Postal handbook re-4

ANSI's standards for barrier-free design are developed by a committee made up of 52 organizations representing associations of handicapped people, rehabilitation professionals, design professionals, builders, and manufacturers. It has generally been accepted by the private sector and has been recommended for use in model state and local building codes by the Council of American Building Officials.

Both the UFAS scope provisions, which establish the minimum number of elements and spaces required to comply with standards, and the UFAS technical requirements meet or exceed the comparable provisions of the Guidelines.

Each of the standard-setting agencies has taken action in accordance with its own procedures, including internally prescribed rulemaking and the Administrative Procedure Act where applicable, to incorporate the UFAS in its own standards, regulations, or other directives.

Handbook RE-4 may be further amended. This document sets standards for facility accessibility by physically handicapped persons for Federal and federally-funded facilities. These standards are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities to the extent required by the Architectural Barriers Act of , as amended.

These standards were jointly developed by the General Services Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Defense, and the United States Postal Service, under the authority of sections 2, 3, 4, and 4a, respectively, of the Architectural Barriers Act of , as amended, Pub. Graphic conventions are shown in Table 1. Dimensions that are not marked "minimum" or "maximum" are absolute, unless otherwise indicated in the text or captions.

The text of these standards does not contain notes or footnotes. Additional information, explanations, and advisory materials are located in the Appendix. Paragraphs marked with an asterisk have related, nonmandatory material in the Appendix. In the Appendix, the corresponding paragraph numbers are preceded by an A. The following terms shall, for the purpose of these standards, have the meaning indicated in this section.

Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, walks, ramps, and lifts. It does not include normal maintenance, repair, reroofing, interior decoration, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems. Such areas as conference rooms would have to be accessible in accordance with other parts of this standard but would not have to meet all of the criteria associated with assembly areas.

The switch that begins the automatic cycle may be a photoelectric device, floor mat, or manual switch mounted on or near the door itself see power-assisted door. A single family home is a dwelling unit, and dwelling units are to be found in such housing types as townhouses and apartment buildings. An entrance includes the approach walk, the vertical access leading to the entrance platform, the entrance platform itself, vestibules if provided, the entry door s or gate s , and the hardware of the entry door s or gate s.

The principal entrance of a building or facility is the main door through which most people enter. Essential features include but are not limited to entrances, toilet rooms, and accessible routes. Essential features do not include those spaces that house the major activities for which the building or facility is intended, such as classrooms and offices.

Housing may include, but is not limited to, one and two-family dwellings, apartments, group homes, hotels, motels, dormitories, and mobile homes. If the switch or door is released, such doors immediately begin to close or close completely within 3 to 30 seconds see automatic door. Public use may be provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned. Structures directly associated with the actual processes of major construction, such as porto potties, scaffolding, bridging, trailers, and the like, are not included.

Temporary as applied to elements means installed for less than 6 months and not required for safety reasons. Buildings and facilities shall comply with these standards to the extent noted in this section for various occupancy classifications, unless otherwise modified by a special application section.

Occupancy classifications, and the facilities covered under each category include, but are not necessarily limited to, the listing which follows:. Each addition to an existing building shall comply with 4. The minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 32 in mm at a point and 36 in mm continuously see Fig.

The space required for a wheelchair to make a degree turn is a clear space of 60 in mm diameter see Fig. The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair occupant is 30 in by 48 in mm by mm see Fig. The minimum clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be positioned for forward or parallel approach to an object see Fig. Clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the knee space required under some objects.

One full unobstructed side of the clear floor or ground space for a wheelchair shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route or adjoin another wheelchair clear floor space.

If a clear floor space is located in an alcove or otherwise confined on all or part of three sides, additional maneuvering clearances shall be provided as shown in Fig. If the clear floor space only allows forward approach to an object, the maximum high forward reach allowed shall be 48 in mm see Fig. The minimum low forward reach is 15 in mm.

If the high forward reach is over an obstruction, reach and clearances shall be as shown in Fig. If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54 in mm and the low side reach shall be no less than 9 in mm above the floor Fig.

If the side reach is over an obstruction, the reach and clearances shall be as shown in Fig. All walks, halls, corridors, aisles, and other spaces that are part of an accessible route shall comply with 4.

The minimum clear width of an accessible route shall be 36 in mm except at doors see 4. If a person in a wheelchair must make a turn around an obstruction, the minimum clear width of the accessible route shall be as shown in Fig. If an accessible route has less than 60 in mm clear width, then passing spaces at least 60 in by 60 in mm by mm shall be located at reasonable intervals not to exceed ft 61 m.

A T-intersection of two corridors or walks is an acceptable passing place. An accessible route with a running slope greater than is a ramp and shall comply with 4. Nowhere shall the cross slope of an accessible route exceed Changes in levels along an accessible route shall comply with 4. Stairs shall not be part of an accessible route. Accessible routes serving any accessible space or element shall also serve as a means of egress for emergencies or connect to an accessible place of refuge.

Such accessible routes and places of refuge shall comply with the requirements of the administrative authority having jurisdiction. Where fire code provisions require more than one means of egress from any space or room, then more than one accessible means of egress shall also be provided for handicapped people.

Arrange egress so as to be readily accessible from all accessible rooms and spaces. Objects projecting from walls for example, telephones with their leading edges between 27 in and 80 in mm and mm above the finished floor shall protrude no more than 4 in mm into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles see Fig.

Objects mounted with their leading edges at or below 27 in mm above the finished floor may protrude any amount see Fig. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang 12 in mm maximum from 27 in to 80 in mm to mm above the ground or finished floor see Fig. Protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route or maneuvering space see Fig. Walks, halls, corridors, passageways, aisles, or other circulation spaces shall have 80 in mm minimum clear head room see Fig.

If vertical clearance of an area adjoining an accessible route is reduced to less than 80 in nominal dimension , a barrier to warn blind or visually-impaired persons shall be provided see Fig. Ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces, including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, shall be stable, firm, slip-resistant, and shall comply with 4. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge.

Carpet edge trim shall comply with 4. If gratings have elongated openings, then they shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel see Fig. Parking spaces required to be accessible by 4. Passenger loading zones required to be accessible by 4. Parking spaces for disabled people and accessible passenger loading zones that serve a particular building shall be the spaces or zones located closest to the nearest accessible entrance on an accessible route.

In separate parking structures or lots that do not serve a particular building, parking spaces for disabled people shall be located on the shortest possible circulation route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.

Parking spaces for disabled people shall be at least 96 in mm wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle 60 in mm wide minimum see Fig.

Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or facility entrance and shall comply with 4. Two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle. Parked vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible circulation route. Parking spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding in all directions.

EXCEPTION: If accessible parking spaces for vans designed for handicapped persons are provided, each should have an adjacent access aisle at least 96 in mm wide complying with 4. Accessible parking spaces shall be designated as reserved for the disabled by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility see 4. Such signs shall not be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space. Passenger loading zones shall provide an access aisle at least 60 in mm wide and 20 ft 6 m long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space see Fig.

If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, then a curb ramp complying with 4. Vehicle standing spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding in all directions. Provide minimum vertical clearances of in at accessible passenger loading zones and along vehicle access routes to such areas from site entrances.

If accessible van parking spaces are provided, then the minimum vertical clearance should be in. Slopes of curb ramps shall comply with 4. The slope shall be measured as shown in Fig. Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters, or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes. Maximum slopes of adjoining gutters, road surface immediately adjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible route shall not exceed 1.

If a curb ramp is located where pedestrians must walk across the ramp, or where it is not protected by handrails or guardrails, then it shall have flared sides; the maximum slope of the flare shall be see Fig. Curb ramps with returned curbs may be used where pedestrians would not normally walk across the ramp see Fig.

Built-up curb ramps shall be located so that they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes see Fig. Curb ramps at marked crossings shall be wholly contained within the markings, excluding any flared sides see Fig. If diagonal or corner type curb ramps have returned curbs or other well-defined edges, such edges shall be parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have 48 in mm minimum clear space as shown in Fig.

If diagonal curb ramps are provided at marked crossings, the 48 in mm clear space shall be within the markings see Fig. If diagonal curb ramps have flared sides, they shall also have at least a 24 in mm long segment of straight curb located on each side of the curb ramp and within the marked crossing see Fig.

Any raised islands in crossings shall be cut through level with the street or have curb ramps at both sides and a level area at least 48 in mm long in the part of the island intersected by the crossings see Fig. Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than shall be considered a ramp and shall comply with 4.

The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 in mm see Fig. Curb ramps and ramps to be constructed on existing sites or in existing buildings or facilities may have slopes and rises as shown in Table 2 if space limitations prohibit the use of a slope or less see 4. Ramps shall have level landings at the bottom and top of each run. Landings shall have the following features:.

