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 5 Source wording and page order preserved. Drawings and table layouts remain available in the original PDF.
Chapter 3: Building Blocks Operable Parts
Forward Reach [§308.2]
The range for unobstructed
reaches (15” – 48”) applies only
to those portions of elements
that are operable. Non-operable
portions can be located outside
the range.
48”
max
15”
min
Obstructed High Reach
The maximum reach of 48” is reduced to 44” when the depth of reach over an
obstruction exceeds 20.” Knee and toe space must extend the full depth of reach.
20” max
>20 – 25” max
48” 44”
max max
5
Edition and local adoption determine which requirements apply. Use the publisher’s document for the complete clauses, diagrams and amendments.