10 Questions You Should to Know about accessible handrails

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards for stairways.

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Required Compliance

[§210]

Interior and exterior stairs that are part of a required means of egress must meet the Standards. Compliance is required for all stairs on required egress routes, including those comprised of a single riser. The Standards do not apply to stairways that are not part of a required means of egress nor to alternating tread devices and “ship’s ladders.” The Standards exempt aisle stairs in assembly areas, stairs in non-public areas of detention and correctional facilities, and stairs of play components.

Alterations

In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e.g., ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210.1, Ex. 2).

Stairways

[§504]

Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails.

Recommendation:  Providing visual contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light) on the top and bottom steps that is approximately 2 inches wide and located either on nosings or at the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision.

Handrails

[§504.6]

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous.

Stairway Handrails

Recommendation:  In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway handrails 28 inches high maximum above stair nosings is advisable. A vertical clearance 9 inches minimum between upper and lower handrails will help prevent entrapment.

Handrail Extensions

[§505.10]

Handrail extensions at the top and bottom must return to walls, guards, or floors and horizontal portions must comply as protruding objects. The length is measured to the start of the return radius.

Handrail Clearance and Cross Section

[§505.5]

Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. Wall-mounted handrails with leading edges higher than 27″ cannot protrude more than 4½″ into circulation paths (§307.2).

Circular Cross Section and Clearance

Non-Circular Cross Section and Clearance

Recommendation:  Projecting objects above handrails can impact their usability. Keep wall surfaces above handrails free of any protrusions.

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Escalators

The ADA Standards address escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations (§810.9) but not those provided in other types of facilities. Escalators must have a clear width of at least 32 inches and meet specific provisions in the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The referenced ASME criteria require steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2 inches wide maximum along the back and sides (§6.1.3.5.6) and specify at least 2, but no more than 4, flat steps at escalator entrances and exits (§6.1.3.6.5).

Recommendation:  Apply the requirements for escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations to escalators provided in other types of facilities.

Common Questions

Are stairs that are not part of means of egress required to comply with the Standards?

No, interior or exterior stairs that are not part of a required means of egress do not have to meet the Standards.

Are exterior stairs required to comply with the Standards?

The Standards apply to both exterior and interior stairs that are part of a required means of egress. This includes exterior stairs that are part of exit discharge (i.e., the path from an exit to a public way such as a street or alley).

Is there a minimum number of risers a stairway must have for it to be covered?

No, the Standards apply to any stairs that are part of a means of egress regardless of the number of risers.

Are stairs in residential dwelling units covered by the Standards required to comply?

Yes, stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply in mobility accessible residential dwelling units covered by the Standards. Egress stairs of residential facilities that are located outside individual dwelling units also must comply.

Can stair treads and risers be perforated?

Stair treads must meet requirements for floor or ground surfaces which specify that surface openings not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch in diameter (§302.3). Risers cannot be open, but perforations or openings in riser surfaces that prohibit passage of a sphere not more than ½ inch in diameter are acceptable.

Can handrail extensions wrap or turn?

Handrail extensions must be in the same direction as the stair flight, but continuous handrails can wrap at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg stairways. In alterations where the required extension would project into circulation paths and pose a hazard, they can turn, wrap, or be shortened as necessary.

Can handrails overlap door maneuvering clearances?

No, door maneuvering clearances must be free of any overlapping objects, even those providing knee and toe clearance, which can interfere with maneuvering at doors and doorways. However, door maneuvering clearances can be offset up to 8″ from the face of the door or gate to accommodate wall thickness, casework, shelves, or other elements adjacent to doorways, including handrails. The door maneuvering clearance must be measured from the leading edge of such elements so that the full clearance is free of any obstruction.

Can handrails be attached to guard rails?

Yes, handrails can be installed on guard rails if all applicable requirements are met.

Is a center handrail required at wide stairways?

No, a center handrail at stairs is not required by the Standards. If a center handrail is provided, compliance with the handrail specifications, while advisable, is not required.

Is color contrast required for stair nosings?

Visual contrast on stair nosings or the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision, but it is not required by the Standards except at escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations which must meet the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The ASME A17.1 code requires escalator steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2″ wide maximum along the back and sides.

Can guards or collars be attached to handrails to prevent skateboard traffic?

No, handrail gripping surfaces at egress stairs subject to the Standards must be unobstructed on the top and sides and free of sharp or abrasive elements so that users can maintain a continuous grip along the full length (§505.6 and §505.8).

Choosing the location

• Did you do a site visit before booking a location? (You'll want to check the location's accessible features for yourself.)
• Is any renovation or construction work scheduled during the time of your event? (This may affect accessibility.)
• Is the staff of the facility trained in providing disability positive/neutral accessible customer service?

Exterior Access

Signage

• Are the signs for the street address or building name:
  • clearly visible from the street?
  • well lit at night (for evening events)?

Parking

• Are there a reasonable number of accessible parking spots available for the estimated number of attendees with disabilities? If not, can you arrange for more designated parking spaces close to the building during the event? Is there accessible metered parking or public parking lots with accessible spaces close by?
• Are designated parking spots for people with disabilities on a firm, slip-resistant surface and located close to the entrance of the building?
• Is there a curb cut or level access from the parking area to the main entrance?

Sidewalks/Path of Travel

• Is there a barrier-free path of travel from the parking lot or drop off area to the meeting entrance? Stairs, sudden changes in level, slippery or unstable ground can impede accessibility.
• Are ramps gradual in slope and have handrails on both sides?
• For safety reasons, are sidewalks separate from roads and driveways?

