Common ADA compliance issues:
Issue:
The shape of the hardware on accessible doors requires tight grasping, pinching, and twisting of the wrist to operate.
Result:
Persons who have the use of only one hand or who have limited use of hands, wrists, or arms are unable to open doors to get into rooms, lock doors for security, use sinks or showers to wash, adjust draperies for privacy, turn on lamps, or adjust heating or air conditioning levels for comfort.
Requirements:
Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices on accessible doors;  faucets; fixed lamps; and drapery, heating, and air conditioning controls shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. ADA Standards 4.13.9; 9.2.2(3); 9.2.2(5).
4.13.9* Door Hardware. Handles, pull, latches, locks, and other operating devices on accessible doors shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. When sliding doors are fully open, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides. Hardware required for accessible door passage shall be mounted no higher than 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor.
EXIT DEVICES
Exit devices should be mounted no more than 36" above the floor and should be fitted with lever operated mechanisms to comply with ADA. Exposed hardware that is not part of the operating mechanism should be covered or protected.
EXIT DEVICES
Exit devices provide ease of exit from almost any door and are ideally equipped for commercial and institutional installations that require monitored exit systems.
- They should be mounted no more than 36" above the floor surface to ensure access to a person in a wheelchair.
- Ideally, exit devices should be mounted with lever operating mechanisms to ensure ADA compliance; power operated mechanisms described in this book are also acceptable.
- Exposed hardware that is not part of the operational mechanism itself should be covered and/or protected.
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