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Notice

The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) rulemaking has concluded. The PROWAG final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Please visit the Access Board’s PROWAG page for the guidelines.

Passenger Vessels Access Advisory Committee

Chapter 5 Toilet and Bathing

*SECTIONS FROM THE ADAAG-R INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED OR APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE.

Note: This chapter only applies to passenger vessels subject to subchapters K or H, except where sections are referenced by chapter 12 which addresses subchapters C and T vessels.

SCOPING

**213.1 General. **Where toilet or bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with 213. Where toilet or bathing facilities are provided on an inaccessible level, toilet and bathing facilities shall also be provided on an accessible level.

**213.2 Toilet and Bathing Rooms. **Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with 603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with 603.

EXCEPTION 1. In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms is not required where a single unisex toilet room or bathing room complying with 213.2.1 is provided and is located in the same area and on the same deck as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing rooms.

EXCEPTION 2. Where alternative requirements are permitted by 202.6 in alterations to qualified historic vessels and toilet rooms are provided, not less than one toilet room complying with 603 or a unisex room complying with 213.2.1 shall be provided.

EXCEPTION 3. Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location, at least 5 percent, but not less than one toilet unit or bathing unit at each cluster shall comply with 603. Accessible units shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7*.

EXCEPTION 4. Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location and contain fixtures in excess of the minimum required number of plumbing fixtures, at least 5 percent, but not less than one room for each use at each cluster shall comply with 603. Accessible rooms shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7*.

213.2.1 Unisex Toilet and Bathing Rooms. A unisex toilet room shall comply with 603, shall contain one water closet and one lavatory, and the door shall have a privacy latch. A unisex bathing room shall comply with 603 and shall contain at least one shower or bathtub.

*213.2.2 Signs. **Where existing toilet or bathing rooms are altered and not made accessible, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet or bathing room within the vessel shall be provided. Such signs shall comply with 703.4 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7. Where existing toilet or bathing rooms are altered and are not made accessible, the accessible toilet or bathing room shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.

**213.3 Fixtures and Accessories. **Plumbing fixtures and accessories provided in toilet or bathing rooms required to be accessible by 213.2 shall comply with 213.3.1 through 213.3.7.

**213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. **Where toilet compartments are provided, at least one shall be a wheelchair accessible compartment complying with 604.8.1. Where six or more toilet compartments are provided, an ambulatory accessible compartment complying with 604.8.2 shall be provided in addition to the compartment complying with 604.8.1. Water closets in such compartments shall comply with 604.

**213.3.2 Water Closets. **Where water closets are provided, but are not in toilet compartments, at least one shall comply with 604.

**213.3.3 Urinals. **Where urinals are provided, at least one shall comply with 605.

**213.3.4 Lavatories. **Where lavatories are provided, at least one shall comply with 606. Where only one accessible lavatory is provided, it shall not be located in a toilet compartment.

**213.3.5 Mirrors. **Where mirrors are provided, at least one shall comply with 603.3.

**213.3.6 Controls and Dispensers. **Where controls, dispensers, receptacles or other equipment is provided, at least one of each type shall comply with 309.

**213.3.7 Bathing Facilities. **Where bathtubs or showers are provided, at least one bathtub complying with 607 or at least one shower complying with 608 shall be provided.

230 Outdoor Rinsing Showers

**230 Rinsing Showers. **Where one or more outdoor rinsing showers are provided at a location, at least one will be a low shower complying with 608.9.1 and at least one shall be a high shower complying with 608.9.2. Where only one rinsing shower is provided, it shall comply with 608.9.1 and 608.9.2.

Comment: Rinsing shower provisions incorporated from similar provisions (although renumbered) in the Outdoor Developed Areas Regulatory Negotiation Committee report, September 1999.

TECHNICAL

601 General

**601.1 Scope. **Plumbing elements and facilities required to be accessible shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

602 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers (see chapter 6)

603 Toilet and Bathing Rooms

**603.1 General. **Toilet and bathing rooms required to be accessible shall comply with 603.

603.2 Clear Deck Space.

603.2.1 Wheelchair Turning Space. Wheelchair turning space complying with 304 shall be provided within the room.

**603.2.2 Overlap. **Required clear deck spaces, clearance around water closets, and wheelchair turning space shall be permitted to overlap.

603.2.3 Doors. Doors shall not swing into the clear deck space or clearance required for any fixture.

EXCEPTION 1. Doors to a toilet and bathing room for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use shall be permitted to swing into the clear deck space provided the swing of the door can be reversed to meet 603.2.3.