If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 in mm or a horizontal projection greater than 72 in mm , then it shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails are not required on curb ramps. Handrails shall comply with 4. The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than Ramp surfaces shall comply with 4.

Ramps and landings with drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from slipping off the ramp. Curbs shall be a minimum of 2 in 50 mm high see Fig. Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces. On any given flight of stairs, all steps shall have uniform riser heights and uniform tread widths.

Stair treads shall be no less than 11 in mm wide, measured from riser to riser see Fig. Open risers are not permitted on accessible routes. The undersides of nosings shall not be abrupt.

Risers shall be sloped or the underside of the nosing shall have an angle not less than 60 degrees from the horizontal. Stairways shall have handrails at both sides of all stairs. Note: X is the 12 in minimum handrail extension required at each top riser. Y is the minimum handrail extension of 12 in plus the width of one tread that is required at each bottom riser.

Outdoor stairs and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces. Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with 4. This standard does not preclude the use of residential or fully enclosed wheelchair lifts when appropriate and approved by administrative authorities. Freight elevators shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of this section, unless the only elevators provided are used as combination passenger and freight elevators for the public and employees.

Elevator operation shall be automatic. This self-leveling feature shall be automatic and independent of the operating device and shall correct the over-travel or undertravel. Call buttons in elevator lobbies and halls shall be centered at 42 in mm above the floor.

Such call buttons shall have visual signals to indicate when each call is registered and when each call is answered. The button designating the up direction shall be on top see Fig.

Buttons shall be raised or flush. Objects mounted beneath hall call buttons shall not project into the elevator lobby more than 4 in mm. Note: The automatic door reopening device is activated if an object passes through either line A or line B.

Line A and line B represent the vertical locations of the door reopening device not requiring contact. A visible and audible signal shall be provided at each hoistway entrance to indicate which car is answering a call. Audible signals shall sound once for the up direction and twice for the down direction or shall have verbal annunciators that say "up" or "down. All elevator hoistway entrances shall have raised floor designations provided on both jambs.

The centerline of the characters shall be 60 in mm from the floor. Such characters shall be 2 in 50 mm high and shall comply with 4.

Permanently applied plates are acceptable if they are permanently fixed to the jambs. See Fig. Elevator doors shall open and close automatically. They shall be provided with a reopening device that will stop and reopen a car door and hoistway door automatically if the door becomes obstructed by an object or person. The device shall be capable of completing these operations without requiring contact for an obstruction passing through the opening at heights of 5 in and 29 in mm and mm from the floor see Fig.

Door reopening devices shall remain effective for at least 20 seconds. The minimum acceptable time from notification that a car is answering a call until the doors of that car start to close shall be calculated from the following equation:. For cars with in-car lanterns, T begins when the lantern is visible from the vicinity of hall call buttons and an audible signal is sounded. The minimum acceptable notification time shall be 5 seconds.

The minimum time for elevator doors to remain fully open in response to a car call shall be 3 seconds. The floor area of elevator cars shall provide space for wheelchair users to enter the car, maneuver within reach of controls, and exit from the car.

Acceptable door opening and inside dimensions shall be as shown in Fig. The level of illumination at the car controls, platform, and car threshold and landing sill shall be at least 5 footcandles In elevator cars, a visual car position indicator shall be provided above the car control panel or over the door to show the position of the elevator in the hoistway.

As the car passes or stops at a floor served by the elevators, the corresponding numerals shall illuminate, and an audible signal shall sound. The audible signal shall be no less than 20 decibels with a frequency no higher than Hz. An automatic verbal announcement of the floor number at which a car stops or which a car passes may be substituted for the audible signal. If provided, emergency two-way communication systems between the elevator and a point outside the hoistway shall comply with ANSI A The highest operable part of a two-way communication system shall be a maximum of 48 in mm from the floor of the car.

It shall be identified by a raised or recessed symbol and lettering complying with 4. If the system uses a handset, then the length of the cord from the panel to the handset shall be at least 29 in mm. If the system is located in a closed compartment, the compartment door hardware shall conform to 4. The emergency intercommunication system shall not require voice communication. If platform lifts are used, they shall comply with 4.

If platform lifts are used, then they should facilitate unassisted entry and exit from the lift in compliance with 4. Revolving doors or turnstiles shall not be the only means of passage at an accessible entrance or along an accessible route.

