Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards Commenters recommended that the consensus about the appropriate dimension Department apply an ASTM Standard on which to base revised requirements. (with modifications) to assess whether a The Access Board is conducting research floor surface is “slip resistant” as required to study this issue in order to determine if by section 302.1 of the 2010 Standards. new requirements are warranted. For more The Department declines to accept this information, see the Access Board’s website recommendation since, currently, there is no at http://www.access-board.gov/research/ generally accepted test method for the slip- current-projects.htm#suny. The Department resistance of all walking surfaces under all plans to wait for the results of this study conditions. and action by the Access Board before considering any changes to the Department’s 304 Turning Space rules. Covered entities may wish to consider providing more than the minimum amount Section 4.2.3 of the 1991 Standards and of turning space in confined spaces where Section 304.3 of the 2010 Standards a turn will be required. Appendix section allow turning space to be either a circular A4.2.3 and Fig. A2 of the 1991 Standards space or a T-shaped space. Section 304.3 provide guidance on additional space for permits turning space to include knee and making a smooth turn without bumping into toe clearance complying with section 306. surrounding objects. Section 4.2.3 of the 1991 Standards did not specifically permit turning space to include 404 Doors, Doorways, and Gates knee and toe clearance. Commenters urged the Department to retain the turning space Automatic Door Break Out Openings. The requirement, but exclude knee and toe 1991 Standards do not contain any technical clearance from being permitted as part of this requirement for automatic door break out space. They argued that wheelchairs and openings. The 2010 Standards at sections other mobility devices are becoming larger 404.1, 404.3, 404.3.1, and 404.3.6 require and that more individuals with disabilities automatic doors that are part of a means of are using electric three and four-wheeled egress and that do not have standby power scooters which cannot utilize knee clearance. to have a 32-inch minimum clear break out opening when operated in emergency The Department recognizes that the mode. The minimum clear opening width technical specifications for T-shaped and for automatic doors is measured with all circular turning spaces in the 1991 and 2010 leaves in the open position. Automatic bi- Standards, which are based on manual parting doors or pairs of swinging doors wheelchair dimensions, may not adequately that provide a 32-inch minimum clear break meet the needs of individuals using larger out opening in emergency mode when electric scooters. However, there is no both leaves are opened manually meet the 162 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice