Bathing rooms: showers, tubs and transfer spaces

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Bathing Rooms Must grab bars have a peened or other textured surface? No. The Standards do not require grab bars to have peened or textured surfaces. Is a vertical grab bar required by the Standards? No. The ADA Standards do not require a vertical grab bar at bathing fixtures. Vertical bars are helpful and provide support when stepping into bathtubs or showers. The ICC A117.1 standard, which is referenced by the International Building Code, requires an 18” minimum vertical grab bar at transfer showers and bathtubs. What is a non-positive shut-off for the on/off control on hand-held shower spray units? The handheld shower spray unit must have a “non-positive shut-off” to prevent cross- connections and other hazards prohibited by plumbing codes. A non-positive shut-off does not completely stop the flow of water so that the main shut-off is still used. Bathtubs Do requirements for bathtubs also apply to spa tubs, or tubs used for rehabilitation, physical therapy, or sports training? The requirements for bathtubs apply only to bathtubs used for bathing. Requirements for spas (§242.4), which specify access by lifts or transfer walls or systems, apply to spa tubs. Do the Standards specify the height of bathtub walls? No. The Standards specify the height of removable and permanent tub seats (17” – 19”) but not the height of tub walls or rims. The outside tub wall should be the same height as permanent tub seats for easier access. __________________________________________________________________ ED ST T A I T U N I T E D S T A T E S A C C E S S B O A R D N E U S Advancing Full Access and Inclusion for All A D C R 1331 F Street, NW ▪ Suite 1000 ▪ Washington, DC 20004-1111 C A E SS B O (202) 272-0080 (v) ▪ (202) 272-0082 (TTY) ▪ www.access-board.gov April 2020 42