ADA/TAS Requirements for Commercial Grab Bar Installation - SteadyBars

ADA/TAS Requirements for Commercial Grab Bar Installation (Texas)

These requirements apply to public accommodations and commercial facilities (2010 ADA Standards; enforced in Texas through the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards “TAS”). (ADA.gov)

Applicability

  • Applies to covered new construction and alterations. Texas adopts and enforces these through the 2012 TAS.

Heights (All Horizontal Bars)

  • Top of gripping surface at 33″–36″ AFF. (ADA/TAS §609.4 — Access Board)

Toilets (Water Closets) — §604.5

  • Side-wall bar: 42″ min, located ≤ 12″ from rear wall and extending ≥ 54″ from rear wall. (ADA/TAS §604.5.1 — Access Board)
  • Rear-wall bar: 36″ min, centered so 24″ extends toward the open side and 12″ toward the side wall (exceptions for obstructions). (ADA/TAS §604.5.2 — Access Board)

Showers — §608.3 (Bars at Same Height)

Transfer-Type (36″ × 36″)

  • Bars on the control wall and back wall (to within 18″ of the control wall). (ADA/TAS §608.3.1 — Access Board)

Standard Roll-In (60″ depth)

  • With seat: Bars on back wall + side wall opposite the seat (no bar above seat). (ADA/TAS §608.3.2 — Access Board)
  • Without seat: Bars on three walls; bars ≤ 6″ from adjacent walls. (ADA/TAS §608.3.2 — Access Board)

Alternate Roll-In

  • Bars on back wall + side wall farthest from entry (no bar above seat). (ADA/TAS §608.3.3 — Access Board)

Bathtubs — §607.4

  • Bars required on back and control-end walls; specifics vary with seat/no seat. (ADA/TAS §607.4 — Access Board)

Bar Size, Clearance, Surfaces — §609

  • Diameter (circular): 1¼″–2″. Non-circular: ≤ 2″ max cross-section; 4″–4.8″ perimeter. (ADA/TAS §609.2 — Access Board)
  • Clearance: 1½″ between wall & bar; keep 12″ clear above (with limited exceptions). (ADA/TAS §609.3 — Access Board)
  • Surfaces & fittings: Rounded edges; bars must not rotate in fittings. (ADA/TAS §609.5–§609.6 — Access Board)
  • Strength: Resist 250 lb at any point on the bar, fastener, or supporting structure. (ADA/TAS §609.8 — Access Board)

Texas Process & Enforcement (TDLR / TAS)

  • Projects with estimated cost ≥ $50,000 must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), plan-reviewed by a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS), and inspected. All projects must comply with TAS regardless of cost. (TDLR Architectural Barriers · TAS 2012)

Official References