A4.24 Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats
A4.24.1 General. Many people with disabilities rely heavily upon grab bars to maintain balance and prevent serious falls. Many people brace their forearms between supports and walls to give them more leverage and stability in maintaining balance or for lifting. The grab bar clearance of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) required in this standard is a safety clearance to prevent injuries from arms slipping through the opening. This clearance also provides a minimum space for gripping.
4.24.2 Grab Bars.
4.24.2.1 Size and Spacing of Grab Bars. The diameter or width of the gripping surfaces of a grab bar shall be 1 1/4 in to 1 1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. If grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1 1/2 in (38 mm). See Fig. B4.24.2.1.
4.24.2.2 Position of Grab Bars. Grab bars shall be mounted in a horizontal position, 33 in to 36 in (840 mm to 915 mm) above the floor, except where a supplemental grab bar is installed in relation to a fixture rim or surface.
4.24.2.3 Surface Hazards. Grab bars and any wall or other surfaces adjacent to grab bars shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a radius of 1/8 in (3 mm) minimum.
4.24.2.4 Fittings. Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.
4.24.2.5* Method of Mounting. Grab bars shall be mounted in any manner that provides a gripping surface at the locations specified in this standard and that does not obstruct the required clear floor space.
A4.24.2.5 Method of Mounting. Grab bars that are wall mounted do not affect the measurement of required clear floor space where the space below the grab bar is clear and does not present a knee space encroachment as provided in 4.2.4.3. However, a floor mounted grab bar system, depending on the specific configuration, may encroach on knee space and would affect how required clear floor space is measured. This requirement is included to ensure that the grab bar installation does not obstruct the required clear floor space. Retractable grab bars which meet structural requirements may be considered equivalent.