EXCEPTION 2. This requirement shall not apply where the toilet and bathing room is for individual use and a clear deck space complying with 305 is provided within the room, beyond the arc of the door swing.

603.3 Mirrors. Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 40 inches (1015 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

**603.4 Coat Hooks and Shelves. **Accessible coat hooks provided within toilet rooms shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in 308. Where provided, a fold-down shelf shall be located 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

604 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments

**604.1 General. **Water closets and toilet compartments required to be accessible shall comply with 604.

**604.2 Location. **The water closet shall be located 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, except that the water closet shall be centered in the ambulatory accessible toilet compartment specified in 604.8.2.

604.3 Clear Deck Space.

**604.3.1 Clearance. **Clearance around a water closet shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the side wall and 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall. No other fixtures or obstructions shall be located within the required water closet clearance.

**604.3.2 Overlap. **The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the fixture, associated grab bars, tissue dispensers, accessible routes, clear deck space required at other fixtures, and the wheelchair turning space, except as modified herein.

**604.4 Height. **The height of water closets shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum measured to the top of the toilet seat. Seats shall not be sprung to return to a lifted position.

**EXCEPTION: **The height requirement shall not apply to a water closet in a toilet room for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use.

**604.5 Grab Bars. **Grab bars for water closets shall comply with 609. Grab bars shall be provided on the rear wall and on the side wall closest to the water closet.

**EXCEPTION: **Grab bars are not required to be installed in a toilet room for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common use or public use provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of such grab bars.

**604.5.1 Side Wall. **Side wall grab bars shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum, located 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the rear wall and extending 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum from the rear wall.

**604.5.2 Rear Wall. **The rear wall grab bar shall be 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum, centered on the water closet. Where space permits, the bar shall be 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum with the additional length provided on the transfer side of the water closet.

EXCEPTION: If administrative authorities require flush controls for flush valves to be located in a position that conflicts with the location of the rear grab bar, then that grab bar may be split or shifted to the open side of the toilet area.

**604.6 Flush Controls. **Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand operated flush controls shall comply with 309.

**604.7 Dispensers. **Toilet paper dispensers shall comply with 309.4 and shall be 7 inches (180 mm) minimum and 9 inches (230 mm) maximum in front of the water closet. The outlet of the dispenser shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface. There shall be a clearance of 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum below and 12 inches (305 mm) minimum above the grab bar. Dispensers shall not be of a type that control delivery or that do not allow continuous paper flow.

604.8 Toilet Compartments. Accessible toilet compartments shall meet the requirements of 604.8.1 through 604.8.5. Compartments containing more than one plumbing fixture shall comply with 603.

604.8.1 Wheelchair Accessible Compartments.

**604.8.1.1 Size. **Wheelchair accessible compartments shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum measured perpendicular to the side wall, and 56 inches (1420 mm) deep minimum for wall hung water closets and 59 inches (1500 mm) deep minimum for deck mounted water closets measured perpendicular to the rear wall.

**604.8.1.2 Doors. **Toilet compartment doors, including door hardware, shall comply with 404 except that if the approach is to the latch side of the compartment door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1065 mm). The door shall be hinged 4 inches (100 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition farthest from the water closet. The door shall be self-closing. A door pull complying with 404.2.7 shall be placed on both sides of the door near the latch. Compartment doors shall not swing into the minimum required compartment area.

**604.8.1.3 Approach. **Compartments shall be arranged for left-hand or right-hand approach.

**604.8.1.4 Toe Clearance. **In wheelchair accessible compartments, the front partition and at least one side partition shall provide a toe clearance of 9 inches (230 mm) minimum above the finished deck surface and 6 inches (150 mm) deep minimum beyond the compartment-side face of the partition, exclusive of partition support members. Toe clearance at the front partition is not required in a compartment greater than 62 inches (1575 mm) deep with a wall-hung water closet or 65 inches (1650 mm) deep with a deck-mounted water closet. Toe clearance at the side partition is not required in a compartment greater than 66 inches (1675 mm) wide.

**604.8.2 Ambulatory Accessible Compartments. **Ambulatory accessible compartments shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) wide. Compartment doors shall not swing into the minimum required compartment area.

**604.8.3 Doors. **Toilet compartment doors, including door hardware, shall comply with 404 except that if the approach is to the latch side of the compartment door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1065 mm). The door shall be hinged 4 inches (100 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition farthest from the water closet. The door shall be self-closing. A door pull complying with 404.2.7 shall be placed on both sides of the door near the latch.

