Shower Compartment in a nursing home

[Mr. Inspector]

IBC 2009, ICC/ANCI A117.1

There are two very large standard roll-in-type shower compartments in a nursing home I am inspecting. It's 7' wide and 12' deep. They have the grab bar on the back wall but none on the sides. No seat. I told them that they need grab bars on all 3 sides since there is no seat per ANSE 608.3.2. They asked me how long. I can't find this in ANSI. All it says is grab bars shall be 6" max. from adjacent wall. Fig. 608.3.2 (a) shows the grab bars 6" max. from rear wall and coming out to the edge of the compartment. I don't think they need to buy 12' long grab bars. So how long shoud they be?

 

[mark handler]

ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003

608.2.2 Standard Roll–in–Type Shower Compartments.

"... Where shower controls are located on the back wall and no seat is provided the lavatory shall be permitted at either end of the clearance...."

608.3.2 Standard Roll–in–Type Showers. In standard roll–in type showers, grab bars shall be provided on three walls of showers without seats.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

There is no seat or lav in the shower. So how long should the two side wall grab bars be?

 

[mark handler]

ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003

608.2.2 Standard Roll–in–Type Shower Compartments. Standard roll–in–type shower compartments shall have a clear inside dimension of 60 inches minimum in width and 30 inches minimum in depth, measured at the center point of opposing sides.

or

608.2.3 Alternate Roll–in–Type Shower Compartments. Alternate roll–in shower compartments shall have a clear inside dimension of 60 inches minimum in width, and 36 inches in depth, measured at the center point of opposing sides.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

What's your point? These are minimum sizes and these compartments are larger. How long do the side grab bars need to be?

 

[mark handler]

What's your point? These are minimum sizes and these compartments are larger. How long do the side grab bars need to be?

What's my point? JUST BEYOND SOMEONES GRASP, install per ANSI, Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches maximum from adjacent walls, per ANSI.

 

[Forest]

Did a nursing home last year in Pa. Made them go to the state at plan review stage.State granted there request.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

ok, if they install the grab bars within 6" of the rear wall how far out do they go?

 

[mark handler]

4" maximum