Accessible Locks

[LGreene]

I received the question below from a school system, and I am pasting it verbatim for your feedback. For reference, here is the type of lock he is asking about (click to enlarge it so you can see the turn-button):

View attachment 2051

You can push the turn-button on the inside lever, and the outside lever will be locked until you turn the inside lever. Or you can push and turn the turn-button and the outside lever will stay locked even after you turn the inside lever.When he mentions "fixed portion" (below), he is referring to this Q&A on the ADA Guide: Are turn-key locks prohibited by the standards?Key locks or key cards are not prohibited by the standards which apply only to the fixed portions of operable parts. Similarly, items dispensed by ATMs and fare machines, such as receipts, cash, fare cards, and vending machine products are not covered by the standards.Here is his question: The push and turn button would obviously qualify as a “fixed portion” of the operable part of the lock. This would seem to make this particular function non-compliant. Except when one considers the following: 1 – This function still allows the “locking” operation to be engaged by pushing the P&T button. 2 – This function still allows the “unlocking” operation to function by operating the inside lever. 3 – The only operable part that is not easy to operate is the “turning” operation which only functions to keep the outside lever locked. I would contend that the operable part that allows “keeping” the outer lever locked is NOT hindering the primary ACCESS or even the secondary operations of the lever lock.Conclusion: The PRIMARY “operable” functions provided by this and most cylindrical lever locks are ADA compliant because the ACCESS OPERATIONS really only include: 1 – Unlatching the door for egress. 2 – Unlatching the unlocked door for entering. Even the SECONDARY “operable” functions are ADA compliant because they only include: 1 – Locking the door. 2 – Unlocking the door.So...is the lock in the picture above acceptable for use on an accessible route?View attachment 2051

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[Builder Bob]

IMHO yes... operationi of the locking or unlocking function does not require tight grasping or turning of the wrist to operate.

 

[mark handler]

There is nothing in the guidelines prohibiting it, but not "recommend" per their commentary.

In a school the issue would arise if the person who is responsible for locking up, has an impairment. But that person would also have issues with keys. The vast majority of people including the disabled would not be locking a school door.

 

[FM William Burns]

The locking arrangement does not affect the egress side of the hardware and the lever action complies with the ADA regulation in releasing the latching.....IMHO

 

[peach]

I agree with FM Burns

 

[LGreene]

A follow-up question...We have had code officials who will not allow the turn-button, because they didn't feel that it was accessible. As hardware consultants / specwriters, we usually take the cautious approach and would not specify a product that was questionable or that we had been burned on before, but then we end up with unhappy owners who want to use the turn-button. What should our approach be in this case? Should we ask the code official ahead of time? Is that a nuisance? Or against the rules for the code official to give us an opinion? What if we ask and get a verbal ok, but then have a problem with someone else from the same department?

 

[Frank]

A follow-up question...We have had code officials who will not allow the turn-button, because they didn't feel that it was accessible. As hardware consultants / specwriters, we usually take the cautious approach and would not specify a product that was questionable or that we had been burned on before, but then we end up with unhappy owners who want to use the turn-button. What should our approach be in this case? Should we ask the code official ahead of time? Is that a nuisance? Or against the rules for the code official to give us an opinion? What if we ask and get a verbal ok, but then have a problem with someone else from the same department?

If there is a specific quesstion ask ahead of time.

 

[FM William Burns]

It is always appreciated when someone asks up front. Regarding this specific hardware's being not approved by someone's feelings........I would ask that someone why it is not accessible?

My motto........"You can't enforce will"

 

[mtlogcabin]

What if we ask and get a verbal ok,

Ask in writing and request a written response preferably with the BO signature. Be specific with the question