Bathtubs: ADA Standard Section 607

607 Bathtubs

Clearance in front of bathtubs shall extend the length of the bathtub and shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum. A lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted at the control end of the clearance. Where a permanent seat is provided at the head end of the bathtub, the clearance shall extend 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the wall at the head end of the bathtub.

Figure (a) shows a bathtub with a removable in-tub seat. The bathtub has clearance in front 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum that extends the length of the tub.

Figure (b) shows a bathtub with a permanent seat at the head end (the end opposite the controls). The tub has clearance in front 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum that extends the length of the tub plus 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the seat. Both figures show that a lavatory can be located at the foot end of the tub clearance.

Figure 607.2 Clearance for Bathtubs

607.3 Seat.

A permanent seat at the head end of the bathtub 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 or 607.4.2.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Grab bars shall not be required to be installed in a bathtub located in a bathing facility 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 grab bars complying with 607.4.

2. In residential dwelling units, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in bathtubs located in bathing facilities provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 607.4.

607.4.1 Bathtubs With Permanent Seats.

For bathtubs with permanent seats, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with 607.4.1.

Figure (a) shows an elevation drawing of a tub with a permanent seat and two parallel grab bars on the back wall. The upper grab bar is mounted 33 to 36 inches (840 to 915 mm) above the finish floor. The lower grab bar is mounted 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the tub rim.

Figure (b) is a plan view. A grab bar on the foot end wall is 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum and is installed at the front edge of the tub. The rear grab bars are mounted 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the foot end wall and 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the head end wall.

Figure 607.4.1 Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Permanent Seats

607.4.1.1 Back Wall.

Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.4 and the other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be installed 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the control end wall.

607.4.1.2 Control End Wall.

A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the control end wall at the front edge of the bathtub.

607.4.2 Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats.

For bathtubs without permanent seats, grab bars shall comply with 607.4.2.

Figure (a) is an elevation drawing showing rear grab bars, one mounted 33 to 36 inches (840 to 915 mm) above the finish floor, and one mounted 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the tub rim.

Figure (b) is a plan view showing a grab bar on the foot (control) end wall 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum installed at the front edge of the tub. Rear grab bars are 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum and are mounted 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the foot (control) end wall and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the head end wall. A grab bar 12 inches (305 mm) long minimum is installed on the head end wall at the front edge of the tub.

Figure 607.4.2 Grab Bars for Bathtubs with Removable In-Tub Seats

607.4.2.1 Back Wall.

Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall, one located in accordance with 609.4 and other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the rim of the bathtub. 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 control end wall.

607.4.2.2 Control End Wall.

A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be installed on the control end wall at the front edge of the bathtub.

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 bathtub.

607.5 Controls.

Controls, other than drain stoppers, shall be located on an end wall. Controls shall be between the bathtub rim and grab bar, and between the open side of the bathtub and the centerline of the width of the bathtub. Controls shall comply with 309.4.

Elevation drawing shows the location of controls above the tub rim and below the grab bar and between the front edge of the tub and the tub centerline.

Figure 607.5 Bathtub Control Location

607.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water.

A shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches (1500 mm) long minimum that can be used both as a fixed-position shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided. The shower spray unit shall have an on/off control with a non-positive shut-off. If an adjustable-height shower head on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Bathtub shower spray units shall deliver water that is 120°F (49°C) maximum. [S.H. 4.20.6]

Advisory 607.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water. Ensure that hand-held shower spray units are capable of delivering water pressure substantially equivalent to fixed shower heads.

607.7 Bathtub Enclosures.

Enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstruct controls, faucets, shower and spray units or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats or into bathtubs. Enclosures on bathtubs shall not have tracks installed on the rim of the open face of the bathtub. [S.H. 4.20.7]

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2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide