2022 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2023)

11B-609 Grab bars

11B-609.1 General.

Grab bars in toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall comply with Section 11B-609.

11B-609.2 Cross section.

Grab bars shall have a cross section complying with Section 11B-609.2.1 or 11B-609.2.2.

11B-609.2.1 Circular cross section.

Grab bars with circular cross sections shall have an outside diameter of 1¼ inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.

11B-609.2.2 Non-circular cross section.

Grab bars with non-circular cross sections shall have a cross-section dimension of 2 inches (51 mm) maximum and a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 4.8 inches (122 mm) maximum.

FIGURE 11B-609.2.2 GRAB BAR NON-CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION

11B-609.3 Spacing.

The space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1½ inches (38 mm). The space between the grab bar and projecting objects below and at the ends shall be 1½ inches (38 mm) minimum. The space between the grab bar and projecting objects above shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum.

Exceptions:

1. The space between the grab bars and shower controls, shower fittings, and other grab bars above shall be permitted to be 1½ inches (38 mm) minimum.
2. For L-shaped or U-shaped grab bars complying with Section 11B-609.9 the space between the walls and the grab bar shall be 1½ inches (38 mm) minimum for a distance of 6 inches on either side of the inside corner between two adjacent wall surfaces.

Advisory 11B-609.3 Spacing. The distance between the grab bar and wall is an exact dimension. Many disabled people rely heavily upon grab bars to maintain balance and prevent serious falls. Many people brace their forearms between supports and walls to give them more leverage and stability in maintaining balance or for lifting. The grab bar clearance of 1½ inches required in this section is a safety clearance to prevent injuries resulting from arms slipping through the openings. It also provides adequate gripping room. ◼

(a) projecting objects

(b) recessed objects

FIGURE 11B-609.3 SPACING OF GRAB BARS

11B-609.4 Position of grab bars.

Grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position, 33 inches (838 mm) minimum and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface, except that at water closets for children's use complying with Section 11B-604.9, grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 18 inches (457 mm) minimum and 27 inches (686 mm) maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface. The height of the lower grab bar on the back wall of a bathtub shall comply with Section 11B-607.4.1.1 or 11B-607.4.2.1.

11B-609.5 Surface hazards.

Grab bars and any wall or other surfaces adjacent to grab bars shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements and shall have rounded edges.

11B-609.6 Fittings.

Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.

11B-609.7 Installation.

Grab bars shall be installed in any manner that provides a gripping surface at the specified locations and that does not obstruct the required clear floor space.

11B-609.8 Structural strength.

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

11B-609.9 Alternate configuration.

L-shaped or U-shaped grab bars shall be permitted.