathroom requirements are intended to make the space easier for people to use, figuring out how to meet these ADA requirements can be tricky. Of course, the bathroom is not the only place when meeting ADA compliance guidelines.
Additional Reading: ADA Compliance
Hiring an experienced PA general contractor who is familiar with ADA bathroom requirements at the helm can ensure that all applicable ADA compliance standards are met and that your project runs smoothly. With more than 40 years of experience, CBF Contracting Inc. knows how to get the job done right. Contact us today at 814-745-3000 to learn more about our services.
