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Get a Grip On Grab Bars for Water Closets

Get a Grip On Grab Bars for Water Closets

Grab bars enable an individual to maintain balance, reduce fatigue while standing, rising, or maneuvering, or in some cases grabbing onto in case of a slip or fall. Caregivers can also use a grab bar to assist with patient transfer.

The words “grab bar” are used multiple times in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, September 15, 2010 Plumbing Element and Facilities. Grab bars for toilets (water closets) are referenced in Plumbing Elements and Facilities Section 609.

For Toilets (Water Closets)

Specifications for Grab Bars are in 609 for toilet and bathing facilities and in the cross section 609.2.1 circular cross sections and the 609.2.2 non-circular cross section, 609.3 Spacing, 609.4 Position of Grab Bars, 609.5 Surface Hazards, 609.6 Fittings, 609.7 Installation and 609.8 Structural Strength and in sections 604.5 Grab Bars for water closets and 604.1.5 (Sidewall) Grab Bars, 604.5.2 Rear Wall, 604.9 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments for Children’s Use.

Advisory Notes

Advisory notes pertaining to grab bars are provided for informational purposes only and may not be mandatory. The notes have been added or revised based on comments or revisions to text. Advisory notes try to clarify the meaning of a requirement or provide recommendations for good practice.

  • Advisory 104.1.1 Construction and Manufacturing Tolerance. The requirement states a specified range, such as in Section 609.4 where grab bars must be installed between 33” and 36” above the floor. The range provides an adequate tolerance and therefore no tolerance outside of the range at either end point is permitted.
  • Advisory 604.5 Grab Bars Exception 2. Reinforcement must be sufficient to permit the installation of rear and side wall grab bars that fully meet all accessibility requirements including, but not limited to, required length, installation height, and structural strength.
  • Advisory 604.9 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments for Children’s Use. The requirements in 604.9 are to be followed where the exception for children’s water closets in 604.1 is used. The table provides additional guidance in applying the specifications for water closets for children according to the age group served and reflects the differences in the size, stature, and reach ranges of children ages 3 through 12. The specifications chosen should correspond to the age of the primary user group. The specifications of one age group should be applied consistently in the installation of a water closet and related elements.

Grab Bar Mounting

The standard mounting dimensions for circular and non-circular grab bars are 2” max. and should not rotate in their fittings and have a structural strength of 250 lbs. horizontally and vertically. The water closet grab bars should be installed 33” minimum and 36” maximum in a horizontal position above finished floor except for a child’s use ages 3 to 12, 18” minimum and 27” maximum in section 604.9. The side wall grab bar is 42” minimum and the rear wall grab bar is 36” minimum.

Most manufacturers of commercial restroom grab bars (including for ADA) have different configurations, mountings and finishes so it is the designer’s choice. The requirements have to deal with slip resistance, height and length from the floor and the mounting dimensions. There were close to 300 projects with Grab Bars listed for ADA restrooms, and only a few had specific manufacturers. The remainder are open for bidding.

Manufacturers

Although there are many manufacturers of grab bars for ADA restrooms, here are a few to consider.

Bobrick. Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. Bobrick is a recognized name in well-designed, value-oriented restroom accessories and toilet partitions. Some of the world’s more renowned companies and institutions rely on Bobrick solutions to reinforce their brands, reduce long term operating costs, and position their organizations for the future. You will find a variety of grab bars when you search for “grab bars” on their website.

Here are some examples:

Brey-Krause. Brey-Krause manufactures a comprehensive line of quality commercial and industrial washroom accessories. Their products are used in new and existing commercial, industrial, and HUD facilities. A wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and finishes ensure appropriate application in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, office buildings, factories, airports, restaurants, prisons, hotels, health clubs, locker rooms and public restrooms. All products are manufactured in compliance with American Disabilities Act- (ADA) and ANSI requirements. Search for a series of ADA compliant grab bars on their website.

Here are some examples:

  • Brey-Krause L-Shaped Grab Bar This Brey-Krause L-shaped grab bar features a satin stainless steel finish and is made in the USA using industry-leading fabrication techniques. This item is ADA-compliant and has been load tested to support over 400 lbs.
  • Brey-Krause 24″ Stainless Steel ADA Safety Grab Bar This Brey-Krause 24” stainless steel grab bar is fully ADA-compliant and features snap-on stainless steel covers to conceal the mounting flanges. It is rust-resistant and 100% manufactured in the USA using domestically sourced raw materials.

