Operational Force of Door Hardware

[LGreene]

An editorial change that was made to the 2010 ADA established a 5-pound limit for the operation of door hardware. The research that I've done points to this being an error, or at least a change that should have gone through the normal code development process. If an AHJ attempts to enforce this requirement, there is no panic hardware that will meet it because other codes and standards have set a maximum force of 15 pounds for panic hardware.

This has been a huge problem for the door and hardware industry because we don't have a good answer for the AHJ. We end up spending a lot of time trying to defend the force needed to operate the hardware until usually the AHJ gives up because there is no solution except to make every door with panic hardware an automatic door. This isn't feasible or sensible for most buildings.

It could be years before the DOJ changes the ADA, so I wrote an article that pulls together all of the "evidence" surrounding the issue. At this point, the article is only on my blog so I can change it or add to it. I would REALLY appreciate any feedback you have on this. I would especially like some documentation on whether a 5-pound force is really necessary for people with disabilities, or whether a 15-pound force is reasonable. I know that some manufacturers have looked at the possibility of making a panic device that would meet the 5-pound requirement, but the touchpad becomes so easy to move that hitting the door from the exterior can cause the touchpad to bounce and unlock the door. Most panic hardware operates with between 9 and 13 pounds of force.

Thanks in advance for looking at this for me: I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware » Operational Force of Hardware

I always appreciate your insight.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Advisory 404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force. The maximum force pertains to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the inertia of the door. It does not apply to the force required to retract bolts or to disengage other devices used to keep the door in a closed position.

I don't believe it is talking about the latching device

You find the same 5 pound requirement in the building code

ADA 404.2.9 refers to interior doors with an exception for fire doors

1008.1.3 Door opening force.

The force for pushing or pulling open interior swinging egress doors, other than fire doors , shall not exceed 5 pounds (22 N). For other swinging doors, as well as sliding and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound (133 N) force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force.

 

[LGreene]

Advisory 404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force. The maximum force pertains to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the inertia of the door. It does not apply to the force required to retract bolts or to disengage other devices used to keep the door in a closed position.I don't believe it is talking about the latching device

You find the same 5 pound requirement in the building code

ADA 404.2.9 refers to interior doors with an exception for fire doors

1008.1.3 Door opening force.

The force for pushing or pulling open interior swinging egress doors, other than fire doors , shall not exceed 5 pounds (22 N). For other swinging doors, as well as sliding and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound (133 N) force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force.

Yes, that's the opening force but the 2010 ADA section 404.2.7 references section 309.4 for operational force, which says that hardware has to be operable with 5 pounds of force. That's what creates the conflict with the section you referenced.

404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors

and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm)

minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where sliding doors

are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Existing locks shall be permitted in any location at existing glazed doors

without stiles, existing overhead rolling doors or grilles, and similar existing doors or grilles that

are designed with locks that are activated only at the top or bottom rail.

2. Access gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be

permitted to have operable parts of the release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 inches

(1370 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground provided the self-latching devices are not

also self-locking devices and operated by means of a key, electronic opener, or integral

combination lock.

309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping,

pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N)

maximum.

EXCEPTION: Gas pump nozzles shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an

activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

 

[mtlogcabin]

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[TD]309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

EXCEPTION: Gas pump nozzles shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.



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[TD=width: 293]4.27.4 Operation. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).

[/TD]

[TD=width: 293]ANSI 309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5.0 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

EXCEPTION: Gas pump nozzles shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5.0 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

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New ADAAG

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DOJ Standards for Accessible Design

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International Building Code

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Seems like it is in all the codes

 

[LGreene]

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Seems like it is in all the codes

Yes, section 309.4 is in A117.1, which is referenced by the IBC, but the difference is that the door hardware section in A117.1 does not refer to section 309.4. All of the various controls (elevator call buttons, plumbing fixtures, toilet accessories, appliance controls, etc.) that have to operate with 5 pounds of force refer to 309.4, but the requirements for door hardware are specified separately, with no limitation on force and no reference to 309.4:

404.2.6 Door Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches,

locks, and other operable parts on accessible doors

shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one

hand and does not require tight grasping, pinching,

or twisting of the wrist to operate. Operable parts of

such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum

and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the

floor. Where sliding doors are in the fully open position,

operating hardware shall be exposed and

usable from both sides.

EXCEPTION: Locks used only for security purposes

and not used for normal operation shall not

be required to comply with Section 404.2.6.

 

[Architect1281]

Yes LG and I just went through that on CO for a 5 story university residence hall as the doors were set badly, excessive force so I mentioned 15 lbs in field discussion but as always follow with written report by sections quoted, and saw the "5" thinking I was getting old and forgetful but tere it was.....

 

[LGreene]

Yes LG and I just went through that on CO for a 5 story university residence hall as the doors were set badly, excessive force so I mentioned 15 lbs in field discussion but as always follow with written report by sections quoted, and saw the "5" thinking I was getting old and forgetful but tere it was.....

Yes, it's there, but a change as big as that should have gone through the regular code development process, not just an editorial change. The bottom line is that there is no panic hardware that operates with 5 pounds, and from the engineering studies it doesn't seem like it's feasible.