Max opening allowed in a floor surface

[retire09]

What is the maximum size opening allowed in a floor surface? At what point can a ladies high heel get caught in a gap in a deck and cause an accident?

Is there a code section in the IBC?

 

[chris kennedy]

At what point can a ladies high heel get caught in a gap in a deck and cause an accident?

After 2 glasses of wine would be my guess.

 

[Paul Sweet]

ADA limits openings to 1/2". If I remember correctly, the gap has to be no more than 3/16" to 1/4" to be considered "heelproof". A 3/8" mortar jont is an ideal heel-snagger when the mortar is gone.

If the edges are rounded, like some deckboards from big-box home improvement stores, there might still be a tripping hazard even if the boards are tightly butted.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

If it is an accessible route openings in the floor shall not permit the passage of a 1/2 inch diamter sphere. 2009 ANSI sectuin 302.3

 

[steveray]

Rick has the proper ANSI section if your IBC gets you there and you can call it an accessible route...