Moen. The #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories, bath safety products, garbage disposals and kitchen sinks for residential and commercial applications, each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features, and lasting value. Moen commercial products incorporate smart design with advanced technology. To view the selection of grab bars visit their website.

Here are some examples:

Bradley Corporation. Bradley is one of the most complete and advanced manufacturers of commercial washrooms, and comprehensive solutions for emergency, safety, and industrial applications. Now in the fifth generation of the Mullet family their continued commitment includes treating customers and employees like family. You will find 32 ADA compliant soap dispensers on their site including the new Verge ADA soap dispenser line. To view the selection of ADA grab bars visit their website.

Here are some examples:

HealthCraft Products. HealthCraft is a company dedicated to changing lives through functional home safety products. Their goal is to help enable individuals to live safely and comfortably in their homes as long as possible. HealthCraft has spent the last two decades designing and manufacturing innovative support products. HealthCraft has a select group of ADA compliant toilet grab bars.

Here are some examples:

  • Healthcraft Easy Mount 120 Angle Grab Bar, Stainless Steel, 500 lbs. Capacity This Healthcraft Easy Mount 120 Angle Grab Bar helps users to stand securely while moving from a sitting to standing position, or while bathing or showering. Commercial grade quality for facility or residential use. This easy mount grab bar provides strength and security for shower and bathroom safety. Stainless steel construction ensures low effort maintenance. Outside flanges feature Easy Mount 9-hole flanges, which means greater versatility during installation.
  • Healthcraft Products Grab Bars, White, 4 Pound This grab bar’s innovative 9-hole flange provides for installation at varying degrees. Flange covers conceal the screws for an attractive finish. Rust-resistant.
  • HealthCraft Products: 30″ x 30″ L-Shaped Grab Bar Healthcraft’s L-Shaped Grab Bar provides secure support to assist you in the bathroom. The middle flange is located on the 90-degree bend of the rail, so it is ambidextrous. The outside flanges feature HealthCraft’s Easy Mount 9-hole flange, which means greater versatility during installation.

Delta Products. The Delta® brand is more than just a faucet. It is a WaterSense® partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Delta Faucet Company is a global organization offering kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, tub and shower systems, toilets, grab bars and related accessories. It sells products in more than 53 countries. Delta has a selection of 24 ADA grab bars available.

Here are some examples:

  • Delta Faucet 41618, 18-Inch Traditional Bathroom Safety Grab Bar The Delta 18″ Traditional Decorative ADA Grab Bar in Polished Chrome features a smooth surface for a simple clean look. When installed properly, it will support up to 500 pounds. With only 2-3 screws required for a secure mount, the five-screw flange provides installation flexibility to accommodate individual grab bar mounting needs.
  • Delta DF516W 16″ x 7/8″ Exposed Screw Residential Assist Bar The Delta 16” Assist Bar provides leverage, support and stability for up to 300 pounds, while adding a decorative touch to your bathroom. Assist Bars are great around the tub and shower. The clean and simplistic design coordinates well with most design styles. Crafted from die-cast zinc and stainless steel for lasting quality and durability, and available in different finish options to reflect personal taste and décor.
  • Delta 41918 Modern Angular Decorative ADA 18 in. x 1.25 in. Grab Bar The Delta 18″ Angular Modern Decorative ADA Grab Bar in Polished Chrome features a smooth surface for a simple clean look. When installed properly, it will support up to 500 pounds. With only 2-3 screws required for a secure mount, the five-screw flange provides installation flexibility to accommodate individual grab bar mounting needs.

Kingsway Group. Kingsway Group offers a wide range of ligature resistant washroom dispensers and grab bars to provide a solution to every requirement in secure facilities.  Their range of washroom accessories are ligature resistant by design and built to the highest quality to give you the best results. Each one of their ligature resistant washroom dispenser and grab bar products has been crafted through the feedback of customers. Kingsway Group has a selection of ADA anti-ligature grab bars for the most challenging behavioral health facilities.

