| The
needs of a person seated in a wheelchair are commonly used as the standard of
accessibility for barrier-free washrooms in terms of entrance, exit, and the proximity of
equipment. By using the wheelchair perspective you can also accommodate a person using a
walker, cane, or crutches. Consideration must also be given to the mounting heights of
common accessories, such as mirrors, paper towel dispensers, waste receptacles, soap
dispensers, napkin/ tampon and condom vendors, and toilet partition-mounted equipment,
including grab bars, toilet tissue and seat-cover dispensers, and sanitary napkin
disposals. CLEAR FLOOR
SPACE to accommodate a single wheelchair must be at least 30" x 48" (760 x
1219mm). The space can be positioned for a forward or parallel approach to equipment (see
ADAAG 4.2.4). A portion of the clear floor space may be located under fixtures,
lavatories, or accessories as long as the required knee and toe clearance is provided
(Fig. 4a). If properly centered in front of controls and operating mechanisms, the clear
floor space will allow both left- and right-hand access. Floor spaces may have to be wider
if elements are placed in alcoves.
MOUNTING HEIGHTS REQUIREMENTS
for washroom accessories may vary within a facility depending on the location of
individual accessories and the direction of reach required for their use. To allow side
reach by people in wheelchairs, it is recommended that accessories be mounted with their
dispensing mechanisms, start buttons, coin slots, or dispenser openings located 38"
to 54" (965–1372mm) above the finish floor; and to ensure forward reach also,
they must be located no more than 48" (1219mm) above the finish floor (Fig.1). Where
elements are mounted over obstructions, such as counters, they must be located no more
than 44" (1118mm) above the finish floor. Mounting heights for children vary
depending on age. The age groups are 3–4, 5–8 and 9–12 years.
TURNING SPACE at least
60" (1524mm) in diameter is required by a single wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn
(Fig. 2a). A 60" x 60" (1524 x 1524mm) T-shaped turning space with 36"
(914mm) wide aisles to allow a three-point-turn (Fig. 2b) is also acceptable and may be
used to conserve space in some installations. A portion of the 60" (1524mm) diameter
or T-shaped turning spaces may be located under fixtures, lavatories, or accessories as
long as the required knee and toe clearance is provided (Fig. 4a).
Children’s
Reach Ranges
Note: Refer to these charts to find the best locations within the given overall ADAAG
ranges that are most appropriate for the specific children’s age group for which you
are designing.
Forward
or Side Reach |
Ages
3 and 4 |
Ages
5 through 8 |
Ages
9 through 12 |
High
(maximum) |
36"
(915mm) |
40"
(1015mm) |
44"
(1120mm) |
Low
(minimum) |
20"
(510mm) |
18"
(455mm) |
16"
(405mm) |
Specifications for Water Closets
Serving Children Ages 3 through 12 |
|
Ages
3 and 4 |
Ages
5 through 8 |
Ages
9 through 12 |
Water
Closet Centerline |
12"
(305mm) |
12"
to 15"
(305 to 380mm) |
15"
to 18"
(330 to 455mm) |
Toilet
Seat Height |
11"
to 12"
(280 to 305mm) |
12"
to 15" (305 to 380mm) |
15"
to 17"
(380 to 430mm) |
Grab
Bar Height |
18"
to 20" (455 to 510mm) |
20"
to 25"
(510 to 635mm) |
25"
to 27" (635 to 685mm) |
Toilet
Tissue Dispenser Height |
14"
(355mm) |
14"
to 17" (355 to 430mm) |
17"
to 19" (430 to 485mm) |
BOBRICK’S WHEELCHAIR MANEUVERABILITY
DRAWING TEMPLATE. Three plan views
of a person in a wheelchair are illustrated in scales of 1/8"= 1'-0" (1:100
metric), 1/4" = 1'-0" (1:50 metric), and 1/2" = 1'-0" (1:25 metric).
The template is printed on clear rigid plastic so it can be placed over drawings to
confirm proper clearance and maneuverability within the installation plans. It is
especially helpful in designing entrances, lavatory areas, and toilet compartments. |
