Guide to the ADA Standards

Turning Space [§304]

Turning space is required in these accessible rooms and spaces:

• toilet and bathing facilities

• dressing, fitting, and locker rooms

• transient lodging guest rooms

• dwelling units (all rooms on an accessible route)

• patient bedrooms

• holding and housing cells

• saunas and steam rooms

• raised courtroom stations served by ramps or lifts with entry ramps

• certain recreation spaces (amusement ride load/ unload areas, fishing piers and platforms, play components, and shooting facilities)

Space for turning is also required along accessible routes where a 180 degree turn around an obstruction less than 48” wide is required (§403.5.2).

Clear Width at 180 Degree Turn Around a Narrow Obstruction

Recommendation: Turning space is recommended in small spaces with entrapment risks as well as at dead-end aisles and corridors so that people using wheeled mobility aids do not have to back up considerable distances.

 

Maneuvering for Turns

Maneuvering for 180 degree turns varies by person and the mobility aid used. An efficient way of turning using a manual wheelchair is to turn the wheels in opposite directions for a pivoting turn. Some power chairs also may permit tight circular turns.

A three-point turn is common when using scooters and other motorized devices that have a larger turning radius.

Size [§304.3]

Turning space can be provided in the shape of a circle or a T. Elements with knee and toe space can overlap a portion of the turning space.

Circular Turning Space

Recommendation: To provide easier access, locate elements with knee and toe space outside the turning space or, with circular space, limit overlap to approximately 12” so that wheelchair space 48” long minimum remains clear.

 

T-Shaped Turning Space

T-shaped space can be configured for approach on any segment (stem or either arm).

Door Swing [§304.4] and Other Space Requirements

Doors can swing into the turning space. The turning space can overlap other space requirements, including clear floor space required at elements and fixtures.