What are ADA regulations for a handicapped bathroom stall?

Answer 1

Toilet Stalls

If toilet stalls are provided, then at least one shall be a standard toilet stall complying with Type A or B, shown below. This stall is required in all new construction, as well as public accommodations that are being altered.

Standard Stalls

Type A - Standard Compartment (Wheelchair Accessible)

• Minimum width 60" clear inside
• Minimum depth 56" with wall mounted water closet
• Minimum depth 59" with a floor mounted water closet
• Commode to be centered 18" from either side of stall, with a 32" minimum clear opening

To achieve this, we recommend a 34" out swinging door. The location of the door is most critical in providing an accessible stall. The door is to be mounted no more than 4" from the side wall or panel that is opposite diagonally from the commode. This allows maximum clearance for the wheelchair to enter and maneuver about.

Type B - Standard Alcove (End-of-Row) Compartment (Wheelchair Accessible)

• Minimum width 60" clear opening with 32" clearance on the door
• Minimum length 92" with a wall mounted water closet
• Minimum length 95" with a floor mounted water closet
• Commode to be mounted 18" to the center from the back wall

Here again, a 34" door is recommended.

Alternate Stalls

The alternate stalls are used in alterations where the standard stall is technically infeasible or where local Plumbing codes prohibit reduction in the number of fixtures.

In alterations, where the standard stall is technically infeasible or where local plumbing codes prohibit reduction in the number of fixtures, then the 36" or 48" stalls, Type C or D, shown below, are permitted.

In large toilet rooms where six or more toilet stalls are provided, it is required that a 36" wide stall with parallel grab bars be provided in addition to the standard stall required in new construction.

Since this stall is primarily intended for use by persons using canes, crutches and walkers, rather than wheelchairs, the length of the stall may be conventional. The door, however, must swing out.

Type C Alternate Compartment 36" Wide

Type D Alternate Compartment minimum 48" Wide (Alternate Wheelchair Accessible)

Grab Bars Toilet Stalls

Grab bars complying with the length and positioning shown below shall be provided. Grab bars may be mounted with any desired method as long as they have a gripping surface at the locations shown and do not obstruct the required clear floor area.

Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails.

Many disabled people rely heavily upon grab bars and handrails to maintain balance and prevent serious falls. Many people brace their forearms between supports and walls to give them more leverage and stability in maintaining balance or for lifting.

The grab bar clearance of 1-1/2" (38 mm) required in this guideline is a safety clearance to prevent injuries resulting from arms slipping through the openings. It also provides adequate gripping room.

The diameter or width of the gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall be 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface.

A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 in (3.2 mm).

Toilet Stalls

Rear Wall of Standard Stall

The grab bar on the back wall shall be 36" minimum in length, extending from the wall toward the open side of the water closet, 33"-36"above the finished floor.

Toilet Stalls

Side Grab Bar

The side grab bar shall be 40"- 42" in length, beginning 12 inches maximum from the rear wall, 33"- 36" abovethe finished floor.

Shower Seats

A seat shall be provided in shower stalls 36" in by 36 "(915 mm by 915 mm) and shall be as shown below.

The seat shall be mounted 17" to 19" (430 mm to 485 mm) from the bathroom floor, extend the full depth of the stall and be located on the wall opposite the controls.

Where a fixed seat is provided in a 30" by 60" minimum (760 mm by 1525 mm) shower stall, it shall be a folding type and shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the controls as shown below.

An alternate 36" minimum by 60" (915 mm by 1220 mm) minimum shower stall is illustrated below.

The shower seat shall be 24" (610 mm) minimum in length by 16" (330 mm) minimum in width and may be rectangular in shape. The seat shall be located next to the opening to the shower and adjacent to the end wall containing the shower head and control.

General Guidelines

"The final rule of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by private entities in places of public accommodation and requires that all new places of public accommodation and commercial facilities be designed and constructed so as to be readily accessible and usable by persons with disabilities."

New Construction and Alterations

"The ADA act does not require new construction or alterations. It simply requires that when a public accommodation undertakes the construction and alteration of a facility, the new construction or altered facility must be made accessible according to the ADA guidelines."

Removal of Barriers

The act requires the removal of architectural barriers that are structural in nature in existing facilities where such removal is readily achievable, i.e. easily accomplished and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

Public accommodation should take measures to provide access to restroom facilities.

These measures include, for example:

• Removal of obstructing furniture or vending machines
• Widening of doors
• Installation of ramps
• Providing accessible signage
• Widening of toilet stalls
• Installation of grab bars

For more information about ADA guidelines, see Related Links, below.