Excerpt from 28 CFR Part36: 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Department of Justice

28 CFR Part 36

Revised as of July 1, 1994

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of

Disability by Public Accommodations

and in Commercial Facilities

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Excerpt from 28 CFR Part 36:

ADA Standards for

Accessible Design

The 1991 Standards were in

effect for new construction

and alterations until March

14, 2012. The Department’s

2010 ADA Standards for

Accessible Design were

published September 15,

2010 and became effective

on March 15, 2012.

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

APPENDIX A TO PART 36 -- STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN

ADA ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

FOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE ....................................................................................... 1

2. GENERAL ....................................................................................... 1

2.1 Provisions for Adults............................................................................................. 1

2.2* Equivalent Facilitation. ....................................................................................... 1

3. MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS..................... 1

3.1 Graphic Conventions ............................................................................................. 1

3.2 Dimensional Tolerances ........................................................................................ 2

3.3 Notes ...................................................................................................................... 2

3.4 General Terminology ............................................................................................. 2

3.5 Definitions ............................................................................................................. 2

4. ACCESSIBLE ELEMENTS AND SPACES:

SCOPE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 5

4.1 Minimum Requirements ........................................................................................ 5

4.1.1* Application ............................................................................................... 5

4.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior Facilities: New Construction.................... 5

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New Construction.................................................. 7

4.1.4 (Reserved)................................................................................................. 10

4.1.5 Accessible Buildings: Additions ............................................................. 10

4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations. .......................................................... 11

4.1.7 Accessible Buildings: Historic Preservation .......................................... 13

4.2 Space Allowance and Reach Ranges ................................................................... 14

4.3 Accessible Route ................................................................................................. 15

4.4 Protruding Objects .............................................................................................. 21

4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces ................................................................................. 22

4.6 Parking and Passenger Loading Zones............................................................... 24

4.7 Curb Ramps ......................................................................................................... 26

4.8 Ramps .................................................................................................................. 27

4.9 Stairs .................................................................................................................... 30

4.10 Elevators ............................................................................................................ 30

490

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts)....................................................................... 36

4.12 Windows............................................................................................................. 36

4.13 Doors.................................................................................................................. 36

4.14 Entrances........................................................................................................... 40

4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers ............................................................ 40

4.16 Water Closets ..................................................................................................... 40

4.17 Toilet Stalls ........................................................................................................ 41

4.18 Urinals................................................................................................................ 44

4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors ...................................................................................... 44

4.20 Bathtubs............................................................................................................. 45

4.21 Shower Stalls ..................................................................................................... 45

4.22 Toilet Rooms ...................................................................................................... 45

4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms......................................... 48

4.24 Sinks .................................................................................................................. 49

4.25 Storage ............................................................................................................... 49

4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats............................................ 50

4.27 Controls and Operating Mechanisms ............................................................... 51

4.28 Alarms ................................................................................................................ 52

4.29 Detectable Warnings.......................................................................................... 53

4.30 Signage............................................................................................................... 53

4.31 Telephones ......................................................................................................... 54

4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables ................................................................. 56

4.33 Assembly Areas ................................................................................................. 56

4.34 Automated Teller Machines............................................................................... 58

4.35 Dressing and Fitting Rooms.............................................................................. 58

5. RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERIAS ................................................ 59

6. MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES ......................................................... 60

7. BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE ....................................................... 61

8. LIBRARIES................................................................................... 62

9. ACCESSIBLE TRANSIENT LODGING ............................................. 63

10.TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES .................................................... 67

APPENDIX ......................................................................................... A1

491

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

492

1. PURPOSE. 2. GENERAL.

3. MISCELLANEOUS

INSTRUCTIONS AND

DEFINITIONS.

3.1 Graphic Conventions. Graphic

conventions are shown in Table 1. Dimen-

sions that are not marked minimum or

maximum are absolute, unless otherwise

indicated in the text or captions.

This document sets guidelines for accessibil-

ity to places of public accommodation and

commercial facilities by individuals with

disabilities. These guidelines are to be applied

during the design, construction, and alter-

ation of such buildings and facilities to the

extent required by regulations issued by

Federal agencies, including the Department of

Justice, under the Americans with Disabilities

Act of 1990.

The technical specifications 4.2 through 4.35,

of these guidelines are the same as those of

the American National Standard Institute’s

document A117.1-1980, except as noted in this

text by italics. However, sections 4.1.1 through

4.1.7 and sections 5 through 10 are different

from ANSI A117.1 in their entirety and are

printed in standard type.

The illustrations and text of ANSI A117.1 are

reproduced with permission from the Ameri-

can National Standards Institute. Copies of

the standard may be purchased from the

American National Standards Institute at

1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.

2.1 Provisions for Adults. The specifica-

tions in these guidelines are based upon adult

dimensions and anthropometrics.

2.2* Equivalent Facilitation. Departures

from particular technical and scoping require-

ments of this guideline by the use of other

designs and technologies are permitted where

the alternative designs and technologies used

will provide substantially equivalent or

greater access to and usability of the facility.

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

493

3.2 Dimensional Tolerances. All dimen-

sions are subject to conventional building

industry tolerances for field conditions.

3.3 Notes. The text of these guidelines does

not contain notes or footnotes. Additional

information, explanations, and advisory

materials are located in the Appendix. Para-

graphs marked with an asterisk have related,

nonmandatory material in the Appendix. In

the Appendix, the corresponding paragraph

numbers are preceded by an A.

3.4 General Terminology.

comply with. Meet one or more specifications

of these guidelines.

if, if ... then. Denotes a specification that

applies only when the conditions described

are present.

may. Denotes an option or alternative.

shall. Denotes a mandatory specification or

requirement.

should. Denotes an advisory specification or

recommendation.

3.5 Definitions.

Access Aisle. An accessible pedestrian space

between elements, such as parking spaces,

seating, and desks, that provides clearances

appropriate for use of the elements.

Accessible. Describes a site, building, facility,

or portion thereof that complies with these

guidelines.

Accessible Element. An element specified by

these guidelines (for example, telephone,

controls, and the like).

Accessible Route. A continuous unob-

structed path connecting all accessible

elements and spaces of a building or facility.

Interior accessible routes may include corri-

dors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear

floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible

routes may include parking access aisles,

curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways,

walks, ramps, and lifts.

3.4 General Terminology

Accessible Space. Space that complies with

these guidelines.

Adaptability. The ability of certain building

spaces and elements, such as kitchen

counters, sinks, and grab bars, to be added or

altered so as to accommodate the needs of

individuals with or without disabilities or to

accommodate the needs of persons with

different types or degrees of disability.

Addition. An expansion, extension, or in-

crease in the gross floor area of a building or

facility.

Administrative Authority. A governmental

agency that adopts or enforces regulations

and guidelines for the design, construction, or

alteration of buildings and facilities.

Alteration. An alteration is a change to a

building or facility made by, on behalf of, or

for the use of a public accommodation or

commercial facility, that affects or could

affect the usability of the building or facility

or part thereof. Alterations include, but are

not limited to, remodeling, renovation, reha-

bilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration,

changes or rearrangement of the structural

parts or elements, and changes or rearrange-

ment in the plan configuration of walls and

full-height partitions. Normal maintenance,

reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or

changes to mechanical and electrical sys-

tems are not alterations unless they affect

the usability of the building or facility.

Area of Rescue Assistance. An area, which

has direct access to an exit, where people who

are unable to use stairs may remain tempo-

rarily in safety to await further instructions or

assistance during emergency evacuation.

Assembly Area. A room or space accommodat-

ing a group of individuals for recreational,

educational, political, social, or amusement

purposes, or for the consumption of food and

drink.

Automatic Door. A door equipped with a

power-operated mechanism and controls that

open and close the door automatically upon

receipt of a momentary actuating signal. The

switch that begins the automatic cycle may be

a photoelectric device, floor mat, or manual

switch (see power-assisted door).

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

494

Building. Any structure used and intended for

supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Circulation Path. An exterior or interior way

of passage from one place to another for

pedestrians, including, but not limited to,

walks, hallways, courtyards, stairways, and

stair landings.

Clear. Unobstructed.

Clear Floor Space. The minimum unob-

structed floor or ground space required to

accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair

and occupant.

Closed Circuit Telephone. A telephone with

dedicated line(s) such as a house phone,

courtesy phone or phone that must be used to

gain entrance to a facility.

Common Use. Refers to those interior and

exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are

made available for the use of a restricted group

of people (for example, occupants of a home-

less shelter, the occupants of an office build-

ing, or the guests of such occupants).

Cross Slope. The slope that is perpendicular

to the direction of travel (see running slope).

Curb Ramp. A short ramp cutting through a

curb or built up to it.

Detectable Warning. A standardized surface

feature built in or applied to walking surfaces

or other elements to warn visually impaired

people of hazards on a circulation path.

Dwelling Unit. A single unit which provides a

kitchen or food preparation area, in addition to

rooms and spaces for living, bathing, sleeping,

and the like. Dwelling units include a single

family home or a townhouse used as a

transient group home; an apartment building

used as a shelter; guestrooms in a hotel that

provide sleeping accommodations and food

preparation areas; and other similar facilities

used on a transient basis. For purposes of

these guidelines, use of the term “Dwelling

Unit” does not imply the unit is used as a

residence.

Egress, Means of. A continuous and unob-

structed way of exit travel from any point in a

building or facility to a public way. A means of

egress comprises vertical and horizontal

travel and may include intervening room

spaces, doorways, hallways, corridors, pas-

sageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures,

lobbies, horizontal exits, courts and yards. An

accessible means of egress is one that com-

plies with these guidelines and does not in-

clude stairs, steps, or escalators. Areas of res-

cue assistance or evacuation elevators may be

included as part of accessible means of egress.

Element. An architectural or mechanical

component of a building, facility, space, or site,

e.g., telephone, curb ramp, door, drinking

fountain, seating, or water closet.

Entrance. Any access point to a building or

portion of a building or facility used for the

purpose of entering. An entrance includes the

approach walk, the vertical access leading to

the entrance platform, the entrance platform

itself, vestibules if provided, the entry door(s) or

gate(s), and the hardware of the entry door(s)

or gate(s).

Facility. All or any portion of buildings, struc-

tures, site improvements, complexes, equip-

ment, roads, walks, passageways, parking lots,

or other real or personal property located on a

site.

Ground Floor. Any occupiable floor less than

one story above or below grade with direct

access to grade. A building or facility always

has at least one ground floor and may have

more than one ground floor as where a split

level entrance has been provided or where a

building is built into a hillside.

Mezzanine or Mezzanine Floor. That portion

of a story which is an intermediate floor level

placed within the story and having occupiable

space above and below its floor.

Marked Crossing. A crosswalk or other

identified path intended for pedestrian use in

crossing a vehicular way.

Multifamily Dwelling. Any building contain-

ing more than two dwelling units.

Occupiable. A room or enclosed space de-

signed for human occupancy in which indi-

viduals congregate for amusement, educa-

tional or similar purposes, or in which occu-

pants are engaged at labor, and which is

equipped with means of egress, light, and

ventilation.

3.5 Definitions

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

495

Operable Part. A part of a piece of equipment

or appliance used to insert or withdraw objects,

or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the equip-

ment or appliance (for example, coin slot,

pushbutton, handle).

Path of Travel. (Reserved).

Power-assisted Door. A door used for human

passage with a mechanism that helps to open

the door, or relieves the opening resistance of a

door, upon the activation of a switch or a

continued force applied to the door itself.

Public Use. Describes interior or exterior

rooms or spaces that are made available to the

general public. Public use may be provided at a

building or facility that is privately or publicly

owned.

Ramp. A walking surface which has a running

slope greater than 1:20.

Running Slope. The slope that is parallel to

the direction of travel (see cross slope).

Service Entrance. An entrance intended

primarily for delivery of goods or services.

Signage. Displayed verbal, symbolic, tactile,

and pictorial information.

Site. A parcel of land bounded by a property

line or a designated portion of a public

right-of-way.

Site Improvement. Landscaping, paving for

pedestrian and vehicular ways, outdoor light-

ing, recreational facilities, and the like, added

to a site.

Sleeping Accommodations. Rooms in which

people sleep; for example, dormitory and hotel

or motel guest rooms or suites.

Space. A definable area, e.g., room, toilet

room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage

room, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.

Story. That portion of a building included

between the upper surface of a floor and upper

surface of the floor or roof next above. If such

portion of a building does not include occupi-

able space, it is not considered a story for

purposes of these guidelines. There may be

more than one floor level within a story as in

the case of a mezzanine or mezzanines.

Structural Frame. The structural frame shall

be considered to be the columns and the

girders, beams, trusses and spandrels having

direct connections to the columns and all

other members which are essential to the

stability of the building as a whole.

Tactile. Describes an object that can be

perceived using the sense of touch.

Text Telephone. Machinery or equipment

that employs interactive graphic (i.e., typed)

communications through the transmission of

coded signals across the standard telephone

network. Text telephones can include, for

example, devices known as TDD’s (telecommu-

nication display devices or telecommunica-

tion devices for deaf persons) or computers.

Transient Lodging. A building, facility, or

portion thereof, excluding inpatient medical

care facilities, that contains one or more

dwelling units or sleeping accommodations.

Transient lodging may include, but is not

limited to, resorts, group homes, hotels,

motels, and dormitories.

Vehicular Way. A route intended for vehicular

traffic, such as a street, driveway, or parking

lot.

Walk. An exterior pathway with a prepared

surface intended for pedestrian use, including

general pedestrian areas such as plazas and

courts.

NOTE: Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 are

different from ANSI A117.1 in their entirety and

are printed in standard type (ANSI A117.1 does

not include scoping provisions).

3.5 Definitions

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

496

4. ACCESSIBLE ELEMENTS

AND SPACES: SCOPE AND

TECHNICAL

REQUIREMENTS.

4.1 Minimum Requirements

4.1.1* Application.

(1) General. All areas of newly designed or

newly constructed buildings and facilities

required to be accessible by 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 and

altered portions of existing buildings and

facilities required to be accessible by 4.1.6

shall comply with these guidelines, 4.1

through 4.35, unless otherwise provided in

this section or as modified in a special applica-

tion section.

(2) Application Based on Building Use.

Special application sections 5 through 10

provide additional requirements for restau-

rants and cafeterias, medical care facilities,

business and mercantile, libraries, accessible

transient lodging, and transportation facilities.

When a building or facility contains more than

one use covered by a special application

section, each portion shall comply with the

requirements for that use.

(3)* Areas Used Only by Employees as Work

Areas. Areas that are used only as work areas

shall be designed and constructed so that

individuals with disabilities can approach,

enter, and exit the areas. These guidelines do

not require that any areas used only as work

areas be constructed to permit maneuvering

within the work area or be constructed or

equipped (i.e., with racks or shelves) to be

accessible.

(4) Temporary Structures. These guidelines

cover temporary buildings or facilities as well

as permanent facilities. Temporary buildings

and facilities are not of permanent construc-

tion but are extensively used or are essential

for public use for a period of time. Examples of

temporary buildings or facilities covered by

these guidelines include, but are not limited to:

reviewing stands, temporary classrooms,

bleacher areas, exhibit areas, temporary

banking facilities, temporary health screening

services, or temporary safe pedestrian passage-

ways around a construction site. Structures,

sites and equipment directly associated with

the actual processes of construction, such as

scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, or

construction trailers are not included.

(5) General Exceptions.

(a) In new construction, a person or entity is

not required to meet fully the requirements of

these guidelines where that person or entity

can demonstrate that it is structurally imprac-

ticable to do so. Full compliance will be consid-

ered structurally impracticable only in those

rare circumstances when the unique charac-

teristics of terrain prevent the incorporation of

accessibility features. If full compliance with

the requirements of these guidelines is struc-

turally impracticable, a person or entity shall

comply with the requirements to the extent it

is not structurally impracticable. Any portion

of the building or facility which can be made

accessible shall comply to the extent that it is

not structurally impracticable.

(b) Accessibility is not required to (i) obser-

vation galleries used primarily for security

purposes; or (ii) in non-occupiable spaces

accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl

spaces, very narrow passageways, or freight

(non-passenger) elevators, and frequented only

by service personnel for repair purposes; such

spaces include, but are not limited to, elevator

pits, elevator penthouses, piping or equipment

catwalks.

4.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior

Facilities: New Construction. An accessible

site shall meet the following minimum require-

ments:

(1) At least one accessible route complying

with 4.3 shall be provided within the boundary

of the site from public transportation stops,

accessible parking spaces, passenger loading

zones if provided, and public streets or side-

walks, to an accessible building entrance.

(2) At least one accessible route complying

with 4.3 shall connect accessible buildings,

accessible facilities, accessible elements, and

accessible spaces that are on the same site.

(3) All objects that protrude from surfaces or

posts into circulation paths shall comply with

4.4.

4.0 Accessible Elements and Spaces: Scope and Technical Requirements

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

497

(4) Ground surfaces along accessible routes

and in accessible spaces shall comply with 4.5.

(5) (a) If parking spaces are provided for

self-parking by employees or visitors, or both,

then accessible spaces complying with 4.6

shall be provided in each such parking area in

conformance with the table below. Spaces

required by the table need not be provided in

the particular lot. They may be provided in a

different location if equivalent or greater

accessibility, in terms of distance from an

accessible entrance, cost and convenience is

ensured.

Required

Total Parking Minimum Number

in Lot of Accessible Spaces

1 to 25 1

26 to 50 2

51 to 75 3

76 to 100 4

101 to 150 5

151 to 200 6

201 to 300 7

301 to 400 8

401 to 500 9

501 to 1000 2 percent of total

1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each

100 over 1000

Except as provided in (b), access aisles adja-

cent to accessible spaces shall be 60 in (1525

mm) wide minimum.

(b) One in every eight accessible spaces, but

not less than one, shall be served by an access

aisle 96 in (2440 mm) wide minimum and shall

be designated “van accessible” as required by

4.6.4. The vertical clearance at such spaces

shall comply with 4.6.5. All such spaces may

be grouped on one level of a parking structure.

EXCEPTION: Provision of all required parking

spaces in conformance with “Universal Park-

ing Design” (see appendix A4.6.3) is permitted.

then at least one passenger loading zone shall

comply with 4.6.6.

(d) At facilities providing medical care and

other services for persons with mobility

impairments, parking spaces complying with

4.6 shall be provided in accordance with

4.1.2(5)(a) except as follows:

(i) Outpatient units and facilities: 10

percent of the total number of parking spaces

provided serving each such outpatient unit or

facility;

(ii) Units and facilities that specialize in

treatment or services for persons with mobil-

ity impairments: 20 percent of the total num-

ber of parking spaces provided serving each

such unit or facility.

(e)* Valet parking: Valet parking facilities

shall provide a passenger loading zone com-

plying with 4.6.6 located on an accessible

route to the entrance of the facility. Para-

graphs 5(a), 5(b), and 5(d) of this section do

not apply to valet parking facilities.

(6) If toilet facilities are provided on a site,

then each such public or common use toilet

facility shall comply with 4.22. If bathing

facilities are provided on a site, then each

such public or common use bathing facility

shall comply with 4.23.

For single user portable toilet or bathing units

clustered at a single location, at least 5% but

no less than one toilet unit or bathing unit

complying with 4.22 or 4.23 shall be installed

at each cluster whenever typical inaccessible

units are provided.

Accessible units shall be identified by the

International Symbol of Accessibility.

EXCEPTION: Portable toilet units at construc-

tion sites used exclusively by construction

personnel are not required to comply with

4.1.2(6).

(7) Building Signage. Signs which designate

permanent rooms and spaces shall comply

with 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5 and 4.30.6. Other

signs which provide direction to, or informa-

tion about, functional spaces of the building

shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and

4.30.5. Elements and spaces of accessible

facilities which shall be identified by the

International Symbol of Accessibility and

which shall comply with 4.30.7 are:

(a) Parking spaces designated as reserved

for individuals with disabilities;

4.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior Facilities: New Construction

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

498

(b) Accessible passenger loading zones;

accessible (inaccessible entrances shall have

directional signage to indicate the route to the

nearest accessible entrance);

(d) Accessible toilet and bathing facilities

when not all are accessible.

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New

Construction. Accessible buildings and

facilities shall meet the following minimum

requirements:

(1) At least one accessible route complying

with 4.3 shall connect accessible building or

facility entrances with all accessible spaces

and elements within the building or facility.

(2) All objects that overhang or protrude into

circulation paths shall comply with 4.4.

(3) Ground and floor surfaces along acces-

sible routes and in accessible rooms and

spaces shall comply with 4.5.

(4) Interior and exterior stairs connecting

levels that are not connected by an elevator,

ramp, or other accessible means of vertical

access shall comply with 4.9.

(5)* One passenger elevator complying with

4.10 shall serve each level, including mezza-

nines, in all multi-story buildings and facilities

unless exempted below. If more than one

elevator is provided, each full passenger

elevator shall comply with 4.10.

EXCEPTION 1: Elevators are not required in

facilities that are less than three stories or that

have less than 3000 square feet per story

unless the building is a shopping center, a

shopping mall, or the professional office of a

health care provider, or another type of facility

as determined by the Attorney General. The

elevator exemption set forth in this paragraph

does not obviate or limit in any way the obliga-

tion to comply with the other accessibility

requirements established in section 4.1.3. For

example, floors above or below the accessible

ground floor must meet the requirements of

this section except for elevator service. If toilet

or bathing facilities are provided on a level not

served by an elevator, then toilet or bathing

facilities must be provided on the accessible

ground floor. In new construction if a building

or facility is eligible for this exemption but a

full passenger elevator is nonetheless planned,

that elevator shall meet the requirements of

4.10 and shall serve each level in the building.

A full passenger elevator that provides service

from a garage to only one level of a building or

facility is not required to serve other levels.

EXCEPTION 2: Elevator pits, elevator pent-

houses, mechanical rooms, piping or equip-

ment catwalks are exempted from this require-

ment.

EXCEPTION 3: Accessible ramps complying

with 4.8 may be used in lieu of an elevator.

EXCEPTION 4: Platform lifts (wheelchair lifts)

complying with 4.11 of this guideline and

applicable state or local codes may be used in

lieu of an elevator only under the following

conditions:

(a) To provide an accessible route to a

performing area in an assembly occupancy.

(b) To comply with the wheelchair viewing

position line-of-sight and dispersion require-

ments of 4.33.3.

able spaces and rooms which are not open to

the general public and which house no more

than five persons, including but not limited to

equipment control rooms and projection

booths.

(d) To provide access where existing site

constraints or other constraints make use of a

ramp or an elevator infeasible.

(6) Windows: (Reserved).

(7) Doors:

(a) At each accessible entrance to a building

or facility, at least one door shall comply with

4.13.

(b) Within a building or facility, at least one

door at each accessible space shall comply

with 4.13.

accessible route shall comply with 4.13.

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New Construction

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

499

(d) Each door required by 4.3.10, Egress,

shall comply with 4.13.

(8) In new construction, at a minimum, the

requirements in (a) and (b) below shall be

satisfied independently:

(a)(i) At least 50% of all public entrances

(excluding those in (b) below) must be acces-

sible. At least one must be a ground floor

entrance. Public entrances are any entrances

that are not loading or service entrances.

(ii) Accessible entrances must be provided

in a number at least equivalent to the number

of exits required by the applicable building/fire

codes. (This paragraph does not require an

increase in the total number of entrances

planned for a facility.)

(iii) An accessible entrance must be pro-

vided to each tenancy in a facility (for example,

individual stores in a strip shopping center).

One entrance may be considered as meeting

more than one of the requirements in (a).

Where feasible, accessible entrances shall be

the entrances used by the majority of people

visiting or working in the building.

(b)(i) In addition, if direct access is provided

for pedestrians from an enclosed parking

garage to the building, at least one direct

entrance from the garage to the building must

be accessible.

(ii) If access is provided for pedestrians

from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway,

one entrance to the building from each tunnel

or walkway must be accessible.

One entrance may be considered as meeting

more than one of the requirements in (b).

