Minnesota Administrative Rules

4660.4120 CENTRAL BATHING AREA.

Subpart 1.

Fixtures.

Bathing fixtures shall be provided in accordance with part 4660.3900.

Subp. 2.

Existing and new.

In bathing areas with more than one fixture, each bathtub or shower area shall be provided with privacy curtains and/or wall dividers. Bathtubs and showers shall be provided with a nonslip bottom or floor surface, and at least one grab bar, securely anchored, shall be provided at each fixture. There shall be convenient access to toilet facilities. If a water closet is located within an open area with multiple bathing fixtures, the toilet area shall be provided with privacy curtains or stall partitions. Such a toilet facility shall not be for general use by residents outside the bathing area.

Subp. 3.

New construction.

All bathtub or shower areas shall be designed for the elderly and infirm. At least one special bathtub or shower area, designed for assisted bathing, shall be available for general use. Shower stalls shall be at least two feet, six inches by two feet, six inches inside dimension, and be without curbs. Bathtubs shall be at least 18 inches, but not more than 20 inches above the floor. Soap holders shall be without handles and be recessed. The special bathtub or shower facilities shall be provided in accordance with the provisions for persons with physical disabilities in chapters 1300 to 1365, the State Building Code, 1971 edition. A shower for assisted bathing shall not be less than four feet by four feet or four feet, six inches by three feet, six inches with the long side open without a curb, and with a 32-inch-high splash protection. The shower area shall have the controls located near the splash protection for easy reach by both resident and attendant, and the floor drain shall be located near the rear wall. A flexible hose hand shower shall be provided, and the soap holder shall be without handle and be recessed. A vertical, nonslip grab bar, 24 inches long, shall be provided at the shower and at the shower entrance location. The low end of the grab bar shall be three feet above the floor. Horizontal grab bars inside wet areas shall be mounted at a height of four feet, six inches above the floor. A folding shower seat, 16 inches deep and 19 inches above the floor, is recommended.

A bathtub area for assisted bathing shall provide at least three feet of working space for the attendant on at least two sides of the tub. A flexible hose hand shower shall be provided, and the soap holder shall be without handle and be recessed. A vertical, nonslip grab bar, 36 inches long, shall be provided at the point of access at each side or end of the tub. The low end of the grab bar shall be four inches above the rim. A horizontal grab bar, 36 inches long, shall be installed four inches above the inside rim, if the bathtub is installed with the long side toward the wall.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144.56

History:

L 2005 c 56 s 2

Published Electronically:

October 11, 2007