Laws and Regulations: Federal Register Americans with Disabilities Act – July 26, 1991.
In July of 1991, the Federal Government of the United States of America enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark law passed by Congress, focused on accessibility standards needed to protect people with disabilities in public and commercial areas. The information below is not the entire Americans with Disabilities Act, but excerpts which pertain to restroom design and the protection of the legs and feet of wheelchaired individuals when using sinks and lavatories. This important area of protection is where we at TRUEBRO focus our engineering efforts and product design.
ADA Requirements:
4.19.1 Lavatories.
4.19.1 General.
The requirements of 4.19 shall apply to lavatory fixtures, vanities, and built-in lavatories.
4.19.4 Heights and Clearances.
Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 inches (865 mm) above the finish floor. Provide a clearance of at least 29 inches (735 mm) above the finish floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee and toe clearance shall comply with Fig. 31 (right).
4.19.4 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces.
Hot water and drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories.
606 Lavatories and Sinks
606.5 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories and sinks.