Bathroom locks and doors are a key aspect of any establishment. While it might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds when it comes to the construction of a new building, there’s no denying that they’re a vital component and a large part of the door and lock industry.

However, with public restrooms often come the hassles that go along with many public venues – vandalism. In larger cities, it’s much more of a problem considering the number of vagrants and drug users is higher due to larger populations.  Fortunately, there is hope to help stave off the amount of vandalism when it comes to public restrooms.

What Needs to be Considered?

First, there are a few things to consider. Foremost, it’s imperative to remember that not all bathroom locks are created fully ADA and/or life safety compliant.

This requires there to be quite a bit of consideration when it comes to the choice in your bathroom locks. Life safety code requires single-action egress so that means if you have to turn a deadbolt to exit, it’s a no-go.

Did you know that 2003 ADA code requires any “operable part” (which just means any part that you have to grab or turn) be a shape that is easy to a) grasp with one hand and b) doesn’t require a tight grasp or twisting of the wrist? It’s true. That knocks quite a few options out of the running.

The 2003 code doesn’t directly address keypads but that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear.  If you are operating under the 2003 code – it’s best to stay away from keypads.

However, the 2010 ADA code changes the previous statement to an advisory noting that the use of hardware that requires both hand and finger movements simultaneously (i.e. a keypad) is discouraged but it doesn’t specifically state that items such as keypads are restricted.  Check out Katie’s post for a breakdown of the difference between the two ADA code versions.

While the restrictions may seem overwhelming at first, it’s actually quite simple. First, you’ll have to find out what code your municipality is operating under. If it’s the 2003 code, it might be smart to check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding their thoughts.

There are Still Plenty of Bathroom Lock Options Available.

• LockNet’s Restroom Strike Kit – This is an access control style solution that opens the lock when staff release the button for patrons. 
• Alarm Lock DL 4100 – A push button style lock with a code that can be regularly changed for easy control of entry. 
• KABA EPlex 2000 – similar to the Alarm Lock, this lock contains a push button keypad with a code to control entry. 
• MARKS jQwik – another in the category of push button locks access; the jQwik is controlled by a push button keypad that allows staff to control entry.
• NIK-O-Lock – a tried and true method of access control; patrons must use a coin provided by staff, or a quarter to unlock the restroom door.

Are There any Downsides to These Options?

All of the aforementioned solutions require patrons of the establishment contact an employee to grant them access to the restroom. Of course there’s the exception of the Nik-O-Lock that requires a little spare change to gain access to a restroom, but very few people are going to actually spend their own money simply to vandalize a restroom. Regardless, no one is able to freely access the restroom without permission from an employee of the place of business.

Granted, there are the woes that come along with requiring an employee to grant access to each and every customer who may need to use the restroom facilities. It does take away time employees can be selling to actual paying customers as opposed to those that simply need to use the restroom.

However, in the long run, if your establishment is having vagrancy issues, you’re sparing your employees even more time that they would use to clean up after the mess the troublemakers create.

On top of all of that, you’re making your restrooms more desirable to the people you want to keep returning. No complaints over dirty bathrooms? No scrubbing off unwanted graffiti? No drug users in your bathroom?

Sounds like a definite win to us.

A version of this post originally appeared on our blog.

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