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

5.2.2 Transfer Surface Size Recommendations for M302

Description: The transfer surface is the part of the diagnostic equipment onto which patients who use mobility devices or aids transfer when moving onto and off the equipment. Depending on the configuration of the equipment, the transfer surface may coincide with the seat area of an examination chair. The transfer surface size has two components: width and depth. (See Figure 5.2.1.1)

NPRM Proposed Provision: M302.2.2 Size. The transfer surface shall be 21 inches wide minimum and 15 inches deep minimum.

5.2.2.1 Transfer Surface Width Recommendations for M302

The Committee recommends 21 inches for the minimum width of the transfer surface of examination chairs and other equipment primarily used by patients in a seated position as described in its proposed standard 302.2.2.

Rationale for final recommendation

The Committee considered the dimensions for rectangular seats in roll-in showers from the 2010 Standards; and the ideal chair width recommended in Architectural Graphic Standards for auditorium seating. The Committee also reviewed anthropometric data from a variety of sources.

5.2.2.2 Transfer Surface Depth Recommendation for M302

The Committee recommends a minimum depth requirement of 17 inches for equipment used by patients in seated positions.

Rationale for final recommendation

As discussed in previous sections, many members expressed concern about the adequacy of the transfer surface depth. Members proposed increasing the minimum depth of the transfer surface from 15 inches to 17 inches. The Committee easily supported this increase as existing equipment already meets or exceeds this dimension.