36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Handrails are required along both sides of ramps and stairs. The Board has included a requirement (403.6) that handrails, where provided along walking surfaces, comply with section 505, as discussed above. The term "walking surfaces" applies to portions of accessible routes that are not treated as ramps because the running slope is less than 1:20. Consistent with this change, provisions in section 505 have been modified to specifically reference walking surfaces, including the general charging statement at 505.1. Walking surfaces are not subject to requirements for handrails on both sides (505.2) or handrail extensions (505.10).

In the final rule, an exemption from the requirements for stairways, including handrails, has been included for aisle stairs in assembly areas (210.1, Exception 3). An exception from the requirement for handrails on both sides for aisle ramps and aisle stairs has been revised for consistency. Specifically, the reference to aisle stairs in this exception has been removed as redundant.

Specifications for ramps require handrails only at ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (405.8). Curb ramps are not subject to handrail requirements. The Board has removed as redundant an exception in the handrail section for ramps with a rise of 6 inches maximum (505.2, Exception 2).

The guidelines require handrails to be continuous within the full length of stair flights and ramp runs (505.3). The Board has added clarification, consistent with the original ADAAG, that the inside handrail at switchback or dogleg stairs and ramps be continuous. This change was made for consistency with the ANSI A117.1 standard.