**604.8.4 Grab Bars. **Grab bars in toilet compartments shall comply with 609.

**604.8.4.1 Wheelchair Accessible Compartments. **A side-wall grab bar complying with 604.5.1 located on the wall closest to the water closet and a rear-wall grab bar complying with 604.5.2 shall be provided.

**604.8.4.2 Ambulatory Accessible Compartments. **A side-wall grab bar complying with 604.5.1 shall be provided on both sides of the compartment.

**604.8.5 Coat Hooks and Shelves. **Accessible coat hooks provided within toilet compartments shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in 308. When provided, a fold-down shelf shall be located 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

605 Urinals

**605.1 General. **Urinals required to be accessible shall comply with 605.

**605.2 Height. **Urinals shall be wall-hung type with the rim 17 inches (430 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface or the stall-type. Urinals shall provide a minimum depth of 13-1/2 inches (345mm) measured from the outer face of the urinal rim to the back of the fixture.

**605.3 Clear Deck Space. **A clear deck space complying with 305 positioned for forward approach shall be provided. This clear space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route.

**605.4 Flush Controls. **Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand operated flush controls shall comply with 309.4 and shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

606 Lavatories and Sinks

606.1 General. Sinks, lavatory fixtures, vanities and built-in lavatories required to be accessible shall comply with 606.

**606.2 Clear Deck Space. **A clear deck space complying with 305 positioned for forward approach shall be provided. Knee and toe clearance complying with 306 shall be provided.

EXCEPTION 1. A parallel approach shall be permitted to a kitchen sink in a space where a cook top or conventional range is not provided.

EXCEPTION 2. The dip of the overflow shall not be considered in determining knee and toe clearances.

EXCEPTION 3. The requirement for knee and toe clearance shall not apply to a lavatory in a toilet and bathing facility for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use.

**606.3 Height. **Lavatories and sinks shall be mounted with the front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

**EXCEPTION: **This requirement shall not apply to a lavatory in a toilet and bathing facility for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use.

**606.4 Faucets. **Faucets shall comply with 309. Hand-operated, self-closing faucets shall remain open for at least 10 seconds.

**606.5 Bowl Depth. **The bowl shall be 6-1/2 inches (165 mm) deep maximum. Multiple compartment sinks shall have at least one compartment complying with this requirement.

**606.6 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. **Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories and sinks.

607 Bathtubs

**607.1 General. **Bathtubs required to be accessible shall comply with 607.

**607.2 Clear Deck Space. **Clearance in front of bathtubs shall extend the length of the tub and shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum. A lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted at the foot end of the clear deck space. Where a permanent seat is provided at the head end of the tub, the clear deck space shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the seat.

607.3 Seat. A permanent seat at the head end of the tub or a removable in-tub seat shall be provided. Seats shall comply with 610.

**607.4 Grab Bars. **Grab bars for bathtubs shall comply with 609 and shall be provided in accordance with 607.4.1 and 607.4.2.

**EXCEPTION: **Grab bars are not required to be installed in a bathing facility for a single occupant accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use, provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of such grab bars.

**607.4.1 Bathtubs With Permanent Seats. **For bathtubs with permanent seats, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with 607.4.1.1 and 607.4.1.2.

**607.4.1.1 Back Wall. **Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.3 and the other located 9 inches (230 mm) above the rim of the tub. Each grab bar shall be installed 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the foot end wall.

**607.4.1.2 Foot End Wall. **A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the foot end wall at the front edge of the tub.

**607.4.2 Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats. **For bathtubs without permanent seats, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with 607.4.2.1 through 607.4.2.3.

607.4.2.1 Back Wall. Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.3 and the other located 9 inches (230 mm) above the rim of the tub. Each grab bar shall be 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum and shall be installed 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the foot end wall.

**607.4.2.2 Foot End Wall. **A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the foot end wall at the front edge of the tub.

**607.4.2.3 Head End Wall. **A grab bar 12 inches (305 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the head end wall at the front edge of the tub.

**607.5 Controls. **Controls, other than drain stoppers, shall be located on an end wall above the tub rim and below the grab bars, and between the front edge of the tub and the mid-point of the width of the tub. Controls shall comply with 309.4.

**607.6 Shower Unit. **A shower spray unit with a hose at least 59 inches (1500 mm) long that can be used both as a fixed shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided. If an adjustable-height shower head mounted on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars.

**607.7 Bathtub Enclosures. **Enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstruct controls or transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats or into tubs. Enclosures on bathtubs shall not have tracks mounted on the rim of the open face of the tub.

