36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Comment. The proposed rule specified a maximum threshold height of ½ inch, provided that those greater than ¼ inch are beveled with a slope of 1:2 maximum (608.7). This provision applied to roll-in showers and to transfer showers. Commenters recommended that a higher threshold be permitted for transfer showers since wheelchair maneuvering over the threshold is not necessary in using the shower.

Response. The Board retained the ½ inch threshold height since positioning for transfer to the seat of transfer showers can be aided where a close approach enables footrests to clear the threshold. However, the Board has revised the specification to allow thresholds at transfer compartments to be vertical or rounded instead of beveled. In addition, the Board has provided an exception for existing facilities to address situations where meeting the maximum threshold height, which is typically achieved by recessing shower pans into the floor, is difficult, if not infeasible, due to certain floor slabs. The final rule includes an exception that permits a threshold up to 2 inches high at transfer showers in existing facilities where providing a ½ inch threshold would disturb the structural reinforcement of the floor slab (608.7, Exception).