Stove controls and twisting

[Yikes]

UFAS 4.34.6.3 says that cooktop controls need to be operated without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. I have a cooktop that has knobs to push and turn. I was able to gently press it and turn it while making a fist... no grasping, just pushing.

Is this acceptable? Or does any knob on a stove automatically preclude it from being UFAS-compliant?

 

[Gregg Harris]

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).

This would be acceptable, a slight inward pressure is what allows the gas valve to open

 

[pwood]

[quote name=Yikes; without tight grasping' date=' pinching, or twisting of the wrist.. I was able to gently press it and turn it while making a fist... .

Is this acceptable? ]

looks like twisting of the wrist was required to turn it on. unacceptable!

 

[Gregg Harris]

[quote name=Yikes; without tight grasping' date=' pinching, or twisting of the wrist.. I was able to gently press it and turn it while making a fist... . Is this acceptable? ]

looks like twisting of the wrist was required to turn it on. unacceptable!

5 foot pound force is in reality to the situation a lot of pressure. In reference to twisting of the wrist, it can be done without motion of the wrist.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I went home last night and I turned my gas stove on with my elbow. I pushed in and then rotated the valve.

If you can do the same then I think it is okay.

 

[pwood]

I went home last night and I turned my gas stove on with my elbow. I pushed in and then rotated the valve. If you can do the same then I think it is okay.

mtl

i can do it with my head, but we are talking wrist here!

 

[Gregg Harris]

mtl i can do it with my head, but we are talking wrist here!

You are putting way to much emphasis on the wrist. It could be done with fingers alone without turning your wrist.

 

[pwood]

fingers require grasping to turn the knob!

 

[Francis Vineyard]

pwood friction of the skin at any fleshy part of the palm, knuckles, between fingers in a fist, etc., push and twist with the arm will operate the control. Should you search ADA compliant appliances they all have these knobs but within reach.

Francis

 

[ICE]

"Siri, turn on the stove."

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Although I can see pwoods perspective when it comes to door knobs where gripping and force overcome the tension of the return spring.

Francis

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

mtl i can do it with my head, but we are talking wrist here!

no, we are talking about usability without using your wrist, and if the knobs can be used without using twisting the wrist, then the intent is met. Contact the manufacturer is you have further concerns and find out what testing/standards were used for ADA compliance.

 

[pwood]

don't shoot! I am just playing devil's advocate here. these are situations that we face everyday in the field. It comes down to making a judgement call that you can be comfortable with . If the stove has some kind of agency approval as meeting ada standards then it is a no brainer, otherwise this is where the rubber meets the road. I know, pay money and join ICC and they will give you an official opinion like "it is your call in the end":mrgreen:

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

I know, pay money and join ICC and they will give you an official opinion like "it is your call in the end":mrgreen:

Thanks pwood! I needed that laugh. Should repost in the what is right what is wrong thread.

 

[Yikes]

My relatives have a vacation home with an G.E. pushbutton electric range. The pushbuttons require such force that you need a strong finger to make it work.

It seems like all newer stoves have some type of mechanism to prevent the burner from accidentally being lit, i.e. you can't just lean on it and have it light up. This usually involves pushing and twisitng a knob.

I go to a manufacturer's website like http://www.geappliances.com/design_center/ada_compliant/ada_compliant_cooktops.htm#complianceRequirements

and most of those self-identified as "ADA compliant" have push-and-turn knobs.