608 Bathing Shower Compartments and Outdoor Rinsing Showers

**608.1 General. **Bathing shower compartments required to be accessible shall comply with 608.2 through 608.8. Outdoor rinsing showers required to be accessible shall comply with 608.9.

608.2 Size and Clearances for Shower Compartments.

**608.2.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartments. **Transfer-type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) inside finished dimension measured at the center point of opposing sides and shall have a minimum 36 inch (915 mm) wide entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clear deck space of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

**608.2.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartment. **Standard roll-in type shower compartments shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum clear inside dimension measured at the centerpoint of opposing sides and shall have a minimum 60 inches (1525 mm) wide entry on the face of the shower compartment. A 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum clear deck space shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment. A lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted at the end of the clear space, opposite the shower compartment end where the seat is mounted and opposite the shower compartment side where shower controls are located.

**608.2.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartment. **Alternate roll-in shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) in width and 60 inches (1220 mm) minimum in depth. A 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry shall be provided to one side of the stall. The shower unit and controls shall be mounted on the end wall furthest from the compartment entry.

**608.3 Grab Bars. **Grab bars shall comply with 609 and shall be provided in accordance with 608.3.1 and 608.3.2. Where multiple grab bars are used, they shall be installed at the same height.

**EXCEPTION: **Grab bars are not required to be installed in a shower facility for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of such grab bars.

608.3.1 Transfer Type Showers. Grab bars shall be extended across the control wall and back wall to a point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control wall.

608.3.2 Roll-In Type Showers. Grab bars shall be provided on the three walls of the shower. Grab bars shall be mounted 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from the adjacent wall.

EXCEPTION 1. Where a seat is provided in a roll-in type shower, grab bars shall not extend over the seat at the control wall and shall not be located behind the seat.

EXCEPTION 2. In alternate roll-in type showers, grab bars shall not be required on the side wall opposite the control wall and shall not be located behind the seat.

608.4 Seats. An attachable or integral seat shall be provided in transfer-type shower compartments. A folding seat shall be provided in roll-in showers used in accessible passenger staterooms. Seats shall comply with 610.

**608.5 Controls. **Shower or tub/shower facilities shall deliver water that is thermal shock protected to 120F maximum. Controls shall comply with 309.4. Controls in roll-in showers shall be located above the grab bar but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the finished shower deck surface. In transfer-type shower compartments, controls, faucets and the shower spray unit shall be mounted on the side wall opposite the seat 38 inches (965 mm) minimum to 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finished shower deck surface.

**608.6 Shower Spray Unit. **A shower spray unit with a hose at least 59 inches (1500 mm) long that can be used both as a fixed shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided. In transfer type showers, the controls and shower unit shall be located on the control wall within 15 inches (380 mm) left or right of the centerline of the seat. In roll-in type showers, shower spray units mounted on the back wall shall be mounted 27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the side wall. If an adjustable-height shower head mounted on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars. The shower spray unit shall have a water-on and water-off control.

**608.7 Curbs. **Thresholds in shower compartments shall be 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum in accordance with 303.

**608.8 Shower Enclosures. **Enclosures for shower compartments shall not obstruct controls or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats.

**608.9 Outdoor Rinsing Showers. **Outdoor rinsing showers required to be accessible shall comply with 608.9.

608.9.1 Low Outdoor Rinsing Shower.

**608.9.1.1 Height. **A fixed shower head shall be provided and located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum to 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

EXCEPTION: A hand held shower spray unit complying with 608.6 is permitted.

**608.9.1.2 Grab Bar. **Grab bars shall be provided and shall comply with 609. In addition, at least one grab bar shall comply with one of the following provisions.

**608.9.1.3 Vertical Grab Bar. **Where the shower head is mounted on a post, a vertical grab bar shall be provided under the shower head and shall start 33 inches (840 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface and extend to within at least 3 inches (75 mm) of the shower head.

**608.9.1.4 Circular Grab Bar. **Where the shower head is mounted on a post, a grab bar that surrounds the usable part of the post shall be provided. The grab bar shall be provided 33 inches (840 mm) minimum to 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

**608.9.1.5 Horizontal Grab Bar. **A horizontal grab bar extending 18 inches (455 mm) minimum in both directions from the center line of the shower head shall be provided under the shower head. The grab bar shall be provided 33 inches (840 mm) minimum to 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

**608.9.1.6 Controls. **Controls shall comply with 309. If self-closing controls are used, the controls shall remain open for at least 10 seconds.

