There seems to be a confusion about which doors are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most people understand that doors that lead you to accessible public spaces and rooms have to comply. But many don’t realize that ALL doors that allows “user passage” must comply with the standards. There is just one exception: a door that allows user passage but it is leading into a room that is exempted from accessibiltiy (i.e. a machinery space).
Knowing that information, let’s delve into what doors are required to comply and what are the requirements.
Doors that allow user passage like the one shown above must comply.
Which Doors must comply?
In section 206.4 of the ADA it gives us the requirements for which type of doors must be accessible.
206.4 Entrances. Entrances shall be provided in accordance with 206.4. Entrance doors, doorways and gates shall comply with 404 and shall be on an accessible route complying with 402
206.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates. Doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with 206.5.206.5.1
This paragraphs lets us know that only entrance doors are going to have requirements. Exit doors are not fully exempted. The door to “exit” a space is technically an “entrance” to the exit. Therefore the side of the door which allows user passage must also comply.
Even though this is a means of egress door and has limited requirements in the ADA Standards, it is considered a door that allows user passage and must comply.
206.5 continues to tell us which spaces must have doors that comply:
Each entrance to a building or facility (there are some restrictions, so be sure to understand them)
Within a building at least one door serving each room (even work areas)
In transient lodging facilities all entrances providing user passage into and within guest rooms that ARE NOT required to provide mobility features (but only the clear width)
This floor plan shows a hotel room that is not required to have mobility features. All doors (except the shower door) which allows “user passage” into and within the room must comply. A 32″ clear width should be provided. All other requirements are not mandated.
A common misunderstanding is the term “user passage”. A user that they are describing is not only people who use wheelchairs, but also ambulatory and able bodied users. Therefore even if the room where the door is located is not large enought for a wheelchair, the door clear width into the room must still comply. Note the water closet room. That door must also comply with providing at least a 32″ clear width, even if the room is not large enough for a wheelchair to enter.
This storage closet appears to be the type that allows user passage, and therefore the door must comply with the techical requirements.
What are the technical requirements?
To find the technical requirements we look in section 404 which explains how to make the required doors accessible.
Doors, doorways and gates must meet the following standards:
Must have a clear width of 32″
Must have proper maneuvering clearances to allow for a person to open the door and go through
The floor and ground surface at the maneuvering clearance must be stable, firm, slip resistant and must have a slope no steeper than 1:48
A threshold that is not higher than 1/2″ must be provided
The hardware must be the type that does not require tight grasping and twisting of the wrist, plus must be mounted between 34″-48″ a.f.f.
The door should not close too fast (no faster than 5 seconds)
The opening force should not be too heavy (no more than 5 lbs on an interior door)
The bottom surface at the push side should be smooth
If it has a vision light it should be mounted no higher than 43″ a.f.f. (a peep hole is not a vision light)
And if there is an automatic door, there are some additional requirements (under 404.3)
This door had a clear width of 28 1/2″. The minimum requirement is 32″ clear
This picture shows the proper maneuvering clearance to reach the door handle and to go through the door
Even sliding doors are required to have maneuvering clearance. The only ones that will not is for shallow closets that do not provide user passage
This video shows you the requirements for door maneuvering clearances
The door shown above has a slope steeper than 1:48 at the maneuvering clearance, and a threshold higher than 1/2″
The door shown above has hardware that requires tight grasping and twisting of the wrist to operate
A dining counter has a forward approach knee clearance and it is 34″ a.f.f.
The door hardware in this door was mounted at 61″ a.f.f. (higher than the allowed 48″ a.f.f.)
Because the push side of the door must have a smooth surface, a foot opener cannot be used on the push side
In addition, the door hardware on the push side of the door must not be lower than 10″ a.f.f.
The vision light shown above was mounted higher than 43″ a.f.f. to the glazing.
This newsletter will speak about Bus Loading Zones both in the Public Right of Way and inside a property (like a school or other facility).
The bus stop in the above picture does not show the proper requirements for loading and unloading. This newsletter will explain why
The bus stop in the above picture is at a school and appears to have the correct area for loading children with disabilities
Technical Requirements
Bus loading zones must have an area that 96″ long measured perpendicular to the curb or vehicle roadway edge, and a clear width of 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum, measured parallel to the vehicle roadway.
The video above shows why the 96″ long area parallel to the curb is required. The lift mechanism for a wheelchair user to enter and exit the bus requires that amount of space.
