Section 606 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design sets forth the requirements for lavatories and sinks, ensuring they are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This section covers the specifications for clear floor space, height, knee and toe clearance, faucet operation, and the placement of accessible fixtures like soap dispensers and hand dryers. These guidelines are designed to make sinks usable and reachable for all users, promoting independence and accessibility in various settings.
These detailed provisions help ensure that lavatories and sinks are not only accessible but also safe and easy to use for individuals with various disabilities.
Section 607 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design addresses the requirements for bathtubs, focusing on features that ensure their accessibility and usability for individuals with disabilities. This section outlines the critical dimensions and features that must be present to make bathtubs accessible in various settings such as residential facilities, hospitals, and hotels.
607.1 General : Bathtubs must comply with this section’s requirements. The section sets standards for bathtub design to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.607.2 Clear Floor Space : A clear floor space complying with Section 305 shall be provided at bathtubs. The space should facilitate both forward and parallel approaches to the bathtub.
Clearance for Bathtubs
607.3 Seats : If provided, seats at the head end of bathtubs shall comply with this section. The standards specify the positioning and design of seats to aid users with disabilities.607.4 Grab Bars : Grab bars at bathtubs shall comply with Section 609 and be provided according to the specifications within this subsection. This includes requirements on placement and structural strength to aid mobility and safety.
607.4.1 Structural Strength : Grab bars installed in bathtubs must support at least 250 pounds of force, ensuring they are sturdy enough to assist users with disabilities effectively.
Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Permanent Seats
607.4.2 Installation : Grab bars must be installed with appropriate spacing from the wall to allow a firm grip and easy handling, enhancing safety and usability for individuals with disabilities.
Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Removable In-Tub Seats
607.5 Water Controls : Water controls, including faucets and other mechanisms for controlling water, shall comply with Section 309. These controls must be accessible to people seated and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
Bathtub Control Location
607.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water : A shower spray unit with a hose at least 59 inches long that can function both as a fixed shower head and as a handheld unit must be provided. The unit should include an on/off control with a non-positive shut-off to prevent unintentional water stoppage. If an adjustable-height shower head on a vertical bar is used, it must be installed in a way that does not obstruct the use of grab bars. Bathtub shower spray units are required to deliver water at a maximum temperature of 120°F to ensure safety.
Advisory 607.6 : It’s recommended to ensure that handheld shower spray units are capable of delivering water pressure substantially equivalent to that of fixed shower heads to maintain effective and comfortable use.
607.7 Bathtub Enclosures : Bathtub enclosures must not obstruct access to controls, faucets, shower and spray units, or interfere with the transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats or into the bathtub itself. Additionally, enclosures should not have tracks installed on the rim of the open face of the bathtub to facilitate easier access and safer use.
This comprehensive summary reflects the ADA’s commitment to ensuring that bathtubs in public accommodations and commercial facilities are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting independence and privacy in personal care settings.
Showers
Section 608 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design outlines the requirements for shower compartments, ensuring they are accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. This section specifies detailed guidelines for the construction and features of shower compartments, including dimensions, thresholds, grab bars, seat provisions, controls, and enclosures. These standards are designed to accommodate various mobility needs and facilitate ease of use, enhancing safety and independence in shower environments.
608.1 General : All shower compartments must comply with the requirements outlined in Section 608, ensuring accessibility for all users .608.2 Size and Clearances for Shower Compartments : Specifies dimensions and necessary clearances for three types of shower compartments:
608.2.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartments : Must be 36 inches by 36 inches with a 36-inch wide minimum entry.
Transfer Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance
608.2.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments : Require minimum dimensions of 30 inches by 60 inches with a 60-inch wide minimum entry.
Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance
608.2.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments : Should be at least 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep, with a 36-inch wide minimum entry at one end of the long side.
Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance
608.3 Grab Bars : Provides requirements for the installation of grab bars in all types of shower compartments to support accessibility:
608.3.1 for Transfer Type Shower Compartments.
