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As a business owner, you need to ensure that the handicap grab bars for bathrooms in your workplace meet ADA requirements. Handicap grab bar legislation is in place to protect disabled employees. Even if you do not currently have disabled employees, you may hire some in the future that will benefit immensely from properly installed grab bars. To ensure the safety of your employees, it is important to adhere to ADA guidelines. Read on to learn the essential guidelines for handicap grab bars in your workplace.
Height and Length Requirements
When evaluating the handicap grab bars in your workplace, make sure they meet height and length requirements. It is essential to carefully follow height and length requirements to meet and maintain compliance requirements. All businesses are required to have one grab bar behind the toilet and another on the adjacent wall. For both of these bars, the ADA has very specific size requirements. First, both bars must be 33″-36″ above the floor. The rear bar must be at least 36″ long. It should be positioned based on the toilet’s center line. On one side, the distance from the toilet’s center line to the end of the bar should be 12.” On the other side, that distance should be 24.” To figure out which side should be which length, identify the wall closest to the toilet. The end of the bar that extends towards this wall should be at least 12.” The other end should extend at least 24.”
Fortunately, the side bar’s placement is less complicated. The side bar must be at least 42″ long. Additionally, each end must be a certain distance from the rear wall. The closer end must be at least 12″ away and the further end must be at least 54″ away. Once you have measured the grab bars, the hard part is over. You can then use these guidelines to ensure the grab bars in your workplace meet ADA standards.
Type of Bar
In your workplace bathrooms, the type of handicap grab bars must meet certain requirements. While changing the type of bar may require you to renovate bathrooms, it will certainly be worth it in the long run for your organization. The ADA requires two horizontal bars, one behind the toilet and one next to it. Vertical, circular, and diagonal grab bars alone are not sufficient to pass inspection. However, you may include them in addition to horizontal bars. Different types of bars can give disabled employees increased support and stability. Furthermore, some cities require vertical grab bars even though the ADA does not. It is important to check the regulations in your area to see what types of grab bars are necessary. To ensure that the handicap grab bars in your workplace meet requirements, make sure you have the right type of bar.
Easy to Grip
There are some ADA guidelines that ensure handicap grab bars are easy to grip. These guidelines address bar diameter and the bar’s distance from the wall. First, the diameter of the bar should be 1 1/4″ to 1 1/2.” This allows your employees to get a better grip on the bar. If the bar has a surface or shape that makes it easier to grip, you may be able to have a bar of a different diameter. However, it is usually best to stick with the standard size. Additionally, the ADA requires that the space between the bar and the wall is 1 1/2.” This makes it easier for someone to grab the bar in the event that they fall. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the handicap grab bars in your workplace are up to code.
Remove Obstructions
If there are any obstructions that could prevent someone from grabbing a handicap bar, be sure to remove it. Some potential obstructions are shelves and paper towel dispensers. You can determine whether something is an obstruction by measuring how close it is to the grab bar. According to ADA guidelines, there must be 1 1/2″ of empty space below grab bars and 12″ above them. If you find an obstruction in your workplace bathroom, it is important to remove it immediately. However, be aware that recessed shelves and paper towel dispensers are not considered obstructions. For this reason, they do not have to be moved and are good ways to save space. To ensure that employees can always reach handicap grab bars, remove any obstructions you find.
Bar Strength
It is important to make sure handicap grab bars are strong enough to support an employee’s weight. A properly installed grab bar should be able to endure 250 pounds of force. To make sure the grab bars in your workplace are sturdy, adhere to the following guidelines. First, check that the grab bars are installed in places with reinforcement. They should be screwed into studs or mounted on reinforced walls. Second, ensure that the grab bars do not move or rotate. Having strong, solid grab bars in your workplace is important for your employees’ safety. Following ADA guidelines for bar strength will allow you to provide your disabled employees with the support they need.
By adhering to these 5 guidelines, you can ensure that the handicap grab bars in your workplace’s bathrooms meet ADA standards. Garb bar requirements are essential to remain up to date on risk and compliance. First, check that your grab bars meet requirements for height and length. Then, make sure you have the type of bars that are required. It is also important to ensure that the grab bars are easy to grip. Furthermore, remove any obstructions above and below the bars. Lastly, follow ADA guidelines for grab bar strength and stability. These guidelines will help you provide important services to your employees while meeting government requirements.