Because entrances also serve as emergency

exits whose proximity to all parts of buildings

and facilities is essential, it is preferable that

all entrances be accessible.

tenancy in a facility, is a service entrance, that

entrance shall be accessible.

(d) Entrances which are not accessible shall

have directional signage complying with 4.30.1,

4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5, which indicates the

location of the nearest accessible entrance.

(9)* In buildings or facilities, or portions of

buildings or facilities, required to be acces-

sible, accessible means of egress shall be

provided in the same number as required for

exits by local building/life safety regulations.

Where a required exit from an occupiable level

above or below a level of accessible exit dis-

charge is not accessible, an area of rescue

assistance shall be provided on each such level

(in a number equal to that of inaccessible

required exits). Areas of rescue assistance

shall comply with 4.3.11. A horizontal exit,

meeting the requirements of local building/life

safety regulations, shall satisfy the require-

ment for an area of rescue assistance.

EXCEPTION: Areas of rescue assistance are

not required in buildings or facilities having a

supervised automatic sprinkler system.

(10)* Drinking Fountains:

(a) Where only one drinking fountain is

provided on a floor there shall be a drinking

fountain which is accessible to individuals who

use wheelchairs in accordance with 4.15 and

one accessible to those who have difficulty

bending or stooping. (This can be accommo-

dated by the use of a “hi-lo” fountain; by

providing one fountain accessible to those who

use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard

height convenient for those who have difficulty

bending; by providing a fountain accessible

under 4.15 and a water cooler; or by such other

means as would achieve the required accessi-

bility for each group on each floor.)

(b) Where more than one drinking fountain

or water cooler is provided on a floor, 50% of

those provided shall comply with 4.15 and

shall be on an accessible route.

(11) Toilet Facilities: If toilet rooms are

provided, then each public and common use

toilet room shall comply with 4.22. Other toilet

rooms provided for the use of occupants of

specific spaces (i.e., a private toilet room for

the occupant of a private office) shall be adapt-

able. If bathing rooms are provided, then each

public and common use bathroom shall

comply with 4.23. Accessible toilet rooms and

bathing facilities shall be on an accessible

route.

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Number of each type Number of telephones

of telephone provided required to comply with

on each floor 4.31.2 through 4.31.8

1 or more single unit 1 per floor

1 bank

1 per floor

2 or more banks

1 per bank. Accessible

unit may be installed as a

single unit in proximity

(either visible or with

signage) to the bank.

At least one public tele-

phone per floor shall meet

the requirements for a

forward reach telephone

Additional public telephones may be installed

at any height. Unless otherwise specified,

accessible telephones may be either forward or

side reach telephones.

A bank consists of two or more adjacent

public telephones, often installed as a unit.

EXCEPTION: For exterior installations only, if

dial tone first service is available, then a side

reach telephone may be installed instead of the

required forward reach telephone (i.e., one

telephone in proximity to each bank shall

comply with 4.31).

(b)* All telephones required to be accessible

and complying with 4.31.2 through 4.31.8 shall

be equipped with a volume control. In addition,

25 percent, but never less than one, of all other

public telephones provided shall be equipped

with a volume control and shall be dispersed

among all types of public telephones, including

closed circuit telephones, throughout the

building or facility. Signage complying with

applicable provisions of 4.30.7 shall be pro-

vided.

dance with 4.31.9:

(i) if a total number of four or more public

pay telephones (including both interior and

exterior phones) is provided at a site, and at

least one is in an interior location, then at least

one interior public text telephone shall be

provided.

(ii) if an interior public pay telephone is

provided in a stadium or arena, in a convention

center, in a hotel with a convention center, or

(12) Storage, Shelving and Display Units:

(a) If fixed or built-in storage facilities such

as cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers are

provided in accessible spaces, at least one of

each type provided shall contain storage space

complying with 4.25. Additional storage may be

provided outside of the dimensions required by

4.25.

(b) Shelves or display units allowing

self-service by customers in mercantile occu-

pancies shall be located on an accessible route

complying with 4.3. Requirements for acces-

sible reach range do not apply.

(13) Controls and operating mechanisms in

accessible spaces, along accessible routes, or

as parts of accessible elements (for example,

light switches and dispenser controls) shall

comply with 4.27.

(14) If emergency warning systems are

provided, then they shall include both audible

alarms and visual alarms complying with 4.28.

Sleeping accommodations required to comply

with 9.3 shall have an alarm system complying

with 4.28. Emergency warning systems in

medical care facilities may be modified to suit

standard health care alarm design practice.

(15) Detectable warnings shall be provided at

locations as specified in 4.29.

(16) Building Signage:

(a) Signs which designate permanent rooms

and spaces shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.4,

4.30.5 and 4.30.6.

(b) Other signs which provide direction to or

information about functional spaces of the

building shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.2,

4.30.3, and 4.30.5.

EXCEPTION: Building directories, menus, and

all other signs which are temporary are not

required to comply.

(17) Public telephones:

(a) If public pay telephones, public closed

circuit telephones, or other public telephones

are provided, then they shall comply with

4.31.2 through 4.31.8 to the extent required by

the following table:

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New Construction

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

501

in a covered mall, at least one interior public

text telephone shall be provided in the facility.

(iii) if a public pay telephone is located in or

adjacent to a hospital emergency room, hospi-

tal recovery room, or hospital waiting room,

one public text telephone shall be provided at

each such location.

(d) Where a bank of telephones in the

interior of a building consists of three or more

public pay telephones, at least one public pay

telephone in each such bank shall be equipped

with a shelf and outlet in compliance with

4.31.9(2).

(18) If fixed or built-in seating or tables

(including, but not limited to, study carrels and

student laboratory stations), are provided in

accessible public or common use areas, at

least five percent (5%), but not less than one, of

the fixed or built-in seating areas or tables shall

comply with 4.32. An accessible route shall

lead to and through such fixed or built-in

seating areas, or tables.

(19)* Assembly areas:

(a) In places of assembly with fixed seating

accessible wheelchair locations shall comply

with 4.33.2, 4.33.3, and 4.33.4 and shall be

provided consistent with the following table:

Capacity of Seating Number of Required

in Assembly Areas Wheelchair Locations

4 to 25 1

26 to 50 2

51 to 300 4

301 to 500 6

over 500 6, plus 1 additional space

for each total seating

capacity increase of 100

In addition, one percent, but not less than one,

of all fixed seats shall be aisle seats with no

armrests on the aisle side, or removable or

folding armrests on the aisle side. Each such

seat shall be identified by a sign or marker.

Signage notifying patrons of the availability of

such seats shall be posted at the ticket office.

Aisle seats are not required to comply with

4.33.4.

(b) This paragraph applies to assembly areas

where audible communications are integral to

the use of the space (e.g., concert and lecture

halls, playhouses and movietheaters, meeting

rooms, etc.). Such assembly areas, if (1) they

accommodate at least 50 persons, or if they

have audio-amplification systems, and (2) they

have fixed seating, shall have a permanently

installed assistive listening system complying

with 4.33. For other assembly areas, a perma-

nently installed assistive listening system, or

an adequate number of electrical outlets or

other supplementary wiring necessary to

support a portable assistive listening system

shall be provided. The minimum

number of receivers to be provided shall be

equal to 4 percent of the total number of seats,

but in no case less than two. Signage comply-

ing with applicable provisions of 4.30 shall be

installed to notify patrons of the availability of a

listening system.

(20) Where automated teller machines (ATMs)

are provided, each ATM shall comply with the

requirements of 4.34 except where two or more

are provided at a location, then only one must

comply.

EXCEPTION: Drive-up-only automated teller

machines are not required to comply with

4.27.2, 4.27.3 and 4.34.3.

(21) Where dressing and fitting rooms are

provided for use by the general public, patients,

customers or employees, 5 percent, but never

less than one, of dressing rooms for each type

of use in each cluster of dressing rooms shall

be accessible and shall comply with 4.35.

Examples of types of dressing rooms are those

serving different genders or distinct and

different functions as in different treatment or

examination facilities.

4.1.4 (Reserved).

4.1.5 Accessible Buildings: Additions.

Each addition to an existing building or facility

shall be regarded as an alteration. Each space

or element added to the existing building or

facility shall comply with the applicable provi-

sions of 4.1.1 to 4.1.3, Minimum Requirements

(for New Construction) and the applicable

technical specifications of 4.2 through 4.35 and

sections 5 through 10. Each addition that

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New Construction

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

502

affects or could affect the usability of an area

containing a primary function shall comply

with 4.1.6(2).

4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations.

(1) General. Alterations to existing buildings

and facilities shall comply with the following:

(a) No alteration shall be undertaken which

decreases or has the effect of decreasing

accessibility or usability of a building or facility

below the requirements for new construction at

the time of alteration.

(b) If existing elements, spaces, or common

areas are altered, then each such altered

element, space, feature, or area shall comply

with the applicable provisions of 4.1.1 to 4.1.3

Minimum Requirements (for New Construc-

tion). If the applicable provision for new con-

struction requires that an element, space, or

common area be on an accessible route, the

altered element, space, or common area is not

required to be on an accessible route except as

provided in 4.1.6(2) (Alterations to an Area

Containing a Primary Function.)

considered together, amount to an alteration of

a room or space in a building or facility, the

entire space shall be made accessible.

(d) No alteration of an existing element,

space, or area of a building or facility shall

impose a requirement for greater accessibility

than that which would be required for new

construction. For example, if the elevators and

stairs in a building are being altered and the

elevators are, in turn, being made accessible,

then no accessibility modifications are required

to the stairs connecting levels connected by the

elevator. If stair modifications to correct unsafe

conditions are required by other codes, the

modifications shall be done in compliance with

these guidelines unless technically infeasible.

(e) At least one interior public text telephone

complying with 4.31.9 shall be provided if:

(i) alterations to existing buildings or

facilities with less than four exterior or interior

public pay telephones would increase the total

number to four or more telephones with at

least one in an interior location; or

(ii) alterations to one or more exterior or

interior public pay telephones occur in an

existing building or facility with four or more

public telephones with at least one in an

interior location.

(f) If an escalator or stair is planned or

installed where none existed previously and

major structural modifications are necessary

for such installation, then a means of acces-

sible vertical access shall be provided that

complies with the applicable provisions of 4.7,

4.8, 4.10, or 4.11.

(g) In alterations, the requirements of

4.1.3(9), 4.3.10 and 4.3.11 do not apply.

(h)* Entrances: If a planned alteration entails

alterations to an entrance, and the building has

an accessible entrance, the entrance being

altered is not required to comply with 4.1.3(8),

except to the extent required by 4.1.6(2). If a

particular entrance is not made accessible,

appropriate accessible signage indicating the

location of the nearest accessible entrance(s)

shall be installed at or near the inaccessible

entrance, such that a person with disabilities

will not be required to retrace the approach

route from the inaccessible entrance.

(i) If the alteration work is limited solely to

the electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system,

or to hazardous material abatement, or auto-

matic sprinkler retrofitting, and does not

involve the alteration of any elements or spaces

required to be accessible under these guide-

lines, then 4.1.6(2) does not apply.

(j) EXCEPTION: In alteration work, if compli-

ance with 4.1.6 is technically infeasible, the

alteration shall provide accessibility to the

maximum extent feasible. Any elements or

features of the building or facility that are being

altered and can be made accessible shall be

made accessible within the scope of the alter-

ation.

Technically Infeasible. Means, with respect to

an alteration of a building or a facility, that it

has little likelihood of being accomplished

because existing structural conditions would

require removing or altering a load-bearing

member which is an essential part of the

structural frame; or because other existing

physical or site constraints prohibit

modification or addition of elements, spaces, or

4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alteration

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

503

features which are in full and strict compliance

with the minimum requirements for new

construction and which are necessary to

provide accessibility.

(k) EXCEPTION:

(i) These guidelines do not require the

installation of an elevator in an altered facility

that is less than three stories or has less than

3,000 square feet per story unless the building

is a shopping center, a shopping mall, the

professional office of a health care provider, or

another type of facility as determined by the

Attorney General.

(ii) The exemption provided in paragraph (i)

does not obviate or limit in any way the obliga-

tion to comply with the other accessibility

requirements established in these guidelines.

For example, alterations to floors above or

below the ground floor must be accessible

regardless of whether the altered facility has an

elevator. If a facility subject to the elevator

exemption set forth in paragraph (i) nonethe-

less has a full passenger elevator, that elevator

shall meet, to the maximum extent feasible, the

accessibility requirements of these guidelines.

(2) Alterations to an Area Containing a

Primary Function: In addition to the require-

ments of 4.1.6(1), an alteration that affects or

could affect the usability of or access to an area

containing a primary function shall be made so

as to ensure that, to the maximum extent

feasible, the path of travel to the altered area

and the restrooms, telephones, and drinking

fountains serving the altered area, are readily

accessible to and usable by individuals with

disabilities, unless such alterations are dispro-

portionate to the overall alterations in terms of

cost and scope (as determined under criteria

established by the Attorney General).

(3) Special Technical Provisions for Alter-

ations to Existing Buildings and Facilities:

(a) Ramps: Curb ramps and interior or

exterior ramps to be constructed on sites or in

existing buildings or facilities where space

limitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope or

less may have slopes and rises as follows:

(i) A slope between 1:10 and 1:12 is allowed

for a maximum rise of 6 inches.

(ii) A slope between 1:8 and 1:10 is allowed

for a maximum rise of 3 inches. A slope steeper

than 1:8 is not allowed.

(b) Stairs: Full extension of handrails at

stairs shall not be required in alterations where

such extensions would be hazardous or

impossible due to plan configuration.

(i) If safety door edges are provided in

existing automatic elevators, automatic door

reopening devices may be omitted (see 4.10.6).

(ii) Where existing shaft configuration or

technical infeasibility prohibits strict compli-

ance with 4.10.9, the minimum car plan dimen-

sions may be reduced by the minimum amount

necessary, but in no case shall the inside car

area be smaller than 48 in by 48 in.

(iii) Equivalent facilitation may be provided

with an elevator car of different dimensions

when usability can be demonstrated and when

all other elements required to be accessible

comply with the applicable provisions of 4.10.

For example, an elevator of 47 in by 69 in (1195

mm by 1755 mm) with a door opening on the

narrow dimension, could accommodate the

standard wheelchair clearances shown in

Figure 4.

(d) Doors:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible to

comply with clear opening width requirements

of 4.13.5, a projection of 5/8 in maximum will

be permitted for the latch side stop.

(ii) If existing thresholds are 3/4 in high or

less, and have (or are modified to have) a

beveled edge on each side, they may remain.

(e) Toilet Rooms:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible to

comply with 4.22 or 4.23, the installation of at

least one unisex toilet/bathroom per floor,

located in the same area as existing toilet

facilities, will be permitted in lieu of modifying

existing toilet facilities to be accessible. Each

unisex toilet room shall contain one water

closet complying with 4.16 and one lavatory

complying with 4.19, and the door shall have a

privacy latch.

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Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

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(ii) Where it is technically infeasible to

install a required standard stall (Fig. 30(a)), or

where other codes prohibit reduction of the

fixture count (i.e., removal of a water closet in

order to create a double-wide stall), either

alternate stall (Fig.30(b)) may be provided in lieu

of the standard stall.

(iii) When existing toilet or bathing facilities

are being altered and are not made accessible,

signage complying with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3,

4.30.5, and 4.30.7 shall be provided indicating

the location of the nearest accessible toilet or

bathing facility within the facility.

(f) Assembly Areas:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible to

disperse accessible seating throughout an

altered assembly area, accessible seating areas

may be clustered. Each accessible seating area

shall have provisions for companion seating

and shall be located on an accessible route that

also serves as a means of emergency egress.

(ii) Where it is technically infeasible to alter

all performing areas to be on an accessible

route, at least one of each type of performing

area shall be made accessible.

(g) Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts): In

alterations, platform lifts (wheelchair lifts)

complying with 4.11 and applicable state or

local codes may be used as part of an acces-

sible route. The use of lifts is not limited to the

four conditions in exception 4 of 4.1.3(5)

(h) Dressing Rooms: In alterations where

technical infeasibility can be demonstrated, one

dressing room for each sex on each level shall

be made accessible. Where only unisex dress-

ing rooms are provided, accessible unisex

dressing rooms may be used to fulfill this

requirement.

4.1.7 Accessible Buildings: Historic

Preservation.

(1) Applicability:

(a) General Rule. Alterations to a qualified

historic building or facility shall comply with

4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations, the

applicable technical specifications of 4.2

through 4.35 and the applicable special applica-

tion sections 5 through 10 unless it is deter-

mined in accordance with the procedures in

4.1.7(2) that compliance with the requirements

for accessible routes (exterior and interior),

ramps, entrances, or toilets would threaten or

destroy the historic significance of the building

or facility in which case the alternative require-

ments in 4.1.7(3) may be used for the feature.

EXCEPTION: (Reserved).

(b) Definition. A qualified historic building or

facility is a building or facility that is:

(i) Listed in or eligible for listing in the

National Register of Historic Places; or

(ii) Designated as historic under an appro-

priate State or local law.

(2) Procedures:

(a) Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings

and Facilities Subject to Section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act:

(i) Section 106 Process. Section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C.

470 f) requires that a Federal agency with

jurisdiction over a Federal, federally assisted, or

federally licensed undertaking consider the

effects of the agency’s undertaking on buildings

and facilities listed in or eligible for listing in

the National Register of Historic Places and give

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a

reasonable opportunity to comment on the

undertaking prior to approval of the undertak-

ing.

(ii) ADA Application. Where alterations are

undertaken to a qualified historic building or

facility that is subject to section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act, the Federal

agency with jurisdiction over the undertaking

shall follow the section 106 process. If the State

Historic Preservation Officer or Advisory

Council on Historic Preservation agrees that

compliance with the requirements for acces-

sible routes (exterior and interior), ramps,

entrances, or toilets would threaten or destroy

the historic significance of the building or

facility, the alternative requirements in 4.1.7(3)

may be used for the feature.

4.1.7 Accessible Buildings: Historic Preservation

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

505

(b) Alterations to Qualified Historic Build-

ings and Facilities Not Subject to Section 106

of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Where alterations are undertaken to a qualified

historic building or facility that is not subject

to section 106 of the National Historic Preser-

vation Act, if the entity undertaking the alter-

ations believes that compliance with the

requirements for accessible routes (exterior

and interior), ramps, entrances, or toilets

would threaten or destroy the historic signifi-

cance of the building or facility and that the

alternative requirements in 4.1.7(3) should be

used for the feature, the entity should consult

with the State Historic Preservation Officer. If

the State Historic Preservation Officer agrees

that compliance with the accessibility require-

ments for accessible routes (exterior and

interior), ramps, entrances or toilets would

threaten or destroy the historical significance

of the building or facility, the alternative re-

quirements in 4.1.7(3) may be used.

Interested persons should be invited to partici-

pate in the consultation process, including

State or local accessibility officials, individuals

with disabilities, and organizations represent-

ing individuals with disabilities.

(d) Certified Local Government Historic

Preservation Programs. Where the State His-

toric Preservation Officer has delegated the

consultation responsibility for purposes of this

section to a local government historic preserva-

tion program that has been certified in accor-

dance with section 101(c) of the National

Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.

470a (c)) and implementing regulations (36 CFR

61.5), the responsibility may be carried out by

the appropriate local government body or

official.

(3) Historic Preservation: Minimum Require-

ments:

(a) At least one accessible route complying

with 4.3 from a site access point to an acces-

sible entrance shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: A ramp with a slope no greater

than 1:6 for a run not to exceed 2 ft (610 mm)

may be used as part of an accessible route to

an entrance.

(b) At least one accessible entrance comply-

ing with 4.14 which is used by the public shall

be provided.

EXCEPTION: If it is determined that no en-

trance used by the public can comply with

4.14, then access at any entrance not used by

the general public but open (unlocked) with

directional signage at the primary entrance

may be used. The accessible entrance shall

also have a notification system. Where security

is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.

toilet facility complying with 4.22 and 4.1.6

shall be provided along an accessible route that

complies with 4.3. Such toilet facility may be

unisex in design.

(d) Accessible routes from an accessible

entrance to all publicly used spaces on at least

the level of the accessible entrance shall be

provided. Access shall be provided to all levels

of a building or facility in compliance with 4.1

whenever practical.

(e) Displays and written information, docu-

ments, etc., should be located where they can

be seen by a seated person. Exhibits and

signage displayed horizontally (e.g., open

books), should be no higher than 44 in (1120

mm) above the floor surface.

NOTE: The technical provisions of sections 4.2

through 4.35 are the same as those of the

American National Standard Institute’s docu-

ment A117.1-1980, except as noted in the text.

4.2 Space Allowance and Reach

Ranges.

4.2.1* Wheelchair Passage Width. The

minimum clear width for single wheelchair

passage shall be 32 in (815 mm) at a point and

36 in (915 mm) continuously (see Fig. 1 and

24(e)).

4.2.2 Width for Wheelchair Passing. The

minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is

60 in (1525 mm) (see Fig. 2).

4.2.3* Wheelchair Turning Space. The space

required for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree

turn is a clear space of 60 in (1525 mm)

4.2 Space Allowance and Reach Ranges

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

506

diameter (see Fig. 3(a)) or a T-shaped space (see

Fig. 3(b)).

4.2.4* Clear Floor or Ground Space

for Wheelchairs.

4.2.4.1 Size and Approach. The minimum

clear floor or ground space required to accom-

modate a single, stationary wheelchair and

occupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220

mm) (see Fig. 4(a)). The minimum clear floor or

ground space for wheelchairs may be posi-

tioned for forward or parallel approach to an

object (see Fig. 4(b) and (c)). Clear floor or

ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the

knee space required under some objects.

4.2.4.2 Relationship of Maneuvering Clear-

ance to Wheelchair Spaces. One full

unobstructed side of the clear floor or ground

space for a wheelchair shall adjoin or overlap

an accessible route or adjoin another wheel-

chair clear floor space. If a clear floor space is

located in an alcove or otherwise confined on

all or part of three sides, additional maneuver-

ing clearances shall be provided as shown in

Fig. 4(d) and (e).

4.2.4.3 Surfaces for Wheelchair Spaces.

Clear floor or ground spaces for wheelchairs

shall comply with 4.5.

4.2.5* Forward Reach. If the clear floor space

only allows forward approach to an object, the

maximum high forward reach allowed shall be

48 in (1220 mm) (see Fig. 5(a)). The minimum

low forward reach is 15 in (380 mm). If the high

forward reach is over an obstruction, reach and

clearances shall be as shown in Fig. 5(b).

4.2.6* Side Reach. If the clear floor space

allows parallel approach by a person in a

wheelchair, the maximum high side reach

allowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the low

side reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm)

above the floor (Fig. 6(a) and (b)). If the side

reach is over an obstruction, the reach and

clearances shall be as shown in Fig 6(c).

4.3 Accessible Route.

4.3.1* General. All walks, halls, corridors,

aisles, skywalks, tunnels, and other spaces

4.2.4* Clear Floor or Ground Space for Wheelchairs

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

507

that are part of an accessible route shall

comply with 4.3.

4.3.2 Location.

(1) At least one accessible route within the

boundary of the site shall be provided from

public transportation stops, accessible parking,

and accessible passenger loading zones, and

public streets or sidewalks to the accessible

building entrance they serve. The accessible

route shall, to the maximum extent feasible,

coincide with the route for the general public.

(2) At least one accessible route shall connect

accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and

spaces that are on the same site.

(3) At least one accessible route shall connect

accessible building or facility entrances with all

accessible spaces and elements and with all

accessible dwelling units within the building or

facility.

(4) An accessible route shall connect at least

one accessible entrance of each accessible

dwelling unit with those exterior and interior

spaces and facilities that serve the accessible

dwelling unit.

4.3.3 Width. The minimum clear width of an

accessible route shall be 36 in (915 mm) except

at doors (see 4.13.5 and 4.13.6). If a person in a

wheelchair must make a turn around an

obstruction, the minimum clear width of the

accessible route shall be as shown in Fig. 7(a)

and (b).

