What is it and how does it apply to hardware?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. Accessibility Guidelines for hardware apply to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities and are to be considered during the design, construction, and alteration of such building projects. The following information comes from www.ada.gov and includes information as it pertains to our Drawer Pulls, Grab Bars, and Power Track wireway systems:
404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where sliding doors are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides.Advisory 404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Door hardware that can be operated with a
closed fist or a loose grip accommodates the greatest range of users. Hardware that
requires simultaneous hand and finger movements require greater dexterity and
coordination, and is not recommended.
604.5 Grab Bars. Grab bars for water closets shall comply with 609. Grab bars shall be provided on the side wall closest to the water closet and on the rear wall.
303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
Advisory 303.3 Beveled. A change in level of ½ inch (13 mm) is permitted to be ¼ inch
(6.4 mm) vertical plus ¼ inch (6.4 mm) beveled. However, in no case may the combined
change in level exceed ½ inch (13 mm). Changes in level exceeding ½ inch (13 mm) must
comply with 405 (Ramps) or 406 (Curb Ramps).
303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with 405 or 406.
Slope.
| Slope1 | Maximum Rise |
|---|---|
| Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 | 6 inches (150 mm) |
Advisory 405.2 Slope. To accommodate the widest range of users, provide ramps with the
least possible running slope and, wherever possible, accompany ramps with stairs for use
by those individuals for whom distance presents a greater barrier than steps, e.g., people
with heart disease or limited stamina.
205 Operable Parts
205.1 General. Operable parts on accessible elements, accessible routes, and in accessible rooms and spaces shall comply with 309.
EXCEPTIONS: Electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use shall not be required to comply with 309.
Floor electrical receptacles shall not be required to comply with 309.
902.4.2 Height. The tops of tables and counters shall be 26 inches (660 mm) minimum and 30 inches (760 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.
Click to view our collection of ADA compliant hardware.