**608.9.1.7 Clear Deck Space. **A clear deck space of 60 inches (1525 mm) diameter minimum shall be provided and shall be located so that the water from the shower head is directed toward the center of the clear space.

**608.9.1.8 Slope. **Where surface conditions require a slope greater than 1:50 for proper drainage, a 1:33 maximum slope is allowed.

608.9.2 High Outdoor Rinsing Shower.

**608.9.2.1 Height. **A fixed shower head shall be provided and shall be located a minimum of 72 inches (1830 mm) above the finished deck surface.

EXCEPTION: A hand held shower spray unit complying with 608.6 is permitted.

**608.9.2.2 Grab Bar. **Grab bars shall be provided and shall comply with 609. In addition, at least one of the grab bars shall comply with the following provisions.

**608.9.2.3 Vertical Grab Bar. **Where the shower head is mounted on a post, a vertical grab bar shall be provided under the shower head and shall be provided 33 inches (840 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface and extend to within at least 3 inches (75 mm) of the shower head.

**608.9.2.4 Circular Grab Bar. **Where the shower head is mounted on a post, a grab bar surrounding the usable part of the post shall be provided. The grab bar shall be provided 33 inches (840 mm) minimum to 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

**608.9.2.5 Horizontal Grab Bar. **A horizontal grab bar extending 18 inches (455 mm) minimum in both directions from the center line of the shower head shall be provided under the shower head. The grab bar shall be provided 33 inches (840 mm) minimum to 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

**608.9.2.6 Controls. **Controls shall comply with 309.4. If self-closing controls are used, the controls shall remain open for at least 10 seconds.

609 Grab Bars

**609.1 General. **Grab bars in accessible toilet or bathing facilities shall comply with 609.

**609.2 Size and Spacing of Grab Bars. **The diameter or width of grab bars shall be 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) minimum to 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum. If not round, the shape shall provide equivalent graspability with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2 inches (51 mm) and perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 4-11/16 inches (120 mm) maximum and with edges having a 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum radius. The space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm). The space between the grab bar and projecting objects above shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum.

**EXCEPTION: **The space between the grab bars and shower controls, shower fittings and other grab bars above shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum.

**609.3 Position of Grab Bars. **Grab bars shall be mounted in a horizontal position, 33 inches (840 mm) minimum to 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finished deck surface.

**609.4 Surface Hazards. **Grab bars and any wall or other surfaces adjacent to grab bars shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a radius of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum.

**609.5 Fittings. **Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.

609.6 Method of Mounting. Grab bars shall be mounted in any manner that provides a gripping surface at the locations specified in this chapter and that does not obstruct the required clear deck space.

609.7 Structural Strength. Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lb (1112 N) is applied at any point on the grab bar, fastener mounting device or supporting structure.

610 Seats

**610.1 General. **Seats in accessible bathtubs and shower compartments shall comply with 610.

**610.2 Bathtub Seats. **The depth of a removable in-tub seat shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum to 16 inches (405 mm) maximum. The seat shall be capable of secure placement. The depth of a permanent seat at the head end of the bathtub shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum. The top of bathtub seats shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the bathroom finished deck surface.

**610.3 Shower Compartment Seats. **Where a seat is provided in a roll-in shower compartment, it shall be a folding type and shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the controls. Seats shall be L-shaped or rectangular. The top of the seat shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the bathroom finished deck surface. In a transfer-type shower, the seat shall extend from the back wall to a point within 3 inches (75 mm) of the compartment entry. In a roll-in-type shower, the seat shall be located adjacent to the compartment entry and shall extend from the control wall to a point within 3 inches (75 mm) of the compartment entry.

**610.3.1 Rectangular Seats. **The rear edge of the seat shall be 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) maximum and the front edge 15 inches (380 mm) minimum to 16 inches (405 mm) maximum from the seat wall. The side edge of the seat shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum from the back wall of a transfer-type shower and 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum from the control wall of a roll-in-type shower.

**610.3.2 L-Shaped Seats. **The rear edge of the seat shall be 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) maximum and the front edge 15 inches (380 mm) minimum to 16 inches (405 mm) maximum from the seat wall. The rear edge of the “L” portion of the seat shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum from the wall and the front edge shall be 14 inches (355 mm) minimum to 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the wall. The end of the “L” shall be 22 inches (560 mm) minimum to 23 inches maximum (585 mm) from the main seat wall.

**610.4 Structural Strength. **Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs (1112 N) is applied at any point on the seat, fastener mounting device or supporting structure.