ADA guidelines ensure than bathroom facilities are usable by all
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal government has developed guidelines for handicapped-accessible toilet stalls. States and localities may have more stringent code requirements. Does this Spark an idea?
Dimensions
Handicapped-accessible toilet stalls must be at least 60 inches wide, with at least 32 inches of clear floor space in front of the toilet. The center of the toilet must be 18 inches from one side wall.
Doors
Doors can open inward only if the swinging door does not cross any closer than 32 inches to the front of the toilet. Otherwise, the door must open outward.
Seat Height
The toilet seat must be 17 to 19 inches above the finished floor.
Grab Bars
Grab bars must be 33 to 36 inches off the floor. The bar behind the toilet should start 6 inches from the side wall closest to the toilet and be at least 36 inches long. The bar on the side wall closest to the toilet should start 12 inches from the back wall and be 40 to 42 inches long.
Alternatives
In locations where it would be impossible to build a standard accessible stall, ADA guidelines allow for some alternatives. See link in Resources.
Children's Stalls
The guidelines also include some options for stalls intended for use by children. See link in Resources.
Tags: inches from, least inches, must inches, side wall, closest toilet, from side, from side wall
