Clear Aisle Railing Height

[Mech]

2009 ICC A117.1

ADA

Restrooms in an industrial area

Client wants to put a guard / barrier (1-1/2" or 2" diam pipe) in front of the restroom doors to create a clear walkway. This guard is not needed for any reason other than to guarantee machinery,pallets, etc do not impede access to the restrooms.

Are there guard / barrier minimum and/or maximum heights? From what sections do I get the information? Right now I am thinking the heights would be required for visually impaired people.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Just make sure the way to the restroom doors are accessible and that the guard is not a protruding object per IBC 1003.3/ANSI 307.

 

[steveray]

If you have maneuvering clearance at the door, and the guard is detectable by a cane you should be good, I would go 36" high with a rail near the bottom for cane detection.....

 

[Mech]

Just make sure the . . . guard is not a protruding object per IBC 1003.3/ANSI 307.

steveray, I saw your post as I was typing a reply.

The guard is 4 feet away from the restroom doors (defining the other side of the walkway) and then there is 100 feet of industrial area on the other side of the guard. Since it is mounted to the floor, I guess it is not a protrusion.

For code compliance, I am thinking the 27" max height used to protect areas of reduced vertical clearance should suffice. But I was thinking like steveray; an upper rail at 36" or 42" high and a lower rail (27" max high) would be the way to go.

Thanks

 

[JPohling]

depending on door swing the 4' may not be sufficient.

 

[steveray]

Ditto what JP said.....

 

[ADAguy]

5' min. clear floor space

 

[Mech]

depending on door swing the 4' may not be sufficient.

Thanks for the reminder / heads up.

Four feet clearance is adequate for this layout; it allows a parallel approach with the door swinging into the restroom.

 

[ADAguy]

Always safer with 60".