Lever Return

[LGreene]

I know that the California Referenced Standards Code requires lever handles to return back to within 1/2" of the door, but I have not seen this requirement written in any other code or standard. I'm trying to identify jurisdictions that have included this as part of their state or local code.

I've posted a short survey on my blog (http://idighardware.com/2011/06/lever-return/) or you can just comment here...does your jurisdiction require lever handles to return to within 1/2" of the door? If yes, which code is driving this? And where are you located?

Thanks!

 

[mark handler]

In California, only projects under The Office of the State Fire Marshal, unless locally adopted

 

[LGreene]

mark handler: In California, only projects under The Office of the State Fire Marshal, unless locally adopted

Thanks Mark. Do you know which projects generally fall under the Office of the State Fire Marshal? Which code is used if the project doesn't fall under the OSFM? I think the general assumption is that all of the levers in California have to return back to the door. How can I get some official clarification?

 

[beach]

Do you know which projects generally fall under the Office of the State Fire Marshal?

Health and Safety code section 13143 and Section 1.11 2010 CFC and CBC

In a nutshell:

Institutional, educational, Assembly, Small family day-care homes, Large family day care homes, Res. for elderly, High-rise, State institutions or state owned/occupied buildings, Residential........

Which code is used if the project doesn't fall under the OSFM?

2010 CBC

 

[Examiner]

It may not be in the accessibility codes but I remember that the reason for the return of the lever handles and handrails had something to do with the returns negated the possibility of a fire hose getting hung in the gap left if the return did not occur.

Maybe in the NFPA 101 or hardware standards. Just guessing.

A quick internet search stated that the return is to prevent clothing from getting caught.

Maybe one of the following is your link asking the question. Barracuda software limits my internet searching.

http://idighardware.com/

http://www4.iccsafe.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=21;t=000011

 

[mark handler]

In a nutshell: Institutional, educational, Assembly, Small family day-care homes, Large family day care homes, Res. for elderly, High-rise, State institutions or state owned/occupied buildings, Residential........

The returns are also required in "L" laboratories, Institutional

The returns are not required in SFD, Business-unless high-rise, mercantile, most industrial, Factory, Storage

The returns prevent the fire department "turn-outs" sleeves from getting caught in the levers. The same reason there are returns required on handrails

 

[beach]

What section in the CBC besides 1126A.6.1 (Housing accessibility) requires the return? I can only find where a lever is required but no mention of the return.

 

[mark handler]

2010 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

Sec. 12-10-202.

(f) Levers. The lever of lever actuated latches or locks shall

be curved with a return to within 1/2 inch of the door to prevent

catching on the clothing of persons during egress.

NOT BUILDING CODE

 

[beach]

Thanks, got it!

 

[Yikes]

One more update on this old thread. The California Access Compliance Reference Manual now offers the advisory below:

https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-referenced-standards-code-2022/chapter/12-10-2/exits#12-10-202​

California Referenced Standards Code 12-10-202(f):​

"Levers. The lever of lever actuated latches or locks shall be curved with a return to within 1/2 inch (13 mm) of the door to prevent catching on the clothing of persons during egress.​

Cross-reference Table: Part 2, Sections 407.4.1.1, 1010.1.4.4, 1010.1.9.1, 1010.1.9.4 Part 9, Section 1010.4.2​

The code cross-references are out-of-date. The actual current code reference is 2022 CBC and 2022 CFC 1010.2.2, which states:

"[BE] 1010.2.2 Hardware
Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.
These design requirements for door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices, intended for use on required means of egress doors in other than Group R and M occupancies with an occupant load of 10 or less, shall comply with SFM Standard 12-10-2, Section 12-10-202, contained in the CCR, Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code."


Both the

 

[ICE]

If you snag you clothes on the handle, that return might keep you there.

 

[Yikes]

Note that the return is not required in R occupancies when the occupant load is below 10.
This issue arose recently on a multifamily public housing project where the owner wanted to put mini blinds on the french doors (illustration below, not the actual project). Lever hardware is required by CBC 11B. A flat (no return) lever helps avoid scraping the blinds behind it.
The units have occupant loads <10, so flat levers are allowed inside the units.