Interpretation #7682

Published November 06, 2015

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section
468.3.5.4
Topic
School restroom separation

Question

Does the installation of a door with a self closer separating a group restroom from a school main corridor suffice as a shielding device?

Answer Published 11/06/2015 at 1:20 PM

No, the code clearly states ,,,"door, partition, or
other shielding device to block from view the
occupants in the toilet room."... The situation
described does not provide shielding.

Commentary

The intent is to prevent someone in a corridor from seeing anyone in a restroom in any state of undress whether the door is open or closed. If the door is opened and directly in front of it is a urinal, then shielding has not taken place. In the case of elementary school boys, they frequently lower their pants to use a urinal. Students are not always supervised and have been known to block or hold open the doors if someone can be seen. The door also should not be located to allow looking into a mirror that provides a view of the rest of the room not otherwise visible. Additional shielding requirements are located in FBC-P 405.3.4 and 405.3.5