Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

5.2.1.2 Transfer Surface Depth Recommendation for M301

The Committee recommends a minimum transfer surface depth of 17 inches for all M301 except imaging equipment.

Rationale for final recommendation

Concern about the adequacy of the size of the transfer surface led members to propose an increase in the minimum depth of the transfer surface from 15 inches to 17 inches. The Committee easily supported this increase as existing equipment already encompassed this dimension.

The Committee reviewed anthropometric data from a variety of sources. Dr. Edward Steinfeld, Director of the Center of Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at the University of Buffalo, reported that his research data suggested that a depth of 15 inches would provide an adequate seating surface for the average user in his sample. However, Committee members raised concerns that the proposed depth was too short. Although the minimum size indicated by the SUNY research was 15 inches, current design practice used on tables and chairs incorporates a minimum depth of 17 inches. Some Committee members suggested that a minimum 15 inches of depth was too little, and the Committee adopted the 17-inch minimum.

This depth measurement is from the center-point of the front and back of the transfer surface as shown in Figure 5.2.1.1.