Handicapped Bathrooms Specs

People who are physically challenged or have issues concerning mobility understand the difficulty of maneuvering around and using a bathroom. The Americans with Disabilities Act produced building codes and standards that grant individuals with handicaps easy access to public facilities. Bathroom designs are required to be handicap accessible and need to meet ADA code and other possible state standards and regulations.

Bathroom Design

• Bathroom designs are important for the safety and convenience of handicapped people. Handicap bathrooms should provide an area sizeable enough to allow a wheelchair to perform a 360-degree turn in a 5-feet circle without bumping into any objects. Doorways must be a minimum of 32 inches wide to accomodate walkers and wheelchairs, and flooring materials should be non-slip to avoid possible injury.

Bathroom Sink Design

• The bathroom sink should allow knee room underneath for a wheelchair to roll under. There should be nothing underneath the sink and water pipes should be insulated and padded. Shelves, baskets and trays are required to be built at accessible heights for a seated position. Sink faucets should have a handle or lever type that is easy to operate, or a motion sensor.

Bathroom Toilet Design

• The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the toilet height to be between 17 and 19 inches for handicap accommodation. Grab bars and toilet paper are needed within hand reach of the toilet. The toilet should have an empty space next to it for wheelchairs to park. Equipment such as toilet transfer seats can also be installed to assist the user from the wheelchair to the toilet.

Shower and Tub Design

• Seats are to be installed at the head of the tub or inside the shower. Bathtub faucets are required to face toward the entry side of the tub for easy access. Showerheads should be handheld and wallmounted on a slide bar so a person of any height can operate it. Showers and tubs are recommended to be impact-resistant.