An accessible gate or door shall be provided adjacent to the turnstile or revolving door and shall be so designed as to facilitate the same use pattern. If doorways have two independently operated door leaves, then at least one leaf shall meet the specifications in 4. That leaf shall be an active leaf. Doorways shall have a minimum clear opening of 32 in mm with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door and the stop see Fig. Openings more than 24 in mm in depth shall comply with 4.

Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors that are not automatic or power-assisted shall be as shown in Fig. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted from the requirement for space at the latch side of the door see dimension "x" in Fig.

The minimum space between two hinged or pivoted doors in series shall be 48 in mm plus the width of any door swinging into the space. Doors in series shall swing either in the same direction or away from the space between the doors see Fig. Raised thresholds and floor level changes at accessible doorways shall be beveled with a slope no greater than see 4. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices on accessible doors shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.

Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. When sliding doors are fully open, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides. In dwelling units, only doors at accessible entrances to the unit itself shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph. Doors to hazardous areas shall have hardware complying with 4.

Mount no hardware required for accessible door passage higher than 48 in mm above finished floor. If a door has a closer, then the sweep period of the closer shall be adjusted so that from an open position of 70 degrees, the door will take at least 3 seconds to move to a point 3 in 75 mm from the latch, measured to the leading edge of the door.

These forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that may hold the door in a closed position. Slowly opening, low-powered, automatic doors shall be considered a type of custom design installation as described in paragraph 1. Such doors shall not open to back check faster than 3 seconds and shall require no more than 15 lbf If a power-assisted door is used, its door-opening force shall comply with 4.

Entrances required to be accessible by 4. Such entrances shall be connected by an accessible route to public transportation stops, to accessible parking and passenger loading zones, and to public streets or sidewalks if available see 4.

They shall also be connected by an accessible route to all accessible spaces or elements within the building or facility. A service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance unless it is the only entrance to a building or facility for example, in a factory or garage. Spouts shall be no higher than 36 in mm , measured from the floor or ground surfaces to the spout outlet see Fig. The spouts of drinking fountains and water coolers shall be at the front of the unit and shall direct the water flow in a trajectory that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front of the unit.

The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 in mm high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. Controls shall comply with 4.

Unit controls shall be front mounted or side mounted near the front edge. Accessible water closets shall comply with 4. For water closets in accessible dwelling units, see 4. Clear floor space for water closets not in stalls shall comply with Fig. Clear floor space may be arranged to allow either a left-handed or right-handed approach. The height of water closets shall be 17 in to 19 in mm to mm , measured to the top of the toilet seat see Fig. Seats shall not be sprung to return to a lifted position.

Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic and shall comply with 4. Controls for flush valves shall be mounted on the wide side of toilet areas no more than 44 in mm above the floor. Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed within reach, as shown in Fig. Dispensers that control delivery, or that do not permit continuous paper flow, shall not be used. Accessible toilet stalls shall be on an accessible route and shall meet the requirements of 4. The size and arrangement of toilet stalls shall comply with Fig.

Toilet stalls with a minimum depth of 56 in mm see Fig. If the depth of toilet stalls is increased at least 3 in 75 mm , then a floor-mounted water closet may be used. Arrangements shown for stalls may be reversed to allow either a left- or right-hand approach. In standard stalls, the front partition and at least one side partition shall provide a toe clearance of at least 9 in mm above the floor.

If the depth of the stall is greater than 60 in mm , then the toe clearance is not required. Toilet stall doors shall comply with 4. If toilet stall approach is from the latch side of the stall door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction may be reduced to a minimum of 42 in mm.

Grab bars complying with the length and positioning shown in Fig. Grab bars may be mounted with any desired method as long as they have a gripping surface at the locations shown and do not obstruct the required clear floor area.

Grab bars shall comply with 4. Urinals shall be stall-type or wall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximum of 17 in mm above the floor. A clear floor space 30 in by 48 in mm by mm shall be provided in front of urinals to allow forward approach.

This clear space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route and shall comply with 4. Urinal shields that do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim may be provided with 29 in mm clearance between them.

Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic, and shall comply with 4. Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 in mm above the finished floor.

Provide a clearance of at least 29 in mm from the floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee and toe clearance shall comply with Fig. A clear floor space 30 in by 48 in mm by mm complying with 4.

