ADA lavatory systems for handicapped bathrooms must comply with strict federal guidelines that mandate specific dimensions to ensure comfortable, safe operability of sinks by physically challenged persons. The height of the sink, its depth, and even the types of pipes and faucets it features must all meet with certain compliance codes in order to pass building inspection.

Additionally, there are often state and local regulations that must also be factored into the design equation prior to finalization of equipment purchase orders.  It is important for persons in charge of procurement to deal with a vendor like XPB Locker Supply that understands how to recommend the appropriate fixtures and customizations that will ensure that ADA requirements are met well in advance of any further customization that the client may need to request. 

When we take a step back from what appears to be a long list of very tedious stipulations, we find that the regulations governing ADA lavatory systems for handicapped bathrooms are actually based upon an amazing amount of very common sense.  Every line item in the Americans with Disabilities Act is written to ensure that an individual in a wheelchair can use a hand washing system with the same level of effectiveness, comfort, sanitation, and dignity as a person standing by a sink. 

When viewed from the perspective of the bigger picture, it becomes quite clear why certain height, depth, and engineering requirements must be treated as absolutes.

The first of these requirements is approachability.  ADA lavatory systems for handicapped bathrooms must have a clear floor space in front of the sink that measures at least 30 inches by 48 inches.  This allows a person to wheel his or her chair up to the edge of the sink without hindrance or injury.

The next thing that must be considered is the dynamics of knee clearance for a person who is seated in a wheelchair.  An individual cannot simply roll the chair up to the counter and reach comfortably underneath the faucet.  He or she actually has to roll the chair partly under the counter to get into position to wash his or her hands.  

ADA lavatory systems for handicapped bathrooms must therefore have a minimum knee clearance of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep beneath the sink.  The knees of the person must also be protected from injury when the chair is rolled beneath the sink basin.  The biggest hazard to a wheelchair bound person is the risk of hitting the knees against exposed pipes or surfaces. 

Manufactures have to design P-traps and other undersurface fixture components in such a way as to prevent these types of collisions from occurring.  Surfaces must be rounded to prevent scrapes and cuts.  Also, ADA lavatory systems for handicapped bathrooms must be thoroughly insulated to avoid discomfort or burns to the user’s skin.

Faucets must feature one-hand operability.  Levers, push buttons, touch controls, infrared windows, and capacitance technology are all acceptable faucet controls for accessible lavatory configuration.