United States · ADA · Illustrated standards guidance
Operable parts: reach ranges and controls
Forward and side reach guidance for accessible controls, switches and other operable parts, including obstructed reaches.
- Publisher
- U.S. Access Board
- Edition
- Access Board guide to the 2010 ADA standards
- Search coverage
- 10 of 10 PDF pages
AccessibilityAnthropometry & ergonomics
Open original PDF at page 4 Source wording and page order preserved. Drawings and table layouts remain available in the original PDF.
Chapter 3: Building Blocks Operable Parts
Forward Approach and Reach
Clear Floor Space [§309.2] > 24”
Clear floor space for forward
approaches must extend up to or, if
48” min
knee or toe space is provided,
below operable parts. This
facilitates access since the forward
reach does not extend beyond a 30” 36”
wheelchair user’s toes. min min
If clear floor space is obstructed on
both sides more than half the
minimum required depth, a wider
clearance (36” min.) is required for
maneuvering and sway.
> 24”
Knee and Toe Space
If the forward reach to operable
X parts extends over an
obstruction, such as a counter,
clearances for toes and knees is
required below. The knee and
toe space must be at least as
deep as the reach depth
measured from the leading edge
of the obstruction.
≥ X
4
Edition and local adoption determine which requirements apply. Use the publisher’s document for the complete clauses, diagrams and amendments.