Code of Massachusetts Regulations
521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Title 521 CMR 42 - GROUP 1 BATHROOMS
Section 42.7 - BATHING FIXTURES

Universal Citation: 521 CMR 42 MA Code of Regs 42.7

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

If more than one bathing fixture is provided in a bathroom, at least one must meet the requirements of 521 CMR 42.

42.7.1 Bathtubs shall comply with the following:

a. Size: Bathtubs shall be at least a nominal 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) long.

b. Clear Floor Space: At the bathtub, as defined in 521 CMR 42.2, Clear Floor Space shall be parallel to the face of the tub.

c. Wall Reinforcement: All tub walls shall be capable of structurally supporting the future installation of grab bars from six inches (6" = 152mm) above the tub rim to a height of 48 inches (48" = 1219mm) above the tub bottom and shall extend the length and width of the tub.

d. Door Enclosure: Tracks for sliding doors or enclosures mounted on the rim of a bathtub must be capable of removal to provide a smooth tub rim for transfer.

42.7.2 Showers shall comply with the following:

a. Size: Shower stalls shall be a minimum, nominal dimension of 36 inches by 36 inches (36" x 36" = 914mm x 914mm).

b. Minimum Clear Floor Space: At the shower, as defined in 521 CMR 42.2, Clear Floor Space shall be located parallel to and centered on the shower stall opening.

c. Wall Reinforcement: All shower walls shall be capable of structurally supporting the future installation of grab bars, seats, etc., from a height of six inches (6" = 152mm) to 48 inches (48" = 1219mm) above the floor and shall extend the full width and length of the shower stall. Grab bars shall not be located behind the seat.

d. Door: The opening of the shower stall must be 32 inches (32" = 813mm) wide. If a shower door is provided, it shall be capable of swinging open 180 degrees or capable of being removed.

e. Seat: If a wall mounted seat is provided, it shall be located on a wall adjacent to the opening. The seat shall be mounted with the edge as close as possible to the door opening to allow a safe transfer.

f. Hardware Location: Mixing valves shall be mounted on the wall opposite the seat. The centerline of the shower controls shall be located between 38 inches and 48 inches (38" to 48" = 965mm to 1219mm).

g. Where curbs are provided, they shall not exceed four inches (4" = 102mm) in height.

42.7.3 Soap Tray shall not have a hand hold feature unless it can support 250 lbs for five minutes. Soap dispensers, holders, etc., shall be located within the zone of reach from the seat.

42.7.4 Prefabricated Units: In prefabricated showers and tubs, structural reinforcement for grab bars must be in full contact with the surface of walls of the unit on which grab bars may be mounted as described in 521 CMR 42.7.1(c) and 521 CMR 42.7.2(c).

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