Grab bars, lavatories, and towel bars must withstand at least 250 lbf. of force including bending, shear, and tensile forces (1). To help meet this standard, install grab bars with wood screws into studs, blocking, or plywood reinforcement. Molly bolts, nails, or screws into gypsum board are not adequate. With prefabricated showers, the blocking or plywood should contact the plastic over the entire reinforced area (2).

Grab bars should not chip, and they cannot have sharp or abrasive edges. They must not rotate within their fittings, and an oval design requires less strength to grasp than a circular bar. Textured finishes are available for a sure grip.

In public spaces, the color of the grab bars should contrast with the wall to ensure quick and accurate eye/hand coordination in an emergency. Chrome and metallic bars may produce reflected glare or blend in with the wall.

A grab bar is often used by bracing the forearm between the bar and the wall for support. Install the grab bar exactly 1 ½ in from the wall or the entire arm could slip through the opening (3).

Many standards require one horizontal grab bar at the foot of the tub when a tub seat is used at the head. Two horizontal grab bars must be placed on the long wall. The height of the grab bars will vary according to the size and ability of the user. Diagonal grab bars may also be necessary but must not be used to replace those required by the standards. Grab bars may have to be as low as 18 in a.f.f. for use by children, depending on age.

A transfer bar may be helpful over the bathtub; it should be installed on a ceiling trolley track or a ceiling eye-bolt above the tub (with a minimum capacity of at least 300 lbf). The ceiling may need to be reinforced to install this bolt or track, and its strength checked periodically to verify that it has not been compromised by rust or wood rot.

Grab bars may also be necessary for transferring to a shower wheelchair. If the doorway to the bathroom cannot be widened for wheelchair users, the individual may have the strength to transfer to the shower wheelchair through the doorway with grab bars installed on both sides.

Use a textured finish on shower grab bars. In most showers, grab bars must be installed at a height of 33 to 36 in a.f.f. on all sides with 18 in of clear space above the grab bar. Only shower controls and fittings can protrude into this space. When a shower seat is wall-mounted, no grab bar should be placed along that wall since the user will typically balance themselves by leaning against that wall. Grab bars for children should be mounted 18 to 27 in a.f.f. depending on age (4). For standing users, grab bars should be installed just below elbow height (5). A vertical grab bar at the entrance may be desirable for a standing user if placed to meet individual needs. Vertical grab bars must not conflict with the required horizontal grab bars.

For the easiest approach to the toilet, grab bars must usually be located behind the toilet and on one side. Install them at a height of 33 to 36 in a.f.f., depending on the user (18 in to 27 in for children). The bars must be long enough to allow an unobstructed movement and 18 in of clear space must be provided above the grab bar.

People with reduced strength often prefer grab bars on both sides of the toilet, but people with wheelchairs, walkers, or assistants need one side clear for the approach. A swing-up assistance bar can meet these varied needs.

Note: a.f.f. = above finished floor

References
1. Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards, 1991.
2. Barrier Free Environments, Adaptable Housing: The Technical Manual for Implementing Adaptable Housing Unit Specifications, 023 000 00760 6 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1989), 46.
3. ADA Accessibility Standards, 1991.
4. North Carolina State Building Code Council, North Carolina State Building Code, vol. 1 C (Raleigh: NCSBCC, 1989).
5. Health and Welfare, Canada, Showers H74 18/7 1985E (Ottawa: Ministry of Supply and Services, Canada, 1985).

Excerpted from Beautiful Universal Design: A Visual Guide, Cynthia Leibrock and James Evan Terry, John Wiley & Sons, 1999; Used With Permission. © Cynthia Leibrock and James Evan Terry.