What is the ADA and how Does it Affect Railing Codes?
The ADA stands for the Americans With Disabilities Act which came into law in 1990. The purpose of the law was to ensure that people with disabilities had the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. “The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.” In this article we will discuss some important considerations for ADA compliant handrails, graspable railings and how they function.
Building Requirements for Code Compliant ADA Handrails
- An ADA handrail must measure between 34″-38″ in height. This specification has been called out because most people can comfortably grasp a railing at this height.
- Clearance between a handrail and any wall or obstruction must measure a minimum of 1.5″. This allows the user to grasp the entire railing without being impeded or obstructed.
- ADA railings must cover both sides of a stairway or ramp with a minimum of 36″ of walkway in between railings. Persons and wheelchairs must be able to pass through with enough clearance in between.
- ADA compliant handrails must be continuous and smooth; thus offering a disabled person the continuous support of the handrail.
- Handrail Returns: Railing terminations need to return into a solid member like a wall, floor or a railing post. ADA rails for ramps and stairs will often project a certain distance from the end of the railing (see photos).
ADA Handrails Prevent Falls and Serious Injuries
Handrails and barrier railings are an important part of public spaces and they provide critical safety for the elderly and disabled. Properly constructed handrails can mean the difference between comfortable level transitions and avoiding serious injuries. According to statistics from the NCOA– one in four Americans aged 65 or older has a fall each year. Additionally, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of trauma related hospital admissions for the elderly.
Commercial uses for ADA compliant handrails are most commonly seen on stairs, docks, decks, walkways and ramps. Our company has fabricated and installed these type of railing systems all over California. San Diego Cable Railings offers a full service platform for materials and installation services related to commercial railing systems and ADA railings. If you have questions about any of our railing products please give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today.