4.3.4 Passing Space. If an accessible route

has less than 60 in (1525 mm) clear width,

then passing spaces at least 60 in by 60 in

(1525 mm by 1525 mm) shall be located at

reasonable intervals not to exceed 200 ft (61

m). A T-intersection of two corridors or walks

is an acceptable passing place.

4.3.5 Head Room. Accessible routes shall

comply with 4.4.2.

4.3.6 Surface Textures. The surface of an

accessible route shall comply with 4.5.

4.3 Accessible Route

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4.3.7 Slope. An accessible route with a

running slope greater than 1:20 is a ramp and

shall comply with 4.8. Nowhere shall the cross

slope of an accessible route exceed 1:50.

4.3.8 Changes in Levels. Changes in levels

along an accessible route shall comply with

4.5.2. If an accessible route has changes in

level greater than 1/2 in (13 mm), then a curb

ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift (as permit-

ted in 4.1.3 and 4.1.6) shall be provided that

complies with 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, or 4.11, respec-

tively. An accessible route does not include

stairs, steps, or escalators. See definition of

“egress, means of” in 3.5.

4.3.9 Doors. Doors along an accessible route

shall comply with 4.13.

4.3.7 Slope

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4.3.10* Egress. Accessible routes serving any

accessible space or element shall also serve as

a means of egress for emergencies or connect

to an accessible area of rescue assistance.

4.3.11 Areas of Rescue Assistance.

4.3.11.1 Location and Construction. An

area of rescue assistance shall be one of the

following:

(1) A portion of a stairway landing within a

smokeproof enclosure (complying with local

requirements).

(2) A portion of an exterior exit balcony

located immediately adjacent to an exit

stairway when the balcony complies with

local requirements for exterior exit balconies.

Openings to the interior of the building lo-

cated within 20 feet (6 m) of the area of rescue

4.3.10* Egress

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assistance shall be protected with fire assem-

blies having a three-fourths hour fire

protection rating.

(3) A portion of a one-hour fire-resistive cor-

ridor (complying with local requirements for

fire-resistive construction and for openings)

located immediately adjacent to an exit

enclosure.

(4) A vestibule located immediately adjacent

to an exit enclosure and constructed to the

same fire-resistive standards as required for

corridors and openings.

(5) A portion of a stairway landing within an

exit enclosure which is vented to the exterior

and is separated from the interior of the build-

ing with not less than one-hour fire-resistive

doors.

(6) When approved by the appropriate local

authority, an area or a room which is sepa-

rated from other portions of the building by a

smoke barrier. Smoke barriers shall have a

fire-resis-tive rating of not less than one hour

and shall completely enclose the area or room.

Doors in the smoke barrier shall be tight-fitting

smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a

fire-protection rating of not less than 20 min-

utes and shall be self-closing or automatic

closing. The area or room shall be provided

with an exit directly to an exit enclosure. Where

the room or area exits into an exit enclosure

which is required to be of more than one-hour

fire-resistive construction, the room or area

shall have the same fire-resistive construction,

including the same opening protection, as

required for the adjacent exit enclosure.

(7) An elevator lobby when elevator shafts

and adjacent lobbies are pressurized as re-

quired for smokeproof enclosures by local reg-

ulations and when complying with require-

ments herein for size, communication, and

signage. Such pressurization system shall be

activated by smoke detectors on each floor lo-

cated in a manner approved by the appropriate

local authority. Pressurization equipment and

its duct work within the building shall be sep-

arated from other portions of the building by a

minimum two-hour fire-resistive construction.

4.3.11.2 Size. Each area of rescue assistance

shall provide at least two accessible areas

each being not less than 30 inches by 48

inches (760 mm by 1220 mm). The area of

rescue assistance shall not encroach on any

required exit width. The total number of such

30-inch by 48-inch (760 mm by 1220 mm)

areas per story shall be not less than one for

every 200 persons of calculated occupant load

served by the area of rescue assistance.

EXCEPTION: The appropriate local authority

may reduce the minimum number of 30-inch

by 48-inch (760 mm by 1220 mm) areas to one

for each area of rescue assistance on floors

where the occupant load is less than 200.

4.3.11.3* Stairway Width. Each stairway

adjacent to an area of rescue assistance shall

have a minimum clear width of 48 inches

between handrails.

4.3.11.4* Two-way Communication. A

method of two-way communication, with both

visible and audible signals, shall be provided

between each area of rescue assistance and

the primary entry. The fire department or

appropriate local authority may approve a

location other than the primary entry.

4.3.11.5 Identification. Each area of rescue

assistance shall be identified by a sign which

states “AREA OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE” and

displays the international symbol of accessi-

bility. The sign shall be illuminated when exit

sign illumination is required. Signage shall

also be installed at all inaccessible exits and

where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate

the direction to areas of rescue assistance. In

each area of rescue assistance, instructions

on the use of the area under emergency

conditions shall be posted adjoining the

two-way communication system.

4.4 Protruding Objects.

4.4.1* General. Objects projecting from walls

(for example, telephones) with their leading

edges between 27 in and 80 in (685 mm and

2030 mm) above the finished floor shall pro-

trude no more than 4 in (100 mm) into walks,

halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles (see Fig.

8(a)). Objects mounted with their leading edges

at or below 27 in (685 mm) above the finished

floor may protrude any amount (see Fig. 8(a)

and (b)). Free-standing objects mounted on

posts or pylons may overhang 12 in (305 mm)

maximum from 27 in to 80 in (685 mm to 2030

mm) above the ground or finished floor (see Fig.

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8(c) and (d)). Protruding objects shall not

reduce the clear width of an accessible route or

maneuvering space (see Fig. 8(e)).

4.4.2 Head Room. Walks, halls, corridors,

passageways, aisles, or other circulation

spaces shall have 80 in (2030 mm) minimum

clear head room (see Fig. 8(a)). If vertical

clearance of an area adjoining an accessible

route is reduced to less than 80 in (nominal

dimension), a barrier to warn blind or

visually-impaired persons shall be provided

(see Fig. 8(c-1)).

4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces.

4.5.1* General. Ground and floor surfaces

along accessible routes and in accessible

rooms and spaces including floors, walks,

ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, shall be stable,

firm, slip-resistant, and shall comply with 4.5.

4.5.2 Changes in Level. Changes in level up

to 1/4 in (6 mm) may be vertical and without

edge treatment (see Fig. 7(c) ). Changes in level

between 1/4 in and 1/2 in (6 mm and 13 mm)

4.4 Protruding Objects

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shall be beveled with a slope no greater than

1:2 (see Fig. 7(d) ). Changes in level greater

than 1/2 in (13 mm) shall be accomplished by

means of a ramp that complies with 4.7 or 4.8.

4.5.3* Carpet. If carpet or carpet tile is used

on a ground or floor surface, then it shall be

securely attached; have a firm cushion, pad, or

backing, or no cushion or pad; and have a level

loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/

uncut pile texture. The maximum pile thick-

ness shall be 1/2 in (13 mm) (see Fig. 8(f)).

Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to

floor surfaces and have trim along the entire

length of the exposed edge. Carpet edge trim

shall comply with 4.5.2.

4.5.4 Gratings. If gratings are located in

walking surfaces, then they shall have spaces

no greater than 1/2 in (13 mm) wide in one

direction (see Fig. 8(g)). If gratings have elon-

gated openings, then they shall be placed so

that the long dimension is perpendicular to the

dominant direction of travel (see Fig. 8(h)).

4.6 Parking and Passenger Loading

Zones.

4.6.1 Minimum Number. Parking spaces

required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply

with 4.6.2 through 4.6.5. Passenger loading

zones required to be accessible by 4.1 shall

comply with 4.6.5 and 4.6.6.

4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces

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4.6.2 Location. Accessible parking spaces

serving a particular building shall be located on

the shortest accessible route of travel from

adjacent parking to an accessible entrance. In

parking facilities that do not serve a particular

building, accessible parking shall be located

on the shortest accessible route of travel to an

accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking

facility. In buildings with multiple accessible

entrances with adjacent parking, accessible

parking spaces shall be dispersed and located

closest to the accessible entrances.

4.6.3* Parking Spaces. Accessible parking

spaces shall be at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide.

Parking access aisles shall be part of an acces-

sible route to the building or facility entrance

and shall comply with 4.3. Two accessible

parking spaces may share a common access

aisle (see Fig. 9). Parked vehicle overhangs

shall not reduce the clear width of an acces-

sible route. Parking spaces and access aisles

shall be level with surface slopes not exceed-

ing 1:50 (2%) in all directions.

4.6.4* Signage. Accessible parking spaces

shall be designated as reserved by a sign

showing the symbol of accessibility (see

4.30.7). Spaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b) shall

have an additional sign “Van-Accessible”

mounted below the symbol of accessibility.

Such signs shall be located so they cannot be

obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.

4.6.5* Vertical Clearance. Provide minimum

vertical clearance of 114 in (2895 mm) at

accessible passenger loading zones and along

at least one vehicle access route to such areas

from site entrance(s) and exit(s). At parking

spaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b), provide

minimum vertical clearance of 98 in (2490

mm) at the parking space and along at least

one vehicle access route to such spaces from

site entrance(s) and exit(s).

4.6.6 Passenger Loading Zones. Passenger

loading zones shall provide an access aisle at

least 60 in (1525 mm) wide and 20 ft (240

in)(6100 mm) long adjacent and parallel to the

vehicle pull-up space (see Fig. 10). If there are

curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle

pull-up space, then a curb ramp complying with

4.7 shall be provided. Vehicle standing spaces

and access aisles shall be level with surface

4.6 Parking and Passenger Loading Zones

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

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slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%) in all directions.

4.7 Curb Ramps.

4.7.1 Location. Curb ramps complying with

4.7 shall be provided wherever an accessible

route crosses a curb.

4.7.2 Slope. Slopes of curb ramps shall

comply with 4.8.2. The slope shall be measured

as shown in Fig. 11. Transitions from ramps to

walks, gutters, or streets shall be flush and

free of abrupt changes. Maximum slopes of

adjoining gutters, road surface immediately

adjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible route

shall not exceed 1:20.

4.7.3 Width. The minimum width of a curb

ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm), exclusive of

flared sides.

4.7.4 Surface. Surfaces of curb ramps shall

comply with 4.5.

4.7.5 Sides of Curb Ramps. If a curb ramp is

located where pedestrians must walk across

the ramp, or where it is not protected by

handrails or guardrails, it shall have flared

sides; the maximum slope of the flare shall be

1:10 (see Fig. 12(a)). Curb ramps with returned

curbs may be used where pedestrians would

not normally walk across the ramp (see Fig.

12(b)).

4.7.6 Built-up Curb Ramps. Built-up curb

ramps shall be located so that they do not

project into vehicular traffic lanes (see Fig. 13).

4.7.7 Detectable Warnings. A curb ramp shall

have a detectable warning complying with

4.29.2. The detectable warning shall extend the

full width and depth of the curb ramp.

4.7.8 Obstructions. Curb ramps shall be

located or protected to prevent their obstruction

by parked vehicles.

4.7.9 Location at Marked Crossings. Curb

ramps at marked crossings shall be wholly

contained within the markings, excluding any

flared sides (see Fig. 15).

4.7.10 Diagonal Curb Ramps. If diagonal (or

corner type) curb ramps have returned curbs or

other well-defined edges, such edges shall be

parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The

bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have 48 in

(1220 mm) minimum clear space as shown in

Fig. 15(c) and (d). If diagonal curb ramps are

provided at marked crossings, the 48 in (1220

mm) clear space shall be within the markings

(see Fig. 15(c) and (d)). If diagonal curb ramps

have flared sides, they shall also have at least a

24 in (610 mm) long segment of straight curb

located on each side of the curb ramp and

within the marked crossing (see Fig. 15(c)).

4.7 Curb Ramps

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4.7.11 Islands. Any raised islands in cross-

ings shall be cut through level with the street or

have curb ramps at both sides and a level area

at least 48 in (1220 mm) long between the curb

ramps in the part of the island intersected by

the crossings (see Fig. 15(a) and (b)).

4.8 Ramps.

4.8.1* General. Any part of an accessible route

with a slope greater than 1:20 shall be consid-

ered a ramp and shall comply with 4.8.

4.8.2* Slope and Rise. The least possible

slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum

slope of a ramp in new construction shall be

1:12. The maximum rise for any run shall be 30

in (760 mm) (see Fig. 16). Curb ramps and

ramps to be constructed on existing sites or in

existing buildings or facilities may have slopes

and rises as allowed in 4.1.6(3)(a) if space

limitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope or

less.

4.8 Ramps

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4.8.3 Clear Width. The minimum clear width

of a ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm).

4.8.4* Landings. Ramps shall have level

landings at bottom and top of each ramp and

each ramp run. Landings shall have the follow-

ing features:

(1) The landing shall be at least as wide as the

ramp run leading to it.

(2) The landing length shall be a minimum of

60 in (1525 mm) clear.

(3) If ramps change direction at landings, the

minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in

(1525 mm by 1525 mm).

(4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then the

area in front of the doorway shall comply with

4.13.6.

4.8.5* Handrails. If a ramp run has a rise

greater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontal

projection greater than 72 in (1830 mm), then it

shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails

are not required on curb ramps or adjacent to

seating in assembly areas. Handrails shall

comply with 4.26 and shall have the following

features:

(1) Handrails shall be provided along both

sides of ramp segments. The inside handrail on

switchback or dogleg ramps shall always be

continuous.

(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall

extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top

and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be

parallel with the floor or ground surface (see

Fig. 17).

(3) The clear space between the handrail and

the wall shall be 1 - 1/2 in (38 mm).

(4) Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.

(5) Top of handrail gripping surfaces shall be

mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and

965 mm) above ramp surfaces.

(6) Ends of handrails shall be either rounded

or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.

(7) Handrails shall not rotate within their

fittings.

4.8.6 Cross Slope and Surfaces. The cross

slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than

1:50. Ramp surfaces shall comply with 4.5.

4.8 Ramps

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4.8.7 Edge Protection. Ramps and landings

with drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings,

or projecting surfaces that prevent people from

slipping off the ramp. Curbs shall be a mini-

mum of 2 in (50 mm) high (see Fig. 17).

4.8.8 Outdoor Conditions. Outdoor ramps

and their approaches shall be designed so that

water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

4.9 Stairs.

4.9.1* Minimum Number. Stairs required to

be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.9.

4.9.2 Treads and Risers. On any given flight of

stairs, all steps shall have uniform riser heights

and uniform tread widths. Stair treads shall be

no less than 11 in (280 mm) wide, measured

from riser to riser (see Fig. 18(a)). Open risers

are not permitted.

4.9.3 Nosings. The undersides of nosings shall

not be abrupt. The radius of curvature at the

leading edge of the tread shall be no greater

than 1/2 in (13 mm). Risers shall be sloped or

the underside of the nosing shall have an angle

not less than 60 degrees from the horizontal.

Nosings shall project no more than 1-1/2 in (38

mm) (see Fig. 18).

4.9.4 Handrails. Stairways shall have hand-

rails at both sides of all stairs. Handrails shall

comply with 4.26 and shall have the following

features:

(1) Handrails shall be continuous along both

sides of stairs. The inside handrail on

switchback or dogleg stairs shall always be

continuous (see Fig. 19(a) and (b)).

(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall

extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top

riser and at least 12 in (305 mm) plus the width

of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At the top,

the extension shall be parallel with the floor or

ground surface. At the bottom, the handrail

shall continue to slope for a distance of the

width of one tread from the bottom riser; the

remainder of the extension shall be horizontal

(see Fig. 19(c) and (d)). Handrail extensions

shall comply with 4.4.

(3) The clear space between handrails and

wall shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm).

(4) Gripping surfaces shall be uninterrupted

by newel posts, other construction elements, or

obstructions.

(5) Top of handrail gripping surface shall be

mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and

965 mm) above stair nosings.

(6) Ends of handrails shall be either rounded

or returned smoothly to floor, wall or post.

(7) Handrails shall not rotate within their

fittings.

4.9.5 Detectable Warnings at Stairs.

(Reserved).

4.9.6 Outdoor Conditions. Outdoor stairs and

their approaches shall be designed so that

water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

4.10 Elevators.

4.10.1 General. Accessible elevators shall be

on an accessible route and shall comply with

4.10 and with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety

Code for Elevators and Escalators. Freight

elevators shall not be considered as meeting

the requirements of this section unless the

only elevators provided are used as combina-

tion passenger and freight elevators for the

public and employees.

4.10.2 Automatic Operation. Elevator opera-

tion shall be automatic. Each car shall be

equipped with a self-leveling feature that will

automatically bring the car to floor landings

within a tolerance of 1/2 in (13 mm) under rated

loading to zero loading conditions. This

self-leveling feature shall be automatic and

independent of the operating device and shall

correct the overtravel or undertravel.

4.10.3 Hall Call Buttons. Call buttons in

elevator lobbies and halls shall be centered at

42 in (1065 mm) above the floor. Such call

buttons shall have visual signals to indicate

when each call is registered and when each call

is answered. Call buttons shall be a minimum

of 3/4 in (19 mm) in the smallest dimension.

The button designating the up direction shall

be on top. (See Fig. 20.) Buttons shall be raised

or flush. Objects mounted beneath hall call

buttons shall not project into the elevator

lobby more than 4 in (100 mm).

4.9 Stairs

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4.10.4 Hall Lanterns. A visible and audible

signal shall be provided at each hoistway

entrance to indicate which car is answering a

call. Audible signals shall sound once for the up

direction and twice for the down direction or

shall have verbal annunciators that say “up” or

“down.” Visible signals shall have the following

features:

(1) Hall lantern fixtures shall be mounted so

that their centerline is at least 72 in (1830 mm)

above the lobby floor. (See Fig. 20.)

(2) Visual elements shall be at least 2-1/2 in

(64 mm) in the smallest dimension.

(3) Signals shall be visible from the vicinity of

the hall call button (see Fig. 20). In-car lanterns

located in cars, visible from the vicinity of hall

call buttons, and conforming to the above

requirements, shall be acceptable.

4.10.5 Raised and Braille Characters on

Hoistway Entrances. All elevator hoistway

entrances shall have raised and Braille floor

designations provided on both jambs. The

centerline of the characters shall be 60 in (1525

mm) above finish floor. Such characters shall

be 2 in (50 mm) high and shall comply with

4.30.4. Permanently applied plates are accept-

able if they are permanently fixed to the jambs.

(See Fig. 20).

4.10.6* Door Protective and Reopening

Device. Elevator doors shall open and close

automatically. They shall be provided with a

reopening device that will stop and reopen a car

door and hoistway door automatically if the

door becomes obstructed by an object or

person. The device shall be capable of complet-

ing these operations without requiring contact

for an obstruction passing through the opening

at heights of 5 in and 29 in (125 mm and 735

mm) above finish floor (see Fig. 20). Door

reopening devices shall remain effective for at

least 20 seconds. After such an interval, doors

may close in accordance with the requirements

of ASME A17.1-1990.

4.10.7* Door and Signal Timing for Hall

Calls. The minimum acceptable time from

notification that a car is answering a call until

the doors of that car start to close

shall be calculated from the following equation:

T = D/(1.5 ft/s) or T = D/(445 mm/s)

where T total time in seconds and D distance

(in feet or millimeters) from a point in the lobby

or corridor 60 in (1525 mm) directly in front of

the farthest call button controlling that car to

the centerline of its hoistway door (see Fig. 21).

For cars with in-car lanterns, T begins when the

lantern is visible from the vicinity of hall call

buttons and an audible signal is sounded. The

minimum acceptable notification time shall be

5 seconds.

4.10.8 Door Delay for Car Calls. The mini-

mum time for elevator doors to remain fully

open in response to a car call shall be 3 sec-

onds.

4.10.9 Floor Plan of Elevator Cars. The floor

area of elevator cars shall provide space for

wheelchair users to enter the car, maneuver

4.10 Elevators

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

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within reach of controls, and exit from the car.

Acceptable door opening and inside dimensions

shall be as shown in Fig. 22. The clearance

between the car platform sill and the edge of

any hoistway landing shall be no greater than

1-1/4 in (32 mm).

4.10.10 Floor Surfaces. Floor surfaces shall

comply with 4.5.

4.10.11 Illumination Levels. The level of

illumination at the car controls, platform, and

car threshold and landing sill shall be at least 5

footcandles (53.8 lux).

4.10.12* Car Controls. Elevator control

panels shall have the following features:

(1) Buttons. All control buttons shall be at

least 3/4 in (19 mm) in their smallest dimen-

sion. They shall be raised or flush.

(2) Tactile, Braille, and Visual Control Indica-

tors. All control buttons shall be designated by

Braille and by raised standard alphabet charac-

ters for letters, arabic characters for numerals,

or standard symbols as shown in Fig. 23(a), and

as required in ASME A17.1-1990. Raised and

Braille characters and symbols shall comply

with 4.30. The call button for the main entry

floor shall be designated by a raised star at the

left of the floor designation (see Fig. 23(a)). All

raised designations for control buttons shall be

placed immediately to the left of the button to

which they apply. Applied plates, permanently

attached, are an acceptable means to provide

raised control designations. Floor buttons

shall be provided with visual indicators to

show when each call is registered. The visual

indicators shall be extinguished when each

call is answered.

(3) Height. All floor buttons shall be no

higher than 54 in (1370 mm) above the finish

floor for side approach and 48 in (1220 mm)

for front approach. Emergency controls,

including the emergency alarm and emergency

stop, shall be grouped at the bottom of the

panel and shall have their centerlines no less

than 35 in (890 mm) above the finish floor (see

Fig. 23(a) and (b)).

4.10.12 Car Controls

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(4) Location. Controls shall be located on a

front wall if cars have center opening doors,

and at the side wall or at the front wall next to

the door if cars have side opening doors (see

Fig. 23(c) and (d)).

4.10.13* Car Position Indicators. In

elevator cars, a visual car position indicator

shall be provided above the car control panel

or over the door to show the position of the

elevator in the hoistway. As the car passes or

stops at a floor served by the elevators, the

corresponding numerals shall illuminate,

and an audible signal shall sound. Numerals

shall be a minimum of 1/2 in (13 mm) high.

The audible signal shall be no less than 20

decibels with a frequency no higher than 1500

Hz. An automatic verbal announcement of the

floor number at which a car stops or which a

car passes may be substituted for the audible

signal.

4.10.14* Emergency Communications.

If provided, emergency two-way communica-

tion systems between the elevator and a point

outside the hoistway shall comply with ASME

4.10.13 Car Position Indicators

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

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A17.1-1990. The highest operable part of a

two-way communication system shall be a

maximum of 48 in (1220 mm) from the floor of

the car. It shall be identified by a raised symbol

and lettering complying with 4.30 and located

adjacent to the device. If the system uses a

handset then the length of the cord from the

panel to the handset shall be at least 29 in (735

mm). If the system is located in a closed

compartment the compartment door hardware

shall conform to 4.27, Controls and Operating

Mechanisms. The emergency intercommunica-

tion system shall not require voice communi-

cation.

4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair

Lifts).

4.11.1 Location. Platform lifts (wheelchair

lifts) permitted by 4.1 shall comply with the

requirements of 4.11.

4.11.2* Other Requirements. If platform lifts

(wheelchair lifts) are used, they shall comply

with 4.2.4, 4.5, 4.27, and ASME A17.1 Safety

Code for Elevators and Escalators, Section

XX, 1990.

4.11.3 Entrance. If platform lifts are used

then they shall facilitate unassisted entry,

operation, and exit from the lift in compliance

with 4.11.2.

4.12 Windows.

4.12.1* General. (Reserved).

4.12.2* Window Hardware. (Reserved).

4.13 Doors.

4.13.1 General. Doors required to be acces-

sible by 4.1 shall comply with the require-

ments of 4.13.

4.13.2 Revolving Doors and Turnstiles.

Revolving doors or turnstiles shall not be the

only means of passage at an accessible en-

trance or along an accessible route. An acces-

sible gate or door shall be provided adjacent

to the turnstile or revolving door and shall be

so designed as to facilitate the same use

pattern.

4.13.3 Gates. Gates, including ticket gates,

shall meet all applicable specifications of 4.13.

