REQUIREMENTS FOR SINKS LOCATED IN EXAM ROOMS

While visiting a doctor's office recently I noticed that the work surface and sink in the exam room did not comply with the accessibility standards. This is because the exam room is considered an employee work area. Employee work areas are mostly exempt from the accessibility standards, except that they must be constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter and exit the employee work area. However, designing employee work areas to be more accessible at the outset will avoid more costly retrofits when current employees become temporarily or permanently disabled, or when new employees with disabilities are hired.

The work surface in exam rooms that usually contains brochures and a sink is exempt only if it is used by the doctors and not the patients. However, if during the examination the patient is asked to wash their hands or use the work surface, then it will be required to comply. If this exception is taken, then no patients are allowed to use the work surface or sink. The accessibility standards prohibit discrimination based on disability.

However, if the work surface is required to comply then, the height of the counter must be 28" (710 mm) minimum and 34" (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor. Clear floor space for forward approach must be provided along with knee and toe clearance under the work surface. If a sink is provided, then it must also contain clear floor space and knee and toe clearance for the sink. If multiple sinks are provided in a room, then at least 5% of the sinks must comply.

Forward Approach at Accessible Work Surfaces & Sinks

Knee and Toe Clearance at Accessible Work Surfaces & Sinks

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF TOILET TISSUE DISPENSERS IN ACCESSIBLE TOILET ROOMS

One of the most common mistakes I find while doing inspections is the location of the toilet tissue dispenser. Below I have referenced the most common dispensers used in toilet rooms and the requirements for each.

Single Roll Dispensers

Double Roll Dispensers

Double Roll Stacked Dispensers

Accessibility Standards Requires

• The dispenser must be 7" min (180 mm) and 9" max (230 mm) in front of the water closet measured to the centerline of the dispenser.

• The height measured to the outlet of the dispenser must be 15" min (380 mm) and 48" max (1220 mm) above the finish floor.

• There is a construction tolerance built into the requirements. The accessibility standards requires when there is a min/max given that those dimensions must be met.

Single Roll Dispensers

• The single roll dispenser must be measured from the center of the roll to the leading edge of the water closet.

• The height must be measured from the finish floor to the bottom edge of a full roll of paper. Do not measure to the center of the spindle, that is not an outlet. Assume a toilet tissue roll is about 6" diameter, so give yourself a few inches from the center spindle. Some manufactures recommend 24" to the center of the spindle.

Double Roll Dispensers

• The double roll dispenser must be measured to the center of the unit, not the first or the last roll. There is usually a mark on the top of the unit that will show the center.

• The height must be measured to the dispenser outlet, which is usually at the bottom edge of the unit where the paper comes out. Also, most manufacturers recommend a dimension. Follow their recommendation, but make sure you meet the accessibility standards. I've seen some sites that reference the old standards.

Double Roll Stacked Dispensers

• The height must be measured to the bottom of the lowest roll and the top roll is 1 1/2" min (38 mm) below the grab bar.

• The manufacturers will recommend a height of these dispensers because they want to make sure you will be able to access the top seat cover dispenser. There are no requirements for the seat cover dispenser except that they must be within reach range.

Common Mistakes

Dispensers must be located in front of the water closet.

Movable dispensers are not allowed in accessible toilet rooms.

Dispensers are required to be mounted on the side wall.

ACCESSIBLE HEIGHTS OF LAVATORY ACCESSORIES IN TOILET ROOMS

I enjoy visiting toilet rooms and taking pictures of the accessible elements. It is practice for when I do inspections. This toilet room was done correctly and looks well designed. The lavatory has the shroud on it to hide the pipes. The knee & toe clearance is provided. It even has an access door for the water valve cutoffs. Also, the heights of the accessories are done correctly.

The soap and towel dispensers are located within the required reach ranges. The towel dispenser is a side approach without any obstructions to reach over, so it must be 48" max (1220 mm) to the towel outlet. The soap dispenser is located on the back wall and you must reach over the lavatory to reach it. However, the lavatory is only 16" deep, so the height to the outlet must be 48" (1220 mm) max.

The mirror above the lavatory is located within the 40" (1015 mm) max above the finish floor and 74" (1880 mm) min to the top. There is also a full height mirror in the room which only needs to be 74" (1880 mm) min to the top.

The power receptacles and light switches also must be within reach ranges. The power receptacle is within the 48" (1220 mm) maximum height. The light switch not shown is placed at the same height so that it lines up.

Side Reach Range at Paper Towel Dispenser Outlet

Forward Reach Range at Soap Dispenser