Entrances, doors and gates: approach clearances

Chapter 4: Accessible Routes Entrances, Doors, and Gates will provide easier access. Non-fixed portions can be modified or adapted as needed for accessibility. Are spring hinges and gravity hinges considered “closers” in determining the size of maneuvering clearances? No. Some approaches require additional maneuvering clearances when a door or gate is equipped with a closer because of the additional force that must be counteracted in proceeding through doors. Since spring and gravity hinges do not significantly impact the opening force of doors, they are not considered “closers” for purposes of specifying door maneuvering clearance. Can maneuvering for a forward approach be provided when there is space at least 60” deep in front of a door? Space at least 60” deep in front of a door that is unobstructed on approach sides will provide sufficient depth for a forward approach if appropriate strike-side clearance is provided; but in the case of pull-side/ hinge-side approaches, greater latch-side clearance (36” minimum) is still required because the minimum depth for this clearance is 60” (54” if the latch-side clearance is at least 42”). Space at least 60” deep in front of a On the pull side of hinge approaches, door will accommodate a forward 36” min. latch-side clearance is approach, except in case of hinge required if the depth is 60” min. (The approaches on the pull side. depth can be 54” min. if the latch-side clearance is at least 42”.) Is additional latch side clearance required on the push side of doors with a forward approach when either a latch or closer (but not both) is provided? No, latch clearance 12” minimum is required for forward approaches on the push-side of doors equipped with both a closer and a latch. If a door has a closer but no latch, or a latch and no closer, no additional latch side clearance is required (although providing the clearance is helpful in maneuvering through doors with closers without latches). This is also true for the additional depth required for hinge approaches on the push side 20