ASTM F446-2019 pdf free download

ASTM F446-2019 pdf free download.Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Grab Bars and Accessories Installed in the Bathing Area
1. Scope
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers performance requirements, test methods, and levels of performance to ensure satisfactory functioning of the grab bars and accessory items (not including plumbing controls) during reasonable use to assist a person entering, leaving, or moving within the bathing area. 1.2 This consumer safety specification is intended to reduce the number of accidents by specifying requirements for grab bars and accessories designed to decrease the probability of slips and falls. 1.3 This consumer safety specification does not address the specific need of gang showers, island tubs, peninsula tubs, sunken tubs, or tubs 6 ft (1.8 m) or longer. 1.4 This consumer safety specification exempts shower stalls with both interior dimensions of 34 in. (864 mm) or less. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all ofthe safety problems, ifany, associated with its use. It is the responsibility ofthe user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Definitions
2.1 back wall—wall opposite the exit-entry side of a tub or shower (see Figs. 1-4). 2.2 bathing area—bathing space that consists of a tub, tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside edge of the tub or stall (see Figs. 1-4). 2.3 bathing area accessories—towel bars, towel rings, soap holders, towel utility shelves, and other similar devices that are intended to be permanently affixed to surfaces and used in the bathing area.2.4 critical support area—that portion of the back, service, or nonservice wall in which support would most likely be beneficial in four different bathing areas (see Figs. 1-4 for specific requirements in this area). 2.5 grab-bar—bar or similar device made for the purpose of assisting a person in movement within the bathing area and for assistance in entering or exiting the bathing area. Sometimes referred to in the industry as hand holds. 2.6 nonservice wall—any wall excluding the back wall within the bathing area that does not contain plumbing service. 2.7 plumbing controls—valves, spouts, and shower head or fittings, or both, that allow the user to control the water flow and temperature. 2.8 potential hazard area—any surface within the bathing area, including bathtub or shower receptor from tub or shower floor up to 66 in. (1.7 m), which could be contacted by the body in a slip or fall situation. 2.9 recessed tub—bathtub enclosed by and attached to two or three walls without shower facilities.2.10 service back wall—wall opposite the exit-entry side of the tub or shower that serves as a back wall as well as the location of controls. 2.11 service wall—wall within the bathing area upon which the plumbing controls are located. 2.12 shower receptor—basin-like device in a shower that catches the water and directs it into the drain. 2.13 shower stall—two- or three-wall enclosure with a shower receptor and plumbing controls for shower bathing. 2.14 tub-shower—recessed tub with a shower head. 2.15 tub or shower entrance area—place where an indi- vidual enters and exits from a tub or shower, or both.