Toilet rooms: fixture and transfer clearances

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities Toilet Rooms The Standards do not require or address additional folding or swing-away grab bars on the open side of the water closet. However, if provided, they must be mounted so that they do not interfere with use of the required grab bars or the clear floor space at water closets. Also, it is important they are properly secured (although this is not addressed by the Standards). Vertical Grab Bar (ICC A117.1 Standard) The ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, which is referenced by the International Building Code, requires an 18” min. vertical grab bar at water closets. The ADA Standards do not require this grab bar but allow a second grab bar to be within the 12” clearance above the horizontal grab bar (§609.3) if there is a separation of 1½” min. Toilet Paper Dispensers [§604.7] Toilet paper dispensers must be within accessible reach from the water closet. They can be located below or above (but not behind) grab bars, though it is important that non-recessed dispensers be outside the 12” minimum high clearance above the bar yet not exceed the 48” maximum height (measured to the outlet) of the dispenser. Dispensers must allow continuous paper flow and cannot control delivery. Recommendations: Recessed toilet paper dispensers provide better access by keeping space at the water closet clear. Large-roll dispensers can obstruct space at water closets and can be hard to reach due to their width and the required placement from the water closet measured to the dispenser centerline. 9