Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Common ADA Problems at Newly Constructed Lodging Facilities

Protruding Objects

Common Problem:

In areas inside and outside the lodging facility where people are expected to walk, objects protrude too far from the side, from posts, or hang down too low from overhead.

Result:

People who are blind or who have low vision can be seriously injured when they are unable to detect an object in their path by using the sweep of their cane.

Requirements:

All objects that protrude from surfaces or posts and all overhanging objects in areas where people walk shall comply with the following requirements:

Objects mounted on walls at a height above 27 inches and below 80 inches (e.g., fire extinguishers, telephones) shall protrude no more than 4 inches into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, aisles, or any other areas where a person walks.

Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may not project more than 12 inches into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, aisles, or any other area where a person walks at heights between 27 inches and 80 inches above the ground or finished floor.

Stairways and escalators with undersides that are not enclosed and all objects hanging above walks, hallways, corridors, passageways, aisles, and lobbies cannot hang down below a height of 80 inches above the ground or finished floor, unless there is a cane-detectible barrier that would alert a person who is blind or who has low vision to the hazard.

Standards 4.1.2(3); 4.1.3(2); 4.4.