Compliance with Changing Accessibility Codes

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Building codes are revised from time to time, including the codes resulting from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Romtec’s Engineering Department works to ensure that all Romtec buildings meet the current applicable codes, including the accessibility code, for the state in which the building will be installed.

Two codes form the basis for accessibility design. Each state uses one of these codes:

ICC/ANSI (International Code Council/American National Standards Institute) A117.1-2003
ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines)

Even small changes to the accessibility code can have significant impacts on the design of a building and the equipment in it. Romtec’s architects and designers must stay on top of these changes to ensure our designs meet applicable codes, and our buildings are high quality, cost effective solutions for our customers.
One recent code change comes to mind: ADAAG has begun requiring an 18” vertical grab in toilet stalls, a requirement that has been in the ICC/ANSI code for a number of years. Although this is a relatively small change affecting only those states that use the ADAAG code, it is not without some serious design considerations.
Adding the extra vertical grab bar means additional area on the toilet stall wall must remain clear of accessories. This clear space is currently 1.5” below and 12” above the horizontal grab bars and 1.5” each side of the vertical grab bar. While this might seem like a small area to be concerned with, the placement of accessory items such as paper dispensers and trash receptacles could be affected by the addition of the vertical grab bar. For example, if you want to have both a toilet seat cover dispenser and a sanitary napkin disposal unit, Romtec must design the layout of accessories on the stall wall accordingly.

In designing your new building, Romtec’s Engineering Department must carefully analyze and apply all applicable building codes to ensure you and the public will get the right design for your project and receive the very best value.