Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards • Section 4.26.2 of the 1991 Standards re- • Section 4.9.4 of the 1991 Standards quires handrail gripping surfaces to have requires handrails at the bottom of stairs a diameter of 1 ¼ inches to 1 ½ inches, or to continue to slope for a distance of the to provide an equivalent gripping surface. width of one tread beyond the bottom riser Section 505.7 of the 2010 Standards nosing and to further extend horizontally requires handrail gripping surfaces with a at least 12 inches. Section 505.10 of the circular cross section to have an outside 2010 Standards requires handrails at the diameter of 1 ¼ inches to 2 inches. Hand- bottom of stairs to extend at the slope of rail gripping surfaces with a non-circular the stair flight for a horizontal distance at cross section must have a perimeter least equal to one tread depth beyond the dimension of 4 inches to 6 ¼ inches, and last riser nosing. Section 4.1.6(3) of the a cross section dimension of 2 ¼ inches 1991 Standards has a special technical maximum. provision for alterations to existing facili- ties that exempts handrails at the top and • Sections 4.8.5 and 4.9.4 of the 1991 Stan- bottom of ramps and stairs from providing dards require handrail gripping surfaces to full extensions where it will be hazardous be continuous, and to be uninterrupted by due to plan configuration. Section 505.10 newel posts, other construction elements, of the 2010 Standards has a similar ex- or obstructions. Section 505.3 of the ception that applies in alterations. 2010 Standards sets technical require- ments for continuity of gripping surfaces. A commenter noted that handrail extensions Section 505.6 requires handrail gripping are currently required at the top and bottom surfaces to be continuous along their of stairs, but the proposed regulations do length and not to be obstructed along their not include this requirement, and urged the tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail Department to retain the current requirement. gripping surfaces must not be obstructed Other commenters questioned the need for for more than twenty percent (20%) of the extension at the bottom of stairs. their length. Where provided, horizontal projections must occur at least 1 ½ inches Sections 505.10.2 and 505.10.3 of the 2010 below the bottom of the handrail gripping Standards require handrail extensions at surface. An exception permits the dis- both the top and bottom of a flight of stairs. tance between the horizontal projections The requirement in the 1991 Standards that and the bottom of the gripping surface to handrails extend horizontally at least be reduced by 1/8 inch for each ½ inch of 12 inches beyond the width of one tread at additional handrail perimeter dimension the bottom of a stair was changed in the 2004 that exceeds 4 inches. ADAAG by the Access Board in response to public comments. Existing horizontal handrail 164 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice