Features of ADA Showers

Features of ADA Showers

Features of ADA Showers

There are several stringent standards put in place for products and equipment used by the disabled and elderly. These standards have been set keeping in consideration the safety of the users, especially those who unfortunately do not have unrestricted mobility on account of their health and various other reasons. Most of such products are developed to facilitate convenience and accident free living and working conditions. ADA showers are one such product. These showers comply with Americans with Disabilities Act specifications and enable the disabled users to take shower safely.

What to buy

To begin with, make sure the showering unit you purchase is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The unit will be worth the money. The advantage of buying a unit made to ADA standards is that it ensures the right amount of space and safety features required by the disabled users. Needless to say, the buyers who opt for non-ADA compliant and non-standardized bathing units run the risk of owning something with cluttered and unsafe space that could spell danger for the users. There is also the inconvenience factor associated with non-standard products, which you may not be able to figure out until you start using the unit.

Features to look for

When buying an ADA compliant showering unit, you need to check out certain elementary features and safety aspects. First and foremost, go for a unit whose base is not slippery so that the user is not exposed to the danger of falling and hurting himself. Secondly, ensure that the enclosure is devoid of any obstructions. The unit should be easy to clean and maintain it should not have too many concealed and difficult to reach areas and corners.

Some units come with inbuilt facilities for holding consumables and accessories. While these add-ons are welcome, extra care needs to be taken to ascertain that there are no projections that could pose any potential dangers. Also, it is important to check that these additional facilities and frills do not eat into the limited floor space.

The ADA showers must necessarily have adequate provision for handles or grab bars for the user's convenience and safety. A few grab bars on the exterior are also desirable. ADA specifies that there should be grab bar on the wall opposite to the shower seat and another on the back wall. If the shower stall is meant for people on wheelchair, then all the three walls of the stall should have a grab bar.

Besides the unit itself, the ADA has also clearly set the norms for the accessories for use in the shower stall. For example, it has laid down the standards for shower seats, their size, design and the carrying capacity to ensure the safety and convenience of the user.

The shower seat, whether foldable or fixed, is a must in any ADA compliant shower stall. These seats should be at a height of 17 to 19" from the floor in the ADA showers and should be within 3" of the edge of the wall where the shower is placed.

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