If there is a bus shelter there should be a path of travel from the bus shelter to the loading area. The path needs to be a minimum of 36″ wide. There should be an area inside the shelter that is 30″x48″ with a slope of no greater than 1:48
Parallel to the roadway, the slope of the bus stop boarding and aligning area shall be
the same as the roadway, to the maximum extent practicable. Perpendicular to the roadway, the slope of the bus stop boarding and alighting area shall not be steeper than1:48.
It is important to note the last requirement: The slope at a bus loading zone that is parallel with the road can be the same as the roadway and is not required to be 1:48
This bus loading zone does not have a 96″ long space parallel with the curb
Thank you to Marsha Godeaux from TDLR for taking the time to explain about employee work areas. Click here to watch the video.
This newsletter will cover Employee work areas. There is a misunderstanding that work areas are not required to comply with the ADA or TAS Standards. We will explain what is required to comply within work areas and what is exempted. Keep in mind that the requirements we are covering are only the 2010 ADA Standards and the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards. The ABA which covers Federal Facilities do not have the same requirements.
What is a Work Area?
Employee Work Area. All or any portion of a space used only by employees and used only for work. Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas.
Work Area Equipment. Any machine, instrument, engine, motor, pump, conveyor, or other apparatus used to perform work. As used in this document, this term shall apply only to equipment that is permanently installed or built-in in employee work areas. Work area equipment does not include passenger elevators and other accessible means of vertical transportation.
Work cubicles are part of a work area
a Point of Sale counter is considerd a work area as long as the public is not required to approach it.
What are the requirements?
203.9 Employee Work Areas. Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work area.
The image above summarizes the approach, enter and exist requriement
An example of a work area that only requires an approach, enter and exit would be a janitor’s closet. Elements within the janitor’s closet such as the faucet for the mop sink will not be required to comply.
An exam room is partially a “work” area and partially a “patient” area. The area that is only used by the doctor (the sink) will be exempted from having to comply.
What are some exceptions?
Employee work areas, or portions of employee work areas, other than raised courtroom stations, that are less than 300 square feet and elevated 7 inches or more above the finish floor or ground where the elevation is essential to the function of the space shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.
This toll booth is less than 300 s.f. and elevated more than 7″ a.f.f. and therefore do not require an accessible route to it or the ability to approach it and enter it.
Common Circulation Path
In addition to approach, enter and exit, if the employee work area is larger than 1,000 s.f.. then a common path within the work area to common use spaces shall be provided
206.2.8 Employee Work Areas. Common use circulation paths within employee work areas shall comply with 402.
A “common” circulation path is one that is used by more than one person and not intendend for work
Section 402 states that a minimum 36″ width shall be provided along the circulation path.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are less than 1000 square feet (93 m2) and defined by permanently installed partitions, counters, casework, or furnishings shall not be required to comply with 402.2.
This raised work area is allowed since the work area is less than 1,000 s.f.
If the path is around work area equipment, then it will not have to comply with the 36″ clear width.
This commercial kitchen has equipment that is an integral part of the work area. The 36″ min. circulation path in this space is not required to comply due to the location of the work area equipment.
Protruding Objects
Even though the only requirement for a work area is “approach, enter and exit”, it also requires that circulation path be provided. Part of the circulation path has to make sure there are no protruding objects projecting onto the circulation path more than 4″. This requirement are for any employee or visitor to the employee area that might be visually impaired.
the filing system is located along the common circulation path inside the office space and projects more than 4″ onto the circulation path.
What about other employee areas that are not work related?
The requirements thus far have been for areas that are considered part of the “work” areas in a space. But there are other areas that are also part of an employee area, but are not related to the work they perform. Those areas that are NOT related to their job description will not be exempted and must comply. Below are a few examples of areas that might be for employees only, but must be fully compliant with the Standards:
Break Rooms
even though a break room is not a public area, it is still required to comply with the ADA and TAS because it is not considered a “work” area, but rather a space where they take a break from work.
LEED employee shower and employee restrooms
an employee shower or even an employee restroom are also not considered “work” areas and must comply.
Employee Locker Room
The lockers as well as the bench in this locker/dressing room must comply with the Standards
What happens when an employee is disabled?
The Standards sometimes provide additional guidance through “advisories”. These are NOT requirements, but they are suggestions that might make your design a better one. Below are some of the advisories on work areas:
Advisory 203.9 Employee Work Areas. Although areas used exclusively by employees for work are not required to be fully accessible, consider designing such areas to include non-required turning spaces, and provide accessible elements whenever possible.
Under the Title I of the ADA, employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace; accommodations can include alterations to spaces within the facility. Designing employee work areas to be more accessible at the outset will avoid more costly retrofits when current employees become temporarily or permanently disabled, or when new employees with disabilities are hired.
Abadi Accessibility is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary. On July 26th we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting: www.adaanniversary.org/ #ADA31 #ThanksToTheADA
How are you planning to celebrate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary? This July 26th the ADA National Network and individuals, communities, and organizations across the country will be participating. Learn how you can be involved by visiting www.adaanniversary.org/ #ADA31 #ThanksToTheADA
Introduction to our newsletter:
After I wrote my first newsletter about counters, my clients are still not clear on all the different requirements for the different types of counters and fixed or built-in surfaces that the ADA requires to be accessible. First of all let me review that there are five type of counters scoped in the ADA Standards: Work surfaces, dining counters, service counters, sales counters and check out counters. Then there are two type of counters that are not scoped: work area counters and non-work area common use counters that do not fall under the other listed. There are also Food service lines, as well as other portions public side service areas. For those please check out my newsletter I wrote I 2014.
This newsletter will explain the different requirements for dining surfaces, non-employee work surfaces and sales and service counters.
Dining Counters
According to Scoping section 226, at least 5% of seating spaces and standing spaces at dining surfaces must comply with 902. Standing spaces are those counters where people might stand to eat or drink rather than sit. Those counters must also comply. Some examples of dining counters are bars where drinks are served, fast food establishments with fixed tables, and booths and banquettes at a restaurant.
These fixed dining counters in a cafeteria is an example of a dining surface.
a bar is an example of a dining surface
Section 902 gives us direction on how to make the dining surfaces accessible:
There must be a knee clearance complying with section 306 so that a person in a wheelchair will approach and use the counter in a forward approach
The height of the counter must be between 28″-34″ a.f.f. PLEASE NOTE….WE RECOMMEND TO NEVER USE THE MINIMUMS OR MAXIMUMS WHEN DESIGNING.
A dining counter should have a 30″ width and a 17″ min. depth at the knee clearance.
A dining counter has a forward approach knee clearance and it is 34″ a.f.f.
This is a dining counter but also a service window. It is acceptable to have the dining counter in front of the service counter
Non-Employee Work Surfaces
Section 226 tells you that 5% of non-employee work surfaces must comply and meet the requirements set forth in section 902. These are also required to be dispersed throughout the space they are in. Section 902 states that a work surface must have a forward approach with a knee space per section 306 and be 30″ wide minimum and 34″ high maximum
Study carrols in a library is an example of a non-employee work surface
Diaper changing counters are also considered a “work surface”
A patient registration desk is another example of a non-employee work surface
All the requirements in section 902 are for non-employee work surfaces (or for the public). Employee work surfaces that are part of a work area are exempted until such time when a person with disabilities is hired at which point, the surface must be provided to accommodate them and their abilities.
Sales and Service counters
Where provided, at least one of each type of sales counter and service counter shall comply with 904.4.
Where counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, counters complying with 904.4 also shall be dispersed.
Keep in mind that the requirements are the either sales or service counters. The term “transaction” is no longer used. A transaction could occur but it is not the only pre-requisite for compliance.
The counter shown above has different functions (some are sales and some are service). Each one must have a portion at an accessible height
Section 904 gives us the following requirements for sales and service counters:
36” high maximum
Same depth as the main counter
36” length min.
Parallel approach OR Forward approach allowed
the accessible couter must be 36″ a.f.f. maximum and at least 36″ long
A sales or service counter can have either with a forward approach knee clearance or a parallel or side approach.
The accessible portion of the counter must be the same depth as the main (or public) side of the counter. Even though the reception counter is deeper than the public counter, the accessible portion will only have to be 36″ a.f.f. maximun and 36″ min. long the same depth as the public counter (which can be higher than 36″ a.f.f.)
The reception desk is considered a “service” counter because information is a service a business would provide to their guests. The one shown above did not have a 36″ long counter
A service or sales counter may not be the type that is flipped up, or pushed in once it is used. it must be a permanent counter that is always available.
Compliance with ADA Section 903 (Benches) shall be required only when specifically referenced in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This also applies to Texas 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards. There is no specific scoping for benches, except when they are required in the the different sections of the ADA Standards. Because the ADA Standards only deals with fixed or built in elements, benches must be fixed or built in as well.
Benches complying with section 903 are only required at the following spaces:
Saunas (per section 612)
Locker Rooms (per section 803)
Dressing Rooms (per section 803)
Fitting Rooms (per section 803)
Holding Cells (807)
And all those benches must follow the requirements in section 903:
903.2 A Clear Floor or Ground Space next to the short axis.
The bench shown in the figure above is inside a dressing room which requires that the bench have back support as well as the 30″x48″ clearance parallel with the short axis of the bench
903.3 Size should be 42″ long and between 20″ and 24″ deep
903.4 Back Support.
903.5 Height should be 17″-19″
903.6 will holds 250 lbs
903.7 at Wet Locations the seat shall be slip resistant and does not accumulate water.
Saunas and Steam Rooms ADA 612.2
The sauna has a bench with back support, the proper length of 42″ and depth of 24″ with a 30″ x 48″ space next to its short axis
Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms ADA 803.4
Dressing rooms are typically private rooms in doctor’s offices, imaging centers etc. which are provided for the purpose of changing out of clothes and into other garments
This dressing room does not have a compliant bench because the bench is movable, the door swings into it and no 30″ next to its short axis .
Fitting rooms are private rooms provided at retail stores for the purpose of trying on clothing for purchase.
This dressing room does not have a compliant bench in the room.
This fitting room does not have a compliant bench because it doesn’t have a 30″ space next to the short axis
Locker rooms are also considered “dressing rooms” if the lockers are used to keep uniforms or clothing like at a gym or a medical building where people will change into clothes for a specific purpose.
This bench is located up against the wall in a locker room and therefore has back support. Note that the 30″x48″ clear floor space is in front of the door which (although not recommended) it is allowed
This locker room does not have a compliant bench. It lacks back support and it is not a minimum of 20″ deep.
This is a bench that is not up against the wall so back support per figure 903.4 was provided, but they did not provide the 30″ x 48″ space next to the short axis. The lockers were in the way reducing the clearance to 21″ (see next photo)
This photo is the dimension of 21″ between the edge of the bench and the edge of the lockers next to it. The clearance should have been 30″ minimum
Holding Cells and Housing Cells ADA 807.2.2
This holding cell has a bench with back support, but it does not have a 30″ clearance next to the short side.
Other Bench locations
There may be other locations where benches are used. If a fixed bench is provided in other spaces besides the ones specifically listed in the Standards, they do not have to comply with section 903. Below are other locations where benches may be provided, but do not have to comply with the standards or be on an accessible route.
Benches on the exterior
What about fixed or built in benches at courtyards, amphitheaters or or even at parks? If they are part of an assembly area (with four or more benches for the use of an audience or seating for spectators) then it would have to comply only with assembly seating per section 221 and 802.
Otherwise, these benches are not scoped and do not have to comply with the requirements in section 903.
The benches shown in the photos above are located in a park. These benches are not required to comply. Even the one at the basketball court is not considered assembly seating unless there are four or more and meant to be part of the spectator seating.
Benches at shower rooms
Shower rooms often have benches, but those are not required to comply because a shower room is not technically a “dressing” room even though dressing and undressing might occur inside.
Benches are different than shower seats. The photo below shows a shower with a bench but no seat.
The bench shown in the photos above are located in a shower room. It is not inside the shower and therefore not considered a shower seat. Benches are not required in shower rooms and therefore do not have to comply with the Standards.
Bus stops also might have a bench
The bench adjacent to the bus stop and the one located inside the bus stop are not required to comply with either section 903 or section 802.
ADA only requires compliance in dressing rooms, fitting rooms, locker rooms, saunas, and holding cells. The spaces shown above are not required to provide a bench, therefore if a bench is provided it will not have to comply.
There are a few of requirements in the 2010 ADA Standards that speak about ways that people get around. Some are described as either “circulation path”, “path of travel”, “accessible route” or “vehicular path”. Those all speak about either a car, wheelchair or pedestrian means of getting different places. In my experience, there is a misunderstanding about the difference between “circulation path” and “path of travel” and “accessible route”.
Path of Travel and Accessible route are mainly describing the “unobstructed” path that a wheelchair user would take.
But a circulation path is speaking about a path where any pedestrian would use to get around. As it pertains to Americans with disabilities, this term is used for persons who are visually impaired, but are still able to walk.
The idea is that a person who cannot see very well cannot detect certain hazards along the path that he will take to find his way around (i.e. the circulation path). This newsletter will discuss this concept and will give examples of some “circulation paths”
Protruding Objects
When a person who is visually impaired is walking to find their way, that is a description of his or her “circulation path”. Since they cannot see, we are required to make sure there are no hazards along their path. Those hazards are any objects located along the circulation path that are mounted higher than 27″ a.f.f. or lower than 80″ a.f.f. and projects more than 4″ onto the path.
….because the bar is a protruding object
A protruding object, cannot be detected by a cane which is one of the ways that a person who is visually impaired finds their way. Here is a video by the US Access Board that explains this topic.
Circulation Path
What becomes confusing for people is the other terms in the standard. What is a circulation path? What is an accessible route? What is a path of travel? A circulation path is different than an accessible route. An accessible route is solely for people in wheelchairs. It must be a certain width and should be located so that people in wheelchairs can use it without much effort.
A circulation path, on the other hand, can be used by anyone. It describes the path that a person who can walk will be taking. And that can really be anywhere that leads you from one place to another. Below are some examples:
The obvious circulation path is a corridor. That is what most people think of when they see the words “circulation path”. Along a corridor, make sure the sconces are not mounted lower than 80″ a.f.f. if they are deeper than 4″.
A corridor is a circulation path.
A circulation path can be anywhere where people are walking. So from one side of the bar shown below to the other side is a circulation path and the counter should not project more than 4″ onto it.
The bar top projects more than 4″ onto the circulation path between one side of the bar to the other.
The path to the restroom door is a circulation path. The paper towel dispenser is mounted along that path and it is deeper than 4″, therefore it is a protruding object.
The paper towel dispenser in the restroom is located along the circulation path.
The circulation path to the desk has a display cabinet that projects more than 4″ onto it.
The display case is located in the circulation path to the desk.
The path to the restroom door is considered the circulation path. The drinking fountain is located on the circulation path of that door and it is a protruding object.
The drinking fountain projects more than 4″ onto the circulation path to the restroom door.
The drinking fountain in the photo below is also located along the circulation path too the restroom door. It is partially recessed, but since the bottle filler is not the same depth as the drinking fountain it does not provide cane detection.
The drinking fountain is located along the circulation path to get to the door beyond.
The circulation path to the lavatory has a hand dryer projecting onto it.
The path to the lavatory is the circulation path.
Any place in a plaza where people walk is part of a circulation path. The sculpture is located within the circulation path and the angled parts come down to less than 80″ a.f.f. and are considered protruding objects.
The planters were added at each angle as cane detection.
When discussing circulation paths, keep in mind that although an accessible route is a circulation path because that is where wheelchairs will go, a circulation path is not an accessible route. A circulation path is where ANYONE can go. There may be many more examples of circulation paths, so let’s keep them free from hazards and protruding objects.
As most of us know, the minimum clear widths along an accessible route that the ADA requires are 36″ minimum clear. But there are times when are allowed to be narrower or required to be wider. This newsletter will explain those instances.
Clear Width Reduction
In the 2010 ADA guidelines, section 403 gives us a figure to follow which explains that the 36″ wide clear width can be reduced to 32″ clear as long as the distance that you travel through the narrower width is no more than 24″ deep.
403.5.1 Clear Width. Except as provided in 403.5.2 and 403.5.3, the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
EXCEPTION: The clear width shall be permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum provided that reduced width segments are separated by segments that are 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum.
But do both sides of the path need to be 24″ long the way it is shown in the figure above? Could one side be a wall or even a longer cabinet or obstruction? I was inspecting a restroom and found that condition. There was a cased opening to enter the toilet compartment area. One side of the cased opening was 8″ deep and the other side was the restroom wall which was longer than 24″.
This is the photo of the cased opening along the route to the sinks
This is the plan of the cased opening (where it says “Align”) which part of it is 8″ on one side and longer than 24″ on the other side. The opening was less than 36″ wide.
