1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

4.26.2* Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails.

The diameter or width of the gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall be 1‒1/4 in to 1‒1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. If handrails or grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1‒1/2 in (38 mm) (see Fig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 in (75 mm) deep and extends at least 18 in (455 mm) above the top of the rail (see Fig. 39(d)).

Fig. 39 Size and Spacing of Handrails and Grab Bars

Fig. 39 Size and Spacing of Handrails and Grab Bars

Fig. 39 Size and Spacing of Handrails and Grab Bars

Fig. 39 Size and Spacing of Handrails and Grab Bars

Fig. 39 Size and Spacing of Handrails and Grab Bars