Ada Vertical Grab Bar Shower

Figure 37 a 36 in by 36 inches 915 mm by 915 mm transfer stall.

Ada vertical grab bar shower.

Vertical grab bars are not yet covered in the ada guidelines however ansi specifies the dimensions shown in the diagram. Grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 33 inches 840 mm minimum and 36 inches 915 mm maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface except that at water closets for children s use complying with 604 9 grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 18 inches 455 mm minimum and 27 inches 685 mm maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface. Alternate roll in type shower compartments in alternate roll in type shower compartments grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches 150 mm maximum from adjacent walls.

Odd thing is if adaag has stricter standards than 117 1 the adaag standards should be followed instead of 117 1. 117 1 requires vertical grab bars in accessible stalls. In showers and toilets the top of a horizontal grab bar must be 33 36 inches off the floor. Ansi icc 117 1 2009 is the current accessibility standard referenced by my local jurisdiction s building code obc and i believe the international building code as well.

Ada requirements for grab bars in a shower stalls. However other grab bars and shower controls and fittings can be located at least 1 above grab bars. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Alternate roll in type shower compartments in alternate roll in type shower compartments grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry.

The bottom of a vertical bar in transfer showers must be 3 6 inches over the horizontal bar on the wall. A a b b. Must be 36 from center points of opposing sides no construction tolerance is stated in the code. So that use of grab bars at shower compartments and bathtubs is not impeded any projecting objects must be located at least 12 above the top surface of grab bars and at least 1 from the bottom and ends of grab bars.

Where the problem comes in is that installers frequently aim for one edge of this range and wind up a bit too low or high. The vertical grab bar is only specified in the icc ansi a117 1 accessible and usable buildings and facilities. The ada standards require horizontal grab bars on the rear wall and side wall of the water closet but it does not specify a vertical grab bar. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches 150 mm maximum from adjacent walls.

Grab bars need to be mounted lower for better leverage 33 36 840 915 mm high. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. The l shaped shower seat shall be 18 inches 455 mm above the floor measured at the entry.