A new ASTM International standard is designed to help maintenance and engineering managers improve the safety of public restrooms for people with disabilities.

The new standard, C1822, Specification for Insulating Covers on Accessible Lavatory Piping, provides guidance on protecting people from exposed pipes in accessible lavatories. Under the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines, exposed piping in public restrooms must be insulated or configured to protect people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities.

The insulating covers must protect against burns and other adverse reactions due to contact with hot or cold pipes. The covers also must reduce the potential for injury from contact with sharp or abrasive piping elements.

The standard allows designers and specifiers to select from four fire-performance classifications, depending on the type of building.
For more on the standard, visit www.astm.org/Standards/C1822.html