Grab Bars for Transfer Type Showers
608.3.2 for Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.
Grab Bars for Standard Roll-In Type Showers
608.3.3 for Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.
Grab Bars for Alternate Roll-In Type Showers
608.4 Seat : If provided, the seat in roll-in type showers must be folded and mounted on the side wall adjacent to the controls.608.5 Controls, Shower Spray Unit, and Water :
608.5.1 Controls and shower spray units in Transfer Type Shower Compartments must be accessible, operable with one hand, and located on the back wall near the side where the seat is located.
Transfer Type Shower Compartment Control Location
608.5.2 In Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments, controls, and shower spray units must also be easily reachable.
Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Control Location
608.5.3 Controls in Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments must follow similar accessibility guidelines.
Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Control Location
608.6 addresses the shower spray unit requirements, specifying that it must have a hose at least 59 inches long and be usable as both a fixed and handheld unit. It also specifies that the water temperature must not exceed 120°F.608.7 Thresholds : For roll-in type shower compartments, thresholds must be a maximum of ½ inches (13 mm) high, compliant with Section 303, to facilitate wheelchair access. In transfer-type shower compartments, thresholds can also be a maximum of ½ inches but must be beveled, rounded, or vertical to aid in transferring. An exception allows for a threshold up to 2 inches (51 mm) high in existing facilities where a lower threshold would compromise the structural reinforcement of the floor slab.608.8 Shower Enclosures : Enclosures for shower compartments must be designed to prevent obstructive access to controls, faucets, shower spray units, or the transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats. This ensures these components remain easily accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities.
This detailed summary covers the critical components of Section 608, ensuring that shower compartments are designed to be accessible and safe for use by individuals with disabilities.
Grab Bars
Section 609 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design outlines the specifications for grab bars used in accessible toilet and bathing facilities. These guidelines ensure that grab bars are properly positioned, structurally sound, and designed to provide the necessary support and safety for individuals with disabilities, aiding their mobility and independence in restroom environments.
609.1 General : States that grab bars must comply with the requirements outlined in Section 609 for both toilet and bathing facilities to assist users with disabilities.609.2 Cross Section : Specifies two types of cross sections for grab bars:
609.2.1 Circular Cross Section : Grab bars with circular cross sections should have an outside diameter of at least 1¼ inches and no more than 2 inches.609.2.2 Non-Circular Cross Section : Non-circular grab bars should have a maximum cross-section dimension of 2 inches and a perimeter between 4 inches and 4.8 inches.
Grab Bar Non-Circular Cross Section
609.3 Spacing : The space between the wall and the grab bar should be 1½ inches. The clearance between the grab bar and any projecting objects below or at the ends must also be at least 1½ inches, while the space above should be a minimum of 12 inches. Exceptions are made for spaces between grab bars and shower controls or other fittings.
Spacing of Grab Bars
609.4 Position of Grab Bars : Generally, grab bars should be installed horizontally, 33 inches to 36 inches above the floor to the top of the gripping surface. Exceptions are made for children’s facilities and specific bathtub configurations.609.5 Surface Hazards : Surfaces adjacent to grab bars must be free from sharp or abrasive elements and should have rounded edges to prevent injury.609.6 Fittings : Grab bars must be securely fitted to ensure they do not rotate.609.7 Installation : Installation should ensure that grab bars provide a gripping surface at the specified locations without obstructing the required clear floor space.609.8 Structural Strength : The materials used in grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds without exceeding allowable stress limits.
These guidelines ensure the safety and accessibility of grab bars in facilities, catering to the needs of individuals with disabilities and complying with ADA requirements.
Seats
Section 610 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design provides detailed requirements for seats in bathtubs and shower compartments. This section ensures that seats are designed and installed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, enhancing safety and accessibility in bathroom settings. The guidelines specify dimensions, placement, and structural integrity to support independent and assisted bathing practices.
