Handicapped Bathroom Rules
The U.S. Department of Justice regulates the dimensions and features of all public restrooms to offer handicapped-accessible bathrooms. The regulations regarding placement, size and features can all be found in the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act. Any business owner designing and install bathroom facilities must follow ADA guidelines.
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Toilet Stalls
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In a bathroom with multiple stalls, stalls designated handicapped-accessible must have a clear, accessible route from the main bathroom entrance. They may have doors opening either from the left or the right. The size of a handicapped stall can be 48-by-56 inches when the stall door is to the side of the toilet, 48-by-66 inches when the door is in front of the toilet, or 56-by-60 inches when entry is possible from either direction. The full required dimensions must be "clear floor space." This means no waste bins or other items are allowed within the required dimensions.
Urinals
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Handicapped-accessible urinals may either be in stall-type configurations or be wall-mounted. They must have an elongated rim no higher than 17 inches from the floor. Frontal approach must be possible, with clear floor space in front of the urinal measuring 30-by-48 inches. This clear area must continue through an accessible route all the way to the main bathroom entrance.
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Sinks and Pipes
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Sinks must be accessible, with their uppermost surface no more than 34 inches from the floor. The bottom of the sink must allow 19 inches of clear space between it and the floor. A clear space of 30-by-48 inches must be directly in front of the sink and it must adjoin a clear route to the main bathroom exit. There must be no exposed pipes, and hot water pipes must be insulated to protect against burns.
Other Required Features
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Grab bars are required within handicapped stalls, both behind and next to the toilet. The side grab bar must measure 42 inches. It must be 33 inches to 36 inches from the floor (assuming the regulation toilet seat height of 17 inches to 19 inches). The side grab bar must begin 12 inches away from the wall behind the toilet and extend horizontally a total of 54 inches from the back wall. Toilet paper dispensers must be easily accessible. They cannot be automatically feeding, and must allow the free flow of paper. They must be within reach of the toilet at least 19 inches from the ground. Flush controls can be automatic or manual. If manual, they must be placed easily within reach, no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
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References
Resources
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