ADA Basic Characteristics for Doors, Ramps and Stairs

Question 1

Percent of entrances that must be accessible

Answer 1

60%
Includes new construction
Those directly serving tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways

Question 2

Components of accessible doorways

Answer 2

• Communication system
• Universal Accessiblity Sign
• 1 Compliant door/doorway

Question 3

What must entrance landing accomodate

Answer 3

• Door maneuvering clearances
• Landings for ramps

Question 4

Manual Door Requirements

Answer 4

• Closing speed 5 seconds min
• Less than 5lbs force to open
• Vision 43 in max above finished floor
• Lights
• Smooth surface of bottom 10” of door
• Max threshold height of 1/2”, beveled if more than 1/4”

Question 5

Door width and clearance

Answer 5

• 36” wide minimum
• Clearance 32” minimum
• Required maneuvering clearances for opening and proceeding through doors and doorways with mobility aids
• 8” max depth for recessed doors

Question 6

Door handle/knob

Answer 6

• One-handed operation
• avoid tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
• located 34-48” above ground

Question 7

Ramps and Curbs

Answer 7

• Required along accessible rounds to span level changes greater than 1/2”
• Runs must have clear width of 36” min
• Height of runs 30” max, no limit on runs a ramp may have
• Level landings of at least 60x60 at the top and bottom of each run
• Handrails required on both sides of ramp with more than 6” rise

Question 8

Rise and Run of stairs

Answer 8

• Rise 4-7”
• Tread 11”
• Tread edge radius 1/2”
• Angle of riser 30 degrees
• Nose bevel 1.5” max
• Provide 2” wide visual contrast at top and bottom, located on nosing or at leading edges of treads
• Handrails required both sides and continousin
• *12 min extension horizontal beyond top step
• *Rail height 34-38” (28” children)
• *Rail 1.5” from wall

Question 9

Turning and Clear Spaces

Answer 9

• 60”/5’ 360 degrees
• Clear surface forward or side
• *Firm
• *Stable
• • Slip resistant
• • No level changes
• *Not sloped more than 1:48
• Knee/Toe space 17” min
• Unobstructed forward reach high 48”, low 15”
• Unobstructed side reach 48” high, 15” low
• *Exeception 10” obstruction
• • Fuel dispensers to 54” from surface of vehicular way when installed on existing curb