Accessible Bathing Facilities with Transfer Showers as Defined by the ADA
Transfer Shower
Accessible bathing facilities in Title II and Title III facilities are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This article will discuss the ADA technical requirements for bathing facilities with accessible transfer showers in State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities. 2010 ADA Standard 608 covers technical requirements for accessible roll-in showers. The photo on the right is representative of a transfer shower.
2010 ADA Standard 608.2.1, [Shower Compartment] Transfer Type Shower Compartments, states, “Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.” Dimensions in the shower are measured to the center point(s), both vertical and horizontal, of opposing walls. The graphic below provides a plan view of a transfer shower with a bench seat. The entry must be at least 36 inches wide on the face of the compartment.
Plan View of Transfer Shower
In the Standard above a clear space of 36 inches wide and 48 inches long is required as shown in the graphic below. The required clearance must be located so that it aligns with the control wall and extends 12 inches minimum from the seat wall. This allows proper alignment with the seat for transfer from wheelchairs. No elements, including lavatories, can overlap this clearance as they would impede transfer.
Transfer Shower Clear Space
The clearance must be located so that it extends 12 inches minimum from the seat wall. The photo below is an example of how a sink installation has compromised the clear space and access to the seat in a transfer shower.
Photo of Sink Blocking Access to Transfer Shower
Transfer shower compartments must have a seat (folding or non-folding) to complete the transfer from a wheelchair to the shower. Transfer showers are sized so that controls and grab bars are usable from the seat. The depth is also limited so that support is available from the back wall once transfer is made to the shower seat. This is why the width and depth are absolute, not minimum, dimensions of 36 inches. The graphic below is representative of a completed transfer into the shower.
Transfer Shower and Wheelchair
Grab Bars for Transfer Shower
Grab Bars
2010 ADA Standard 608.3.1, [Grab Bars] Transfer Type Shower Compartments, states, “In transfer type compartments, grab bars shall be provided across the control wall and back [rear] wall to a point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control wall.” In other words, grab bars are required on the wall opposite the seat and the back wall. Grab bars can be continuous or separate. If separate, they must be at the same height above the finish floor. The grab bars must extend across the control wall to the entry. If separate, the grab bars must extend as close as possible to the adjacent wall. The graphic on the left is representative of grab bars for a transfer type shower. Note that the ANSI A117.1 standard, which provides technical provisions and is referenced by the International Building Code (IBC), requires a vertical grab bar at showers and bathtubs. This vertical grab bar is not required by the 2010 ADA Standards.
Controls and Shower Spray Unit
Transfer Shower Controls and Hose
2010 ADA Standard 608.5.1, [Controls] Transfer Type Shower Compartments, states, “In transfer type shower compartments, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be installed on the side wall opposite the seat 38 inches (965 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the shower floor and shall be located on the control wall 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the centerline of the seat toward the shower opening.” In other words, controls are located so that they are within reach from outside the compartment.
2010 ADA Standard 608.6, Shower Spray Unit and Water, states, “A shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches (1500 mm) long minimum that can be used both as a fixed-position shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided. The shower spray unit shall have an on/off control with a non-positive shut-off. If an adjustable-height shower head on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Shower spray units shall deliver water that is 120°F (49°C) maximum.” The graphic above is representative of these Standards.
An exception to this Standard is that a fixed shower head located at 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the shower floor shall be permitted instead of a hand-held spray unit in facilities that are not medical care facilities, long-term care facilities, transient lodging guest rooms, or residential dwelling units. An example could include a gym shower.
Shower Threshold with 1/2 Inch Vertical
Shower Threshold
2010 ADA Standard 608.7,[Shower Compartments] Thresholds, states, “In transfer type shower compartments, thresholds ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled, rounded, or vertical.” The graphic on the right is representative of a 1/2 inch vertical threshold. No width is specified for this threshold.
The exception for this Standard is that a threshold 2 inches (51 mm) high maximum shall be permitted in transfer type shower compartments in existing facilities where provision of a ½ inch (13 mm) high threshold would disturb the structural reinforcement of the floor slab.
Shower Entry Floor Drain
While a threshold height up to ½” is permitted, trench drains and other designs that allow a flush transition to the shower floor will provide easier access. The graphic on the left is representative of a floor drain at the entry to the shower. Shower floors can slope to drains but it is important that the slope of the floor not exceed a 1:48 cross slope. A 1:48 [2.08%] maximum slope will help control water without impacting accessibility.
Example Bathing Facility with Transfer Shower and Bathtub Floor Plan
It is common to see a bathing facility that has a combination of transfer shower and bathtub. The following photos and graphics depict a floor plan for a bathing facility with a transfer shower, bathtub, sink and toilet. The benefit of having a shower and tub is that an individual has options for bathing. Providing access to both the shower and tub is not required but advisable for greater access. In this configuration, providing the required clearance at the transfer shower does not impact the size of the room.
Bathing Facility with Transfer Shower and Bathtub
The graphic below is a plan view of the photo above.
Bathing Facility Plan View for Bathtub and Transfer Shower
Specified clearances are required at the lavatory/sink, water closet/toilet, and either the tub or shower compartment. Fixture clearances can overlap. The door cannot swing into fixture clearances except in the case of single-user facilities where an unobstructed wheelchair space is provided in the room beyond the arc of the door swing, which is the case here. The graphic below shows these clear spaces. Clear floor space is also required at provided dispensers, receptacles, controls and other operable parts, clothes hooks, and shelves (not shown).
Clear Floor Spaces for Bathing Facility with Transfer Shower and Bathtub
Turning space is required in the room (60 inch diameter circle or a T-shaped space). The turning space can overlap fixture clearances, and doors can swing into the turning space under any condition. Elements with compliant knee and toe space, such as a lavatory, can partially overlap the turning space but not the door maneuvering space. The graphic below is representative of a circular turning space and door maneuvering space in the example bathing room with the transfer shower and bathtub.
Bathing Facility Transfer Shower and Bathtub Floor Plan, Door with Door Maneuvering Space, and Circular Turning Space
Finally, 2010 ADA Standard 608.8, Shower Enclosures, states, “Enclosures for shower compartments shall not obstruct controls, faucets, and shower spray units or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats.” In other words a shower curtain or door cannot compromise access to the shower, shower seat, or controls. A similar standard applies to bathtubs.
SUMMARY
Bathing facilities with a transfer shower have ADA requirements for size of the shower, clear spaces for the shower and other elements, door maneuvering space, grab bars, controls, and a shower threshold, if installed. The 2010 ADA Standards do not specify the size of bathrooms which is determined by the layout, the type and number of fixtures, and other factors and design choices. How various requirements are met, including fixture clearances, turning space, and door maneuvering clearance will determine the minimum dimensions of the room.
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