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CA ADA - Grab Bars for Toilets - Acceptable Configurations........?

A

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Okay, here we go. Contractor built himself a shop with a concrete slab floor. Now he wants to convert it to an oil changing facility. Planning doesn't have a problem but when I was over doing the rough electrical, I noticed that where the toilet will be installed is approximately 26, 28 inches from the proposed partition wall. I pointed this out as the walls are just framed up at this point. Contractor mentioned that he will install grab bars within the 18" distance from toilet as required by CA ADA. He is proposing to install freestanding grab bars that are bolted to the walls and floor in the extra 10" between the wall and stool to meet ADA regs.

Looking for your input on this creative way to solve a potential problem. I have definite mixed feelings about the proposal. I don't think that it is possible under 2007 CBC Section 1115B.4.1 3. Grab bars for water closets not located within a compartment shall comply with Section 1115B.7 and shall be provided on the side walls closest to the water closet and rear wall. Section 1115B.7.2 deals with Structural strength of grab bars and I don't think that that can be accomplished by the proposed installation.

Sue, clear as mud....................:mrgreen:
 
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Sue, I don't think that they can do that for new construction or major alterations.

In the current ADAAG compliance is to Figure 28. that shows a centerline to wall condition. The upcoming ADAAG is more specific in that it states "The water closet shall be positioned with a wall or partition to the rear and to one side. The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition. . . "

Since the CA text is not supposed to be any weaker than the federal language, I don't see how it could be interpreted as being acceptable to use a freestanding grab rail for a brand new facility without technical infeasibility.

Additionally, 1115B.4.1 states that same thing as the ADAAG about the fact that "the centerline of the water closet fixture shall be 18 inches from the side wall or partition. . . ." That denotes a wall or partition being there - not just a grab rail.

 
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IMPO

No it does not comply with the CBC or ADA, letter or intent of the code.

Many disabled use the wall to help brace themselves. The code is specific on this subject; in CA, there is no wiggle room on the centerline of toilet to wall.
 
Gene -

Thanks for catching the wall or partition portion of the code, I know I read this and I had the same feeling.

Sue, where the west still lives...............
 
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