Such clear floor space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route and shall extend a maximum of 19 in mm underneath the lavatory see Fig. Hot water and drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise covered. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories. Faucets shall comply with 4. Lever-operated, push-type, and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs.

Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds. Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface no higher than 40 in mm from the floor see Fig. Accessible bathtubs shall comply with 4. For bathtubs in accessible dwelling units, see 4. An in-tub seat or a seat at the head end of the tub shall be provided as shown in Fig. The structural strength of seats and their attachments shall comply with 4. Seats shall be mounted securely and shall not slip during use.

A shower spray unit with a hose at least 60 in mm long that can be used as a fixed shower head or as a hand-held shower shall be provided. If provided, enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstruct controls or transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats or into tubs.

Enclosures on bathtubs shall not have tracks mounted on their rims. Accessible shower stalls shall comply with 4. For shower stalls in accessible dwelling units, see 4. Shower stall size and clear floor space shall comply with Fig.

The shower stall in Fig. A seat shall be provided in shower stalls 36 in by 36 in mm by mm and shall be as shown in Fig. The seat shall be mounted 17 in to 19 in mm to mm from the bathroom floor and shall extend the full depth of the stall. The seat shall be on the wall opposite the controls. Faucets and other controls complying with 4. In shower stalls 36 in by 36 in mm by mm , all controls, faucets, and the shower unit shall be mounted on the side wall opposite the seat.

EXCEPTION: In unmonitored facilities where vandalism is a consideration, a fixed shower head mounted at 48 in mm above the shower floor may be used in lieu of a hand-held shower head.

Shower stalls that are 30 in by 60 in mm by mm shall not have curbs. If provided, enclosures for shower stalls shall not obstruct controls or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats. Toilet facilities required to be accessible by 4. Accessible toilet rooms shall be on an accessible route. All doors to accessible toilet rooms shall comply with 4. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space required for any fixture.

The accessible fixtures and controls required in 4. An unobstructed turning space complying with 4. The clear floor space at fixtures and controls, the accessible route, and the turning space may overlap.

EXCEPTION: In toilet rooms with only one water closet and one lavatory, a clear floor space of 30 in by 60 in mm by mm may be used in lieu of the unobstructed turning space. If toilet stalls are provided, then at least one shall comply with 4. If water closets are not in stalls, then at least one shall comply with 4.

If controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment is provided, then at least one of each shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with 4. Bathrooms, bathing facilities, or shower rooms required to be accessible by 4. For adaptable bathrooms in accessible dwelling units, see 4. Doors to accessible bathrooms shall comply with 4.

Doors shall not swing into the floor space required for any fixture. The clear floor spaces at fixtures and controls, the accessible route, and the turning space may overlap. EXCEPTION: In bathrooms with only one water closet, one lavatory, and one bathtub or shower, a clear floor space of 30 in by 60 in mm by mm may be used in lieu of the unobstructed turning space.

If tubs or showers are provided, then at least one accessible tub that complies with 4. If medicine cabinets are provided, at least one shall be located with a usable shelf no higher than 44 in mm above the floor space. The floor space shall comply with 4.

Sinks required to be accessible by 4. Sinks in kitchens of accessible dwelling units shall comply with 4. Knee clearance that is at least 27 in mm high, 30 in mm wide, and 19 in mm deep shall be provided underneath sinks. A clear floor space at least 30 in by 48 in mm by mm complying with 4. The clear floor space shall be on an accessible route and shall extend a maximum of 19 in mm underneath the sink see Fig.

Hot water and drain pipes exposed under sinks shall be insulated or otherwise covered. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under sinks. Lever-operated, push-type, touch-type, or electronically controlled mechanisms are acceptable designs. Fixed storage facilities such as cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers required to be accessible by 4. Accessible storage spaces shall be within at least one of the reach ranges specified in 4.

Clothes rods shall be a maximum of 54 in mm from the floor see Fig. Hardware for accessible storage facilities shall comply with 4. Touch latches and U-shaped pulls are acceptable. All handrails, grab bars, and tub and shower seats required to be accessible by 4. Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 in 75 mm deep and extends at least 18 in mm above the top of the rail see Fig. The structural strength of grab bars, tub and shower seats, fasteners, and mounting devices shall meet the following specification:.

A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Clear floor space complying with 4. The highest operable part of all controls, dispensers, receptacles, and other operable equipment shall be placed within at least one of the reach ranges specified in 4.

