Type B units Grab bars (ANSI 98 vs 09)

[error404]

I'm in a particular situation where my county is switching from 03 IBC ( 1998 ANSI A117.1) to 2012 IBC (2009 ANSI)... so we can either hurry up and submit for permit with 98 rules or wait for 09 rules.

Our Type B units can meet all the 2009 ANSI requirements witch the exception of the 18" clearance at the Main door. (Technically, we can make it work... but the developer does not want to make the bedroom smaller or wait for the switch) and 1998 ANSI has an exception not requiring the clearances outlined in 404.2.4

As such, the developer really wants to go with 1998 ANSI and 03 IBC.



Here is my dilemma; 09 ANSI has a whole bunch of exceptions on the grab bars reinforcement like:

1004.11.1 Grab Bar and Shower Seat Reinforcement

Exception:

"At water closets where a side wall is not

available for a 42-inch (1065 mm) grab bar

complying with Section 604.5.1, reinforcement

for a sidewall grab bar, 24 inches (610

mm) minimum in length, located 12 inches

(305 mm) maximum from the rear wall, shall

be provided."

We barely have enough room to put a 24" bar (reinforcement)... there's no way we can fit a 42" bar!!!

Here is what 1998 ANSI says:

"1003.11.2 Grab Bar Reinforcement. Reinforcement

shall be provided for future installation

of grab bars and shower seats at water

closets, bathtubs, and shower compartments.

Where walls are to permit installation of grab

bars and seats complying with Section 604.5,

607.4, or 610, reinforcement shall be provided

for future installation of grab bars meeting those

requirements."

So, if I'm reading this correctly (see underlined text)... if the wall is long enough to permit the side bar, then we are required to provide the 42" grab bar reinforcement. However, if the wall is too short we are still complaint?

Then (also form 98 code)

"1003.11.3.1.2 Water Closet. The lateral

distance from the centerline of the

water closet to a bathtub, or lavatory

shall be 18 inches (455 mm) minimum

on one side and 15 inches (380 mm)

minimum on the other side. Where the

water closet is adjacent to the wall the

lateral distance from the centerline of

the water closet to the wall shall be

18 inches (455 mm) and 15 inches (380

mm) minimum to a lavatory or bathtub.

The water closet shall be positioned to

allow for future installation of a grab bar

on the side with 18 inches (455 mm)

clearance. Clearance areas around the

water closet shall comply with Section

1003.11.3.1.2.1, 1003.11.3.1.2.2, or

1003.11.3.1.2.3."

They are talking about "the Rear Wall Grab Bar" not the "Side Wall Grab Bar"... just making sure.

Am I in the clear about the Side Wall Grab Bar? Is there anything else that can mess me up?

Thanks a lot for all the help!!

 

[peach]

The way I'm reading 2009 1003.11.1, it looks like only the vertical bar is exempted

 

[error404]

The way I'm reading 2009 1003.11.1, it looks like only the vertical bar is exempted

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't have the code in front of me, but section 1003 in 09 ANSI is for type A units.... I'm okay with type units.

Type B in 09 is chapter 1004 while Type B in 98 is chapter 1003 .

 

[peach]

2009 Figure C1004.11.1(a): Even in shorter walls, reinforcing must accomodate a 24" minimum grab bar.

 

[error404]

2009 Figure C1004.11.1(a): Even in shorter walls, reinforcing must accomodate a 24" minimum grab bar.

Thanks Peach, as I mentioned on my first post we can accommodate a 24" bar. But we are trying to submit under ANSI 1998.

 

[peach]

I think you are probably ok