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

5.3.3 Transfer Sides Recommendations for M302

Description: Transfer side provisions are the same for M301 and M302 and require the transfer surface to be located to provide options to transfer onto the short side and the long side of the surface. The provisions result in the transfer surface being located at a corner of the equipment and the two transfer sides adjoining at the edges of the equipment. This provision will coincide with the seat area design of most examination chairs.

NPRM Proposed Provision: M302.2.3 Transfer Sides. The transfer surface shall be located to provide options to transfer from a mobility device onto one short side (depth) and one long side (width) of the surface. Each transfer side shall provide unobstructed access to the transfer surface.
EXCEPTION: The provision permits temporary obstructions if they can move out of the way to permit transfer.

5.3.3.1 Transfer Sides Recommendation for Exam Chairs with Fixed Footrests

Some examination chairs have footrests that get in the way of entry from the foot end, such as dental chairs and podiatry chairs.

The Committee recommends exam chairs with a fixed footrest have a transfer surface minimum of a 17 inch depth and a 21 inch width located on both sides of the chair to allow for a left or right transfer.

Rationale for the recommendation

As currently designed, some examination chairs have fixed footrests that facilitate the clinical functions for which the chair is used. The footrests obstruct access to the foot end of the chair. Examples of chairs that fit this category are most dental chairs and podiatry chairs. The current design allows only one long side for transfer, which limits some patient transfers where a patient can use only one side of the body due to paralysis on one side or other such conditions. To address this issue, the recommendation requires chairs with footrest obstructions to allow patient transfers from both sides of the chair. The solution creates the option for either a left or a right transfer. (see Figures 5.3.3.1(a) and 5.3.3.1(b))

Figure 5.3.3.1(a) Podiatry Chair
(SOURCE: Midmark Corporation)

Figure 5.3.3.1(b) Dental Chair
(SOURCE: Midmark Corporation)