36 CFR Part 1195 Proposed Accessibility Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment NPRM - Preamble

Cross Section of Gripping Surfaces

The 2004 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines specify the following dimensions for grab bars to enable individuals with disabilities to firmly grasp the grab bars and support themselves during transfers:

• Grab bars with circular cross sections must have an outside diameter of 1¼ inches minimum and 2 inches maximum.

• Grab bars with non-circular cross sections must have a cross section dimension of 2 inches maximum and a perimeter dimension of 4 inches minimum and 4.8 inches maximum.

The Access Board is considering whether the above cross section dimensions would be appropriate for the gripping surfaces of 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.

Question 21. Comments are requested on the following questions regarding the above cross section dimensions for the gripping surfaces of 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:

a) Can the gripping surfaces of transfer supports on different types of equipment meet the above cross section dimensions?

b) Can handholds that meet the above cross section dimensions be integrated into the design of armrests that are cushioned to support arms and elbows?

c) Are there alternative designs for the gripping surfaces of transfer supports that enable patients with disabilities to firmly grasp the supports and support themselves during transfer?