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

5.4.9 Interruptions along Transfer Support Gripping Recommendation for M301 and M302

Description: Transfer supports may contain elements to provide structural support or prevent patient entrapment. The elements, bars, pickets, spacers, panels, and similar features, connect to the transfer support and may interrupt the gripping surface. At the point of connection, these features impede the ability to grasp completely around the cross section of the gripping surface. The proposed provision seeks to balance the need for such features with an adequately usable transfer support.

NPRM Proposed Provision: Interruptions along gripping surface not addressed.

NPRM Preamble Discussion: Did not address.

The Committee recommends the bottom of the transfer support have no obstructions affecting more than 20% of its length.

Rationale for the recommendation

This recommendation assures that patients needing the use of the transfer support can easily grip the support. Gaps or interruptions along the bottom of the transfer surface may not obstruct more than 20% of its length per the 2010 Standards. Section 505.6 specifies that the gripping surface on the vertical support structure that is necessary for supporting the grip must not be discontinuous.