Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Common ADA Errors and Omissions in New Construction and Alterations

Doors

Error/Omission:

The shape of the door hardware requires tight grasping, pinching, and twisting of the wrist to use.

Result:

The door cannot be opened if the user cannot operate the latch or handle.

Requirement:

4.13.9* Door Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices on accessible doors shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. When sliding doors are fully open, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides. Hardware required for accessible door passage shall be mounted no higher than 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor.

* Asterisk denotes that related, non-mandatory material is in the Appendix to the Standards.