As legislation evolves and disability advocacy efforts become more common, adult changing tables have become an increasingly common addition to accessible restrooms.
When you include an adult changing table in your design, it is important to install the table in a way that is compliant and safe. Many of the compliance guidelines you need to follow come from the ADA, with supplemental guidance from the International Building Code. By following each of these guidelines, you ensure that guests can comfortably navigate and use your accessible restroom.
Here’s what businesses need to know about ADA requirements for universal changing tables.
What is the ADA?
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) provides protective measurements to ensure that everyone may use and enjoy your space safely. In any business design, ADA requirements play an important role in how the space is laid out. Just as with baby changing stations, adult changing tables must comply with ADA guidelines.
Every detail in your commercial washroom space must follow ADA regulations. Currently, since adult changing tables are classified as work surfaces under ADA, they must comply with standards for dispersion, table size, height, and floor clearance.
2010 ADA Requirements
Dispersion
226.2 Dispersion
Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with standard 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces.
Although the ADA does not require the installation of changing tables for babies and adults, if the building owner chooses to install them, they must comply with 226.1 and 226.2.
In practice, if there are separate male and female toilet rooms, then an adult changing table must be provided in each.
Size
305.3 Size
Requires 30 inches by 48 inches clear floor or ground space.
Height
902.3 Height
Requires the tops of adult changing tables to be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.
Clearance
902.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space
Directs the designer to comply with standards 305 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
ADA 604.3.1: 56″ minimum x 60″ minimum clear area around toilet
ADA 404.2.4.1 (a): Manual swinging door front approach, pull side clear area required at door: 60″ perpendicular to doorway, 18″ parallel to doorway
Note: There must be enough room to accommodate a wheelchair. When a door is being used, there should be enough for the door to open fully without overlapping the clear floor space.
Compliance Matters
ADA compliance is one of the most important aspects of any design. Sova’s Ascent Universal Changing Table offers the best value for businesses and their patrons, with its accessible design, intuitive features, and straightforward installation process.
Want to learn more about universal changing table requirements? Take our AIA-accredited CEU Course, “Understanding and Implementing Universal Changing Tables in Architectural Design.”
