Restroom Privacy Latches

[ID Code Geek]

I noticed an odd discrepancy today and would love opinions from the people in this forum:

Privacy latch sets or locks are a standard provision on single user restroom doors, and are referenced as a requirement in several places as well (IE - 1110.2.1.6 for family restrooms). The thought occurred to me today while reviewing a hardware submittal that Section 1010.2.4 - Locks and Latches, does not specifically address or permit these privacy locks/latches in any way and I'd love to know why?

Commentary for 1110.2.1.6 even states that "While it is not prohibited to lock bathrooms...." but I can't find anything in Chapter 10 of the IBC (2021) that actually addresses this one way or another. Is the assumption of a privacy lock on bathrooms so intuitive that the code doesn't reference it? Or am I just not finding the right section?

 

[steveray]

Great first post….my guess is that it has been overlooked being codified because everyone allows it whether it is technically allowed or not… Most privacy locks unlock and unlatch with one motion so those are no concern. The other styles are held to a standard similar to the night or privacy type latches in the R occupancies…

And welcome to THE forum…

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

You have taken the code out of context and presented it as if it says the exact opposite of what it does say. Your question:

Is the assumption of a privacy lock on bathrooms so intuitive that the code doesn't reference it? Or am I just not finding the right section?

The 2021 IBC says this:

1110.2.1.6 Privacy. Doors to family or assisted-use toilet and
bathing rooms shall be securable from within the room and be
provided with an “occupied” indicator.

The code clearly and explicitly requires that these doors be capable of being "secured" from within -- for the purpose of ensuring privacy for the occupant(s).

The entirety of the commentary then goes on to explain:

Since privacy while utilizing bathing and toilet facilities
is an issue, the door to the facility must be securable
from the inside and that locking device should include
an ”occupied” indicator on the outside of the door. The
securing mechanism must meet the operable parts
requirements, including being within reach ranges and
not require any tight pinching, grasping or sharp turning
of the wrist to operate.

While it is not prohibited to lock bathrooms, this
bathroom should be as easily accessed as the separate
men’s and women’s bathrooms. A person who
needed this facility should not have to find someone
with a key for the family bathroom if the men’s and
women’s bathrooms are readily available. This bathroom
does count towards the required fixture count
(see Section 2902.1.2) and as such must be available.

IMHO, the code not only allows privacy latches, it expressly requires them.

 

[bill1952]

Well chapter 11 is accessibility. Where is the requirement or permission for restrooms and bathing facilities that are not required to be accessible?

 

[steveray]

The question is whether or not there is a conflict between ch 10 and ch 11….and then if it needs to be addressed..at this point we can fix it for 2030…. Or in your own state if possible…

 

[mtlogcabin]

IPC 2018

405.3.4 Water closet compartment.
Each water closet utilized by the public or employees shall occupy a separate compartment with walls or partitions and a door enclosing the fixtures to ensure privacy.

Exceptions:

1. Water closet compartments shall not be required in a single-occupant toilet room with a lockable door.

403.3.6 Door locking.
Where a toilet room is provided for the use of multiple occupants, the egress door for the room shall not be lockable from the inside of the room. This section does not apply to family or assisted-use toilet rooms.

405.3.5 Urinal partitions.
Exceptions:

1. Urinal partitions shall not be required in a single-occupant or family/assisted-use toilet room with a lockable door.

 

[ID Code Geek]

These are all perfect examples of what I was trying to figure out. It seems oddly curious to me that so many sections would require the privacy function on restroom doors, yet the DOORS section of the code and Chapter 10 say absolutely nothing about it... You'd think one would find a passing sentence or exception at the very least.

Thanks everyone!

 

[mtlogcabin]

The lockable mechanism will still have to meet the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11

 

[Paul Sweet]

1110.2.1.6 only applies to doors to family or assisted-use toilet and bathing rooms.

Privacy latches have to comply with all code requirements for hardware, including 1010.2.1:

"The unlatching of any door or leaf for egress shall require not more than one motion in a single linear or rotational direction to release all latching and all locking devices."

In spite of this most single user toilets I've been in at gas stations, restaurants, etc. have residential locksets with a thumb turn that has to be turned back to unlock the door before it can be opened.

​

 

[bill1952]

In spite of this most single user toilets I've been in at gas stations, restaurants, etc. have residential locksets with a thumb turn that has to be turned back to unlock the door before it can be opened.

I've seen that so often. Second time in a few months it's been here. I think other were bathing rooms at a truck stop.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

These are all perfect examples of what I was trying to figure out. It seems oddly curious to me that so many sections would require the privacy function on restroom doors, yet the DOORS section of the code and Chapter 10 say absolutely nothing about it... You'd think one would find a passing sentence or exception at the very least.

Why?