Accessible Utility Sinks at US Forest Service Facilities

Information reproduced from the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.

Accessible utility sinks at US Forest Service (USFS) facilities must meet the requirements in the Forest Service Outdoor Recreational Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The graphic below is representative of an accessible utility sink.

US Forest Service Utility Sink Accessible Installation

A utility sink is deeper than a standard restroom basin or kitchen sink and can be used to clean large pots or equipment. Usually, utility sinks are provided only in highly developed recreation areas. If utility sinks are provided in a recreation facility that also contains a cook top or conventional range, at least 5 percent (but not less than 1) in each accessible room or space must comply with the following requirements.

The height of the counter or rim surrounding the utility sink should not be more than 34 inches (865 millimeters) above the ground or floor space and the bottom of the bowl should be at least 15 inches (380 millimeters) above the ground or floor space. Note that conventional knee and toe clearance is not required at an accessible utility sink. The requirements for surface, slope, and openings in the clear space are the same as for other utilities.

A 30X48 inch clear space should be provided for the sink, with either a forward or parallel approach to the sink. The clear space should not overlap the ORAR.

If hot water is provided, wrap or shield the pipes to prevent someone from accidentally coming in contact with hot pipes. Ensure that sink controls and operating mechanisms comply with the technical requirements for reach ranges and operability specified in ABAAS, sections 308 and 309, and that water spouts are 28 inches (710 millimeters) to 36 inches (915 millimeters) above the ground or floor. The hot water supply should be from the left faucet handle. The graphic above is representative of these requirements.

Utility sinks don’t have to comply with these requirements if they’re located in a space without a cook top or range.

SUMMARY: Accessible utility sinks at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG, if the utility sink is provided in a recreation facility that also contains a cook top or conventional range. Not all utility sinks have to be accessible. The requirements for accessible utility sinks include sink rim height, bottom of the sink bowl height, clear space, control height, accessible controls, and water spout height.

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