36 CFR Part 1195 Proposed Accessibility Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment NPRM - Preamble

Clearances Around Gripping Surfaces

The 2004 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines specify the following clearances around grab bars to ensure sufficient space for a person to grasp the grab bar: 1½ inches absolute clearance between grab bars and the adjacent wall surfaces; 1½ inches minimum clearance between grab bars and projecting objects below and at the ends of grab bars; and 12 inches minimum clearance between grab bars and projecting objects above grab bars.

The Access Board is considering whether 1½ inches minimum clearance around the gripping surface would be appropriate for transfer supports on diagnostic equipment used by patients in a supine, prone, or side-lying position, and diagnostic equipment used by patients in a seated position.

Question 22. Can transfer supports on different types of equipment provide 1½ inches minimum clearance around the gripping surface?