903 – Benches Quick Guide

903.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
Clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be provided and shall be positioned at the end of the bench seat and parallel to the short axis of the bench.

903.3 Size.
Benches shall have seats that are 1065 mm (42″) long minimum and 510 mm (20″) deep minimum and 610 mm (24″) deep maximum.

903.4 Back Support.
The bench shall provide for back support or shall be affixed to a wall.  Back support shall be 1065 mm (42″) long minimum and shall extend from a point 51 mm (2″) maximum above the seat surface to a point 455 mm (18″) minimum above the seat surface.  Back support shall be 64 mm (1 1/2″) maximum from the rear edge of the seat measured horizontally.

903.5 Height.
The top of the bench seat surface shall be 430 mm (17″) minimum and 485 mm (19″) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

903.6 Structural Strength.
Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.

903.7 Wet Locations.
Where installed in wet locations, the surface of the seat shall be slip resistant and shall not accumulate water.