4.13.4 Double-Leaf Doorways. If doorways

have two independently operated door leaves,

then at least one leaf shall meet the specifica-

tions in 4.13.5 and 4.13.6. That leaf shall be an

active leaf.

4.13.5 Clear Width. Doorways shall have a

minimum clear opening of 32 in (815 mm) with

the door open 90 degrees, measured between

the face of the door and the opposite stop (see

Fig. 24(a), (b), (c), and (d)). Openings more than

24 in (610 mm) in depth shall comply with

4.2.1 and 4.3.3 (see Fig. 24(e)).

EXCEPTION: Doors not requiring full user

passage, such as shallow closets, may have

the clear opening reduced to 20 in (510 mm)

minimum.

4.13.6 Maneuvering Clearances at Doors.

Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors

that are not automatic or power-assisted shall

be as shown in Fig. 25. The floor or ground

area within the required clearances shall be

level and clear.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospi-

tal bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted

from the requirement for space at the latch

side of the door (see dimension “x” in Fig. 25) if

the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

4.13.7 Two Doors in Series. The minimum

space between two hinged or pivoted doors in

series shall be 48 in (1220 mm) plus the width

of any door swinging into the space. Doors in

series shall swing either in the same direction

or away from the space between the doors (see

Fig. 26).

4.13.8* Thresholds at Doorways. Thresholds

at doorways shall not exceed 3/4 in (19 mm) in

height for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 in (13

mm) for other types of doors. Raised thresh-

olds and floor level changes at accessible

doorways shall be beveled with a slope no

greater than 1:2 (see 4.5.2).

4.13.9* Door Hardware. Handles, pulls,

latches, locks, and other operating devices on

accessible doors shall have a shape that is

4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts)

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

528

easy to grasp with one hand and does not

require tight grasping, tight pinching, or

twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated

mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and

U-shaped handles are acceptable designs.

When sliding doors are fully open, operating

hardware shall be exposed and usable from

both sides. Hardware required for accessible

door passage shall be mounted no higher

than 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor.

4.13.10* Door Closers. If a door has a closer,

then the sweep period of the closer shall be

adjusted so that from an open position of 70

degrees, the door will take at least 3 seconds

to move to a point 3 in (75 mm) from the latch,

measured to the leading edge of the door.

4.13.11* Door Opening Force. The maximum

force for pushing or pulling open a door shall

be as follows:

(1) Fire doors shall have the minimum

opening force allowable by the appropriate

administrative authority.

(2) Other doors.

(a) exterior hinged doors: (Reserved).

(b) interior hinged doors: 5 lbf (22.2N)

These forces do not apply to the force required

to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices

that may hold the door in a closed position.

4.13 Doors

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

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4.13 Doors

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530

4.13 Doors

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

531

4.13.12* Automatic Doors and Power-

Assisted Doors. If an automatic door is used,

then it shall comply with ANSI/BHMA

A156.10-1985. Slowly opening, low-powered,

automatic doors shall comply with ANSI

A156.19-1984. Such doors shall not open to

back check faster than 3 seconds and shall

require no more than 15 lbf (66.6N) to stop

door movement. If a power-assisted door is

used, its door-opening force shall comply with

4.13.11 and its closing shall conform to the

requirements in ANSI A156.19-1984.

4.14 Entrances.

4.14.1 Minimum Number. Entrances re-

quired to be accessible by 4.1 shall be part of

an accessible route complying with 4.3. Such

entrances shall be connected by an accessible

route to public transportation stops, to acces-

sible parking and passenger loading zones,

and to public streets or sidewalks if available

(see 4.3.2(1)). They shall also be connected by

an accessible route to all accessible spaces or

elements within the building or facility.

4.14.2 Service Entrances. A service entrance

shall not be the sole accessible entrance

unless it is the only entrance to a building or

facility (for example, in a factory or garage).

4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water

Coolers.

4.15.1 Minimum Number. Drinking foun-

tains or water coolers required to be accessible

by 4.1 shall comply with 4.15.

4.15.2* Spout Height. Spouts shall be no

higher than 36 in (915 mm), measured from

the floor or ground surfaces to the spout outlet

(see Fig. 27(a)).

4.15.3 Spout Location. The spouts of

drinking fountains and water coolers shall be

at the front of the unit and shall direct the

water flow in a trajectory that is parallel or

nearly parallel to the front of the unit. The

spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 in

(100 mm) high so as to allow the insertion of a

cup or glass under the flow of water. On an

accessible drinking fountain with a round or

oval bowl, the spout must be positioned so the

flow of water is within 3 in (75 mm) of the front

edge of the fountain.

4.15.4 Controls. Controls shall comply with

4.27.4. Unit controls shall be front mounted or

side mounted near the front edge.

4.15.5 Clearances.

(1) Wall- and post-mounted cantilevered units

shall have a clear knee space between the

bottom of the apron and the floor or ground at

least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide,

and 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) deep

(see Fig. 27(a) and (b)). Such units shall also

have a minimum clear floor space 30 in by 48

in (760 mm by 1220 mm) to allow a person in a

wheelchair to approach the unit facing forward.

(2) Free-standing or built-in units not having

a clear space under them shall have a clear

floor space at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by

1220 mm) that allows a person in a wheelchair

to make a parallel approach to the unit (see Fig.

27(c) and (d)). This clear floor space shall

comply with 4.2.4.

4.16 Water Closets.

4.16.1 General. Accessible water closets shall

comply with 4.16.

4.16.2 Clear Floor Space. Clear floor space

for water closets not in stalls shall comply with

Fig. 28. Clear floor space may be arranged to

allow either a left-handed or right-handed

approach.

4.16.3* Height. The height of water closets

shall be 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm),

measured to the top of the toilet seat (see Fig.

29(b)). Seats shall not be sprung to return to a

lifted position.

4.16.4* Grab Bars. Grab bars for water

closets not located in stalls shall comply with

4.26 and Fig. 29. The grab bar behind the water

closet shall be 36 in (915 mm) minimum.

4.16.5* Flush Controls. Flush controls shall

be hand operated or automatic and shall

comply with 4.27.4. Controls for flush valves

4.14 Entrances

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

532

shall be mounted on the wide side of toilet

areas no more than 44 in (1120 mm) above the

floor.

4.16.6 Dispensers. Toilet paper dispensers

shall be installed within reach, as shown in

Fig. 29(b). Dispensers that control delivery, or

that do not permit continuous paper flow,

shall not be used.

4.17 Toilet Stalls.

4.17.1 Location. Accessible toilet stalls shall

be on an accessible route and shall meet the

requirements of 4.17.

4.17.2 Water Closets. Water closets in

accessible stalls shall comply with 4.16.

4.17 Toilet Stalls

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

533

4.17.3* Size and Arrangement. The size and

arrangement of the standard toilet stall shall

comply with Fig. 30(a), Standard Stall. Stan-

dard toilet stalls with a minimum depth of 56

in (1420 mm) (see Fig. 30(a)) shall have

wall-mounted water closets. If the depth of a

standard toilet stall is increased at least 3 in

(75 mm), then a floor-mounted water closet

may be used. Arrangements shown for stan-

dard toilet stalls may be reversed to allow

either a left- or right-hand approach. Additional

stalls shall be provided in conformance with

4.22.4.

EXCEPTION: In instances of alteration work

where provision of a standard stall (Fig. 30(a))

is technically infeasible or where plumbing

code requirements prevent combining existing

stalls to provide space, either alternate stall

(Fig. 30(b)) may be provided in lieu of the

standard stall.

4.17.4 Toe Clearances. In standard stalls, the

front partition and at least one side partition

shall provide a toe clearance of at least 9 in

(230 mm) above the floor. If the depth of the

stall is greater than 60 in (1525 mm), then the

toe clearance is not required.

4.17.5* Doors. Toilet stall doors, including

door hardware, shall comply with 4.13. If toilet

stall approach is from the latch side of the stall

door, clearance between the door side of the

4.17 Toilet Stalls

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

534

4.17 Toilet Stalls

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

535

stall and any obstruction may be reduced to a

minimum of 42 in (1065 mm) (Fig. 30).

4.17.6 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with

the length and positioning shown in Fig. 30(a),

(b), (c), and (d) shall be provided. Grab bars may

be mounted with any desired method as long as

they have a gripping surface at the locations

shown and do not obstruct the required clear

floor area. Grab bars shall comply with 4.26.

4.18 Urinals.

4.18.1 General. Accessible urinals shall

comply with 4.18.

4.18.2 Height. Urinals shall be stall-type or

wall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximum

of 17 in (430 mm) above the finish floor.

4.18.3 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space

30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) shall be

provided in front of urinals to allow forward

approach. This clear space shall adjoin or

overlap an accessible route and shall comply

with 4.2.4. Urinal shields that do not extend

beyond the front edge of the urinal rim may be

provided with 29 in (735 mm) clearance be-

tween them.

4.18.4 Flush Controls. Flush controls shall be

hand operated or automatic, and shall comply

with 4.27.4, and shall be mounted no more than

44 in (1120 mm) above the finish floor.

4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors.

4.19.1 General. The requirements of 4.19 shall

apply to lavatory fixtures, vanities, and built-in

lavatories.

4.19.2 Height and Clearances. Lavatories

shall be mounted with the rim or counter

surface no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above

the finish floor. Provide a clearance of at least

29 in (735 mm) above the finish floor to the

bottom of the apron. Knee and toe clearance

shall comply with Fig. 31.

4.19.3 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space

30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) complying

with 4.2.4 shall be provided in front of a lavatory

to allow forward approach. Such clear floor

space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible

route and shall extend a maximum of 19 in

(485 mm) underneath the lavatory (see Fig. 32).

4.19.4 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Hot

water and drain pipes under lavatories shall be

insulated or otherwise configured to protect

against contact. There shall be no sharp or

abrasive surfaces under lavatories.

4.19.5 Faucets. Faucets shall comply with

4.27.4. Lever-operated, push-type, and elec-

tronically controlled mechanisms are ex-

amples of acceptable designs. If self-closing

4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

536

valves are used the faucet shall remain open

for at least 10 seconds.

4.19.6* Mirrors. Mirrors shall be mounted

with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface

no higher than 40 in (1015 mm) above the

finish floor (see Fig. 31).

4.20 Bathtubs.

4.20.1 General. Accessible bathtubs shall

comply with 4.20.

4.20.2 Floor Space. Clear floor space in front

of bathtubs shall be as shown in Fig. 33.

4.20.3 Seat. An in-tub seat or a seat at the

head end of the tub shall be provided as shown

in Fig. 33 and 34. The structural strength of

seats and their attachments shall comply with

4.26.3. Seats shall be mounted securely and

shall not slip during use.

4.20.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with

4.26 shall be provided as shown in Fig. 33 and

34.

4.20.5 Controls. Faucets and other controls

complying with 4.27.4 shall be located as

shown in Fig. 34.

4.20.6 Shower Unit. A shower spray unit

with a hose at least 60 in (1525 mm) long that

can be used both as a fixed shower head and

as a hand-held shower shall be provided.

4.20.7 Bathtub Enclosures. If provided,

enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstruct

controls or transfer from wheelchairs onto

bathtub seats or into tubs. Enclosures on

bathtubs shall not have tracks mounted on

their rims.

4.21 Shower Stalls.

4.21.1* General. Accessible shower stalls

shall comply with 4.21.

4.21.2 Size and Clearances. Except as

specified in 9.1.2, shower stall size and clear

floor space shall comply with Fig. 35(a) or (b).

The shower stall in Fig. 35(a) shall be 36 in by

36 in (915 mm by 915 mm). Shower stalls

required by 9.1.2 shall comply with Fig. 57(a)

or (b). The shower stall in Fig. 35(b) will fit into

the space required for a bathtub.

4.21.3 Seat. A seat shall be provided in

shower stalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915

mm) and shall be as shown in Fig. 36. The seat

shall be mounted 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to

485 mm) from the bathroom floor and shall

extend the full depth of the stall. In a 36 in by

36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shower stall, the

seat shall be on the wall opposite the controls.

Where a fixed seat is provided in a 30 in by 60

in minimum (760 mm by 1525 mm) shower

stall, it shall be a folding type and shall be

mounted on the wall adjacent to the controls

as shown in Fig. 57. The structural strength of

seats and their attachments shall comply with

4.26.3.

4.21.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with

4.26 shall be provided as shown in Fig. 37.

4.21.5 Controls. Faucets and other controls

complying with 4.27.4 shall be located as

shown in Fig. 37. In shower stalls 36 in by 36

in (915 mm by 915 mm), all controls, faucets,

and the shower unit shall be mounted on the

side wall opposite the seat.

4.21.6 Shower Unit. A shower spray unit

with a hose at least 60 in (1525 mm) long that

can be used both as a fixed shower head and

as a hand-held shower shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: In unmonitored facilities where

vandalism is a consideration, a fixed shower

head mounted at 48 in (1220 mm) above the

shower floor may be used in lieu of a

hand-held shower head.

4.21.7 Curbs. If provided, curbs in shower

stalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shall

be no higher than 1/2 in (13 mm). Shower

stalls that are 30 in by 60 in (760 mm by 1525

mm) minimum shall not have curbs.

4.21.8 Shower Enclosures. If provided,

enclosures for shower stalls shall not obstruct

controls or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs

onto shower seats.

4.22 Toilet Rooms.

4.22.1 Minimum Number. Toilet facilities

required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply

4.20 Bathtubs

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

537

4.21 Shower Stalls

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

538

with 4.22. Accessible toilet rooms shall be on

an accessible route.

4.22.2 Doors. All doors to accessible toilet

rooms shall comply with 4.13. Doors shall not

swing into the clear floor space required for

any fixture.

4.22.3* Clear Floor Space. The accessible

fixtures and controls required in 4.22.4, 4.22.5,

4.22.6, and 4.22.7 shall be on an accessible

route. An unobstructed turning space comply-

ing with 4.2.3 shall be provided within an

accessible toilet room. The clear floor space at

fixtures and controls, the accessible route, and

the turning space may overlap.

4.22.4 Water Closets. If toilet stalls are

provided, then at least one shall be a standard

toilet stall complying with 4.17; where 6 or

more stalls are provided, in addition to the

stall complying with 4.17.3, at least one stall

36 in (915 mm) wide with an outward swing-

ing, self-closing door and parallel grab bars

complying with Fig. 30(d) and 4.26 shall be

provided. Water closets in such stalls shall

comply with 4.16. If water closets are not in

stalls, then at least one shall comply with

4.16.

4.22.5 Urinals. If urinals are provided, then

at least one shall comply with 4.18.

4.22.6 Lavatories and Mirrors. If lavatories

and mirrors are provided, then at least one of

each shall comply with 4.19.

4.22.7 Controls and Dispensers.

If controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other

4.22 Toilet Rooms

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

539

equipment are provided, then at least one of

each shall be on an accessible route and shall

comply with 4.27.

4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities,

and Shower Rooms.

4.23.1 Minimum Number. Bathrooms,

bathing facilities, or shower rooms required to

be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.23

and shall be on an accessible route.

4.23.2 Doors. Doors to accessible bathrooms

shall comply with 4.13. Doors shall not swing

into the floor space required for any fixture.

4.23.3* Clear Floor Space. The accessible

fixtures and controls required in 4.23.4, 4.23.5,

4.23.6, 4.23.7, 4.23.8, and 4.23.9 shall be on an

accessible route. An unobstructed turning

4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

540

space complying with 4.2.3 shall be provided

within an accessible bathroom. The clear floor

spaces at fixtures and controls, the accessible

route, and the turning space may overlap.

4.23.4 Water Closets. If toilet stalls are

provided, then at least one shall be a standard

toilet stall complying with 4.17; where 6 or

more stalls are provided, in addition to the

stall complying with 4.17.3, at least one stall

36 in (915 mm) wide with an outward swing-

ing, self-closing door and parallel grab bars

complying with Fig. 30(d) and 4.26 shall be

provided. Water closets in such stalls shall

comply with 4.16. If water closets are not in

stalls, then at least one shall comply with 4.16.

4.23.5 Urinals. If urinals are provided, then at

least one shall comply with 4.18.

4.23.6 Lavatories and Mirrors. If lavatories

and mirrors are provided, then at least one of

each shall comply with 4.19.

4.23.7 Controls and Dispensers. If controls,

dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment

are provided, then at least one of each shall be

on an accessible route and shall comply with

4.27.

4.23.8 Bathing and Shower Facilities. If

tubs or showers are provided, then at least one

accessible tub that complies with 4.20 or at

least one accessible shower that complies with

4.21 shall be provided.

4.23.9* Medicine Cabinets. If medicine

cabinets are provided, at least one shall be

located with a usable shelf no higher than 44

in (1120 mm) above the floor space. The floor

space shall comply with 4.2.4.

4.24 Sinks.

4.24.1 General. Sinks required to be acces-

sible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.24.

4.24.2 Height. Sinks shall be mounted with

the counter or rim no higher than 34 in (865

mm) above the finish floor.

4.24.3 Knee Clearance. Knee clearance that

is at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm)

wide, and 19 in (485 mm) deep shall be pro-

vided underneath sinks.

4.24.4 Depth. Each sink shall be a maximum

of 6-1/2 in (165 mm) deep.

4.24.5 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space

at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm)

complying with 4.2.4 shall be provided in front

of a sink to allow forward approach. The clear

floor space shall be on an accessible route and

shall extend a maximum of 19 in (485 mm)

underneath the sink (see Fig. 32).

4.24.6 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Hot

water and drain pipes exposed under sinks

shall be insulated or otherwise configured so

as to protect against contact. There shall be

no sharp or abrasive surfaces under sinks.

4.24.7 Faucets. Faucets shall comply with

4.27.4. Lever-operated, push-type, touch-type,

or electronically controlled mechanisms are

acceptable designs.

4.25 Storage.

4.25.1 General. Fixed storage facilities such

as cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers

required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply

with 4.25.

4.25.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space

at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm)

complying with 4.2.4 that allows either a

forward or parallel approach by a person using

a wheelchair shall be provided at accessible

storage facilities.

4.25.3 Height. Accessible storage spaces

shall be within at least one of the reach ranges

specified in 4.2.5 and 4.2.6 (see Fig. 5 and Fig

6). Clothes rods or shelves shall be a maxi-

mum of 54 in (1370 mm) above the finish floor

for a side approach. Where the distance from

the wheelchair to the clothes rod or shelf

exceeds 10 in (255 mm) (as in closets without

accessible doors) the height and depth to the

rod or shelf shall comply with Fig. 38(a) and

Fig. 38(b).

4.25.4 Hardware. Hardware for accessible

storage facilities shall comply with 4.27.4.

Touch latches and U-shaped pulls are accept-

able.

4.24 Sinks

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

541

4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub

and Shower Seats.

4.26.1* General. All handrails, grab bars, and

tub and shower seats required to be accessible

by 4.1, 4.8, 4.9, 4.16, 4.17, 4.20 or 4.21 shall

comply with 4.26.

4.26.2* Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and

Handrails. The diameter or width of the

gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall

be 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the

shape shall provide an equivalent gripping

surface. If handrails or grab bars are mounted

adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall

and the grab bar shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm) (see

Fig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). Handrails may be

located in a recess if the recess is a maximum

of 3 in (75 mm) deep and extends at least 18 in

(455 mm) above the top of the rail (see Fig.

39(d)).

4.26.3 Structural Strength. The structural

strength of grab bars, tub and shower seats,

fasteners, and mounting devices shall meet the

following specification:

(1) Bending stress in a grab bar or seat

induced by the maximum bending moment

from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be

less than the allowable stress for the material

of the grab bar or seat.

(2) Shear stress induced in a grab bar or seat

by the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be

less than the allowable shear stress for the

material of the grab bar or seat. If the connec-

tion between the grab bar or seat and its

mounting bracket or other support is consid-

ered to be fully restrained, then direct and

torsional shear stresses shall be totaled for the

combined shear stress, which shall not exceed

the allowable shear stress.

(3) Shear force induced in a fastener or

mounting device from the application of 250 lbf

(1112N) shall be less than the allowable lateral

load of either the fastener or mounting device

or the supporting structure, whichever is the

smaller allowable load.

(4) Tensile force induced in a fastener by a

direct tension force of 250 lbf (1112N) plus the

maximum moment from the application of 250

lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable

withdrawal load between the fastener and the

supporting structure.

(5) Grab bars shall not rotate within their

fittings.

4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

542

4.26.4 Eliminating Hazards. A handrail or

grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent

to it shall be free of any sharp or abrasive

elements. Edges shall have a minimum radius

of 1/8 in (3.2 mm).

4.27 Controls and Operating

Mechanisms.

4.27.1 General. Controls and operating

mechanisms required to be accessible by 4.1

shall comply with 4.27.

4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

543

4.27.2 Clear Floor Space. Clear floor space

complying with 4.2.4 that allows a forward or a

parallel approach by a person using a wheel-

chair shall be provided at controls, dispensers,

receptacles, and other operable equipment.

4.27.3* Height. The highest operable part of

controls, dispensers, receptacles, and other

operable equipment shall be placed within at

least one of the reach ranges specified in 4.2.5

and 4.2.6. Electrical and communications

system receptacles on walls shall be mounted

no less than 15 in (380 mm) above the floor.

EXCEPTION: These requirements do not apply

where the use of special equipment dictates

otherwise or where electrical and communica-

tions systems receptacles are not normally

intended for use by building occupants.

4.27.4 Operation. Controls and operating

mechanisms shall be operable with one hand

and shall not require tight grasping, pinching,

or twisting of the wrist. The force required to

activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf

(22.2 N).

4.28 Alarms.

4.28.1 General. Alarm systems required to be

accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.28. At a

minimum, visual signal appliances shall be

provided in buildings and facilities in each of

the following areas: restrooms and any other

general usage areas (e.g., meeting rooms),

hallways, lobbies, and any other area for

common use.

4.28.2* Audible Alarms. If provided, audible

emergency alarms shall produce a sound that

exceeds the prevailing equivalent sound level in

the room or space by at least 15 dbA or exceeds

any maximum sound level with a duration of 60

seconds by 5 dbA, whichever is louder. Sound

levels for alarm signals shall not exceed 120

dbA.

4.28.3* Visual Alarms. Visual alarm signal

appliances shall be integrated into the building

or facility alarm system. If single station

audible alarms are provided then single

station visual alarm signals shall be provided.

Visual alarm signals shall have the following

minimum photometric and location features:

(1) The lamp shall be a xenon strobe type or

equivalent.

(2) The color shall be clear or nominal white

(i.e., unfiltered or clear filtered white light).

(3) The maximum pulse duration shall be

two-tenths of one second (0.2 sec) with a

maximum duty cycle of 40 percent. The pulse

duration is defined as the time interval be-

tween initial and final points of 10 percent of

maximum signal.

(4) The intensity shall be a minimum of 75

candela.

(5) The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1

Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.

(6) The appliance shall be placed 80 in (2030

mm) above the highest floor level within the

space or 6 in (152 mm) below the ceiling,

whichever is lower.

(7) In general, no place in any room or space

required to have a visual signal appliance

shall be more than 50 ft (15 m) from the signal

(in the horizontal plane). In large rooms and

spaces exceeding 100 ft (30 m) across, without

obstructions 6 ft (2 m) above the finish floor,

such as auditoriums, devices may be placed

around the perimeter, spaced a maximum 100

ft (30 m) apart, in lieu of suspending appli-

ances from the ceiling.

(8) No place in common corridors or hall-

ways in which visual alarm signalling appli-

ances are required shall be more than 50 ft

(15 m) from the signal.

4.28.4* Auxiliary Alarms. Units and sleeping

accommodations shall have a visual alarm

connected to the building emergency alarm

system or shall have a standard 110-volt

electrical receptacle into which such an alarm

can be connected and a means by which a

signal from the building emergency alarm

system can trigger such an auxiliary alarm.

When visual alarms are in place the signal

shall be visible in all areas of the unit or

room. Instructions for use of the auxiliary

alarm or receptacle shall be provided.

4.28 Alarms

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544

4.29 Detectable Warnings.

4.29.1 General. Detectable warnings required

by 4.1 and 4.7 shall comply with 4.29.

