This image shows a door with a deadbolt and a thumbturn. There are a lot of manufacturers that make these types of locks, but the lever must be easily rotated with a loose grip or closed fist. A smaller lever may require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, which is not allowed. Most manufacturers will list if their product complies with ADA standards. This is not always true but without that certification you should at least continue looking elsewhere.

ADA Requirements:

ADA requires that door and gate hardware including handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operable parts comply with Operable Parts. (309.4 and 404.2.7).

309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4…

Also, the height of the door hardware shall be installed between 34” and 48” above the finish floor, (404.2.7). I usually see this done correctly but occasional it will be placed outside of this range.

404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. …Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground…

Feel free to posts any comments or questions.

Clint Ryan, RAS | Owner

I actively perform accessibility inspections throughout Texas and out of state throughout the week. These images are plucked out of my adventures based on common violations or items that cause a lot of discussion. I hope you are able to learn from these and increase awareness of the requirements for your projects.

This image shows the requirements for door maneuvering clearance - front approach, pull side as required by the ADA Accessibility Standards. This would also apply to Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and ANSI A117.1.

This door was provided in a restroom with toilet compartments, exiting back out to the corridor. This is a great example of the clearance provided correctly. I have seen many times where the walls were constructed too close to the door and the clearance was not provided. Then, it becomes a remodel to make it correct.

Be aware that there are other requirements depending on your approach including the hinge side or latch side and which side of the door, pull side or push side. This one is pretty standard and gets used the majority of the time.

ADA Requirements:

ADA requires that doors, “part of an accessible route and providing user passage”, comply with door maneuvering clearances, (206.5, 404.1 and 404.2).

206.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates. Doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with 206.5.

404.1 General. Doors, doorways, and gates that are part of an accessible route shall comply with 404.

404.2 Manual Doors, Doorways, and Manual Gates. Manual doors and doorways and manual gates intended for user passage shall comply with 404.2.

The maneuvering clearance includes the full width of the door and an additional 18” beginning at the edge of the latch side of the door, not the frame (404.2).

404.2.4 Maneuvering Clearances. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors and gates shall comply with 404.2.4. Maneuvering clearances shall extend the full width of the doorway and the required latch side or hinge side clearance.

Also, the clearance depth begins at the face of the door. There are other requirements if the door is recessed or there are obstructions located within the clearance. We will discuss this in another article.

Feel free to posts any comments or questions.

Clint Ryan, RAS | Owner