Bathing rooms: showers, tubs and transfer spaces

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Bathing Rooms Grab Bars [§607.4 and §608.3] 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 1½” from the bottom and ends of grab bars. However, other grab bars and shower controls and fittings can be located at least 1½” above grab bars. Grab bars can have circular or non-circular cross-sections but must have rounded edges. The 1½” clearance between the grab bar and wall is not a minimum but an absolute dimension to prevent entrapment. Grab bars cannot rotate within fittings. The structural strength of grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure. 17 nim ”½1 nim ”21 Shower controls and fittings can be 1½” min. above grab bars, but other projecting objects, such as soap dispensers, must be outside the 12” min. clear space above grab bars. This required 12” min. clearance limits to a narrow range (45” – 48”) the height of accessible operable parts depending on the grab bar height (33” – 36”). 1¼” - 2” 4” - 4.8” perimeter 2 ” m a x rounded edges 1½” 1½” In dwelling units and in single-user bathing facilities accessed only through a private office and not for public or common use, grab bars are not required at showers or bathtubs if walls are properly reinforced for their later installation in compliance with the Standards (§607.4 and §608.3).