4.29.2* Detectable Warnings on Walking

Surfaces. Detectable warnings shall consist of

raised truncated domes with a diameter of

nominal 0.9 in (23 mm), a height of nominal

0.2 in (5 mm) and a center-to-center spacing of

nominal 2.35 in (60 mm) and shall contrast

visually with adjoining surfaces, either

light-on-dark, or dark-on-light.

The material used to provide contrast shall be

an integral part of the walking surface. Detect-

able warnings used on interior surfaces shall

differ from adjoining walking surfaces in

resiliency or sound-on-cane contact.

4.29.3 Detectable Warnings on Doors

To Hazardous Areas. (Reserved).

4.29.4 Detectable Warnings at Stairs.

(Reserved).

4.29.5 Detectable Warnings at

Hazardous Vehicular Areas. If a walk

crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the

walking surfaces are not separated by curbs,

railings, or other elements between the pedes-

trian areas and vehicular areas, the boundary

between the areas shall be defined by a con-

tinuous detectable warning which is 36 in (915

mm) wide, complying with 4.29.2.

4.29.6 Detectable Warnings at

Reflecting Pools. The edges of reflecting pools

shall be protected by railings, walls, curbs, or

detectable warnings complying with 4.29.2.

4.29.7 Standardization. (Reserved).

4.30 Signage.

4.30.1* General. Signage required to be

accessible by 4.1 shall comply with the

applicable provisions of 4.30.

4.30.2* Character Proportion. Letters and

numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height

ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-

to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10.

4.30.3 Character Height. Characters and

numbers on signs shall be sized according to

the viewing distance from which they are to

be read. The minimum height is measured

using an upper case X. Lower case charac-

ters are permitted.

Height Above Minimum

Finished Floor Character Height

Suspended or Projected 3 in (75 mm)

Overhead in minimum

compliance with 4.4.2

4.30.4* Raised and Brailled Characters

and Pictorial Symbol Signs

(Pictograms). Letters and numerals shall be

raised 1/32 in, upper case, sans serif or simple

serif type and shall be accompanied with

Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at

least 5/8 in (16 mm) high, but no higher than 2

in (50 mm). Pictograms shall be accompanied

by the equivalent verbal description placed

directly below the pictogram. The border

dimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in (152

mm) minimum in height.

4.30.5* Finish and Contrast. The charac-

ters and background of signs shall be egg-

shell, matte, or other non-glare finish. Charac-

ters and symbols shall contrast with their

background --either light characters on a dark

background or dark characters on a light

background.

4.30.6 Mounting Location and Height.

Where permanent identification is provided

for rooms and spaces, signs shall be installed

on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the

door. Where there is no wall space to the latch

side of the door, including at double leaf

doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest

adjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60 in

(1525 mm) above the finish floor to the

centerline of the sign. Mounting location for

such signage shall be so that a person may

approach within 3 in (76 mm) of signage

without encountering protruding objects or

standing within the swing of a door.

4.30.7* Symbols of Accessibility.

(1) Facilities and elements required to be

identified as accessible by 4.1 shall use the

international symbol of accessibility. The

4.29 Detectable Warnings

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

545

symbol shall be displayed as shown in Fig.

43(a) and (b).

(2) Volume Control Telephones. Telephones

required to have a volume control by

4.1.3(17)(b) shall be identified by a sign

containing a depiction of a telephone handset

with radiating sound waves.

(3) Text Telephones. Text telephones required

by 4.1.3(17)(c) shall be identified by the inter-

national TDD symbol (Fig 43(c)). In addition, if

a facility has a public text telephone, direc-

tional signage indicating the location of the

nearest text telephone shall be placed adja-

cent to all banks of telephones which do not

contain a text telephone. Such directional

signage shall include the international TDD

symbol. If a facility has no banks of tele-

phones, the directional signage shall be

provided at the entrance (e.g., in a building

directory).

(4) Assistive Listening Systems. In assembly

areas where permanently installed assistive

listening systems are required by 4.1.3(19)(b)

the availability of such systems shall be

identified with signage that includes the

international symbol of access for hearing

loss (Fig 43(d)).

4.30.8* Illumination Levels. (Reserved).

4.31 Telephones.

4.31.1 General. Public telephones required to

be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.31.

4.31.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space. A

clear floor or ground space at least 30 in by 48

in (760 mm by 1220 mm) that allows either a

forward or parallel approach by a person using

a wheelchair shall be provided at telephones

(see Fig. 44). The clear floor or ground space

shall comply with 4.2.4. Bases, enclosures, and

fixed seats shall not impede approaches to

telephones by people who use wheelchairs.

4.31.3* Mounting Height. The highest

operable part of the telephone shall be within

the reach ranges specified in 4.2.5 or 4.2.6.

4.31.4 Protruding Objects. Telephones

shall comply with 4.4.

4.30 Signage

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

546

4.31.5 Hearing Aid Compatible and

Volume Control Telephones Required

by 4.1.

(1) Telephones shall be hearing aid compat-

ible.

(2) Volume controls, capable of a minimum

of 12 dbA and a maximum of 18 dbA above

normal, shall be provided in accordance with

4.1.3. If an automatic reset is provided then

18 dbA may be exceeded.

4.31.6 Controls. Telephones shall have

pushbutton controls where service for such

equipment is available.

4.31 Telephones

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

547

4.31.7 Telephone Books. Telephone books, if

provided, shall be located in a position that

complies with the reach ranges specified in

4.2.5 and 4.2.6.

4.31.8 Cord Length. The cord from the

telephone to the handset shall be at least 29 in

(735 mm) long.

4.31.9* Text Telephones Required

by 4.1.

(1) Text telephones used with a pay telephone

shall be permanently affixed within, or adja-

cent to, the telephone enclosure. If an acoustic

coupler is used, the telephone cord shall be

sufficiently long to allow connection of the text

telephone and the telephone receiver.

(2) Pay telephones designed to accommodate

a portable text telephone shall be equipped

with a shelf and an electrical outlet within or

adjacent to the telephone enclosure. The

telephone handset shall be capable of being

placed flush on the surface of the shelf. The

shelf shall be capable of accommodating a text

telephone and shall have 6 in (152 mm) mini-

mum vertical clearance in the area where the

text telephone is to be placed.

(3) Equivalent facilitation may be provided.

For example, a portable text telephone may be

made available in a hotel at the registration

desk if it is available on a 24-hour basis for use

with nearby public pay telephones. In this

instance, at least one pay telephone shall

comply with paragraph 2 of this section. In

addition, if an acoustic coupler is used, the

telephone handset cord shall be sufficiently

long so as to allow connection of the text

telephone and the telephone receiver. Direc-

tional signage shall be provided and shall

comply with 4.30.7.

4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating and

Tables.

4.32.1 Minimum Number. Fixed or built-in

seating or tables required to be accessible by

4.1 shall comply with 4.32.

4.32.2 Seating. If seating spaces for people in

wheelchairs are provided at fixed tables or

counters, clear floor space complying with 4.2.4

shall be provided. Such clear floor space shall

not overlap knee space by more than 19 in

(485 mm) (see Fig. 45).

4.32.3 Knee Clearances. If seating for

people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or

counters, knee spaces at least 27 in (685 mm)

high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 19 in (485 mm)

deep shall be provided (see Fig. 45).

4.32.4* Height of Tables or Counters.

The tops of accessible tables and counters

shall be from 28 in to 34 in (710 mm to 865

mm) above the finish floor or ground.

4.33 Assembly Areas.

4.33.1 Minimum Number. Assembly and

associated areas required to be accessible by

4.1 shall comply with 4.33.

4.33.2* Size of Wheelchair Locations. Each

wheelchair location shall provide minimum

clear ground or floor spaces as shown in Fig.

46.

4.33.3* Placement of Wheelchair Locations.

Wheelchair areas shall be an integral part of

any fixed seating plan and shall be provided so

as to provide people with physical disabilities

a choice of admission prices and lines of sight

comparable to those for members of the

general public. They shall adjoin an accessible

route that also serves as a means of egress in

case of emergency. At least one companion

fixed seat shall be provided next to each

wheelchair seating area. When the seating

capacity exceeds 300, wheelchair spaces shall

be provided in more than one location.

Readily removable seats may be installed in

wheelchair spaces when the spaces are not

required to accommodate wheelchair users.

EXCEPTION: Accessible viewing positions

may be clustered for bleachers, balconies, and

other areas having sight lines that require

slopes of greater than 5 percent. Equivalent

accessible viewing positions may be located

on levels having accessible egress.

4.33.4 Surfaces. The ground or floor at

wheelchair locations shall be level and shall

comply with 4.5.

4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

548

4.33 Assembly Areas

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

549

unobstructed clear floor space at the farthest

protrusion of the automated teller machine or

surround is not more than 10 in (255 mm), the

maximum height above the finished floor or

grade shall be 54 in (1370 mm).

(b) Reach Depth More Than 10 in (255 mm).

Where the reach depth to the operable parts of

any control as measured from the vertical

plane perpendicular to the edge of the unob-

structed clear floor space at the farthest

protrusion of the automated teller machine or

surround is more than 10 in (255 mm), the

maximum height above the finished floor or

grade shall be as follows:

Reach Depth Maximum Height

In Mm In Mm

10 255 54 1370

11 280 53

1/2

1360

12 305 53 1345

13 330 52

1/2

1335

14 355 51

1/2

1310

15 380 51 1295

16 405 50

1/2

1285

17 430 50 1270

18 455 49

1/2

1255

19 485 49 1245

20 510 48

1/2

1230

21 535 47

1/2

1205

22 560 47 1195

23 585 46

1/2

1180

24 610 46 1170

(3) Forward and Parallel Approach. If both a

forward and parallel approach are possible,

operable parts of controls shall be placed

within at least one of the reach ranges in

paragraphs (1) or (2) of this section.

(4) Bins. Where bins are provided, for enve-

lopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least

one of each type provided shall comply with

the applicable reach ranges in paragraph (1),

(2), or (3) of this section.

EXCEPTION: Where a function can be per-

formed in a substantially equivalent manner

by using an alternate control, only one of the

controls needed to perform that function is

required to comply with this section. If the

controls are identified by tactile markings,

such markings shall be provided on both

controls.

4.34.4 Controls. Controls for user activation

shall comply with 4.27.4.

4.33.5 Access to Performing Areas.

An accessible route shall connect wheelchair

seating locations with performing areas, includ-

ing stages, arena floors, dressing rooms, locker

rooms, and other spaces used by performers.

4.33.6* Placement of Listening Systems.

If the listening system provided serves indi-

vidual fixed seats, then such seats shall be

located within a 50 ft (15 m) viewing distance of

the stage or playing area and shall have a

complete view of the stage or playing area.

4.33.7* Types of Listening Systems.

Assistive listening systems (ALS) are intended

to augment standard public address and audio

systems by providing signals which can be

received directly by persons with special

receivers or their own hearing aids and which

eliminate or filter background noise. The type

of assistive listening system appropriate for a

particular application depends on the charac-

teristics of the setting, the nature of the pro-

gram, and the intended audience. Magnetic

induction loops, infra-red and radio frequency

systems are types of listening systems which

are appropriate for various applications.

4.34 Automated Teller Machines.

4.34.1 General. Each automated teller

machine required to be accessible by 4.1.3

shall be on an accessible route and shall

comply with 4.34.

4.34.2 Clear Floor Space. The automated

teller machine shall be located so that clear

floor space complying with 4.2.4 is provided to

allow a person using a wheelchair to make a

forward approach, a parallel approach, or

both, to the machine.

4.34.3 Reach Ranges.

(1) Forward Approach Only. If only a forward

approach is possible, operable parts of all

controls shall be placed within the forward

reach range specified in 4.2.5.

(2) Parallel Approach Only. If only a parallel

approach is possible, operable parts of controls

shall be placed as follows:

(a) Reach Depth Not More Than 10 in (255

mm). Where the reach depth to the operable

parts of all controls as measured from the

vertical plane perpendicular to the edge of the

4.33.5 Access to Performing Areas

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

550

4.34.5 Equipment for Persons with Vision

Impairments. Instructions and all information

for use shall be made accessible to and inde-

pendently usable by persons with vision

impairments.

4.35 Dressing and Fitting Rooms.

4.35.1 General. Dressing and fitting rooms

required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply

with 4.35 and shall be on an accessible route.

4.35.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space

allowing a person using a wheelchair to make

a 180-degree turn shall be provided in every

accessible dressing room entered through a

swinging or sliding door. No door shall swing

into any part of the turning space. Turning

space shall not be required in a private dress-

ing room entered through a curtained opening

at least 32 in (815 mm) wide if clear floor space

complying with section 4.2 renders the dressing

room usable by a person using a wheelchair.

4.35.3 Doors. All doors to accessible dressing

rooms shall be in compliance with section 4.13.

4.35.4 Bench. Every accessible dressing room

shall have a 24 in by 48 in (610 mm by 1220

mm) bench fixed to the wall along the longer

dimension. The bench shall be mounted 17 in

to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) above the finish

floor. Clear floor space shall be provided along-

side the bench to allow a person using a

wheelchair to make a parallel transfer onto the

bench. The structural strength of the bench and

attachments shall comply with 4.26.3. Where

installed in conjunction with showers, swim-

ming pools, or other wet locations, water shall

not accumulate upon the surface of the bench

and the bench shall have a slip-resistant

surface.

4.35.5 Mirror. Where mirrors are provided in

dressing rooms of the same use, then in an

accessible dressing room, a full-length mirror,

measuring at least 18 in wide by 54 in high

(460 mm by 1370 mm), shall be mounted in a

position affording a view to a person on the

bench as well as to a person in a standing

position.

NOTE: Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 and sec-

tions 5 through 10 are different from ANSI

A117.1 in their entirety and are printed in

standard type.

4.35 Dressing and Fitting Rooms

58A

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

551

5. RESTAURANTS AND

CAFETERIAS.

5.1* General. Except as specified or modified

in this section, restaurants and cafeterias shall

comply with the requirements of 4.1 to 4.35.

Where fixed tables (or dining counters where

food is consumed but there is no service) are

provided, at least 5 percent, but not less than

one, of the fixed tables (or a portion of the

dining counter) shall be accessible and shall

comply with 4.32 as required in 4.1.3(18). In

establishments where separate areas are

designated for smoking and non-smoking

patrons, the required number of accessible

fixed tables (or counters) shall be proportion-

ally distributed between the smoking and

non-smoking areas. In new construction, and

where practicable in alterations, accessible

fixed tables (or counters) shall be distributed

throughout the space or facility.

5.2 Counters and Bars. Where food or

drink is served at counters exceeding 34 in

(865 mm) in height for consumption by cus-

tomers seated on stools or standing at the

counter, a portion of the main counter which

is 60 in (1525 mm) in length minimum shall be

provided in compliance with 4.32 or service

shall be available at accessible tables within

the same area.

5.3 Access Aisles. All accessible fixed tables

shall be accessible by means of an access aisle

at least 36 in (915 mm) clear between parallel

edges of tables or between a wall and the table

edges.

5.4 Dining Areas. In new construction, all

dining areas, including raised or sunken dining

areas, loggias, and outdoor seating areas, shall

be accessible. In non-elevator buildings, an

accessible means of vertical access to the

mezzanine is not required under the following

conditions: 1) the area of mezzanine seating

measures no more than 33 percent of the area

of the total accessible seating area; 2) the same

services and decor are provided in an acces-

sible space usable by the general public; and, 3)

the accessible areas are not restricted to use by

people with disabilities. In alterations, accessi-

bility to raised or sunken dining areas, or to all

parts of outdoor seating areas is not required

provided that the same services and decor are

provided in an accessible space usable by the

general public and are not restricted to use by

people with disabilities.

5.5 Food Service Lines. Food service

lines shall have a minimum clear width of 36 in

(915 mm), with a preferred clear width of 42 in

(1065 mm) to allow passage around a person

using a wheelchair. Tray slides shall be

mounted no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above

the floor (see Fig. 53). If self-service shelves are

5.0 Restaurants and Cafeterias

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

552

provided, at least 50 percent of each type must

be within reach ranges specified in 4.2.5 and

4.2.6.

5.6 Tableware and Condiment Areas.

Self-service shelves and dispensing devices for

tableware, dishware, condiments, food and

beverages shall be installed to comply with 4.2

(see Fig. 54).

5.7 Raised Platforms. In banquet rooms or

spaces where a head table or speaker’s lectern

is located on a raised platform, the platform

shall be accessible in compliance with 4.8 or

4.11. Open edges of a raised platform shall be

protected by placement of tables or by a curb.

5.8 Vending Machines and Other

Equipment. Spaces for vending machines and

other equipment shall comply with 4.2 and

shall be located on an accessible route.

5.9 Quiet Areas. (Reserved).

6. MEDICAL CARE

FACILITIES.

6.1 General. Medical care facilities included

in this section are those in which people

receive physical or medical treatment or care

and where persons may need assistance in

responding to an emergency and where the

period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours.

In addition to the requirements of 4.1 through

4.35, medical care facilities and buildings shall

comply with 6.

(1) Hospitals - general purpose hospitals,

psychiatric facilities, detoxification facilities --

At least 10 percent of patient bedrooms and

toilets, and all public use and common use

areas are required to be designed and con-

structed to be accessible.

(2) Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities that

specialize in treating conditions that affect

mobility, or units within either that specialize

in treating conditions that affect mobility - All

patient bedrooms and toilets, and all public

use and common use areas are required to be

designed and constructed to be accessible.

(3) Long term care facilities, nursing homes

-- At least 50 percent of patient bedrooms and

toilets, and all public use and common use

areas are required to be designed and con-

structed to be accessible.

(4) Alterations to patient bedrooms.

(a) When patient bedrooms are being added

or altered as part of a planned renovation of an

entire wing, a department, or other discrete

area of an existing medical facility, a percent-

age of the patient bedrooms that are being

added or altered shall comply with 6.3. The

percentage of accessible rooms provided shall

be consistent with the percentage of rooms

required to be accessible by the applicable

requirements of 6.1(1), 6.1(2), or 6.1(3), until

the number of accessible patient bedrooms in

the facility equals the overall number that

would be required if the facility were newly

constructed. (For example, if 20 patient bed-

rooms are being altered in the obstetrics

department of a hospital, 2 of the altered

rooms must be made accessible. If, within the

same hospital, 20 patient bedrooms are being

altered in a unit that specializes in treating

mobility impairments, all of the altered rooms

must be made accessible.) Where toilet/bath-

rooms are part of patient bedrooms which are

added or altered and required to be accessible,

each such patient toilet/bathroom shall comply

with 6.4.

(b) When patient bedrooms are being added

or altered individually, and not as part of an

alteration of the entire area, the altered patient

bedrooms shall comply with 6.3, unless either:

a) the number of accessible rooms provided in

the department or area containing the altered

patient bedroom equals the number of acces-

sible patient bedrooms that would be required

if the percentage requirements of 6.1(1), 6.1(2),

or 6.1(3) were applied to that department or

area; or b) the number of accessible patient

bedrooms in the facility equals the overall

number that would be required if the facility

were newly constructed. Where toilet/bath-

rooms are part of patient bedrooms which are

added or altered and required to be accessible,

each such toilet/bathroom shall comply with

6.4.

6.0 Medical Care Facilities

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

553

6.2 Entrances. At least one accessible en-

trance that complies with 4.14 shall be pro-

tected from the weather by canopy or roof

overhang. Such entrances shall incorporate a

passenger loading zone that complies with

4.6.6.

6.3 Patient Bedrooms. Provide accessible

patient bedrooms in compliance with 4.1

through 4.35. Accessible patient bedrooms

shall comply with the following:

(1) Each bedroom shall have a door that

complies with 4.13.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospi-

tal bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted

from the requirement in 4.13.6 for maneuver-

ing space at the latch side of the door if the

door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

(2) Each bedroom shall have adequate space

to provide a maneuvering space that complies

with 4.2.3. In rooms with 2 beds, it is prefer-

able that this space be located between beds.

(3) Each bedroom shall have adequate space

to provide a minimum clear floor space of 36 in

(915 mm) along each side of the bed and to

provide an accessible route complying with

4.3.3 to each side of each bed.

6.4 Patient Toilet Rooms. Where toilet/bath

rooms are provided as a part of a patient

bedroom, each patient bedroom that is re-

quired to be accessible shall have an acces-

sible toilet/bath room that complies with 4.22

or 4.23 and shall be on an accessible route.

7. BUSINESS AND

MERCANTILE.

7.1 General. In addition to the requirements

of 4.1 to 4.35, the design of all areas used for

business transactions with the public shall

comply with 7.

7.2 Sales and Service Counters,

Teller Windows, Information

Counters.

(1) In department stores and miscellaneous

retail stores where counters have cash regis-

ters and are provided for sales or distribution

of goods or services to the public, at least one

of each type shall have a portion of the

counter which is at least 36 in (915mm) in

length with a maximum height of 36 in (915

mm) above the finish floor. It shall be on an

accessible route complying with 4.3. The

accessible counters must be dispersed

throughout the building or facility. In alter-

ations where it is technically infeasible to

provide an accessible counter, an auxiliary

counter meeting these requirements may be

provided.

(2) At ticketing counters, teller stations in a

bank, registration counters in hotels and

motels, box office ticket counters, and other

counters that may not have a cash register but

at which goods or services are sold or distrib-

uted, either:

(i) a portion of the main counter which is

a minimum of 36 in (915 mm) in length shall

be provided with a maximum height of 36 in

(915 mm); or

(ii) an auxiliary counter with a maximum

height of 36 in (915 mm) in close proximity to

the main counter shall be provided; or

(iii) equivalent facilitation shall be

provided (e.g., at a hotel registration counter,

equivalent facilitation might consist of: (1)

provision of a folding shelf attached to the

main counter on which an individual with

disabilities can write, and (2) use of the space

on the side of the counter or at the concierge

desk, for handing materials back and forth).

All accessible sales and service counters shall

be on an accessible route complying with 4.3.

(3)* Assistive Listening Devices. (Reserved)

7.0 Business and Merchantile

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

554

7.3* Check-out Aisles.

(1) In new construction, accessible check-out

aisles shall be provided in conformance with

the table below:

Total Check-out Minimum Number

Aisles of of Accessible

Each Design Check-out Aisles

(of each design)

1 - 4 1

5 - 8 2

8 - 15 3

over 15 3, plus 20% of

additional aisles

EXCEPTION: In new construction, where the

selling space is under 5000 square feet, only

one check-out aisle is required to be accessible.

EXCEPTION: In alterations, at least one

check-out aisle shall be accessible in facilities

under 5000 square feet of selling space. In

facilities of 5000 or more square feet of selling

space, at least one of each design of check-out

aisle shall be made accessible when altered

until the number of accessible check-out aisles

of each design equals the number required in

new construction.

Examples of check-out aisles of different

“design” include those which are specifically

designed to serve different functions. Different

“design” includes but is not limited to the

following features - length of belt or no belt; or

permanent signage designating the aisle as an

express lane.

(2) Clear aisle width for accessible check-out

aisles shall comply with 4.2.1 and maximum

adjoining counter height shall not exceed 38 in

(965 mm) above the finish floor. The top of the

lip shall not exceed 40 in (1015 mm) above the

finish floor.

(3) Signage identifying accessible check-out

aisles shall comply with 4.30.7 and shall be

mounted above the check-out aisle in the same

location where the check-out number or type of

check-out is displayed.

7.4 Security Bollards. Any device used to

prevent the removal of shopping carts from

store premises shall not prevent access or

egress to people in wheelchairs. An alternate

entry that is equally convenient to that pro-

vided for the ambulatory population is accept-

able.

8. LIBRARIES.

8.1 General. In addition to the requirements of

4.1 to 4.35, the design of all public areas of a

library shall comply with 8, including reading

and study areas, stacks, reference rooms,

reserve areas, and special facilities or collec-

tions.

8.2 Reading and Study Areas. At least 5

percent or a minimum of one of each element of

fixed seating, tables, or study carrels shall

comply with 4.2 and 4.32. Clearances between

fixed accessible tables and between study

carrels shall comply with 4.3.

