Minnesota Administrative Rules

4658.4155 CENTRAL BATHING AREA; NEW CONSTRUCTION.

Subpart 1.

Fixtures.

Bathing fixtures must be provided in accordance with part 4658.4135.

Subp. 2.

General requirements.

A.

In bathing areas with more than one fixture, each bathtub or shower area must be provided with privacy curtains or wall dividers.

B.

If a toilet is located within an open area with multiple bathing fixtures, the toilet area must be provided with privacy curtains or stall partitions.

C.

All bathtub and shower areas must be designed for assisted bathing.

D.

The bathing area must have direct access to a toilet room or space without going through the general corridor, and the toilet room or space must allow space for assistance of residents according to part 4658.4150.

E.

Bathtubs and showers must be provided with a nonslip bottom or floor surface and at least one grab bar, securely anchored, must be provided at each fixture.

F.

If towel bars are provided, they must be horizontal grab bars, securely anchored.

G.

A bar soap holder, if provided, must be without handles and recessed.

H.

The door or doors to the bathing area must have privacy door locks. Hinged doors must swing out, or they must be double acting and be provided with an emergency-type release stop.

Subp. 3.

Shower areas.

A.

Central showers must not be less than 48 inches by 48 inches, or 54 inches by 42 inches with the long side open, without a curb, and with a 32-inch high splash protection.

B.

The shower area must have controls located near the splash protection for easy reach by both resident and attendant. A flexible hose hand shower must be provided.

C.

A vertical, nonslip grab bar, 24 inches long, must be provided at the shower and at the shower entrance location. The low end of the grab bar must be 36 inches above the floor. Horizontal grab bars inside the wet areas must be mounted at a height of 54 inches above the floor.

Subp. 4.

Bathtub areas.

A.

The location of the tub and the design of the central bathing area must allow a minimum of four feet of clearance around the working areas of the tub.

B.

A pedestal used to elevate a standard-type bathtub must be provided with a finished cleanable surface, and include a toe space.

C.

A flexible hose hand shower must be provided.

D.

Horizontal or vertical grab bars must be located in proximity to the tub in order to accommodate safe use of the tub and the requirements of the bathing program, including drying of residents. These grab bars must be either wall-mounted or part of the tub design and construction.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144A.04; 144A.08

History:

21 SR 196

Published Electronically:

October 11, 2007