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Talking Trash

While the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design offers guidance on many design issues in a restroom, they leave out something important — the trash can. That leaves it up to the designer or facility manager to interpret the ADA Standards’ intent and apply it to the trash can. Having a clear, unobstructed path is […]

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

The word “mirror” is used 10 times in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and readers are led to 603.3 section, Mirrors. That guidance simply states that mirrors located above lavatories or countertops should be installed with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface a maximum of 40” above the finished floor or ground. […]

Grasp Should Exceed Reach

In the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, September 15, 2010 reference to soap (and towel) dispensers is in Advisory 606.1 General, Lavatories and Sinks and references 308 Reach Ranges. The section is located under 606 Lavatories and Sinks. There are no other references to “soap” or “soap dispensers” in the standards except for referencing […]

A “Stand Up” Fixture

In the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, September 15, 2010 reference to urinals is in Advisory 605.1 General Urinals. The section is located under 605 Urinals. Advisory 605.1 General simply states that stall type urinals provide greater accessibility for a broader range of people, including people of short stature. The floor-mounted, stall-type urinal is […]

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 […]

Opening Doors

Restroom doors provide us with ease of ingress and egress in public as well as private places. For users with limited mobility, narrow entrance and toilet compartment doors can be both challenging and a hindrance. Entrance Doors The word “Doors” is used 158 times in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  Readers are led […]

Get A Handle On It!

In the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design readers are led to section 404.2.6 Doors In Series and Gates in Series and 404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34” minimum and 48” maximum […]

Integrating Hand Dryers into ADA Restrooms

Hand drying is part of every restroom. While designing your ADA restroom, there are basically three options on how to handle hand drying: paper towels, warm-air dryer or jet dryer (or a mix of each). If you are including hand dyers in your ADA restroom, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design does not specifically […]

Drying Hands Matter: The Paper Towel Dispenser

Hand drying in a public restroom is a necessity. If you are including paper towels in your ADA restroom, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design offers advisory guidelines in Advisory 606.1 General. They must be located within the reach ranges specified in 308: 308.1 Unobstructed or 308.3.2 Obstructed High Reach, depending on where it […]