What is the ADA clearance for baby changing station?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design, a baby changing station must be accessible to those with disabilities. Here are the general guidelines to make a baby changing station ADA compliant:
306.3 Knee Clearance
Knee clearance shall extend 25 inches maximum under an element at 9 inches above the finish floor or ground. Where knee clearance is required under an element as part of a clear floor space, the knee clearance shall be 11 inches deep minimum at 9 inches above the finish floor or ground, and 8 inches deep minimum at 27 inches above the finish floor or ground.
*Insert Figures 306.3 a & 306.3 b
307.2 Maximum Protruding Objects
Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches and not more than 80 inches above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches maximum horizontally into the circulation path.
*Insert Figure 307.2
308.2 Forward Reach
Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.
* Insert pic (Figure 308.2)
Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches, the high forward reach shall be 44 inches maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches maximum.
**Insert figure(s) 308.2.2(a) and 308.2.2(b)
308.3 Side Reach
Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.
* Insert Figure 308.3
309.4 Operation
Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds maximum.
902.3 Work Surface
The tops of dining and work surfaces shall be 28 inches minimum and 34 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground.
Local and state codes may impose additional requirements, so be sure to check those as well before installation. For specific situations or more detailed guidance, you should consult the ADA Standards or a knowledgeable professional.
**** Use https://www.foundations.com/ada-guidelines.html as reference