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

5.4.3 Transfer Support Height for M301 and M302

Description: Transfer support height applies to the vertical distance that the gripping area of the support is above the transfer surface (see Figure 5.4.3). The purpose of a minimum height is to ensure that the gripping surface is at an adequate height to facilitate positioning during a transfer.

NPRM Proposed Provision: Height not addressed.

NPRM Preamble Discussion: The Access Board is considering whether 6 inches minimum and 19 inches maximum above the transfer surface would be an appropriate height for transfer supports on diagnostic equipment used by patients in a supine, prone, or side-lying position, and diagnostic equipment used by patients in a seated position. The minimum height is consistent with the information provided by Midmark Corporation on examination tableside rails, and the maximum height is generally consistent with the height of grab bars above shower seats in the 2010 Standards.

The Committee recommends following the Access Board’s proposed height of 6 to 19 inches from the top of the transfer surface for transfer supports.

Rationale for the recommendation

The location of the transfer supports shall be a minimum of 6 inches to a maximum of 19 inches from the top of the transfer surface. Members of the committee also discussed IEC 60601-2-52, which defines specific requirements to prevent entrapment safety hazards on specific types of MDE (typically hospital beds and stretchers). Manufacturers of such equipment on the committee determined that this recommendation did not conflict with IEC 60601-2-52, allowing equipment to be designed to provide both accessibility and safety from entrapment hazards. The Committee also discussed height adjustability where equipment functions allow for adjustability of the transfer supports as this will increase design options as a best practice.

Figure 5.4.3 Height of Transfer Supports
(SOURCE: Midmark Corporation)

B: 6 inches minimum and 19 inches maximum from the top of the transfer surface
C: Transfer support length, 15 inches minimum

5.4.3.1 Positioning Support Height Recommendation for Imaging Equipment with Transfer Surfaces

For imaging equipment with transfer surfaces, the Committee recommends a positioning support 3 to 6 inches above the transfer surface.

Rationale for the recommendation

See above discussion on transfer supports for imaging equipment with transfer surfaces in Section 5.4.2.2. Manufacturers must locate the supports at a position designated for optimal positioning assistance.