610.1 General : This section states that all seats in bathtubs and shower compartments must comply with the specifications outlined in Section 610.610.2 Bathtub Seats : This section describes the height requirements for bathtub seats, which should be between 17 and 19 inches above the bathroom floor. It also details the depth requirements for removable in-tub seats and permanent seats at the head end of the bathtub, providing specific measurements for secure and accessible seating.
Bathtub Seats
610.3 Shower Compartment Seats : Focuses on the placement and type of seats in different shower compartment setups:
Standard roll-in showers should have a folding seat on the side wall adjacent to the controls.
Alternate roll-in showers require a folding seat on the front wall opposite the back wall.
Transfer-type showers must have seats that extend appropriately from the back wall.
All seats in these setups must be 17 to 19 inches above the bathroom floor.
Extent of Seat
610.3.1 Rectangular Seats : Specifies the placement of the edges of rectangular seats in relation to the walls and the seat wall, ensuring ease of transfer and accessibility.
Rectangular Shower Seat
610.3.2 L-Shaped Seats : This section provides detailed measurements for the placement of L-shaped seats, including the positioning of the rear and front edges of the seat and the “L” portion to accommodate various mobility needs.
L-Shaped Shower Seat
610.4 Structural Strength : Ensures that seats are sturdy enough to withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds, emphasizing the need for durable materials and secure installation to reliably support users.
These provisions ensure that bathtub and shower seats are both accessible and safe, accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities in various bathroom configurations.
Washing Machines and Dryers
Section 611 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design establishes the accessibility requirements for washing machines and clothes dryers in public and commercial facilities. These standards address the design and placement of laundry equipment to ensure that individuals with disabilities can independently use it.
611.1 General : Stipulates that all washing machines and clothes dryers must adhere to the specifications outlined in Section 611.611.2 Clear Floor Space : Specifies that a clear floor or ground space, positioned for a parallel approach and complying with Section 305, must be centered on the appliance, facilitating easier access for users with disabilities.611.3 Operable Parts : Ensures that all operable parts, including doors, lint screens, and compartments for detergent and bleach, must comply with Section 309, which requires these components to be accessible and easy to use.611.4 Height : Details the height requirements for different types of laundry machines. Top-loading machines must have the door to the laundry compartment no higher than 36 inches from the floor. For front-loading machines, the opening to the laundry compartment must be situated between 15 inches and 36 inches above the floor.
Height of Laundry Compartment Opening These regulations aim to promote usability and independence, allowing individuals with disabilities to perform laundry tasks without assistance.
Saunas
Section 612 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design sets forth accessibility guidelines for saunas and steam rooms, ensuring that these facilities can be used safely and comfortably by individuals with disabilities. This section addresses the design and layout of these spaces to accommodate ease of access and mobility.
612.1 General : Saunas and steam rooms must adhere to the specifications outlined in Section 612 to ensure accessibility.612.2 Bench : Specifies that at least one bench in saunas and steam rooms must comply with Section 903 concerning benches. Additionally, doors must not swing into the clear floor space required by Section 903.2 for accessibility. An exception is made for readily removable benches, which may obstruct the turning space and clear floor space when not permanently fixed.612.3 Turning Space : Mandates that a turning space complying with Section 304 be provided within saunas and steam rooms, allowing sufficient room for individuals using mobility aids to maneuver comfortably within the space.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that saunas and steam rooms are inclusive, providing necessary accommodations that allow individuals with disabilities to use these facilities without barriers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the outlined sections from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design—covering water fountains, toilets, and water closets—play a pivotal role in ensuring that facilities are accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. By adhering to these detailed guidelines, facilities comply with legal requirements and promote inclusivity and independence for all users. These standards reflect a commitment to accessibility that benefits the community by making public and commercial spaces welcoming and navigable for everyone, regardless of physical limitations. This approach enhances the functionality of these spaces and fosters a more inclusive society.
