Accessible Handrail Setback

[Paul Sweet]

From the Access Board website FAQs: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/about/FAQ.htm#hgb1

"4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats

1) Q: Can I use standard pipe for handrails? (ADAAG 4.9.2)

A: Yes. Common IPS pipe sizes designated as 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 are considered to be within the dimensional tolerances for handrail diameter."

I think the problem started when ANSI put metric equivalents to nominal dimensions without thinking of the actual dimensions. If you want to be literal about the 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" diameter, then only 1" nominal pipe (1.315" O.D.) is acceptable. Even 1 1/4" nominal pipe (1.660") is too big. I'm glad that ANSI and the Access Board finally corrected this, even if it took almost 20 years.

 

[Gene Boecker]

Thanks, Paul!

You are Sweet!

 

[brudgers]

From the Access Board website FAQs: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/about/FAQ.htm#hgb1"4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats

1) Q: Can I use standard pipe for handrails? (ADAAG 4.9.2)

A: Yes. Common IPS pipe sizes designated as 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 are considered to be within the dimensional tolerances for handrail diameter."

I think the problem started when ANSI put metric equivalents to nominal dimensions without thinking of the actual dimensions. If you want to be literal about the 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" diameter, then only 1" nominal pipe (1.315" O.D.) is acceptable. Even 1 1/4" nominal pipe (1.660") is too big. I'm glad that ANSI and the Access Board finally corrected this, even if it took almost 20 years.

Since when did the FAQ become binding?

Particularly when it results in lowered accessibility?

 

[CaliforniaArchitectCE.com]

While I cannot locate the actual DOJ letter referenced, this may help:

http://redigitaleditions.com/Olive/ODE/BDC/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=QkRDLzIwMDkvMDIvMDM.&pageno=NDY.&entity=QXIwNDYwMA..&view=ZW50aXR5

IMO, the there is plenty of support for the use of standard pipe:

1) Many gov't sites, including access-board.gov, offer clarification that 1.5" std pipe is acceptable.

2) ANSI A117.1 has been modified to accommodate 1.5" std pipe.

3) Sec 3.2 of the ADA

 

[syarn]

link below is an interesting commentary on the handrail issue...

http://www.modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/February_2009/022009_Feb09_Handrails_web.pdf