The placement of toilet paper dispensers is a small, but essential part in adhering properly to ADA regulations in restrooms. It is important not to overlook the smaller details. Non-compliance can lead to a cascade of issues including problems with user access and legal implications. The regulations created ensure full functionality of not just the toilet paper dispenser, but other objects around it, such as the grab bar.
Section 604.7 of the 2010 ADA Standards specify that the outlet of a toilet paper dispenser must be within a range of 15 inches to 48 inches above the finished floor. Access to the grab bars is an important feature to take into consideration when installing a toilet paper dispenser. Section 309.4 gives note that if the dispenser is installed above the grab bar, the outlet of the dispenser must be 48 inches from the finished floor, and the top of the gripping surface of the grab bar must be between 33 and 36 inches above the finished floor. This allows enough space for an arm or hand to be placed on the grab bar.
In regards to the space between the dispenser and the water closet, section 604.7 specifies that it must be no less than 7 inches and no more than 9 inches in front of the leading edge of the water closet to the center line of the dispenser.
It is vital to note that all parts of the toilet paper dispenser must be compliant with section 304.9 of the 2010 ADA Standards. Make sure that when purchasing a dispenser, no more than 5lbs are needed to release the toilet paper, and no parts of the mechanism are difficult to twist or grab by a user.
Brad Gaskins has 30 years experience in the practice of architecture and a comprehensive understanding of professional practice nationwide. Brad brings a unique and valuable perspective to The McIntosh Group’s practice and clients, with a specific expertise in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and national building codes. Brad has gained recognition as an expert witness for clients with ADA compliance complaints. He represents NACS, The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, as a full voting member on the International Code Council (ICC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1, Consensus Committee on Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. His objective is to share, with the committee for their deliberations, the potential impact of the standards on the convenience store and truckstop industry.
This post was originally created for the National Association of Truck Stop Owners (NATSO). Read the original post at: http://www.natso.com/blog/toilet-paper-dispensers-mounted-outside-the-allowable-ranges