8.3 Check-Out Areas. At least one lane at each

check-out area shall comply with 7.2(1). Any

traffic control or book security gates or turn-

stiles shall comply with

4.13.

8.4 Card Catalogs and Magazine

Displays. Minimum clear aisle space at card

catalogs and magazine displays shall comply

with Fig. 55. Maximum reach height shall

comply with 4.2, with a height of 48 in (1220

mm) preferred irrespective of approach allowed.

8.5 Stacks. Minimum clear aisle width between

stacks shall comply with 4.3, with a minimum

clear aisle width of 42 in (1065 mm) preferred

where possible. Shelf height in stack areas is

unrestricted (see Fig. 56).

8.0 Libraries

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

555

9. ACCESSIBLE TRANSIENT

LODGING.

(1) Except as specified in the special techni-

cal provisions of this section, accessible

transient lodging shall comply with the

applicable requirements of 4.1 through 4.35.

Transient lodging includes facilities or por-

tions thereof used for sleeping accommoda-

tions, when not classed as a medical care

facility.

9.1 Hotels, Motels, Inns, Boarding

Houses, Dormitories, Resorts and

Other Similar Places of Transient

Lodging.

9.1.1 General. All public use and common

use areas are required to be designed and

constructed to comply with section 4

(Accessible Elements and Spaces: Scope and

Technical Requirements).

EXCEPTION: Sections 9.1 through 9.4 do not

apply to an establishment located within a

building that contains not more than five

rooms for rent or hire and that is actually

occupied by the proprietor of such establish-

ment as the residence of such proprietor.

9.1.2 Accessible Units, Sleeping Rooms,

and Suites. Accessible sleeping rooms or

suites that comply with the requirements of

9.2 (Requirements for Accessible Units,

Sleeping Rooms, and Suites) shall be provided

in conformance with the table below. In

addition, in hotels, of 50 or more sleeping

rooms or suites, additional accessible sleeping

rooms or suites that include a roll-in shower

shall also be provided in conformance with the

table below. Such accommodations shall

comply with the requirements of 9.2, 4.21, and

Figure 57(a) or (b).

9.0 Accessible Transient Lodging

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

556

Number of Accessible Rooms with

Rooms Rooms Roll-in Showers

1 to 25 1

26 to 50 2

51 to 75 3 1

76 to 100 4 1

101 to 150 5 2

151 to 200 6 2

201 to 300 7 3

301 to 400 8 4

401 to 500 9 4, plus one for each

additional 100

over 400

501 to 1000 2% of total

1001 and over 20 plus 1 for

each 100

over 1000

9.1.3 Sleeping Accommodations for Per-

sons with Hearing Impairments.

In addition to those accessible sleeping rooms

and suites required by 9.1.2, sleeping rooms

and suites that comply with 9.3 (Visual Alarms,

Notification Devices, and Telephones) shall be

provided in conformance with the following

table:

Number of Accessible

Elements Elements

1 to 25 1

26 to 50 2

51 to 75 3

76 to 100 4

101 to 150 5

151 to 200 6

201 to 300 7

301 to 400 8

401 to 500 9

501 to 1000 2% of total

1001 and over 20 plus 1 for

each 100

over 1000

9.1.3 Sleeping Accommodations for Persons with Hearing Impairments

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

557

9.1.4 Classes of Sleeping Accommodations.

(1) In order to provide persons with disabili-

ties a range of options equivalent to those

available to other persons served by the facility,

sleeping rooms and suites required to be

accessible by 9.1.2 shall be dispersed among

the various classes of sleeping accommoda-

tions available to patrons of the place of tran-

sient lodging. Factors to be considered include

room size, cost, amenities provided, and the

number of beds provided.

(2) Equivalent Facilitation. For purposes of

this section, it shall be deemed equivalent

facilitation if the operator of a facility elects to

limit construction of accessible rooms to those

intended for multiple occupancy, provided that

such rooms are made available at the cost of a

single occupancy room to an individual with

disabilities who requests a single-occupancy

room.

9.1.5. Alterations to Accessible Units,

Sleeping Rooms, and Suites. When sleeping

rooms are being altered in an existing facility,

or portion thereof, subject to the requirements

of this section, at least one sleeping room or

suite that complies with the requirements of

9.2 (Requirements for Accessible Units, Sleep-

ing Rooms, and Suites) shall be provided for

each 25 sleeping rooms, or fraction thereof, of

rooms being altered until the number of such

rooms provided equals the number required to

be accessible with 9.1.2. In addition, at least

one sleeping room or suite that complies with

the requirements of 9.3 (Visual Alarms, Notifi-

cation Devices, and Telephones) shall be

provided for each 25 sleeping rooms, or fraction

thereof, of rooms being altered until the num-

ber of such rooms equals the number required

to be accessible by 9.1.3.

9.2 Requirements for Accessible

Units, Sleeping Rooms and Suites.

9.2.1 General. Units, sleeping rooms, and

suites required to be accessible by 9.1 shall

comply with 9.2.

9.2.2 Minimum Requirements. An accessible

unit, sleeping room or suite shall be on an

accessible route complying with 4.3 and have

the following accessible elements and spaces.

(1) Accessible sleeping rooms shall have a 36

in (915 mm) clear width maneuvering space

located along both sides of a bed, except that

where two beds are provided, this requirement

can be met by providing a 36 in (915 mm) wide

maneuvering space located between the two

beds.

(2) An accessible route complying with 4.3

shall connect all accessible spaces and ele-

ments, including telephones, within the unit,

sleeping room, or suite. This is not intended to

require an elevator in multi-story units as long

as the spaces identified in 9.2.2(6) and (7) are

on accessible levels and the accessible sleeping

area is suitable for dual occupancy.

(3) Doors and doorways designed to allow

passage into and within all sleeping rooms,

suites or other covered units shall comply with

4.13.

(4) If fixed or built-in storage facilities such as

cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers are

provided in accessible spaces, at least one of

each type provided shall contain storage space

complying with 4.25. Additional storage may be

provided outside of the dimensions required by

4.25.

(5) All controls in accessible units, sleeping

rooms, and suites shall comply with 4.27.

(6) Where provided as part of an accessible

unit, sleeping room, or suite, the following

spaces shall be accessible and shall be on an

accessible route:

(a) the living area.

(b) the dining area.

(d) patios, terraces, or balconies.

EXCEPTION: The requirements of 4.13.8 and

4.3.8 do not apply where it is necessary to

utilize a higher door threshold or a change in

level to protect the integrity of the unit from

wind/water damage. Where this exception

results in patios, terraces or balconies that are

not at an accessible level, equivalent facilitation

9.2 Requirements for Accessible Units, Sleeping Rooms and Suites

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

558

shall be provided. (E.g., Equivalent facilitation

at a hotel patio or balcony might consist of

providing raised decking or a ramp to provide

accessibility).

(e) at least one full bathroom (i.e., one with a

water closet, a lavatory, and a bathtub or

shower).

(f) if only half baths are provided, at least

one half bath. (g) carports, garages or parking

spaces.

(7) Kitchens, Kitchenettes, or Wet Bars.

When provided as accessory to a sleeping

room or suite, kitchens, kitchenettes, wet

bars, or similar amenities shall be accessible.

Clear floor space for a front or parallel ap-

proach to cabinets, counters, sinks, and

appliances shall be provided to comply with

4.2.4. Countertops and sinks shall be mounted

at a maximum height of 34 in (865 mm) above

the floor. At least fifty percent of shelf space in

cabinets or refrigerator/freezers shall be within

the reach ranges of 4.2.5 or 4.2.6 and space

shall be designed to allow for the operation of

cabinet and/or appliance doors so that all

cabinets and appliances are accessible and

usable. Controls and operating mechanisms

shall comply with 4.27.

(8) Sleeping room accommodations for

persons with hearing impairments required by

9.1 and complying with 9.3 shall be provided in

the accessible sleeping room or suite.

9.3 Visual Alarms, Notification

Devices and Telephones.

9.3.1 General. In sleeping rooms required to

comply with this section, auxiliary visual

alarms shall be provided and shall comply with

4.28.4. Visual notification devices shall also be

provided in units, sleeping rooms and suites to

alert room occupants of incoming telephone

calls and a door knock or bell. Notification

devices shall not be connected to auxiliary

visual alarm signal appliances. Permanently

installed telephones shall have volume con-

trols complying with 4.31.5; an accessible

electrical outlet within 4 ft (1220 mm) of a

telephone connection shall be provided to

facilitate the use of a text telephone.

9.3.2 Equivalent Facilitation. For purposes

of this section, equivalent facilitation shall

include the installation of electrical outlets

(including outlets connected to a facility’s

central alarm system) and telephone wiring in

sleeping rooms and suites to enable persons

with hearing impairments to utilize portable

visual alarms and communication devices

provided by the operator of the facility.

9.4 Other Sleeping Rooms and Suites.

Doors and doorways designed to allow passage

into and within all sleeping units or other

covered units shall comply with 4.13.5.

9.5 Transient Lodging in Homeless

Shelters, Halfway Houses, Transient

Group Homes, and Other Social

Service Establishments.

9.5.1 New Construction. In new construction

all public use and common use areas are

required to be designed and constructed to

comply with section 4. At least one of each

type of amenity (such as washers, dryers and

similar equipment installed for the use of

occupants) in each common area shall be

accessible and shall be located on an acces-

sible route to any accessible unit or sleeping

accommodation.

EXCEPTION: Where elevators are not provided

as allowed in 4.1.3(5), accessible amenities are

not required on inaccessible floors as long as

one of each type is provided in common areas

on accessible floors.

9.5.2 Alterations.

(1) Social service establishments which are

not homeless shelters:

(a) The provisions of 9.5.3 and 9.1.5 shall

apply to sleeping rooms and beds.

(b) Alteration of other areas shall be consis-

tent with the new construction provisions of

9.5.1.

(2) Homeless shelters. If the following

elements are altered, the following require-

ments apply:

9.3 Visual Alarms, Notification Devices and Telephones

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

559

(a) at least one public entrance shall allow a

person with mobility impairments to approach,

enter and exit including a minimum clear door

width of 32 in (815 mm).

(b) sleeping space for homeless persons as

provided in the scoping provisions of 9.1.2

shall include doors to the sleeping area with a

minimum clear width of 32 in (815 mm) and

maneuvering space around the beds for per-

sons with mobility impairments complying

with 9.2.2(1).

or one unisex toilet room shall have a mini-

mum clear door width of 32 in (815 mm),

minimum turning space complying with 4.2.3,

one water closet complying with 4.16, one

lavatory complying with 4.19 and the door shall

have a privacy latch; and, if provided, at least

one tub or shower shall comply with 4.20 or

4.21, respectively.

(d) at least one common area which a

person with mobility impairments can

approach, enter and exit including a minimum

clear door width of 32 in (815 mm).

(e) at least one route connecting elements

(a), (b), (c) and (d) which a person with mobility

impairments can use including minimum clear

width of 36 in (915 mm), passing space comply-

ing with 4.3.4, turning space complying with

4.2.3 and changes in levels complying with

4.3.8.

(f) homeless shelters can comply with the

provisions of (a)-(e) by providing the above

elements on one accessible floor.

9.5.3. Accessible Sleeping Accommodations

in New Construction. Accessible sleeping

rooms shall be provided in conformance with

the table in 9.1.2 and shall comply with 9.2

Accessible Units, Sleeping Rooms and Suites

(where the items are provided). Additional

sleeping rooms that comply with 9.3 Sleeping

Accommodations for Persons with Hearing

Impairments shall be provided in conformance

with the table provided in 9.1.3.

In facilities with multi-bed rooms or spaces, a

percentage of the beds equal to the table

provided in 9.1.2 shall comply with 9.2.2(1).

10. TRANSPORTATION

FACILITIES

10.1 General. Every station, bus stop, bus

stop pad, terminal, building or other transpor-

tation facility, shall comply with the applicable

provisions of 4.1 through 4.35, sections 5

through 9, and the applicable provisions of

this section. The exceptions for elevators in

4.1.3(5) exception 1 and 4.1.6(1)(k) do not

apply to a terminal, depot, or other station

used for specified public transportation, or an

airport passenger terminal, or facilities subject

to Title II.

10.2 Bus Stops and Terminals.

10.2.1 New Construction.

(1) Where new bus stop pads are constructed

at bus stops, bays or other areas where a lift or

ramp is to be deployed, they shall have a firm,

stable surface; a minimum clear length of 96

inches (measured from the curb or vehicle

roadway edge) and a minimum clear width of

60 inches (measured parallel to the vehicle

roadway) to the maximum extent allowed by

legal or site constraints; and shall be con-

nected to streets, sidewalks or pedestrian

paths by an accessible route complying with

4.3 and 4.4. The slope of the pad parallel to the

roadway shall, to the extent practicable, be the

same as the roadway. For water drainage, a

maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) perpendicular to

the roadway is allowed.

(2) Where provided, new or replaced bus

shelters shall be installed or positioned so as

to permit a wheelchair or mobility aid user to

enter from the public way and to reach a

location, having a minimum clear floor area of

30 inches by 48 inches, entirely within the

perimeter of the shelter. Such shelters shall be

connected by an accessible route to the

boarding area provided under paragraph (1) of

this section.

(3) Where provided, all new bus route

identification signs shall comply with 4.30.5.

In addition, to the maximum extent practicable,

all new bus route identification signs shall

comply with 4.30.2 and 4.30.3. Signs that are

10.0 Transportation Facilities

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

560

sized to the maximum dimensions permitted

under legitimate local, state or federal regula-

tions or ordinances shall be considered in

compliance with 4.30.2 and 4.30.3 for pur-

poses of this section.

EXCEPTION: Bus schedules, timetables, or

maps that are posted at the bus stop or bus

bay are not required to comply with this

provision.

10.2.2 Bus Stop Siting and Alterations.

(1) Bus stop sites shall be chosen such that,

to the maximum extent practicable, the areas

where lifts or ramps are to be deployed comply

with section 10.2.1(1) and (2).

(2) When new bus route identification signs

are installed or old signs are replaced, they

shall comply with the requirements of

10.2.1(3).

10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations.

10.3.1 New Construction. New stations in

rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercity

bus, intercity rail, high speed rail, and other

fixed guideway systems (e.g., automated

guideway transit, monorails, etc.) shall comply

with the following provisions, as applicable.

(1) Elements such as ramps, elevators or

other circulation devices, fare vending or other

ticketing areas, and fare collection areas shall

be placed to minimize the distance which

wheelchair users and other persons who

cannot negotiate steps may have to travel

compared to the general public. The circula-

tion path, including an accessible entrance

and an accessible route, for persons with

disabilities shall, to the maximum extent

practicable, coincide with the circulation path

for the general public. Where the circulation

path is different, signage complying with

4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, 4.30.5, and 4.30.7(1)

shall be provided to indicate direction to and

identify the accessible entrance and accessible

route.

(2) In lieu of compliance with 4.1.3(8), at least

one entrance to each station shall comply with

4.14, Entrances. If different entrances to a

station serve different transportation fixed

routes or groups of fixed routes, at least one

entrance serving each group or route shall

comply with 4.14, Entrances. All accessible

entrance shall, to the maximum extent practi-

cable, coincide with those used by the majority

of the general public.

(3) Direct connections to commercial, retail,

or residential facilities shall have an accessible

route complying with 4.3 from the point of

connection to boarding platforms and all

transportation system elements used by the

public. Any elements provided to facilitate

future direct connections shall be on an

accessible route connecting boarding plat-

forms and all transportation system elements

used by the public.

(4) Where signs are provided at entrances to

stations identifying the station or the entrance,

or both, at least one sign at each entrance shall

comply with 4.30.4 and 4.30.6. Such signs

shall be placed in uniform locations at en-

trances within the transit system to the

maximum extent practicable.

EXCEPTION: Where the station has no defined

entrance, but signage is provided, then the

accessible signage shall be placed in a central

location.

(5) Stations covered by this section shall

have identification signs complying with

4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5. Signs shall be

placed at frequent intervals and shall be clearly

visible from within the vehicle on both sides

when not obstructed by another train. When

station identification signs are placed close to

vehicle windows (i.e., on the side opposite from

boarding) each shall have the top of the highest

letter or symbol below the top of the vehicle

window and the bottom of the lowest letter or

symbol above the horizontal mid-line of the

vehicle window.

(6) Lists of stations, routes, or destinations

served by the station and located on boarding

areas, platforms, or mezzanines shall comply

with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5. A

minimum of one sign identifying the specific

station and complying with 4.30.4 and 4.30.6

shall be provided on each platform or boarding

area. All signs referenced in this paragraph

shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be

placed in uniform locations within the transit

system.

10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

561

(7)* Automatic fare vending, collection and

adjustment (e.g., add-fare) systems shall

comply with 4.34.2, 4.34.3, 4.34.4, and 4.34.5.

At each accessible entrance such devices shall

be located on an accessible route. If self-

service fare collection devices are provided for

the use of the general public, at least one

accessible device for entering, and at least one

for exiting, unless one device serves both

functions, shall be provided at each accessible

point of entry or exit. Accessible fare collection

devices shall have a minimum clear opening

width of 32 in; shall permit passage of a wheel-

chair; and, where provided, coin or card slots

and controls necessary for

operation shall comply with 4.27. Gates which

must be pushed open by wheelchair or mobility

aid users shall have a smooth continuous

surface extending from 2 inches above the floor

to 27 inches above the floor and shall comply

with 4.13. Where the circulation path does not

coincide with that used by the general public,

accessible fare collection systems shall be

located at or adjacent to the accessible point of

entry or exit.

(8) Platform edges bordering a drop-off and

not protected by platform screens or guard

rails shall have a detectable warning. Such

detectable warnings shall comply with 4.29.2

and shall be 24 inches wide running the full

length of the platform drop-off.

(9) In stations covered by this section,

rail-to-platform height in new stations shall be

coordinated with the floor height of new

vehicles so that the vertical difference,

measured when the vehicle is at rest, is within

plus or minus 5/8 inch under normal passen-

ger load conditions. For rapid rail, light rail,

commuter rail, high speed rail, and intercity

rail systems in new stations, the horizontal

gap, measured when the new vehicle is at rest,

shall be no greater than 3 in. For slow moving

automated guideway “people mover” transit

systems, the horizontal gap in new stations

shall be no greater than 1 in.

EXCEPTION 1: Existing vehicles operating in

new stations may have a vertical difference

with respect to the new platform within plus or

minus 1-1/2 in.

EXCEPTION 2: In light rail, commuter rail and

intercity rail systems where it is not operation-

ally or structurally feasible to meet the

horizontal gap or vertical difference

requirements, mini-high platforms, car-borne

or platform-mounted lifts, ramps or bridge

plates, or similar manually deployed devices,

meeting the applicable requirements of 36 C.F.R.

part 1192, or 49 C.F.R. part 38 shall suffice.

(10) Stations shall not be designed or

constructed so as to require persons with

disabilities to board or alight from a vehicle at

a location other than one used by the general

public.

(11) Illumination levels in the areas where

signage is located shall be uniform and shall

minimize glare on signs. Lighting along

circulation routes shall be of a type and

configuration to provide uniform illumination.

(12) Text Telephones: The following shall be

provided in accordance with 4.31.9:

(a) If an interior public pay telephone is

provided in a transit facility (as defined by the

Department of Transportation) at least one

interior public text telephone shall be provided

in the station.

(b) Where four or more public pay tele-

phones serve a particular entrance to a rail

station and at least one is in an interior

location, at least one interior public text

telephone shall be provided to serve that

entrance. Compliance with this section

constitutes compliance with section

4.1.3(17)(c).

(13) Where it is necessary to cross tracks to

reach boarding platforms, the route surface

shall be level and flush with the rail top at the

outer edge and between rails, except for a

maximum 2-1/2 inch gap on the inner edge of

each rail to permit passage of wheel flanges.

Such crossings shall comply with 4.29.5.

Where gap reduction is not practicable, an

above-grade or below-grade accessible route

shall be provided.

(14) Where public address systems are

provided to convey information to the public in

terminals, stations, or other fixed facilities, a

means of conveying the same or equivalent

information to persons with hearing loss or

who are deaf shall be provided.

10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

562

(15) Where clocks are provided for use by the

general public, the clock face shall be unclut-

tered so that its elements are clearly visible.

Hands, numerals, and/or digits shall contrast

with the background either light-on-dark or

dark-on-light. Where clocks are mounted

overhead, numerals and/or digits shall comply

with 4.30.3. Clocks shall be placed in uniform

locations throughout the facility and system to

the maximum extent practicable.

(16) Where provided in below grade stations,

escalators shall have a minimum clear width of

32 inches. At the top and bottom of each

escalator run, at least two contiguous treads

shall be level beyond the comb plate before the

risers begin to form. All escalator treads shall

be marked by a strip of clearly contrasting

color, 2 inches in width, placed parallel to and

on the nose of each step. The strip shall be of a

material that is at least as slip resistant as the

remainder of the tread. The edge of the tread

shall be apparent from both ascending and

descending directions.

(17) Where provided, elevators shall be

glazed or have transparent panels to allow an

unobstructed view both in to and out of the

car. Elevators shall comply with

4.10.

EXCEPTION: Elevator cars with a clear floor

area in which a 60 inch diameter circle can be

inscribed may be substituted for the minimum

car dimensions of 4.10, Fig. 22.

(18) Where provided, ticketing areas shall

permit persons with disabilities to obtain a

ticket and check baggage and shall comply

with 7.2.

(19) Where provided, baggage check-in and

retrieval systems shall be on an accessible

route complying with 4.3, and shall have space

immediately adjacent complying with 4.2. If

unattended security barriers are provided, at

least one gate shall comply with 4.13. Gates

which must be pushed open by wheelchair or

mobility aid users shall have a smooth con-

tinuous surface extending from 2 inches above

the floor to 27 inches above the floor.

10.3.2 Existing Facilities: Key Stations.

(1) Rapid, light and commuter rail key

stations, as defined under criteria established

by the Department of Transportation in sub-

part C of 49 CFR part 37 and existing intercity

rail stations shall provide at least one acces-

sible route from an accessible entrance to

those areas necessary for use of the transpor-

tation system.

(2) The accessible route required by 10.3.2(1)

shall include the features specified in 10.3.1(1),

(4)-(9), (11)-(15), and (17)-(19).

(3) Where technical infeasability in existing

stations requires the accessible route to lead

from the public way to a paid area of the transit

system, an accessible fare collection system,

complying with 10.3.1(7), shall be provided

along such accessible route.

(4) In light rail, rapid rail and commuter rail

key stations, the platform or a portion thereof

and the vehicle floor shall be coordinated so

that the vertical difference, measured when the

vehicle is at rest, is within plus or minus 1-1/2

inches under all normal passenger load

conditions, and the horizontal gap, measured

when the vehicle is at rest, is no greater than 3

inches for at least one door of each vehicle or

car required to be accessible by 49 CFR part

37.

EXCEPTION 1: Existing vehicles retrofitted to

meet the requirements of 49 CFR 37.93

(one-car-per-train rule) shall be coordinated

with the platform such that, for at least one

door, the vertical difference between the

vehicle floor and the platform, measured when

the vehicle is at rest with 50% normal passen-

ger capacity, is within plus or minus 2 inches

and the horizontal gap is no greater than 4

inches.

EXCEPTION 2: Where it is not structurally or

operationally feasible to meet the horizontal

gap or vertical difference requirements,

mini-high platforms, car-borne or platform

mounted lifts, ramps or bridge plates, or

similar manually deployed devices, meeting the

applicable requirements of 36 CFR part 1192,

or 49 CFR part 38, shall suffice.

10.3.2 Existing Facilities: Key Stations

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

563

(5) New direct connections to commercial,

retail, or residential facilities shall, to the

maximum extent feasible, have an accessible

route complying with 4.3 from the point of

connection to boarding platforms and all

transportation system elements used by the

public. Any elements provided to facilitate

future direct connections shall be on an

accessible route connecting boarding plat-

forms and all transportation system elements

used by the public.

