Ada Vertical Grab Bar Shower

Figure 37 a 36 in by 36 inches 915 mm by 915 mm transfer stall.

Ada vertical grab bar shower.

Ada requirements for grab bars in a shower stalls. Grab bars need to be mounted lower for better leverage 33 36 840 915 mm high. Alternate roll in type shower compartments in alternate roll in type shower compartments grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry. However other grab bars and shower controls and fittings can be located at least 1 above grab bars.

Grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 33 inches 840 mm minimum and 36 inches 915 mm maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface except that at water closets for children s use complying with 604 9 grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 18 inches 455 mm minimum and 27 inches 685 mm maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface. The vertical grab bar is only specified in the icc ansi a117 1 accessible and usable buildings and facilities. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches 150 mm maximum from adjacent walls. Alternate roll in type shower compartments in alternate roll in type shower compartments grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry.

117 1 requires vertical grab bars in accessible stalls. The bottom of a vertical bar in transfer showers must be 3 6 inches over the horizontal bar on the wall. So that use of grab bars 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 1 from the bottom and ends of grab bars. Vertical grab bars are not yet covered in the ada guidelines however ansi specifies the dimensions shown in the diagram.

Where the problem comes in is that installers frequently aim for one edge of this range and wind up a bit too low or high. Transfer type showers are a very specific type of shower defined by the 2010 ada code as a 36 by 36 shower with a seat and grab bars and more specifically adhering to the following. However you will often see them while in a toilet room or in the accessible stall. Must be 36 from center points of opposing sides no construction tolerance is stated in the code.

Ansi icc 117 1 2009 is the current accessibility standard referenced by my local jurisdiction s building code obc and i believe the international building code as well. The ada standards require horizontal grab bars on the rear wall and side wall of the water closet but it does not specify a vertical grab bar. A a b b. Odd thing is if adaag has stricter standards than 117 1 the adaag standards should be followed instead of 117 1.

Horizontal side wall grab bars need to be 42 1065 mm minimum length. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. In showers and toilets the top of a horizontal grab bar must be 33 36 inches off the floor.