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Installation of ADA Grab Bars in Commercial (Non-Residential) Bathrooms

 
 
This informational extract addresses some of the common issues regarding the placement of grab bars in ADA compliant non-residential bathrooms.
 
The information provided to you below is strictly for convenience and should not replace your reference to the complete ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities located at http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.htm 
 
Always refer to your state & local building codes for a more precise description of the ADA requirements in your region.
 

Properties of ADA Compliant Grab Bars

The diameter of an ADA grab bar may be either 1 ¼” diameter or 1 ½” diameter so long as specified length requirements are met. The length of an ADA grab bar is the measure from the center of one flange (end) to the center of the other flange. A standard flange is 3” to 3 ¼” in diameter. The overall total length of  the grab bar, therefore, is the sum of the measurement of the bar from the center of one flange to the center of the other plus the diameter of one flange.

 

Height of Grab Bars in Commercial Bathrooms

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.
 

ADA Grab Bars in Commercial Toilet Stalls

Sidewall ADA Grab Bar Height & PositionRear Wall ADA Grab Bar Height & Position
                       Side Wall                             Rear Wall

Side Wall - The side wall grab bar shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum, located 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the rear wall and extending 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum from the rear wall.

Rear Wall -The rear wall grab bar shall be 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum and extend from the centerline of the water closet 12 inches (305 mm) minimum on one side and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum on the other side.

EXCEPTIONS: The rear grab bar may be permitted to be 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum, centered on the water closet, where wall space does not permit a length of 36 inches (915 mm) minimum due to the location of a recessed fixture adjacent to the water closet. Check your local building codes.

Grab Bars in Commercial Shower Stalls

Transfer Type Shower Compartments - In transfer type compartments, grab bars shall be provided across the control wall and back wall to a point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control wall.
ADA Grab Bars On Back Wall & Control WallFigure 608.3.1 Grab Bars for Transfer Type Showers


Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments- Where a seat is provided in standard roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Where a seat is not provided in standard roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on three walls. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent walls.

ADA Grab Bars On back Wall And Side Wall
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 not be provided above the seat. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent walls.
 ADA Grab Bars On Back walls & Side Walls
Figure 608.3.3 Grab Bars for Alternate Roll-In Type Showers
 

Grab Bars in Commercial Tubs

Bathtubs With Permanent Seats

Back Wall. Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.4 and the other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be installed 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the control end wall.

Control End Wall. A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the control end wall at the front edge of the bathtub.
ADA Grab Bars On Back Wall & Control End Wall
Figure 607.4.1 Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Permanent Seats

Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats

Back Wall. Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.4 and other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum and shall be installed 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the control end wall.

Control End Wall. A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the control end wall at the front edge of the bathtub.

Head End Wall. A grab bar 12 inches (305 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the head end wall at the front edge of the bathtub.
 

 ADA Grab bars On Control End Wall & Head End Wall
Figure 607.4.2 Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Removable In-Tub Seats