Toilet rooms: fixture and transfer clearances

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Toilet Rooms Must the side and rear grab bar both be at the same height within the specified 33” – 36” range? The Standards do not require both grab bars at the water closet to be at the same height, although this is advisable. (Horizontal grab bars at showers must be at the same height.) Can the side grab bar be located on a half wall or wing wall? Grab bars, if properly secured, can be mounted on a half wall or wing wall where sufficient wall surface above the grab bar is available. Wall surface above grab bars provides support and helps prevent arms from slipping off the bar. Wall surface that extends the full height of the required 12” clearance above grab bars, or preferably to the standard adult shoulder height for standees, should provide sufficient support in using grab bars. Can the side grab bar be mounted on blocking when the centerline of the water closet exceeds the 18” maximum? In new construction, the wall should be furred out so that the water closet centerline is within the required 16” – 18” distance from the side wall. In addressing access to existing water closets that are too far from the side wall, the side grab bar can be mounted on blocking but it is important that the blocking extend at least 12” above the grab bar so that adequate wall support is available when using the grab bar. 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. Can grab bars be mounted to the floor instead of the wall? No. The Standards require grab bars at water closets on the side and rear wall (§604.5). Grab bars that are floor-mounted obstruct usable clear floor space at the water closet and may be difficult to secure. Must grab bars have a peened or other textured surface? No. The Standards do not require grab bars to have peened or textured surfaces. Are folding or swing-away grab bars permitted on the open side of water closets? Folding or swing-away grab bars are not prohibited by the Standards so long as they do not obstruct use of the required grab bars. It is important that they are properly secured. 37