Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Common ADA Problems at Newly Constructed Lodging Facilities

Operating Hardware

Common Problem:

The shape of the hardware on accessible doors, and on faucets, fixed lamps, drapery controls, and heating and air conditioning controls in spaces required to be accessible requires tight grasping, pinching, and twisting of the wrist.

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).

Single-lever handle that is easy to reach and operable with one hand