Medline. Medline is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies uniquely positioned to provide products, education and support across the continuum of care. Their ability to bring best practices from one care setting to another — from large healthcare systems and independent physician practices to home health patients and their families, is what sets them apart. Medline has a wide variety of ADA grab bars in white enamel and steel.

Here are some examples:

  • Medline 24 Inch Grab Bar, Knurled Chrome Medline’s 24” knurled-texture steel bars are easy to grip even in wet bathing areas. Use grab bars in the kitchen, along stairways, or in the laundry room for additional fall prevention. Combine grab bars with an elevated toilet seat or transfer bench for additional stability.
  • Medline 12 Inch Grab Bar, White Medline’s easy grip white enamel grab bars help reduce the risk of accidents. Rugged enamel-coated steel bars can be used horizontally or vertically.
  • Medline MDS86032CHR Standard Knurled Grab Bar, 32″ Chrome (Pack of 3) Medline’s 32” knurled-texture steel bars are easy to grip even in wet bathing areas. Use grab bars in the kitchen, along stairways, or in the laundry room for additional fall prevention. Combine grab bars with an elevated toilet seat or transfer bench for additional stability.

CSI Bathware. CSI Bathware is one of the largest bathtub and shower manufacturers in the USA! Their huge selection of high-quality, ADA compliant product such as grab bars, seats and shower accessories are designed with functionality and safety in mind and meet the needs of the everyday user and contractors alike. A wide variety of toilet grab bars from CSI are available in forms such as straight, boomerang, half circle.

Here are some examples:

  • CSI Bathware BAR-BB16-TW-125-PO Boomerang Shaped Grab Bar, Polished Enjoy greater peace-of mind and maintain your security and independence with this CSI Bathware Boomerang Grab Bar, featuring an ADA compliant design to accommodate a wide variety of disabilities. The boomerang shape provides multi-level support. With a stylish finish and supportive design, this ADA compliant grab bar supports up to 500 pounds and blends seamlessly with almost any décor.
  • CSI Bathware BAR-WL14-TW-125-PO Left Hand Wave Shaped Grab Bar, Polished Stainless The CSI Bathware Left Wave Shaped Grab Bar provides a stylish alternative to the standard grab bars readily available in today’s market. The gentle wave shape provides sturdy, multi-level support and matches seamlessly with the right-hand version to provide multi-wall support. With a stylish finish and supportive design, this ADA compliant grab bar supports up to 500 pounds, accommodates a wide variety of abilities and blends seamlessly with almost any décor.
  • CSI Bathware BAR-VL16-TW-125-SA Series L-shaped Vertical Angle Bathroom Safety Bar Enjoy greater peace-of mind and maintain your security and independence with this CSI Bathware Vertical Angle Grab Bar, featuring an ADA compliant design to accommodate a wide variety of disabilities. The L-shape provides multi-level support. With a stylish finish and supportive design, this ADA compliant grab bar supports up to 500 pounds and blends seamlessly with almost any décor.

Gatco®. From towel bars to mirrors, to shower curtain rods and countertop accessories, Gatco’s quality and passion have made it the brand of choice for discerning homeowners and hospitality professionals for over 40 years.  Each product is created by Gatco’s design team. Gatco’s “full suite” approach allows contractors, designers, architects, and hotels to specify and coordinate virtually all finish hardware in the bathroom including ADA grab bars.

Here are some examples:

  • Gatco 883 Latitude II 12″ Fashion Residential Grip Bar Embellish your Bathroom with Gatco’s fashion forward Residential Grip Bars, designed with a slimmer profile for a chic appeal that will compliment any home. Can support up to 250lbs when installed correctly.
  • Gatco 920 Designer II Grab Bar, 12-inch, Chrome This grab bar is luxuriously handcrafted of stainless steel ensuring durability, dependability, and safety. High quality and elegantly hand polished finish resists rust, corrosion, and scratching. Meets all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
  • Gatco 940 Elevate Grab Bar, 12-inch The Elevate Suite was designed to uplift any bathroom with its pure escutcheon plates and clean, minimalistic lines. This remarkable suite will exceed your design expectations and create a brand-new feel in your stylish bathroom. Meets all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Tags:

accessibility ADA grab bars restroom

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