| PLANNING A BARRIER-FREE WASHROOM.
BEGIN WITH WASHROOM
ENTRANCE AND EXIT.
Single-door entries
(Fig. 3a, 13), wherein the door swings into the washroom, are the most popular layouts. A
level and clear corridor or passageway leading to the door is recommended to be at least
48" (1219mm) wide. The doorway must have a minimum clear opening 32" (813mm)
wide when the door is open 90 degrees. The door should swing into a recommended minimum
60" x 60" (1524 x 1524mm) level, clear space that has at least 18" (457mm)
(24"; 610mm preferred)of clear floor space adjacent to the latch doorjamb. A minimum
access aisle 48" (1219mm) wide is also recommended inside the washroom to allow
people in wheelchairs to get around obstructions, such as sight-barriers, and to
accommodate simultaneous in and out traffic.
Opposing doors (Fig. 3b), one
for entrance and the other for exit with an alcove between them, is another popular
configuration. In this instance, make sure that no hazard is created in the alcove by the
simultaneous entry and exit of two wheelchairs. The width of the alcove must be a minimum
of 48" (1219mm) plus the width of the door. It is difficult for a person in a
wheelchair or using crutches to back up and pull open a door, so it is preferred that
opposing doors swing in the same direction. This opposing door layout is unique because it
provides doors that always open in the direction of travel, whether the patron is entering
or exiting.
Alcoves, with either single
doors or double doors, need not be large if they are properly planned. Just be sure that
when the doors are in an open position, they do not diminish the minimum 48" (1219mm)
wide access aisle required for a wheelchair to get around a sight-barrier (Fig. 3a &
b).
Open vestibules (Fig. 3c, 14,
15), free of doors, are by far the most universally usable because they are the least
likely to cause problems for or prohibit use by people with disabilities. It is
recommended that the entire passageway be at least 48" (1219mm) wide to accommodate
simultaneous in and out traffic.
Raised thresholds at doorways
should be avoided wherever possible. If it is necessary to include them, then they should
be no higher than 1/2" (13mm) and should be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
Doors for interior use must
push or pull open with a maximum of 5 pounds of force (lbf) (22.2 N). Door handles, pulls,
latches, locks, and other opening devices should have a shape that is easy to operate with
one hand, without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and they should be
mounted no higher than 48" (1219mm) above the finish floor. Lever-operated
mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. If a door
has a closer, it must be adjusted to provide a sweep period of at least three seconds for
the door to move from an open position of 70 degrees to a position 3" (76mm) from the
latch.
SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAVATORIES.
Lavatories are important to public washrooms in providing convenient hygienic
facilities for all people. At least one area in each washroom must meet or exceed ADAAG
requirements for accessible lavatories. A barrier-free lavatory must not exceed a height
of 34" (864mm), must extend at least 17" (432mm) from the rear wall, and have a
clearance of at least 29" (737mm) from the bottom of the apron to the finish floor
(Fig. 4a). To allow forward approach by people in wheelchairs, provide clear floor space
in front of the lavatory that is at least 30" wide x 48" deep (760 x 1219mm),
with no more than 19" (483mm) of the 48" (1219mm) extending underneath the
lavatory (Fig. 4b). Complete the design by providing the required amount of knee and toe
clearance underneath the lavatory. A minimum knee clearance 27" (686mm) above the
finish floor must extend at least 8" (203mm) under the front edge of the lavatory.
Toe clearance at least 9" (229mm) above the finish floor must be provided for the
full depth of the lavatory. If the lavatory is to be installed in a countertop, place it
as close as possible to the front edge so it is accessible to even more people. If a
washfountain is installed in a facility, it is recommended that at least one barrier-free
lavatory also be installed to accommodate those who may have difficulty using the
washfountain.
Exposed plumbing under
barrier-free lavatories must be insulated or otherwise configured to eliminate possible
contact, and there should be no sharp edges or rough surfaces. This is important in order
to prevent burns and other injuries to people who have no sensation in their legs. Since
existing installations can be difficult to remove and replace, a good alternative is to
install a removable protective panel under the lavatory (Fig. 5). |
