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

5.8 Wheelchair Spaces for Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients Seated in a Wheelchair.

5.8.1 Wheelchair Spaces on Raised Platforms.

5.8.1.1 Clear Platform Size. The platform should be a minimum clear width of 32-inches and a minimum clear length of 40-inches.

5.8.1.2 Entry to Wheelchair Spaces on Raised Platforms.

5.8.1.2.1 Ramped Entry Slope. Raised platforms should have a ramp with slopes that do not exceed the following:

Rise 0 to 1 ½ inches – 1:2 Slope
Rise >1 ½ to 2 ½ inches – 1:8 Slope
Rise >2 ½ inches – 1:12 Slope

5.8.1.2.2 Single Ramped Entry – Edge Protection on the Platform and Platform Sides. A 2 inch high edge protection must be provided on the back of the platform, opposite the entry ramp and a minimum 2 inch high edge protection on the sides of the platform.

5.8.1.2.3 Double Ramped Entry – Edge Protection on the Platform Sides. A minimum 2 inch high edge protection must be provided on both sides of the platform for double ramped entry platforms.

5.8.1.2.4 Edge Protection on Platforms 1½ inches or less in Height. Edge protection is not required on platforms 1 ½ inches or less in height.

5.8.2 Knee and Toe Clearance Under Breast Platform. The overall knee and toe space should be increased to a minimum of 28 inches deep, from the initially proposed 25 inch absolute dimension; increasing the knee clearance directly underneath the breast platform to a minimum of 18 inches; and assuring unobstructed floor space in front of the base support at a minimum of 17 inches.

5.8.2.1 Height of Breast Platform At Time of Measurement. All knee and toe clearances should be measured when the top of the breast platform is set at 34 inches above the floor.

5.8.2.2 Knee Clearance Depth at 27” Above the Ground. The knee clearance should be increased at 27 inches above the ground to 18 inches minimum.

5.8.2.3 Overall Knee and Toe Clearance. The overall knee and toe space should be increased to a minimum of 28 inches.

5.8.2.4 Unobstructed Floor Space. The unobstructed floor space in front of the base support should be a minimum of 17 inches deep.

5.8.2.5 Toe Height. The toe height should be 18 inches minimum, measured above the ground when the top of the breast platform is 34 inches above the ground.

5.8.2.6 Clearance Depth at Toe Height Above the Ground. The toe clearance depth should be 22 inches minimum at toe height.

5.8.2.7 Base Support Allowance. Base support is permitted to obstruct the clear floor space if it fits within the allowed base support volume. Base supports can be a maximum of 1½ inches high. An additional sloped region above the base support is permitted at a depth of 25 inches from the front edge of the breast platform at 1½ inches above the floor, and can extend to a height of 4 inches above the floor at a depth of 28 inches from the front edge of the breast platform.

5.8.2.7.1 Mammography Chair Footrest. Mammography chairs must meet the requirements for equipment used for patient in a seated position with the additional requirement that any footrests must accommodate and ride over the base support.

5.8.3 Breast Platform

5.8.3.1 Breast Platform Height. The height of the top of the breast platform should be decreased to 26 inches above the floor. The upper height range for the breast platform was not controversial and remained as proposed. The final version of the criteria must clarify that the specified height range is a minimum range of travel.