ADAAG Manual

Sinks [4.24]

ADAAG provides technical specifications for both "lavatories" and "sinks." Requirements for lavatories in ADAAG 4.19 apply to fixtures for hand washing in toilet or bathing facilities. Fixtures provided for other purposes, such as dish washing, are considered "sinks". ADAAG provides technical requirements for sinks but does not provide scoping requirements. However, access is important to sinks that serve a public or common use purpose.

Recommendations: A forward approach (specified in 4.24) provides convenient access at sinks used regularly or for extended periods of time. At those used briefly or intermittently, a side approach may be sufficient. A removable base cabinet can be used to make a sink adaptable for a forward approach. Sinks that are located in employee work stations and used only by employees, are not required to be accessible, although access or adaptability can facilitate accommodation of employees. Where multiple sinks are provided in a space (e.g., laboratory classrooms), access to at least one or 5% in each such space is generally sufficient.

Side Approach

Side reach depth is important to consider in the design and location of sinks. Sinks located in corners may not be fully within reach and the space to the rear of the side approach space cannot be reached.

Forward Approach

Knee and toe clearances specified for lavatories in 4.19, which recognize space for plumbing (see page 75), can be applied to sinks. Where disposals are provided, rear corner placement will allow greater knee clearance. Faucets, controls, and dispensers should be within the usable clear floor space to be within easy reach.