4.4 Protruding Objects

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and is still applicable.

4.4 Protruding Objects.

4.4.1* General.

Objects projecting from walls (for example, telephones) with their leading edges between 27 in and 80 in (685 mm and 2030 mm) above the finished floor shall protrude no more than 4 in (100 mm) into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles (see Fig. 8(a)). Objects mounted with their leading edges at or below 27 in (685 mm) above the finished floor may protrude any amount (see Fig. 8(a) and (b)). Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang 12 in (305 mm) maximum from 27 in to 80 in (685 mm to 2030 mm) above the ground or finished floor (see Fig. 8(c) and (d)). Protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route or maneuvering space (see Fig. 8(e)).

Two diagrams showing a figure walking parallel to a wall. The figure on the left shows 80 inches (2030 mm) minimum vertical clearance under a sign reading "Lobby." A figure is shown parallel to a wall where the cane detectable range from the ground to the bottom of a protruding object is higher than 27 inches (685 mm) and the object protrudes 4 inches (100 mm) maximum. The figure on the right shows the clear width of the walking surface adjacent to a protruding object of any amount, where the bottom of the object to the ground is 27 inches (685 mm) or below.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

Side elevation showing a figure walking perpendicular to a wall, where the cane range from the ground to the bottom of a protruding object is 27 inches (685 mm) maximum.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

Two diagrams showing free-standing overhanding objects. A plan diagram on the left shows the distance between two posts as greater than 12 inches (305 mm). An elevation diagram on the rights shows the distance between two posts as greater than 12 inches (305 mm) when the bottom of the object between two posts is 27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the ground or floor.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

Overhead Hazards. As an example, the diagram illustrates a stair whose underside descends across a pathway. Where the headroom is less than 80 inches, protection is offered by a railing (2030 mm) which can be no higher than 27 inches (685 mm) to ensure detectability.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

The diagram illustrates an area where an overhang can be greater than 12 inches (305 mm) because the object cannot be approached in the direction of the overhang.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

The minimum clear width for continuous passage is 36 inches. Thirty two (32) inches is the minimum clear width for a maximum distance of 24 inches (610 mm).

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

4.4.2 Head Room.

Walks, halls, corridors, passageways, aisles, or other circulation spaces shall have 80 in (2030 mm) minimum clear head room (see Fig. 8(a)). If vertical clearance of an area adjoining an accessible route is reduced to less than 80 in (nominal dimension), a barrier to warn blind or visually-impaired persons shall be provided (see Fig. 8(c−1)).

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

Figure 8(c-1) Overhead Hazards: Overhead Hazards. As an example, the diagram illustrates a stair whose underside descends across a pathway. Where the headroom is less than 80 inches, protection is offered by a railing (2030 mm) which can be no higher than 27 inches (685 mm) to ensure detectability.

Fig. 8 Protruding Objects

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1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design