Code of Massachusetts Regulations
521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Title 521 CMR 31 - BATHING ROOMS
Section 31.7 - SHOWER STALLS

Universal Citation: 521 CMR 31 MA Code of Regs 31.7

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

Accessible shower stalls shall comply with the following:

31.7.1 Size: Shower stall size and clear floor space shall comply with Fig. 31a or b. The shower stall in Fig. 31a shall be 36 inches by 36 inches (36" by 36" = 914mm by 914mm). The shower stall in Fig. 31b will fit into the 30 by 60 inch (30" by 60" = 762mm by 1524mm) space required for a bathtub. There shall be no more than a 1/2 inch (1/2" = 13mm) lip, beveled at a slope no steeper than one-in-two (1:2) (50%).

Click to view image

31.7.2 Floors: Floors shall be pitched to drain within the stall no steeper than one-in-50 (1:50) or (2%). Floors shall be carborundum, grit-face tile, or other slip resistant surface.

31.7.3 Controls: Showers shall operate by a single lever with a thermostatic and/or pressure balance mixing valve, and except in shower stalls 36 by 36 inches (36" by 36" = 914mm by 914mm) all controls shall be located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat. Faucets and other controls shall be located as shown in Fig. 31c and d and shall comply with 521 CMR 39.00: CONTROLS.

Click to view image

31.7.4 Seat: A folding seat shall be provided in the 36 inch by 36 inch (36" by 36" = 914mm by 914mm) shower stalls and shall be as shown in Fig. 31c. The seat shall be on the wall opposite the controls. In a 30 inch by 60 inch minimum (30" by 60" = 762mm by 1524mm) shower stall, a seat shall be provided. It shall be a folding type and shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the controls as shown in Fig. 31d.

a. The seat shall be mounted 17 inches to 19 inches (17" to 19" = 432mm to 483mm) above the bathroom floor and shall extend the full depth of the stall.

b. The structural strength of seats and their attachments shall comply with the definition of structural strength in 521 CMR 5.00: DEFINITIONS.

c. The seat shall be padded.

31.7.5 Grab bars: Two grab bars shall be provided as shown in Fig. 31c and 31d.

a. They shall be placed horizontally between 33 and 36 inches (33" to 36" = 838mm to 914mm) above the floor line. In a 36 by 36 inch (36" by 36" = 914mm by 914mm) stall, two 30 inch (30" =762mm) grab bars shall be provided, one on the back wall and one on the wall opposite the seat. In a 30 inch by 60 inch (30" by 60" = 762mm by 1524mm), two grab bars, one 42 inches (42"= 1067mm) long and one 24 inches (24 " = 608mm) long shall be installed on the long wall and the short wall opposite the seat. In the alternative, a continuous L-shaped grab bar in the shower is acceptable.

b. The structural strength of grab bars and their attachments shall comply with the definition of structural strength in 521 CMR 5.00: DEFINITIONS.

c. Grab bars shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches (11/4" to 11/2" = 32mm to 38mm) in outside diameter, and have a 11/2 inch (11/2" = 38mm) clearance between the bar and the wall. See Fig. 25a.

d. Grab bars shall also be non-rusting and acid-etched or roughened.

31.7.6 Soap trays shall not incorporate hand hold features unless they can support 250 pounds for five minutes.

31.7.7 Spray Shower Unit. A shower spray unit attached to a flexible metal hose at least 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) long and adjustable from 42 inches to 72 inches (42" to 72" = 1067mm to 1829mm) that can be used both as a fixed shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided.

Exception: In unmonitored facilities where vandalism is a consideration, a fixed shower head mounted at 48 inches (48" = 1219mm) above the shower floor may be used in lieu of a hand-held shower head.

31.7.8 Curbs: If provided, curbs in shower stalls 36 inches by 36 inches (36" by 36" = 914mm by 914mm) shall be no higher than 1/2 inch (1/2" = 13 mm). Shower stalls that are 30 inches by 60 inches (30" by 60" = 762mm by 1524mm) minimum shall not have curbs.

31.7.9 Shower Enclosures: If provided, enclosures for shower stalls shall not obstruct controls or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.