Accessible edge pull for drawers

[Yikes]

I need an accessible edge-mounted pull for kitchen cabinets and drawers where the edge of the door is already close to either the 15" min. or 46" max reach range.
I've seen the pull below on various websites, but it doesn't describe the dimensions of the cutout opening.

What are the minimum dimension of "X" and "Y" below such that you would consider it to be accessible - - that is, not requiring tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist? Not requiring fingers?

 

[e hilton]

What if you rotate it 90* so the slotted part is vertical and the other leg attaches to the top of the drawer. Then your fingers would not need to fit in the slot.

 

[Yikes]

What if you rotate it 90* so the slotted part is vertical and the other leg attaches to the top of the drawer. Then your fingers would not need to fit in the slot.

Are you describing something that functions almost like a cup pull?

 

[walker.t]

What are the minimum dimension of "X" and "Y" below such that you would consider it to be accessible

For X, I would say 1.5” to match the minimum clearance between a grab bar and the wall per A117.1-2021 609.3.

For Y, I’d say 6”, a little longer than a pen, wide enough to let my fingers move side-to-side in the slot so they don’t get jammed.

Not requiring fingers?

Though that might be ideal (the “closed fist test”) I don’t think that is the intent…

Commentary on A117.1-2021 309.4 Operation (Partial Quote, Emphasis Added)
One way to determine that no tight pinching or twisting is necessary would be for the designer to assess if something was useable with a closed fist, but this should not be the only determination. For example, a U-shaped handle that will receive curved fingers is considered accessible.”

 

[e hilton]

Are you describing something that functions almost like a cup pull?

Yes.

 

[mark handler]

I see that as a potential hazard.
it will rip flesh if someone falls into it.

 

[walker.t]

it will rip flesh if someone falls into it.

There are lots of things that, if a person were to trip and fall against them, they could cause extra damage. We can’t build an accident-proof environment but the code does include some things to help minimize trip hazards:

1. Edge protection for ramps (A117.1-2021 405.9.)
2. Beveling or rounding the underside of projecting stair nosings (A117.1-2021 504.5 Point 4.)
3. Minimum stair nosing radius of 1/16” (IBC 1011.5.5.) This may be more intended to help prevent the nosing from digging into the sole of someone’s shoe and less if the person were to trip and knock their forehead against the nosing.

And certainly there are more. My guess is the industrial designers aren’t too concerned about what happens if someone trips and falls and hits their product, they’re thinking of cost of production and aesthetics.

 

[mark handler]

As a partially disabled person, I fall against furniture all the time. The edges should be more rounded.

 

[JPohling]

We have now started specifying foam pool noodles to be split and adhered to all exposed countertop edge profiles and outside corners of all walls throughout our projects.

 

[Joe.B]

 

[ICE]

We have now started specifying foam pool noodles to be split and adhered to all exposed countertop edge profiles and outside corners of all walls throughout our projects.

I take it that you have decided to ignore limits on Volatile Organic Compounds.

 

[ICE]

If you're really concerned about opening drawers with nothing more than a nose, there's cabinets made where you just need to tap the drawer front and it opens. There's even a more reliable system that we have where the drawers are always left open. That works with cabinet doors too. And jar lids, windows and anything else that has a closed position.

 

[JPohling]

I take it that you have decided to ignore limits on Volatile Organic Compounds.

We only use low VOC adhesives in CA

 

[Blazer]

If you buy that handle which is clearly designed as a handle and it can't be used as a handle, then I would definitely be suing the company for false advertisement. You just have to ensure no tight pinching is required, i.e., pull a string to open drawer or door and nothing that requires you to twist your wrist such as a door nob to unlatch. That handle should work fine.

 

[Jean Tessmer-HI]

I need an accessible edge-mounted pull for kitchen cabinets and drawers where the edge of the door is already close to either the 15" min. or 46" max reach range.
I've seen the pull below on various websites, but it doesn't describe the dimensions of the cutout opening.

What are the minimum dimension of "X" and "Y" below such that you would consider it to be accessible - - that is, not requiring tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist? Not requiring fingers?


View attachment 15345

Per Josh Schorr of the USAB, the ADA does not address this type of detailed analysis for kitchen drawer pulls. The ADA standard primarily looks for reach range at cabinets and clear floor space at cabinets.
Maybe California code does? I personally specify at least 5" wide "X" slot that is at least 1.5" open "Y", no sharp edges, within reach ranges, less than 5# force to operate, with side or forward clear floor space.
Self-closing drawers may require more than 5# of force to get the drawer to open.