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

5.3.3.1 Transfer Sides Recommendation for Exam Chairs with Fixed Footrests

Some examination chairs have footrests that get in the way of entry from the foot end, such as dental chairs and podiatry chairs.

The Committee recommends exam chairs with a fixed footrest have a transfer surface minimum of a 17 inch depth and a 21 inch width located on both sides of the chair to allow for a left or right transfer.

Rationale for the recommendation

As currently designed, some examination chairs have fixed footrests that facilitate the clinical functions for which the chair is used. The footrests obstruct access to the foot end of the chair. Examples of chairs that fit this category are most dental chairs and podiatry chairs. The current design allows only one long side for transfer, which limits some patient transfers where a patient can use only one side of the body due to paralysis on one side or other such conditions. To address this issue, the recommendation requires chairs with footrest obstructions to allow patient transfers from both sides of the chair. The solution creates the option for either a left or a right transfer. (see Figures 5.3.3.1(a) and 5.3.3.1(b))

Figure 5.3.3.1(a) Podiatry Chair
(SOURCE: Midmark Corporation)

Figure 5.3.3.1(b) Dental Chair
(SOURCE: Midmark Corporation)