Proper Placement of a Handrail in a Tub

Bathtubs with Permanent Seats

• Bathtubs with permanent seats must have a minimum of three handrails to meet ADA requirements. One grab bar must be installed between 33 inches and 36 inches above the finished bathroom floor. The second must be between 8 inches and 10 inches from the rim of the tub. A third handrail at least 24 inches long must be installed by the controls.

Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats

• If a bathtub does not have a permanent seat, it must have a minimum of four handrails installed. The first grab bar must be installed between 33 inches and 36 inches above the finished bathroom floor and the second must be between 8 inches and 10 inches from the rim of the tub. A third handrail at least 24 inches long must be installed by the controls. At the rear, or head end, of the tub, a grab bar at least 12 inches long must be installed.

Handrail Guidelines

• Handrails must have diameter between 32 and 38 millimeters. The rail and mounting brackets must be able to support the weight of at least 250 lbs. of force. The space between the wall and the handrail should never exceed 38 millimeters. If the rail should be mounting in a recess, it should be no more than 75 millimeters deep and must have at least 18 inches of clearance above the rail.

Warning

• The handrail should never have sharp or abrasive elements and it should never rotate in its fittings. You should always use grab bars that are made from stainless steel and are institutional grade. Never use a towel bar in place of a proper grab bar. They are not designed to support the amount of weight needed to prevent a fall.