Except where the use of special equipment dictates otherwise, electrical and communications system receptacles on walls shall be mounted no less than 15 in mm above the floor. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf If provided, audible emergency alarms shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing equivalent sound level in the room or space by at least 15 decibels or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 30 seconds by 5 decibels, whichever is louder.

Sound levels for alarm signals shall not exceed decibels. If provided, electrically powered internally illuminated emergency exit signs shall flash as a visual emergency alarm in conjunction with audible emergency alarms. The flashing frequency of visual alarm devices shall be less than 5 Hz. If such alarms use electricity from the building as a power source, then they shall be installed on the same system as the audible emergency alarms. Accessible sleeping accommodations shall have a visual alarm connected to the building emergency alarm system or shall have a standard volt electrical receptacle into which such an alarm could be connected.

Instructions for use of the auxiliary alarm or connection shall be provided. Doors that lead to areas that might prove dangerous to a blind person for example, doors to loading platforms, boiler rooms, stages, and the like shall be made identifiable to the touch by a textured surface on the door handle, knob, pull or other operating hardware. This textured surface may be made by knurling or roughing or by a material applied to the contact surface.

Such textured surfaces shall not be provided for emergency exit doors or any doors other than those to hazardous areas. Textured surfaces for tactile door warnings shall be standard within a building, facility, site, or complex of buildings.

Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height ratio between and and a stroke width-to-height ratio between and Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background - either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

Accessible facilities required to be identified by 4. The symbol shall be displayed as shown in Fig. Interior signage shall be located alongside the door on the latch side and shall be mounted at a height of between 54 in and 66 in mm and mm above the finished floor.

A clear floor or ground space at least 30 in by 48 in mm by mm that allows either a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair shall be provided at telephones see Fig.

The clear floor or ground space shall comply with 4. Bases, enclosures, and fixed seats shall not impede approaches to telephones by people who use wheelchairs. The highest operable part of the telephone shall be within the reach ranges specified in 4. Telephones shall be equipped with a receiver that generates a magnetic field in the area of the receiver cap. Volume controls shall be provided in accordance with 4.

Telephone books, if provided, shall be located in a position that complies with the reach ranges specified in 4. Fixed or built-in seating, tables, or work surfaces required to be accessible by 4. If seating spaces for people in wheelchairs are provided at tables, counters, or work surfaces, clear floor space complying with 4.

Such clear floor space shall not overlap knee space by more than 19 in mm see Fig. If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables, counters, and work surfaces, knee spaces at least 27 in mm high, 30 in mm wide, and 19 in mm deep shall be provided see Fig. The tops of tables and work surfaces shall be from 28 in to 34 in mm to mm from the floor or ground.

Wheelchair areas shall be an integral part of any fixed seating plan and shall be dispersed throughout the seating area. They shall adjoin an accessible route that also serves as a means of egress in case of emergency and shall be located to provide lines of sight comparable to those for all viewing areas.

Equivalent accessible viewing positions may be located on levels having accessible egress. An accessible route shall connect wheelchair seating locations with performing areas, including stages, arena floors, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and other spaces used by performers. If the listening system provided serves individual fixed seats, then such seats shall be located within a 50 ft 15 m viewing distance of the stage or playing area and shall have a complete view of the stage or playing area.

An accessible dwelling unit shall be on an accessible route. An accessible dwelling unit shall have the following accessible elements and spaces as a minimum:. The specifications for 4. Accessible dwelling units may be designed for either permanent accessibility or adaptability.

To ensure that the existence of adaptable features will be known to the owner or occupant of a dwelling, the following consumer information shall be provided in each adaptable dwelling unit available for occupancy:. In addition, the parties who will be responsible for making adaptations shall be provided with the following information:. Accessible or adaptable bathrooms shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the requirements of 4.

Enclosures for bathtubs or shower stalls shall not obstruct controls or transfer from wheelchairs onto shower or bathtub seats. Accessible or adaptable kitchens and their components shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the requirements of 4. Clearances between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances, or walls shall be 40 in mm minimum, except in U-shaped kitchens, where such clearance shall be 60 in mm minimum.

Laundry equipment located in the kitchen shall comply with 4. At least one 30 in mm section of counter shall provide a work surface that complies with the following requirements see Fig. Ranges and cooktops shall comply with 4. If ovens or cooktops have knee spaces underneath, then they shall be insulated or otherwise protected on the exposed contact surfaces to prevent burns, abrasions, or electrical shock.