The guidelines allow this. As long as one side of the path is no more than 24″ long and it goes back to 36″ wide, it will be an acceptable condition.
Clear width at the approach to a toilet compartment
A clear path to a toilet compartment (both wheelchair and ambulatory) should also have a 36″ minimum clear width. Except that at the approach to the door it must increase to 42″ in width
604.8.1.2 Doors. Toilet compartment doors, including door hardware, shall comply with 404 except that if the approach is to the latch side of the compartment door, clearance between the door side of the compartment and any obstruction shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum
The standard is giving us requirements for the door clearance only. The path to the toilet compartment is still required to have a 36″ minimum clear width. But the space to open the toilet compartment door and the maneuvering clearance (if the approach is on the latch side) must have a 42″ minimum clear width between the door and the obstruction
This photo shows the plan view of a path to the ambulatory toilet compartment.
In the plan view above you can see a furred out column in front of the toilet compartments. That fur out is located within the door maneuvering clearance of the ambulatory toilet compartment and it reduces the 42″ required width to 36″
This figure above shows the door maneuvering clearance at the latch side approach. A toilet compartment door will only require 42″ of clear width not 48″ like a standard door.
Passing space
Along an accessible route you are required to have 36″ clear width. This width is required to be widened to 60″ every 200 feet. This is to allow people in wheelchairs and pedestrians to pass each other.
403.5.3 Passing Spaces. An accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped space complying with 304.3.2 where the base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection
Here is a video from the Access Board that explains it
Clear width at turns
When a wheelchair makes a ninety degree turn, a 36″ minimum clear width is allowed.
But when a wheelchair is required to make a 180 degree turn, like in a narrow corridor, or maybe in a queue line or library stacks, then the width will have to increase from 36″ to 42″ depending on what size the element they are turning around is.
403.5.2 Clear Width at Turn. Where the accessible route makes a 180 degree turn around an element which is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, clear width shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum at the turn and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum leaving the turn.
EXCEPTION: Where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum compliance with 403.5.2 shall not be required.
For instance if the space that they are turning around is 60″ in depth, then the clear width can be 36″ min. If the space is 48″, then the clear width will have to increase to 42″
This video will give you some guidance on turning and wheelchair clearances
After almost 20 years in my business I am still learning things about the ADA and TAS. I want to share with you some things that might not be so apparent when you read the standards.
Location of Work Surface in a Residential Kitchen
When designing a residential kitchen that will be used by the public (e.g. a an assisted living resident room, a kitchen in an emergency personnel facility, an apartment for a resident hall director or RA etc.) the appliances that you choose will have to be compliant with the ADA and TAS. One of the requirements is typically missed or overlooked. It is the one pertaining to a work surface in a “residential kitchen”.
804.3 Kitchen Work Surface. In residential dwelling units required to comply with 809, at least one 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum section of counter shall provide a kitchen work surface that complies with 804.3
804.6.5.1 Side-Hinged Door Ovens. Side-hinged door ovens shall have the work surface required by 804.3 positioned adjacent to the latch side of the oven door.
804.6.5.2 Bottom-Hinged Door Ovens. Bottom-hinged door ovens shall have the work surface required by 804.3 positioned adjacent to one side of the door.
Where a work surface is required and the kitchen has an oven, the work surface needs to be located adjacent the oven.
Keep in mind, this only applies to “residential” kitchens….not all kitchens. So a break room or common use kitchen not located in a residential dwelling unit (as defined by the ADA) does not require a work surface.
Clearance vs. Clear Floor Space
There are two concepts that are sometimes thought to be interchangeable in the ADA and TAS: “Clearance” and “Clear Floor Space”. Section 305 lists the requirements for “Clear floor space” . Clear floor space is required adjacent beds, under counters, lavatories, sinks, at operable parts for reaching, inside platform lifts, at drinking fountains, at toilet room fixtures, at washer and dryers, at saunas and steam rooms, at ATM, at signage, at work surfaces, at jury boxes and adjacent exercise equipment.
Some of the requirements are listed below from Section 305:
305.2 Floor or Ground Surfaces. Floor or ground surfaces of a clear floor or ground space shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.
EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.
305.3 Size. The clear floor or ground space shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.
Any time that the words “clear floor space” is found in the Standards these are the requirements that must be followed. Some of those instances will be at the clear floor space to reach objects, a clear floor space at wheelchair seating in assembly areas or clear floor space at toilet rooms.
