Accessible lockers are one of the easiest items to miss on a locker project, and one of the most visible when they're wrong. The good news is that the federal requirements are short and specific.
This guide summarizes what the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require for lockers and locker room benches, with the section number for each requirement so you can check it yourself. State and local codes, such as the building code adopted in Michigan, may add requirements, so confirm with your code official.
How many lockers must be accessible? (225.2.1)
225.2.1 Lockers
Where lockers are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type, shall comply with 811.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
The advisory note explains that different types may include full-size and half-size lockers and lockers designed for specific sports equipment. In practice, count each distinct locker type separately, then round up.
| Lockers of one type | Minimum accessible |
|---|---|
| 1–20 | 1 |
| 21–40 | 2 |
| 41–60 | 3 |
| 100 | 5 |
| 300 | 15 |
What makes a locker accessible? (811)
Section
- Clear floor space
- 811.2 → 305
- Height
- 811.3 → 308
- Operable parts
- 811.4 → 309
What it says
- Clear floor space
- A clear floor or ground space of 30 inches minimum by 48 inches minimum (305.3), positioned for a forward or parallel approach
- Height
- Storage elements within at least one reach range: unobstructed forward reach 15 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum (308.2.1); unobstructed side reach 15 to 48 inches (308.3.1)
- Operable parts
- Operable with one hand, no tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, and 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum force (309.4)
- Shelves, hooks and the locking device of an accessible locker should all fall within the 15–48 inch range.
- Upper tiers of double- and triple-tier lockers usually sit above 48 inches, so accessible units are commonly single-tier or lower-tier units, or lockers with an accessible shelf and hook added.
- Lever latches, recessed pulls and keypad or RFID locks are common ways to meet 309.4. Small knobs that must be twisted do not.
- Mark accessible lockers on the drawings and in the locker schedule.
Locker room benches (222.1, 803.4, 903)
Where locker rooms are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of use in each cluster must comply with 803 (222.1), and 803.4 requires a bench complying with 903 within the room.
| Item | Section | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Clear floor space | 903.2 | 30 × 48 inch space at the end of the bench seat, parallel to the short axis |
| Seat size | 903.3 | 42 inches long minimum, 20 to 24 inches deep |
| Back support | 903.4 | Back support or affixed to a wall; 42 inches long minimum, from 2 inches max to 18 inches min above the seat |
| Seat height | 903.5 | 17 to 19 inches above the finish floor |
| Strength | 903.6 | Withstands 250 pounds of vertical or horizontal force at any point |
| Wet locations | 903.7 | Slip-resistant seat that does not accumulate water |
Coat hooks in the room must be within a 308 reach range, and shelves must be 40 to 48 inches above the floor (803.5).
ADA locker checklist
- Count lockers by type; provide at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type as accessible (225.2.1).
- 30 × 48 inch clear floor space at each accessible locker (811.2, 305).
- Shelves, hooks and locks within 15–48 inches (811.3, 308).
- One-hand hardware, 5 lbf max, no tight grasping or twisting (811.4, 309.4).
- Accessible bench complying with 903 in each required locker room (803.4).
- Accessible lockers on an accessible route and identified on the drawings.
Writing the locker section? See how to write a locker specification.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How many ADA lockers are required?
- Under 225.2.1 of the 2010 ADA Standards, where lockers are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type, must comply with section 811.
- What is the ADA reach range for lockers?
- Storage elements must be within at least one reach range in section 308. For an unobstructed forward or side reach, that is 15 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum above the floor.
- What hardware is allowed on an ADA locker?
- Operable parts must work with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, and need no more than 5 pounds of force (309.4). Lever latches and keypad or RFID locks are common choices.
- Do locker rooms need an ADA bench?
- Yes, accessible locker rooms need a bench complying with 903 (803.4): at least 42 inches long, 20 to 24 inches deep, 17 to 19 inches high, with back support or wall mounting and a clear floor space at the end.
- Can LG2 supply ADA-compliant lockers in Michigan?
- Yes. LG2 supplies and installs lockers from List Industries, Hollman, Columbia Lockers (PSISC), Summit Lockers, GearGrid and The Athletic Edge, including accessible units and benches. Call Lucas Reimink at (616) 460-4024 or 616-295-1585.
Sources
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (225.2.1, 222.1, 305, 308, 309, 803, 811, 903). U.S. Department of Justice.
- Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards. U.S. Access Board.