The clear floor space may overlap the knee space, if provided, by 19 in mm maximum. The location of controls for ranges and cook-tops shall not require reaching across burners. Ovens shall comply with 4.

Ovens shall be of the self-cleaning type or be located adjacent to an adjustable height counter with knee space below see Fig. For side-opening ovens, the door latch side shall be next to the open counter space, and there shall be a pull-out shelf under the oven extending the full width of the oven and pulling out not less than 10 in mm when fully extended. Ovens shall have controls on front panels; they may be located on either side of the door. Provision shall be made for refrigerators which are:.

Freezers with less than percent of the storage volume within the limits specified in 4. Dishwashers shall comply with 4. Dishwashers shall have all rack space accessible from the front of the machine for loading and unloading dishes.

If laundry equipment is provided within individual accessible dwelling units, or if separate laundry facilities serve one or more accessible dwelling units, then they shall meet the requirements of 4. In addition to the requirements of 4. Access aisles between tables shall comply with 4. Where practical, accessible tables should be distributed throughout the space or facility. In restaurants or cafeterias where there are mezzanine levels, loggias, or raised platforms, accessibility to all such spaces is not required providing that the same services and decorative character are provided in spaces located on accessible routes.

Food service lines shall have a minimum clear width of 36 in mm , with a preferred clear width of 42 in mm where passage of stopped wheelchairs by pedestrians is desired.

Tray slides shall be mounted no higher than 34 in mm above the floor. If self-service shelves are provided, a reasonable portion must be within the ranges shown in Fig. Install tableware, dishware, condiment, food and beverage display shelves, and dispensing devices in compliance with 4. At least one accessible entrance that complies with 4. Such entrances shall incorporate a passenger loading zone that complies with 4.

Provide accessible patient bedrooms in compliance with 4. Accessible patient bedrooms shall comply with the following:. Provide each patient bedroom that is required to be accessible with an accessible toilet room that complies with 4. Where service counters exceeding 36 in mm in height are provided for standing sales or distribution of goods to the public, an auxiliary counter or a portion of the main counter shall be provided with a maximum height of between 28 in to 34 in mm to mm above the floor in compliance with 4.

At least one accessible check-out aisle shall be provided in buildings or facilities with check-out aisles. Clear aisle width shall comply with 4. Any device used to prevent the removal of shopping carts from store premises shall not prevent access or egress to those in wheelchairs. An alternate entry that is equally convenient to that provided for the ambulatory population is acceptable. As provided, elements such as public toilet rooms, telephones, and parking shall be accessible.

At least 5 percent or a minimum of one of each element of fixed seating, tables, or study carrels shall comply with 4. Clearances between fixed accessible tables and study carrels shall comply with 4. At least one lane at each check-out area shall comply with 4. Primary Function Areas. The primary function of the Postal Service is to provide mail service for our customers that includes accepting, distributing, transporting, and delivering the mail.

Two essential facilities for fulfilling these functions are 1 customer lobby areas where customers conduct their retail transactions, access mail depositories, and Post OfficeTM boxes and 2 workroom areas where Postal Service employees distribute the mail and perform other core postal operations.

Therefore, for purposes of the accessibility guidelines applicable to the Postal Service under the Architectural Barriers Act, two "primary function areas" are identified: Customer Lobbies and Workroom Areas.

According to section F Therefore, a literal interpretation of this provision could require an expansion of the scope of virtually any alteration in a primary function area, regardless of the size and scope of the original project. For purposes of the accessibility guidelines applicable to the Postal Service under the Architectural Barriers Act, two criteria must be considered in making a determination whether accessibility improvements are disproportionate to the cost and scope of the original alteration: a "magnitude threshold" for the original alteration and a "maximum percentage threshold" for the accessibility alteration.

Magnitude Threshold. It is anticipated that, in most cases, a significant additional effort would be required to assess physical conditions along the path of travel and for rest rooms, telephones, and drinking fountains that serve the altered area, and to determine the scope, budget, and appropriate design requirements for any corrective alterations.

Unless the original alteration is of substantial magnitude, a disproportionate effort would be devoted to such investigation, design, and administration leaving few, if any, funds to accomplish corrective work. Accordingly, a "magnitude threshold" is established such that no accessibility improvements to the path of travel, or to any associated facilities, will be required under F