Accessible Transit

• Can attendees get to the event using accessible transit?
• Is there are drop-off area in front to the building? Is the drop-off area protected (i.e. under an awning)?

Interior Access

Entrances and lobbies

• Are entrances (especially the main entrance) wide enough for people using a wheelchair or scooter?
• If the main entrance is not accessible, is there a sign, clearly visible at the front of the building indicating the location of an accessible entrance?
• Are entrances well lit? Are they away from isolated areas?
• Is entry only through locked doors with buzzers or bells that must be pushed?
• Are door handles easy to open? Ideally doors should have lever handles and be equipped with an automatic door opened. Having to turn a door knob can be difficult for people with physical disabilities, such as arthritis.
• Are there signs in the lobby that clearly indicate where in the building the meeting is being held?
• Are signs large enough and clear enough so that people with low vision can read them?
• Are signs mounted at a comfortable height so that people who use wheelchairs can read them?
• Can you arrange for staff or volunteers to be at entrances and throughout the facility to help people with disabilities to the meeting room?
• Are emergency exits accessible and easily found?

Elevators

• Are elevators located close to the meeting room? Are the elevators large enough to accommodate people who use wheelchairs and scooters?
• Are there enough elevators to safely and conveniently transport the number of attendees who use mobility devices?
• Do elevators have Braille buttons and raised numerals for people who are blind or have low vision?
• Are the elevator controls mounted at a comfortable height for a person using a wheelchair or scooter?
• Does the elevator have an auditory signal to alert people who are blind or have low vision?
• Does the elevator have a visual cue system in each elevator lobby to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Accessible Restrooms

• Do restroom doors have a raised (tactile) male or female sign or Braille lettering?
• Are restroom doors equipped with an automatic or push button door opener?
• Are restrooms large enough to accommodate people who use scooters and power wheelchairs? Do restrooms have at least one accessible stall?
• Is there at least one accessible unisex/companion/family restroom on the same floor as the event? Remember: A minimum of a five-foot turning radius is needed for wheelchair users to maneuver without restriction.
• Can someone using a wheelchair or a scooter reach the faucets and turn the water on using one hand?
• Are restroom accessories and dispensers also within easy reach of a person using a wheelchair or scooter?
• Are the accessible restrooms located near the meeting rooms?

Hallways and corridors

• Are major hallways and all essential doorways throughout the facility wide enough to accommodate people using wheelchairs and scooters?
• Are the interior doors easy to open with one hand without having to twist the wrist?
• Do floor coverings (such as low pile carpeting, hardwood flooring or tile) allow people using mobility aids (such as wheelchairs and scooters) to easily move through the facility?

 Meeting and conference rooms

• Is the meeting room located on the building entry floor?
• Is the meeting room large enough to provide circulation and seating for an adequate or anticipated number of participants who use wheelchairs, scooters, guide dogs or other mobility aids?
• Is accessible seating available throughout the meeting space?
• Are the reception/refreshment areas located in an area large enough to easily accommodate people who use wheelchairs, scooters, guide dogs or other mobility aids?
• Are the stages and speaking areas, including lectern or podium, accessible to people using wheelchairs and scooters?
• Is there a well-lit space for the sign language interpreters?
• Are there any background noises (ventilation systems, noise from adjacent rooms etc.) which may be distracting?
• If the meeting room has windows, are there drapes or blinds that can be used to reduce light or glare?
• Are cables, wires and microphones are well secured and away from aisles and other traffic areas?
• Have you reminded guest speakers and exhibitors to provide printed handout materials in alternative formats should they be requested ahead of time?

Refreshment and dietary arrangements

• Are you giving participants an opportunity to indicate any dietary needs ahead of time (i.e. when registering for the event)?
• Where beverages are being served, are bendable straws, lightweight dinnerware and lightweight cups available within easy reach of people using wheelchairs or scooters?
• Are sugar-free beverages, juices and water available for people with dietary concerns such as diabetes?
• If food is provided buffet style, will someone be on hand to help serve people who have visual and physical disabilities?
• If pastries and cookies are on the menu, will you also have fresh fruits and vegetables available for people with dietary concerns?

Invitations and promotional materials

• Are your invitations, registration and promotional materials for your event accessible, acronym free/defined and include Universal Design (UD) principles?
• Are you providing invitations and event information in alternate formats for people or organizations that require or request them (i.e. Braille, electronically, large print, on accessible website)?
• Do the invitation and promotional materials include a note that lets participants request any additional accommodations they may need?
• Are you using person first language?

Accessible communications

Making sure information is accessible involves more than just providing alternate formats to print. You'll have to consider how you will make oral presentations available to people with auditory disabilities.

• Have you arrange for a sign language interpreter and/or real-time cautioner?
• On your print materials, have you included information that your materials are available in alternative formats, as well as information on how to obtain them?
• Have you produced the appropriate quantities of accessible format documents you will need according to the anticipated audience? For example, if your audience is geared towards seniors, you may want to produce a greater number of printed materials in large print.

For a trade show or exhibit with an anticipated general public event size of 500 attendees, here is a guide to help you figure out quantities:.

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• fOne Braille copy for display
• Two Braille copies for distribution
• One large print copy for display
• Five large print copies for distribution
• Five electronic copies for distribution with large print/Braille labels. Consider thumb drive or CD format.