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Maximum Reach Range dimension for Reception Desk?

ADAguy

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Joined
Sep 11, 2013
Messages
6,307
Location
California
Given: Built-in reception desk for disabled receptionist in a WC
?: Can the depth of the top exceed 24" (48" proposed) if the visitor is ambulatory, visitor is in a WC with a parallel approach?
Appears to exceed maximum reach range, no?
 
Given: Built-in reception desk for disabled receptionist in a WC
?: Can the depth of the top exceed 24" (48" proposed) if the visitor is ambulatory, visitor is in a WC with a parallel approach?
Appears to exceed maximum reach range, no?
ANSI A117.1 Section 904.3 (ADA Standards Section 904.4) address service counters, but do not mention maximum depth. For obstructed reach, the maximum depth is 25 inches for forward approach and 24 inches for side approach based on a reach height. Since reach height is not at issue here, reaching across the counter is. If the counter is 48 inches, I don't see a problem since the arc movement of the arm at counter level would be greater than the maximum depth, thus the reaches from each side would overlap in the middle. If the disabled receptionist needed to pass something across to a disabled visitor, they probably could.

Is it noncompliant? I don't believe so. There is no need a person on either side to have the ability to reach across to the other edge of the counter.

Would this be uncomfortable? Probably; especially for the receptionist that has to deal with it all day long, depending on the frequency and types of interactions the receptionist has with visitors.
 
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