10.3.3 Existing Facilities: Alterations.

(1) For the purpose of complying with

4.1.6(2) Alterations to an Area Containing a

Primary Function, an area of primary function

shall be as defined by applicable provisions of

49 C.F.R. 37.43(c) (Department of

Transportation’s ADA Rule) or 28 C.F.R. 36.403

(Department of Justice’s ADA Rule).

10.4 Airports.

10.4.1 New Construction.

(1) Elements such as ramps, elevators or

other vertical circulation devices, ticketing

areas, security checkpoints, or passenger

waiting areas shall be placed to minimize the

distance which wheelchair users and other

persons who cannot negotiate steps may have

to travel compared to the general public.

(2) The circulation path, including an acces-

sible entrance and an accessible route, for

persons with disabilities shall, to the maxi-

mum extent practicable, coincide with the

circulation path for the general public. Where

the circulation path is different, directional

signage complying with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3

and 4.30.5 shall be provided which indicates

the location of the nearest accessible entrance

and its accessible route.

(3) Ticketing areas shall permit persons with

disabilities to obtain a ticket and check

baggage and shall comply with 7.2.

(4) Where public pay telephones are pro-

vided, and at least one is at an interior loca-

tion, a public text telephone shall be provided

in compliance with 4.31.9. Additionally, if four

or more public pay telephones are located in

any of the following locations, at least one

public text telephone shall also be provided in

that location:

(a) a main terminal outside the

security areas;

(b) a concourse within the security

areas; or

Compliance with this section constitutes

compliance with section 4.1.3(17)(c).

(5) Baggage check-in and retrieval systems

shall be on an accessible route complying with

4.3, and shall have space immediately adjacent

complying with 4.2.4. If unattended security

barriers are provided, at least one gate shall

comply with 4.13. Gates which must be

pushed open by wheelchair or mobility aid

users shall have a smooth continuous surface

extending from 2 inches above the floor to 27

inches above the floor.

(6) Terminal information systems which

broadcast information to the general public

through a public address system shall provide

a means to provide the same or equivalent

information to persons with a hearing loss or

who are deaf. Such methods may include, but

are not limited to, visual paging systems using

video monitors and computer technology. For

persons with certain types of hearing loss

such methods may include, but are not limited

to, an assistive listening system complying

with 4.33.7.

(7) Where clocks are provided for use by the

general public the clock face shall be unclut-

tered so that its elements are clearly visible.

Hands, numerals, and/or digits shall contrast

with their background either light-on-dark or

dark-on-light. Where clocks are mounted

overhead, numerals and/or digits shall comply

with 4.30.3. Clocks shall be placed in uniform

locations throughout the facility to the maxi-

mum extent practicable.

(8) Security Systems. (Reserved).

10.5 Boat and Ferry Docks.

(Reserved).

10.4 Airports

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

564

APPENDIX

This appendix contains materials of an

advisory nature and provides additional

information that should help the reader to

understand the minimum requirements of the

guidelines or to design buildings or facilities

for greater accessibility. The paragraph num-

bers correspond to the sections or paragraphs

of the guideline to which the material relates

and are therefore not consecutive (for example,

A4.2.1 contains additional information relevant

to 4.2.1). Sections of the guidelines for which

additional material appears in this appendix

have been indicated by an asterisk. Nothing in

this appendix shall in any way obviate any

obligation to comply with the requirements of

the guidelines itself.

A2.2 Equivalent Facilitation. Specific

examples of equivalent facilitation are found

in the following sections:

4.1.6(3)(c) Elevators in Alterations

4.31.9 Text Telephones

7.2 Sales and Service

Counters, Teller Windows,

Information Counters

9.1.4 Classes of Sleeping

Accommodations

9.2.2(6)(d) Requirements for Accessible

Units, Sleeping Rooms, and

Suites

A4.1.1 Application.

A4.1.1(3) Areas Used Only by Employees

as Work Areas. Where there are a series of

individual work stations of the same type (e.g.,

laboratories, service counters, ticket booths),

5%, but not less than one, of each type of work

station should be constructed so that an

individual with disabilities can maneuver

within the work stations. Rooms housing

individual offices in a typical office building

must meet the requirements of the guidelines

concerning doors, accessible routes, etc. but

do not need to allow for maneuvering space

around individual desks. Modifications

required to permit maneuvering within the

work area may be accomplished as a reason-

able accommodation to individual employees

with disabilities under Title I of the ADA.

Consideration should also be given to placing

shelves in employee work areas at a

convenient height for accessibility or

installing commercially available shelving

that is adjustable so that reasonable accom-

modations can be made in the future.

If work stations are made accessible they

should comply with the applicable provisions

of 4.2 through 4.35.

A4.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior

Facilities: New Construction.

A4.1.2(5)(e) Valet Parking. Valet parking is

not always usable by individuals with disabili-

ties. For instance, an individual may use a

type of vehicle controls that render the regu-

lar controls inoperable or the driver’s seat in

a van may be removed. In these situations,

another person cannot park the vehicle. It is

recommended that some self-parking spaces

be provided at valet parking facilities for

individuals whose vehicles cannot be parked

by another person and that such spaces be

located on an accessible route to the en-

trance of the facility.

A4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New

Construction.

A4.1.3(5) Only full passenger elevators are

covered by the accessibility provisions of 4.10.

Materials and equipment hoists, freight eleva-

tors not intended for passenger use, dumbwait-

ers, and construction elevators are not covered

by these guidelines. If a building is exempt from

the elevator requirement, it is not necessary to

provide a platform lift or other means of verti-

cal access in lieu of an elevator.

Under Exception 4, platform lifts are allowed

where existing conditions make it impractical

to install a ramp or elevator. Such conditions

generally occur where it is essential to provide

access to small raised or lowered areas where

space may not be available for a ramp. Ex-

amples include, but are not limited to, raised

pharmacy platforms, commercial offices raised

above a sales floor, or radio and news booths.

A4.1.3(9) Supervised automatic sprinkler

systems have built in signals for monitoring

features of the system such as the opening and

closing of water control valves, the power

supplies for needed pumps, water tank levels,

and for indicating conditions that will impair

the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler

system.

Appendix

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

565

Because of these monitoring features, super-

vised automatic sprinkler systems have a high

level of satisfactory performance and response

to fire conditions.

A4.1.3(10) If an odd number of drinking

fountains is provided on a floor, the require-

ment in 4.1.3(10)(b) may be met by rounding

down the odd number to an even number and

calculating 50% of the even number. When

more than one drinking fountain on a floor is

required to comply with 4.15, those fountains

should be dispersed to allow wheelchair users

convenient access. For example, in a large

facility such as a convention center that has

water fountains at several locations on a floor,

the accessible water fountains should be

located so that wheelchair users do not have

to travel a greater distance than other people

to use a drinking fountain.

A4.1.3(17)(b) In addition to the requirements

of section 4.1.3(17)(b), the installation of

additional volume controls is encouraged.

Volume controls may be installed on any

telephone.

A4.1.3(19)(a) Readily removable or folding

seating units may be installed in lieu of

providing an open space for wheelchair users.

Folding seating units are usually two fixed

seats that can be easily folded into a fixed

center bar to allow for one or two open spaces

for wheelchair users when necessary. These

units are more easily adapted than removable

seats which generally require the seat to be

removed in advance by the facility manage-

ment.

Either a sign or a marker placed on seating

with removable or folding arm rests is required

by this section. Consideration should be given

for ensuring identification of such seats in a

darkened theater. For example, a marker which

contrasts (light on dark or dark on light) and

which also reflects light could be placed on the

side of such seating so as to be visible in a

lighted auditorium and also to reflect light

from a flashlight.

A4.1.6 Accessible Buildings:

Alterations.

A4.1.6(1)(h) When an entrance is being

altered, it is preferable that those entrances

being altered be made accessible to the

extent feasible.

A4.2 Space Allowances and Reach

Ranges.

A4.2.1 Wheelchair Passage Width.

(1) Space Requirements for Wheelchairs.

Many persons who use wheelchairs need a 30

in (760 mm) clear opening width for doorways,

gates, and the like, when the latter are entered

head-on. If the person is unfamiliar with a

building, if competing traffic is heavy, if sudden

or frequent movements are needed, or if the

wheelchair must be turned at an opening, then

greater clear widths are needed. For most

situations, the addition of an inch of leeway on

either side is sufficient. Thus, a minimum clear

width of 32 in (815 mm) will provide adequate

clearance. However, when an opening or a

restriction in a passageway is more than 24 in

(610 mm) long, it is essentially a passageway

and must be at least 36 in (915 mm) wide.

(2) Space Requirements for Use of Walking

Aids. Although people who use walking aids

can maneuver through clear width openings of

32 in (815 mm), they need 36 in (915 mm) wide

passageways and walks for comfortable gaits.

Crutch tips, often extending down at a wide

angle, are a hazard in narrow passageways

where they might not be seen by other pedestri-

ans. Thus, the 36 in (915 mm) width provides a

safety allowance both for the person with a

disability and for others.

(3) Space Requirements for Passing. Able-

bodied persons in winter clothing, walking

A4.2 Space Allowances and Reach Ranges

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

566

straight ahead with arms swinging, need 32 in

(815 mm) of width, which includes 2 in (50

mm) on either side for sway, and another 1 in

(25 mm) tolerance on either side for clearing

nearby objects or other pedestrians. Almost all

wheelchair users and those who use walking

aids can also manage within this 32 in (815

mm) width for short distances. Thus, two

streams of traffic can pass in 64 in (1625 mm)

in a comfortable flow. Sixty inches (1525 mm)

provides a minimum width for a somewhat

more restricted flow. If the clear width is less

than 60 in (1525 mm), two wheelchair users

will not be able to pass but will have to seek a

wider place for passing. Forty-eight inches

(1220 mm) is the minimum width needed for

an ambulatory person to pass a

nonambulatory or semi-ambulatory person.

Within this 48 in (1220 mm) width, the ambula-

tory person will have to twist to pass a wheel-

chair user, a person with a service animal, or a

A4.2 Space Allowances and Reach Ranges

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

567

semi-ambulatory person. There will be little

leeway for swaying or missteps (see Fig. A1).

A4.2.3 Wheelchair Turning Space.

These guidelines specify a minimum space of

60 in (1525 mm) diameter or a 60 in by 60 in

(1525 mm by 1525 mm) T-shaped space for a

pivoting 180-degree turn of a wheelchair. This

space is usually satisfactory for turning

around, but many people will not be able to

turn without repeated tries and bumping into

surrounding objects. The space shown in Fig.

A2 will allow most wheelchair users to com-

plete U-turns without difficulty.

A4.2.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space for

Wheelchairs. The wheelchair and user shown

in Fig. A3 represent typical dimensions for a

large adult male. The space requirements in

this guideline are based upon maneuvering

clearances that will accommodate most wheel-

chairs. Fig. A3 provides a uniform reference for

design not covered by this guideline.

A4.2.5 & A4.2.6 Reach. Reach ranges for

persons seated in wheelchairs may be further

clarified by Fig. A3(a). These drawings ap-

proximate in the plan view the information

shown in Fig. 4, 5, and 6.

A4.3 Accessible Route.

A4.3.1 General.

(1) Travel Distances. Many people with

mobility impairments can move at only very

slow speeds; for many, traveling 200 ft (61 m)

could take about 2 minutes. This assumes a

rate of about 1.5 ft/s (455 mm/s) on level

ground. It also assumes that the traveler would

move continuously. However, on trips over 100

ft (30 m), disabled people are apt to rest fre-

quently, which substantially increases their

trip times. Resting periods of 2 minutes for

every 100 ft (30 m) can be used to estimate

travel times for people with severely limited

stamina. In inclement weather, slow progress

and resting can greatly increase a disabled

person’s exposure to the elements.

(2) Sites. Level, indirect routes or those with

running slopes lower than 1:20 can sometimes

provide more convenience than direct routes

with maximum allowable slopes or with ramps.

A4.3.10 Egress. Because people with dis-

abilities may visit, be employed or be a resi-

dent in any building, emergency management

plans with specific provisions to ensure their

safe evacuation also play an essential role in

fire safety and life safety.

A4.3.11.3 Stairway Width. A 48 in (1220

mm) wide exit stairway is needed to allow

assisted evacuation (e.g., carrying a person in

a wheelchair) without encroaching on the exit

path for ambulatory persons.

A4.3 Accessible Route

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

568

A4.3.11.4 Two-way Communication. It is

essential that emergency communication not

be dependent on voice communications alone

because the safety of people with hearing or

speech impairments could be jeopardized. The

visible signal requirement could be satisfied

with something as simple as a button in the

area of rescue assistance that lights, indicat-

ing that help is on the way, when the mes-

sage is answered at the point of entry.

A4.4 Protruding Objects.

A4.4.1 General. Service animals are trained

to recognize and avoid hazards. However, most

people with severe impairments of vision use

the long cane as an aid to mobility. The two

principal cane techniques are the touch

technique, where the cane arcs from side to

side and touches points outside both shoul-

ders; and the diagonal technique, where the

cane is held in a stationary position diagonally

across the body with the cane tip touching or

just above the ground at a point outside one

shoulder and the handle or grip extending to a

point outside the other shoulder. The touch

technique is used primarily in uncontrolled

areas, while the diagonal technique is used

primarily in certain limited, controlled, and

familiar environments. Cane users are often

trained to use both techniques.

Potential hazardous objects are noticed only if

they fall within the detection range of canes

(see Fig. A4). Visually impaired people walking

toward an object can detect an overhang if its

lowest surface is not higher than 27 in (685

mm). When walking alongside protruding

objects, they cannot detect overhangs. Since

proper cane and service animal techniques

keep people away from the edge of a path or

from walls, a slight overhang of no more than 4

in (100 mm) is not hazardous.

A4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces.

A4.5.1 General. People who have difficulty

walking or maintaining balance or who use

crutches, canes, or walkers, and those with

restricted gaits are particularly sensitive to

slipping and tripping hazards. For such people,

a stable and regular surface is necessary for

safe walking, particularly on stairs. Wheel-

chairs can be propelled most easily on sur-

faces that are hard, stable, and regular. Soft

loose surfaces such as shag carpet, loose sand

or gravel, wet clay, and irregular surfaces such

as cobblestones can significantly impede

wheelchair movement.

Slip resistance is based on the frictional force

necessary to keep a shoe heel or crutch tip from

slipping on a walking surface under conditions

likely to be found on the surface. While the

dynamic coefficient of friction during walking

varies in a complex and non-uniform way, the

static coefficient of friction, which can be

measured in several ways, provides a close

approximation of the slip resistance of a

surface. Contrary to popular belief, some

slippage is necessary to walking, especially for

persons with restricted gaits; a truly “non-slip”

surface could not be negotiated.

The Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-

tration recommends that walking surfaces

have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5. A

research project sponsored by the Architectural

and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

(Access Board) conducted tests with persons

with disabilities and concluded that a higher

coefficient of friction was needed by such

persons. A static coefficient of friction of 0.6 is

recommended for accessible routes and 0.8 for

ramps.

It is recognized that the coefficient of friction

varies considerably due to the presence of

contaminants, water, floor finishes, and other

factors not under the control of the designer or

builder and not subject to design and construc-

tion guidelines and that compliance would be

difficult to measure on the building site. Never-

theless, many common building materials

suitable for flooring are now labeled with

information on the static coefficient of friction.

While it may not be possible to compare one

product directly with another, or to guarantee a

constant measure, builders and designers are

encouraged to specify materials with appropri-

ate values. As more products include informa-

tion on slip resistance, improved uniformity in

measurement and specification is likely. The

Access Board’s advisory guidelines on Slip

Resistant Surfaces provides additional infor-

mation on this subject.

Cross slopes on walks and ground or floor

surfaces can cause considerable difficulty in

propelling a wheelchair in a straight line.

A4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

569

A4.5.3 Carpet. Much more needs to be done

in developing both quantitative and qualitative

criteria for carpeting (i.e., problems associated

with texture and weave need to be studied).

However, certain functional characteristics are

well established. When both carpet and pad-

ding are used, it is desirable to have minimum

movement (preferably none) between the floor

and the pad and the pad and the carpet which

would allow the carpet to hump or warp. In

heavily trafficked areas, a thick, soft (plush)

pad or cushion, particularly in combination

with long carpet pile, makes it difficult for

individuals in wheelchairs and those with

other ambulatory disabilities to get about. Firm

carpeting can be achieved through proper

selection and combination of pad and carpet,

sometimes with the elimination of the pad or

cushion, and with proper installation.

Carpeting designed with a weave that causes

a zig-zag effect when wheeled across is

strongly discouraged.

A4.6 Parking and Passenger Loading

Zones.

A4.6.3 Parking Spaces. The increasing use

of vans with side-mounted lifts or ramps by

persons with disabilities has necessitated

some revisions in specifications for parking

spaces and adjacent access aisles. The

typical accessible parking space is 96 in

(2440 mm) wide with an adjacent 60 in (1525

mm) access aisle. However, this aisle does not

permit lifts or ramps to be deployed and still

leave room for a person using a wheelchair or

other mobility aid to exit the lift platform or

ramp. In tests conducted with actual lift/van/

wheelchair combinations, (under a

Board-sponsored Accessible Parking and

Loading Zones Project) researchers found that

a space and aisle totaling almost 204 in (5180

mm) wide was needed to deploy a lift and exit

conveniently. The “van accessible” parking

space required by these guidelines provides a

96 in (2440 mm) wide space with a 96 in (2440

mm) adjacent access aisle which is just wide

enough to maneuver and exit from a side

mounted lift. If a 96 in (2440 mm) access aisle

is placed between two spaces, two “van

accessible” spaces are created. Alternatively,

if the wide access aisle is provided at the end

of a row (an area often unused), it may be

possible to provide the wide access aisle

without additional space (see Fig. A5(a)).

A sign is needed to alert van users to the

presence of the wider aisle, but the space is

not intended to be restricted only to vans.

“Universal” Parking Space Design. An alter-

native to the provision of a percentage of

spaces with a wide aisle, and the associated

need to include additional signage, is the use

of what has been called the “universal”

parking space design. Under this design, all

accessible spaces are 132 in (3350 mm) wide

with a 60 in (1525 mm) access aisle (see Fig.

A5(b)). One advantage to this design is that

A4.6 Parking and Passenger Loading Zones

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

570

no additional signage is needed because all

spaces can accommodate a van with a

side-mounted lift or ramp. Also, there is no

competition between cars and vans for spaces

since all spaces can accommodate either.

Furthermore, the wider space permits vehicles

to park to one side or the other within the 132

in (3350 mm) space to allow persons to exit

and enter the vehicle on either the driver or

passenger side, although, in some cases, this

would require exiting or entering without a

marked access aisle.

An essential consideration for any design is

having the access aisle level with the parking

space. Since a person with a disability, using

a lift or ramp, must maneuver within the

access aisle, the aisle cannot include a ramp

or sloped area. The access aisle must be

connected to an accessible route to the

appropriate accessible entrance of a building

or facility. The parking access aisle must

either blend with the accessible route or have

a curb ramp complying with 4.7. Such a curb

ramp opening must be located within the

access aisle boundaries, not within the

parking space boundaries. Unfortunately,

many facilities are designed with a ramp that

is blocked when any vehicle parks in the

accessible space. Also, the required dimen-

sions of the access aisle cannot be restricted

by planters, curbs or wheel stops.

A4.6.4 Signage. Signs designating parking

places for disabled people can be seen from a

driver’s seat if the signs are mounted high

enough above the ground and located at the

front of a parking space.

A4.6.5 Vertical Clearance. High-top vans,

which disabled people or transportation

services often use, require higher clearances in

parking garages than automobiles.

A4.8 Ramps.

A4.8.1 General. Ramps are essential for

wheelchair users if elevators or lifts are not

available to connect different levels. However,

some people who use walking aids have

difficulty with ramps and prefer stairs.

A4.8.2 Slope and Rise. Ramp slopes be-

tween 1:16 and 1:20 are preferred. The ability

to manage an incline is related to both its

slope and its length. Wheelchair users with

disabilities affecting their arms or with low

stamina have serious difficulty using inclines.

Most ambulatory people and most people who

use wheelchairs can manage a slope of 1:16.

Many people cannot manage a slope of 1:12 for

30 ft (9 m).

A4.8.4 Landings. Level landings are essen-

tial toward maintaining an aggregate slope

that complies with these guidelines. A ramp

landing that is not level causes individuals

using wheelchairs to tip backward or bottom

out when the ramp is approached.

A4.8.5 Handrails. The requirements for stair

and ramp handrails in this guideline are for

adults. When children are principal users in a

building or facility, a second set of handrails at

an appropriate height can assist them and aid

in preventing accidents.

A4.9 Stairs.

A4.9.1 Minimum Number. Only interior and

exterior stairs connecting levels that are not

connected by an elevator, ramp, or other

accessible means of vertical access have to

comply with 4.9.

A4.10 Elevators.

A4.10.6 Door Protective and Reopening

Device. The required door reopening device

would hold the door open for 20 seconds if the

doorway remains obstructed. After 20 seconds,

the door may begin to close. However, if

designed in accordance with ASME

A17.1-1990, the door closing movement could

still be stopped if a person or object exerts

sufficient force at any point on the door edge.

A4.10.7 Door and Signal Timing for Hall

Calls. This paragraph allows variation in the

location of call buttons, advance time for

warning signals, and the door-holding period

used to meet the time requirement.

A4.10.12 Car Controls. Industry-wide

standardization of elevator control panel

design would make all elevators significantly

more convenient for use by people with severe

visual impairments. In many cases, it will be

possible to locate the highest control on

elevator panels within 48 in (1220 mm) from

the floor.

A4.8 Ramps

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

571

A4.10.13 Car Position Indicators. A special

button may be provided that would activate the

audible signal within the given elevator only

for the desired trip, rather than maintaining

the audible signal in constant operation.

A4.10.14 Emergency Communications. A

device that requires no handset is easier to

use by people who have difficulty reaching.

Also, small handles on handset compartment

doors are not usable by people who have

difficulty grasping.

Ideally, emergency two-way communication

systems should provide both voice and visual

display intercommunication so that persons

with hearing impairments and persons with

vision impairments can receive information

regarding the status of a rescue. A voice

intercommunication system cannot be the

only means of communication because it is

not accessible to people with speech and

hearing impairments. While a voice intercom-

munication system is not required, at a

minimum, the system should provide both an

audio and visual indication that a rescue is

on the way.

A4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair

Lifts).

A4.11.2 Other Requirements. Inclined

stairway chairlifts, and inclined and vertical

platform lifts (wheelchair lifts) are available

for short-distance, vertical transportation of

people with disabilities. Care should be taken

in selecting lifts as some lifts are not equally

suitable for use by both wheelchair users and

semi-ambulatory individuals.

A4.12 Windows.

A4.12.1 General. Windows intended to be

operated by occupants in accessible spaces

should comply with 4.12.

A4.12.2 Window Hardware. Windows

requiring pushing, pulling, or lifting to open

(for example, double-hung, sliding, or case-

ment and awning units without cranks)

should require no more than 5 lbf (22.2 N) to

open or close. Locks, cranks, and other

window hardware should comply with 4.27.

A4.13 Doors.

A4.13.8 Thresholds at Doorways. Thresh-

olds and surface height changes in doorways

are particularly inconvenient for wheelchair

users who also have low stamina or restric-

tions in arm movement because complex

maneuvering is required to get over the level

change while operating the door.

A4.13.9 Door Hardware. Some disabled

persons must push against a door with their

chair or walker to open it. Applied kickplates

on doors with closers can reduce required

maintenance by withstanding abuse from

wheelchairs and canes. To be effective, they

should cover the door width, less approxi-

mately 2 in (51 mm), up to a height of 16 in

(405 mm) from its bottom edge and be cen-

tered across the width of the door.

A4.13.10 Door Closers. Closers with delayed

action features give a person more time to

maneuver through doorways. They are particu-

larly useful on frequently used interior doors

such as entrances to toilet rooms.

