Bathing rooms: showers, tubs and transfer spaces

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Bathing Rooms Can shower diverter valves be located on fixed shower heads mounted more than 48” above the shower floor? No. Shower controls, including diverters for shower spray handheld units, must be within the location specified for shower controls at transfer and roll-in shower compartments. The maximum height is 48” above the shower floor. Can a handheld shower spray unit be mounted to a vertical bar that provides adjustable positions above a height of 48”? Yes. Handheld shower spray units can be mounted to vertical bars with adjustable heights. The bar must be located so that the shower spray unit can be positioned within the specified location and maximum 48” height. The vertical bar cannot obstruct the use of grab bars (§608.6); while it can be located within the 12” min. clearance above the grab bar as a shower fitting, it must allow a clearance of at least 1½” above the bar and cannot extend behind the grab bar. Shower spray units should be returned to a lower position so that they remain within accessible reach for other users. Can accessible shower compartments have doors instead of curtains? Shower enclosures, including doors, cannot obstruct controls, faucets, shower spray units, or transfer from wheelchairs to transfer seats (§608.8). Shower doors on transfer compartments and standard roll-in compartments will typically fail this test. For example, a swing door on a transfer shower will hinder transfer unless it can swing clear of the required clearance, but it will be very hard to close such a door from the shower seat. A door may be possible on an alternate roll-in shower if the shower opening provides a clear width of at least 36” min. when the door is open 90 degrees. Are rinsing showers at swimming pools, beaches, and camping areas required to comply as showers? Shower fixtures located outside bathrooms for use at swimming pools and beaches are not required to comply as showers. However, they must still meet applicable requirements for operable parts, including clear floor space and compliant controls within accessible reach range. The ABA Standards, which apply to federally funded facilities, include provisions for outdoor developed areas on federal lands. These provisions include requirements for outdoor rinsing showers (§1011.7) which can be consulted as a reference for other types of outdoor sites. Grab Bars and Shower Spray Units Can grab bar attachments be located at points along the bar instead of at the ends? Yes. Grab bar attachments can be at points other than the ends of grab bars. How is the length of grab bars measured? Grab bar length is measured to the centerline of the return, consistent with industry convention. This also applies to post-mounted grab bars. When attached at points other than the ends (e.g., “European” style grab bars), the length is measured to the end of the bar. 41