Accessible Door Pulls

[north star]

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Does the ADA, ABA, A117.1 or other Code or Standard provide the dimensions required for
Door Pulls to be considered compliant with Section 404.2.7 - Door and Gate Hardware ?
Specifically, what are the dimensions of a Door Pull that can be operated with a closed fist ?
Also, ...for a closed fist for female, ...for a male, ...for a child, etc. ?

404.2.7 - Door and Gate Hardware:​

"Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4..........Operable
parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the
finish floor or ground...........Where sliding doors are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be
exposed and usable from both sides.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Existing locks shall be permitted in any location at existing glazed doors without stiles,
existing overhead rolling doors or grilles, and similar existing doors or grilles that are designed with locks that
are activated only at the top or bottom rail."

2. Access gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be permitted to have
operable parts of the release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the
finish floor or ground provided the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices and operated by
means of a key, electronic opener, or integral combination lock.

Advisory 404.2.7 - Door and Gate Hardware: Door hardware that can be operated with a closed fist or
a loose grip accommodates the greatest range of users........Hardware that requires simultaneous hand and
finger movements require greater dexterity and coordination, and is not recommended.

Thank you !

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[Beniah Naylor]

I think it is actually less restrictive than the closed fist standard, which is an advisory that is very useful for determining compliance but not the actual rule verbiage. I think if you can hook it with one finger and pull it open, that would technically comply with the below:

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.

EXCEPTION: Gas pump nozzles shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

 

[Beniah Naylor]

I had always assumed that this section was to accommodate individuals that don't have hands, but the section specifically says that the operable parts shall be operable with one hand.

 

[north star]

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Thank you ** Beniah ** for weighing in.

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[Paul Sweet]

The closed fist test is just an easy test for whether somebody with little or no dexterity can operate something. It isn't a dimensional standard.