A4.13.11 Door Opening Force. Although

most people with disabilities can exert at least

5 lbf (22.2N), both pushing and pulling from a

stationary position, a few people with severe

disabilities cannot exert 3 lbf (13.13N). Al-

though some people cannot manage the

allowable forces in this guideline and many

others have difficulty, door closers must have

certain minimum closing forces to close doors

satisfactorily. Forces for pushing or pulling

doors open are measured with a push-pull

scale under the following conditions:

(1) Hinged doors: Force applied perpendicu-

lar to the door at the door opener or 30 in (760

mm) from the hinged side, whichever is farther

from the hinge.

(2) Sliding or folding doors: Force applied

parallel to the door at the door pull or latch.

(3) Application of force: Apply force gradually

so that the applied force does not exceed the

resistance of the door. In high-rise buildings,

air-pressure differentials may require a modifi-

cation of this specification in order to meet

the functional intent.

A4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts)

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

572

A4.13.12 Automatic Doors and

Power-Assisted Doors. Sliding automatic

doors do not need guard rails and are more

convenient for wheelchair users and visually

impaired people to use. If slowly opening

automatic doors can be reactivated before their

closing cycle is completed, they will be more

convenient in busy doorways.

A4.15 Drinking Fountains and

Water Coolers.

A4.15.2 Spout Height. Two drinking foun-

tains, mounted side by side or on a single

post, are usable by people with disabilities

and people who find it difficult to bend over.

A4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

573

A4.16 Water Closets.

A4.16.3 Height. Height preferences for toilet

seats vary considerably among disabled people.

Higher seat heights may be an advantage to

some ambulatory disabled people, but are often

a disadvantage for wheelchair users and

others. Toilet seats 18 in (455 mm) high seem

to be a reasonable compromise. Thick seats

and filler rings are available to adapt standard

fixtures to these requirements.

A4.16.4 Grab Bars. Fig. A6(a) and (b) show

the diagonal and side approaches most com-

monly used to transfer from a wheelchair to a

water closet. Some wheelchair users can

transfer from the front of the toilet while others

use a 90-degree approach. Most people who

use the two additional approaches can also use

either the diagonal approach or the side

approach.

A4.16.5 Flush Controls. Flush valves and

related plumbing can be located behind walls

or to the side of the toilet, or a toilet seat lid

can be provided if plumbing fittings are directly

behind the toilet seat. Such designs reduce the

chance of injury and imbalance caused by

leaning back against the fittings. Flush con-

trols for tank-type toilets have a standardized

mounting location on the left side of the tank

(facing the tank). Tanks can be obtained by

special order with controls mounted on the

right side. If administrative authorities require

flush controls for flush valves to be located in a

position that conflicts with the location of the

rear grab bar, then that bar may be split or

shifted toward the wide side of the toilet area.

A4.17 Toilet Stalls.

A4.17.3 Size and Arrangement. This

section requires use of the 60 in (1525 mm)

standard stall (Figure 30(a)) and permits the

36 in (915 mm) or 48 in (1220 mm) wide

alternate stall (Figure 30(b)) only in alter-

ations where provision of the standard stall is

technically infeasible or where local plumbing

codes prohibit reduction in the number of

fixtures. A standard stall provides a clear

space on one side of the water closet to enable

persons who use wheelchairs to perform a

side or diagonal transfer from the wheelchair

to the water closet. However, some persons

with disabilities who use mobility aids such

as walkers, canes or crutches are better able

to use the two parallel grab bars in the 36 in

(915 mm) wide alternate stall to achieve a

standing position.

In large toilet rooms, where six or more toilet

stalls are provided, it is therefore required

that a 36 in (915 mm) wide stall with parallel

grab bars be provided in addition to the

standard stall required in new construction.

The 36 in (915 mm) width is necessary to

achieve proper use of the grab bars; wider

stalls would position the grab bars too far

apart to be easily used and narrower stalls

would position the grab bars too close to the

water closet. Since the stall is primarily

intended for use by persons using canes,

crutches and walkers, rather than wheel-

chairs, the length of the stall could be conven-

tional. The door, however, must swing out-

ward to ensure a usable space for people who

use crutches or walkers.

A4.17.5 Doors. To make it easier for wheel-

chair users to close toilet stall doors, doors

can be provided with closers, spring hinges, or

a pull bar mounted on the inside surface of

the door near the hinge side.

A4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors.

A4.19.6 Mirrors. If mirrors are to be used by

both ambulatory people and wheelchair users,

then they must be at least 74 in (1880 mm)

high at their topmost edge. A single full length

mirror can accommodate all people, including

children.

A4.21 Shower Stalls.

A4.21.1 General. Shower stalls that are 36 in

by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) wide provide

additional safety to people who have difficulty

maintaining balance because all grab bars and

walls are within easy reach. Seated people use

the walls of 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915

mm) showers for back support. Shower stalls

that are 60 in (1525 mm) wide and have no

curb may increase usability of a bathroom by

wheelchair users because the shower area

provides additional maneuvering space.

A4.22 Toilet Rooms.

A4.22.3 Clear Floor Space. In many small

facilities, single-user restrooms may be the

only facilities provided for all building users.

A4.16 Water Closets

A10

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

574

In addition, the guidelines allow the use of

“unisex” or “family” accessible toilet rooms in

alterations when technical infeasibility can be

demonstrated. Experience has shown that the

provision of accessible “unisex” or single-user

restrooms is a reasonable way to provide

access for wheelchair users and any atten-

dants, especially when attendants are of the

opposite sex. Since these facilities have

proven so useful, it is often considered advan-

tageous to install a “unisex” toilet room in

new facilities in addition to making the

multi-stall restrooms accessible, especially in

shopping malls, large auditoriums, and

convention centers.

Figure 28 (section 4.16) provides minimum

clear floor space dimensions for toilets in

accessible “unisex” toilet rooms. The dotted

lines designate the minimum clear floor

space, depending on the direction of approach,

required for wheelchair users to transfer onto

the water closet. The dimensions of 48 in

(1220 mm) and 60 in (1525 mm), respectively,

correspond to the space required for the two

common transfer approaches utilized by

wheelchair users (see Fig. A6). It is important

to keep in mind that the placement of the

lavatory to the immediate side of the water

closet will preclude the side approach transfer

illustrated in Figure A6(b).

To accommodate the side transfer, the space

adjacent to the water closet must remain

clear of obstruction for 42 in (1065 mm) from

the centerline of the toilet (Figure 28) and the

lavatory must not be located within this clear

space. A turning circle or T-turn, the clear floor

space at the lavatory, and maneuvering space

at the door must be considered when deter-

mining the possible wall locations. A privacy

latch or other accessible means of ensuring

privacy during use should be provided at the

door.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. In new construction, accessible single-user

restrooms may be desirable in some situa-

tions because they can accommodate a wide

variety of building users. However, they

cannot be used in lieu of making the

multi-stall toilet rooms accessible as required.

2. Where strict compliance to the guidelines

for accessible toilet facilities is technically

infeasible in the alteration of existing facili-

ties, accessible “unisex” toilets are a reason-

able alternative.

3. In designing accessible single-user

restrooms, the provisions of adequate space

to allow a side transfer will provide accommo-

dation to the largest number of wheelchair

users.

A4.22 Toilet Rooms

A11

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

575

A4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities,

and Shower Rooms.

A4.23.3 Clear Floor Space. Figure A7

shows two possible configurations of a toilet

room with a roll-in shower. The specific shower

shown is designed to fit exactly within the

dimensions of a standard bathtub. Since the

shower does not have a lip, the floor space can

be used for required maneuvering space. This

would permit a toilet room to be smaller than

would be permitted with a bathtub and still

provide enough floor space to be considered

accessible. This design can provide accessibil-

ity in facilities where space is at a premium

(i.e., hotels and medical care facilities). The

alternate roll-in shower (Fig. 57b) also provides

sufficient room for the “T-turn” and does not

require plumbing to be on more than one wall.

A4.23.9 Medicine Cabinets. Other alterna-

tives for storing medical and personal care

items are very useful to disabled people.

Shelves, drawers, and floor-mounted cabinets

can be provided within the reach ranges of

disabled people.

A4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub

and Shower Seats.

A4.26.1 General. Many disabled people rely

heavily upon grab bars and handrails to

maintain balance and prevent serious falls.

Many people brace their forearms between

supports and walls to give them more leverage

and stability in maintaining balance or for

lifting. The grab bar clearance of 1-1/2 in (38

mm) required in this guideline is a safety

clearance to prevent injuries resulting from

arms slipping through the openings. It also

provides adequate gripping room.

A4.26.2 Size and Spacing of Grab Bars

and Handrails. This specification allows for

alternate shapes of handrails as long as they

allow an opposing grip similar to that pro-

vided by a circular section of 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2

in (32 mm to 38 mm).

A4.27 Controls and Operating

Mechanisms.

A4.27.3 Height. Fig. A8 further illustrates

A4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms

A12

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

576

mandatory and advisory control mounting

height provisions for typical equipment.

Electrical receptacles installed to serve indi-

vidual appliances and not intended for regular

or frequent use by building occupants are not

required to be mounted within the specified

reach ranges. Examples would be receptacles

installed specifically for wall-mounted clocks,

refrigerators, and microwave ovens.

A4.28 Alarms.

A4.28.2 Audible Alarms. Audible emergency

signals must have an intensity and frequency

that can attract the attention of individuals who

have partial hearing loss. People over 60 years

of age generally have difficulty perceiving

frequencies higher than 10,000 Hz. An alarm

signal which has a periodic element to its

signal, such as single stroke bells (clang-

pause-clang- pause), hi-low (up-down-up-down)

and fast whoop (on-off-on-off) are best. Avoid

continuous or reverberating tones. Select a

signal which has a sound characterized by

three or four clear tones without a great deal

of “noise” in between.

A4.28.3 Visual Alarms. The specifications in

this section do not preclude the use of zoned or

coded alarm systems.

A4.28.4 Auxiliary Alarms. Locating visual

emergency alarms in rooms where persons who

are deaf may work or reside alone can ensure

that they will always be warned when an

emergency alarm is activated. To be effective,

such devices must be located and oriented so

that they will spread signals and reflections

throughout a space or raise the overall light

level sharply. However, visual alarms alone are

not necessarily the best means to alert sleep-

ers. A study conducted by Underwriters Labo-

ratory (UL) concluded that a flashing light

more than seven times brighter was required

(110 candela v. 15 candela, at the same

distance) to awaken sleepers as was needed to

alert awake subjects in a normal daytime

illuminated room.

For hotel and other rooms where people are

likely to be asleep, a signal-activated vibrator

placed between mattress and box spring or

under a pillow was found by UL to be much

more effective in alerting sleepers. Many

readily available devices are sound-activated

so that they could respond to an alarm clock,

clock radio, wake-up telephone call or room

smoke detector. Activation by a building alarm

system can either be accomplished by a

separate circuit activating an auditory alarm

which would, in turn, trigger the vibrator or by

a signal transmitted through the ordinary

110-volt outlet. Transmission of signals

through the power line is relatively simple and

is the basis of common, inexpensive remote

light control systems sold in many department

and electronic stores for home use. So-called

“wireless” intercoms operate on the same

principal.

A4.29 Detectable Warnings.

A4.29.2 Detectable Warnings on Walking

Surfaces. The material used to provide con-

trast should contrast by at least 70%. Contrast

in percent is determined by:

Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100

where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the

lighter area and B2 = light reflectance value

(LRV) of the darker area.

Note that in any application both white and

black are never absolute; thus, B1 never

equals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.

A4.30 Signage.

A4.30.1 General. In building complexes where

finding locations independently on a routine

basis may be a necessity (for example, college

campuses), tactile maps or prerecorded instruc-

tions can be very helpful to visually impaired

people. Several maps and auditory instructions

have been developed and tested for specific

applications. The type of map or instructions

used must be based on the information to be

communicated, which depends highly on the

type of buildings or users.

Landmarks that can easily be distinguished by

visually impaired individuals are useful as

orientation cues. Such cues include changes in

illumination level, bright colors, unique pat-

terns, wall murals, location of special equip-

ment or other architectural features.

Many people with disabilities have limitations

in movement of their heads and reduced

peripheral vision. Thus, signage positioned

A4.28 Alarms

A13

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

577

perpendicular to the path of travel is easiest for

them to notice. People can generally distin-

guish signage within an angle of 30 degrees to

either side of the centerlines of their faces

without moving their heads.

A4.30.2 Character Proportion. The legibility

of printed characters is a function of the

viewing distance, character height, the ratio of

the stroke width to the height of the character,

the contrast of color between character and

background, and print font. The size of charac-

ters must be based upon the intended viewing

distance. A severely nearsighted person may

have to be much closer to recognize a character

of a given size than a person with normal visual

acuity.

A4.30.4 Raised and Brailled Characters

and Pictorial Symbol Signs (Pictograms).

The standard dimensions for literary Braille

are as follows:

Dot diameter .059 in.

Inter-dot spacing .090 in.

Horizontal separation

between cells .241 in.

Vertical separation

between cells .395 in.

Raised borders around signs containing raised

characters may make them confusing to read

unless the border is set far away from the

characters. Accessible signage with descriptive

materials about public buildings, monuments,

and objects of cultural interest may not

provide sufficiently detailed and meaningful

information. Interpretive guides, audio tape

devices, or other methods may be more effec-

tive in presenting such information.

A4.30.5 Finish and Contrast. An eggshell

finish (11 to 19 degree gloss on 60 degree

glossimeter) is recommended. Research indi-

cates that signs are more legible for persons

with low vision when characters contrast with

their background by at least 70 percent.

Contrast in percent shall be determined by:

Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100

where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of

the lighter area and B2 = light reflectance

value (LRV) of the darker area.

Note that in any application both white and

black are never absolute; thus, B1 never

equals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.

The greatest readability is usually achieved

through the use of light-colored characters or

symbols on a dark background.

A4.30.7 Symbols of Accessibility for

Different Types of Listening Systems.

Paragraph 4 of this section requires signage

indicating the availability of an assistive

listening system. An appropriate message

should be displayed with the international

symbol of access for hearing loss since this

symbol conveys general accessibility for

people with hearing loss. Some suggestions

are:

INFRARED

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM

AVAILABLE

----PLEASE ASK----

AUDIO LOOP IN USE

TURN T-SWITCH FOR

BETTER HEARING

----OR ASK FOR HELP----

ASSISTIVE LISTENING

SYSTEM AVAILABLE

----PLEASE ASK----

The symbol may be used to notify persons of

the availability of other auxiliary aids and

services such as: real time captioning, cap-

tioned note taking, sign language interpret-

ers, and oral interpreters.

A4.30.8 Illumination Levels. Illumination

levels on the sign surface shall be in the 100

to 300 lux range (10 to 30 footcandles) and

shall be uniform over the sign surface. Signs

shall be located such that the illumination

level on the surface of the sign is not signifi-

cantly exceeded by the ambient light or

visible bright lighting source behind or in

front of the sign.

A4.30 Signage

A14

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

578

A4.31 Telephones.

A4.31.3 Mounting Height. In localities where

the dial-tone first system is in operation, calls

can be placed at a coin telephone through the

operator without inserting coins. The operator

button is located at a height of 46 in (1170 mm)

if the coin slot of the telephone is at 54 in (1370

mm). A generally available public telephone

with a coin slot mounted lower on the equip-

ment would allow universal installation of

telephones at a height of 48 in (1220 mm) or

less to all operable parts.

A4.31.9 Text Telephones. A public text

telephone may be an integrated text telephone

pay phone unit or a conventional portable text

telephone that is permanently affixed within, or

adjacent to, the telephone enclosure. In order

to be usable with a pay phone, a text telephone

which is not a single integrated text telephone

pay phone unit will require a shelf large

enough (10 in (255mm) wide by 10 in (255 mm)

deep with a 6 in (150 mm) vertical clearance

minimum) to accommodate the device, an

electrical outlet, and a power cord. Movable or

portable text telephones may be used to

provide equivalent facilitation. A text telephone

should be readily available so that a person

using it may access the text telephone easily

and conveniently. As currently designed

pocket-type text telephones for personal use do

not accommodate a wide range of users. Such

devices would not be considered substantially

equivalent to conventional text telephones.

However, in the future as technology develops

this could change.

A4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating

and Tables.

A4.32.4 Height of Tables or Counters.

Different types of work require different table or

counter heights for comfort and optimal perfor-

mance. Light detailed work such as writing

requires a table or counter close to elbow

height for a standing person. Heavy manual

work such as rolling dough requires a counter

or table height about 10 in (255 mm) below

elbow height for a standing person. This prin-

ciple of high/low table or counter heights also

applies for seated persons; however, the limiting

condition for seated manual work is clearance

under the table or counter.

Table A1 shows convenient counter heights for

seated persons. The great variety of heights for

comfort and optimal performance indicates a

need for alternatives or a compromise in height

if people who stand and people who sit will be

using the same counter area.

Table A1

Convenient Heights of Tables

and Counters for Seated People

Short Tall

Women Men

Conditions of Use in mm in mm

Seated in a wheelchair:

Manual work-

Desk or removable

armrests 26 660 30 760

Fixed, full-size armrests

815 32

815

Light, detailed work:

Desk or removable

armrests 29 735 34 865

Fixed, full-size armrests

815 34 865

Seated in a 16 in (405 mm)

high chair:

Manual work 26 660 27 685

Light, detailed work 28 710 31 785

All dimensions are based on a work-surface

thickness of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) and a clearance

of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) between legs and the

underside of a work surface.

This type of wheelchair arm does not interfere

with the positioning of a wheelchair under a

work surface.

This dimension is limited by the height of the

armrests: a lower height would be preferable.

Some people in this group prefer lower work

surfaces, which require positioning the wheel-

chair back from the edge of the counter.

A4.33 Assembly Areas.

A4.33.2 Size of Wheelchair Locations.

Spaces large enough for two wheelchairs allow

people who are coming to a performance

together to sit together.

A4.33.3 Placement of Wheelchair

Locations. The location of wheelchair areas

can be planned so that a variety of positions

A4.31 Telephones

A15

Pt. 36, App. ADepartment of Justice

579

within the seating area are provided. This will

allow choice in viewing and price categories.

Building/life safety codes set minimum

distances between rows of fixed seats with

consideration of the number of seats in a row,

the exit aisle width and arrangement, and the

location of exit doors. “Continental” seating,

with a greater number of seats per row and a

commensurate increase in row spacing and

exit doors, facilitates emergency egress for all

people and increases ease of access to

mid-row seats especially for people who walk

with difficulty. Consideration of this positive

attribute of “continental” seating should be

included along with all other factors in the

design of fixed seating areas.

Induction Loop

Transmitter: Transducer

wired to induction loop

around listening area.

Receiver: Self-contained

induction receiver or

personal hearing aid

with telecoil.

Cost-Effective

Low Maintenance

Easy to use

Unobtrusive

May be possible to

integrate into existing

public address system.

Some hearing aids can

function as receivers.

Signal spills over to

adjacent rooms.

Susceptible to electrical

interference.

Limited portability

Inconsistent signal

strength

Head position affects

signal strength.

Lack of standards for

induction coil

performance.

Meeting areas

Theaters

Churches and Temples

Conference rooms

Classrooms

TV viewing

Transmitter: Flashlight-

sized worn by speaker.

Receiver: With personal

hearing aid via DAI or

induction neck-loop and

telecoil; or self-contain-

ed with earphone(s).

Highly portable

Different channels allow

use by different groups

within the same room.

High user mobility

Variable for large range

of hearing losses.

High cost of receivers

Equipment fragile

Equipment obtrusive

High maintenance

Expensive to maintain

Custom fitting to

individual user may be

required.

Classrooms

Tour groups

Meeting areas

Outdoor events

One-on-one

Infrared

Transmitter: Emitter in

line-of- sight with

receiver.

Receiver: Self-contained.

Or with personal hearing

aid via DAI or induction

neckloop and telecoil.

System Typical

Applications

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to use

Insures privacy or

confidentiality

Moderate cost

Can often be integrated

into existing public

address system.

Line-of-sight required

between emitter and

receiver.

Ineffective outdoors

Limited portability

Requires installation

Source: Rehab Brief, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Washington, DC, Vol. XII, No. 10, (1990).

Table A2. Summary of Assistive Listening Devices

Theaters

Churches and Temples

Auditoriums

Meetings requiring

confidentiality

TV viewing

Table A2. Summary of Assistive Listening Devices

A16

Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

580

A4.33.6 Placement of Listening

Systems.

A distance of 50 ft (15 m) allows a

person to distinguish performers’ facial

expressions.

A4.33.7 Types of Listening Systems.

assistive listening system appropriate for an

assembly area for a group of persons or where

the specific individuals are not known in

advance, such as a playhouse, lecture hall or

movie theater, may be different from the system

appropriate for a particular individual provided

as an auxiliary aid or as part of a reasonable

accommodation. The appropriate device for an

individual is the type that individual can use,

whereas the appropriate system for an assembly

area will necessarily be geared toward the

“average” or aggregate needs of various

indi-viduals. A listening system that can be used

from any seat in a seating area is the most flexible

way to meet this specification. Earphone jacks

with variable volume controls can benefit only

people who have slight hearing loss and do not

help people who use hearing aids. At the present

time, magnetic induction loops are the most

feasible type of listening system for people who

use hearing aids equipped with “T-coils,” but

people without hearing aids or those with hearing

aids not equipped with inductive pick-ups cannot

use them without special receivers. Radio fre-

quency systems can be extremely effective and

inexpensive. People without hearing aids can use

them, but people with hearing aids need a special

receiver to use them as they are presently de-

signed. If hearing aids had a jack to allow a

by-pass of microphones, then radio frequency

systems would be suitable for people with and

without hearing aids. Some listening systems may

be subject to interference from other equipment

and feedback from hearing aids of people who are

using the systems. Such interference can be

controll-ed by careful engineering design that

anticipates feedback sources in the surrounding

area.

Table A2, reprinted from a National Institute of

Disability and Rehabilitation Research “Rehab

Brief,” shows some of the advantages and disad-

vantages of different types of assistive listening

systems. In addition, the Architectural and

Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

(Access Board) has published a pamphlet on

Assistive Listening Systems which lists demon-

stration centers across the country where

technical assistance can be obtained in selecting

and installing appropriate systems. The state of

New York has also adopted a detailed technical

specification which may be useful.

A5.0 Restaurants and Cafeterias.

A5.1 General.

Dining counters (where there is

no service) are typically found in small carry-out

restaurants, bakeries, or coffee shops and may

only be a narrow eating surface attached to a

wall. This section requires that where such a

dining counter is provided, a portion of the

counter shall be at the required accessible height.

A7.0 Business and Mercantile.

A7.2(3) Assistive Listening Devices.

At all

sales and service counters, teller windows, box

offices, and information kiosks where a physical

barrier separates service personnel and custom-

ers, it is recommended that at least one perma-

nently installed assistive listening device comply-

ing with 4.33 be provided at each location or

series. Where assistive listening devices are

installed, signage should be provided identifying

those stations which are so equipped.

A7.3 Check-out Aisles.

Section 7.2 refers to

counters without aisles; section 7.3 concerns

check-out aisles. A counter without an aisle (7.2)

can be approached from more than one direction

such as in a convenience store. In order to use a

check-out aisle (7.3), customers must enter a

defined area (an aisle) at a particular point, pay

for goods, and exit at a particular point.

A10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations

A10.3.1(7) Route Signs.

One means of

making control buttons on fare vending ma-

chines usable by persons with vision impair-

ments is to raise them above the surrounding

surface. Those activated by a mechanical motion

are likely to be more detectable. If farecard

vending, collection, and adjustment devices are

designed to accommodate farecards having one

tactually distinctive corner, then a person who

has a vision impairment will insert the card with

greater ease. Token collection devices that are

designed to accommodate tokens which are

perforated can allow a person to distinguish more

readily between tokens and common coins.

Thoughtful placement of accessible gates and

fare vending machines in relation to inaccessible

devices will make their use and detection easier

for all persons with disabilities.

A5.0 Restaurants and Cafeterias

[56 FR 35592, July 26, 1991, as amended by Order No. 1679-93, 58 FR 17522, Apr. 5, 1993; Order

No. 1836-94, 59 FR 2675, Jan. 18, 1994]

A17