A clear floor space is required at the push button. The clear floor space needs to have a slope no steeper than 1:48 . This clear floor space is steeper.
Clearance
What sometimes gets conflated are the “clearance” at plumbing fixtures like toilets, showers and tubs. “Clear floor space” is defined, but “clearance” is not….except to describe its size and location.
608.2.2.1 Clearance [at roll in showers]. A 30 inch (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inch (1525 mm) long minimum clearance shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment.
The clearance is mentioned to let us know what size we need to provide and where it should be located…but it does not mention slope.
Unlike the clear floor space where a slope cannot exceed 1:48, a clearance at the shower for example is not defined. So the clearance at the roll in shower can have a slope that exceeds 1:48
This roll in shower has a slope up to the shower pan which is acceptable (although may not be recommended)
The ADA requires that different levels and floors within a facility be connected by an accessible route. An accessible route is a continuous and unobstructed way to travel from any point in a building or facility. Some ways to achieve an accessible route is through ramps or elevators. A method that is confusing is the use of a platform lift, wheelchair lift or chair lift. Those, even though they help to achieve access in some cases, are not always allowed as part of an accessible route. This newsletter will explain when they are allowed and when they are not.
Existing Buildings
New Construction
But in new construction projects, you are only allowed the use of platform lifts in certain situations. Here are the only circumstances where you can use them as part of an accessible route:
206.7.1 Performance Areas and Speakers’ Platforms
206.7.2 Wheelchair Spaces: Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements
206.7.3 Incidental Spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.
206.7.4 Judicial Spaces: Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to: jury boxes and witness stands; raised courtroom stations including, judges’ benches, clerks’ stations, bailiffs’ stations, deputy clerks’ stations, and court reporters’ stations; and to depressed areas such as the well of a court.
206.7.5 Existing Site Constraints: Platform lifts shall be permitted where existing exterior site constraints make use of a ramp or elevator technically infeasible.
When you see the word “technically infeasible”, you may need permission (variance) from the State agency with jurisdiction of the Standards
206.7.6 Guest Rooms and Residential Dwelling Units: Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect levels within transient lodging guest rooms required to provide mobility features or residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features
206.7.7 Amusement Rides. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to load and unload areas serving amusement rides.
206.7.8 Play Areas. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to play components or soft contained play structures.
206.7.9 Team or Player Seating. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.
206.7.10 Recreational Boating Facilities and Fishing Piers and Platforms. Platform lifts shall be permitted to be used instead of gangways that are part of accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms.
And as part of an accessible means of egress as mentioned in 207.2
207.2 Platform Lifts. Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by section 1003.2.13.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition and 2001 Supplement) or section 1007.5 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1) to serve as a part of an accessible means of egress
What constitutes a platform lift?
The scoping section of the 2010 ADA mentions platform lifts. But what about chair lifts? Are they allowed? what is the difference?
According to the technical standards 410
410.1 General. Platform lifts shall comply with ASME A18.1 (1999 edition or 2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1). Platform lifts shall not be attendant-operated and shall provide unassisted entry and exit from the lift.
ASME A18.1-1999 and ASME A18.1-2003 address the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of lifts that are intended for transportation of persons with disabilities.
This document [The 2010 ADA Standards] does not permit the use of inclined stairway chairlifts which do not provide platforms because such lifts require the user to transfer to a seat.
This type of lift is not reccommended
The advisory explains the different types:
Inclined stairway chairlifts and inclined and vertical platform lifts are available for short-distance vertical transportation. Because an accessible route requires an 80 inch(2030 mm) vertical clearance, care should be taken in selecting lifts as they may not be equally suitable for use by people using wheelchairs and people standing. If a lift does not provide 80 inch (2030 mm) vertical clearance, it cannot be considered part of an accessible route in new construction.
The ADA and other Federal civil rights laws require that accessible features be maintained in working order so that they are accessible to and usable by those people they are intended to benefit. Building owners are reminded that the ASME A18 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts requires routine maintenance and inspections. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service due to maintenance or repairs may be unavoidable; however, failure to take prompt action to effect repairs could constitute a violation of Federal laws and these requirements.
In summary, if the inclined chair lift meets the requirements of the ASME A18.1 then they can be used instead of a platform lift where they are allowed.
Abadi 
The display case is located in the circulation path to the desk.
