Accessible Routes
Accessible routes are simple in concept, but there are details in the rules that make this a bit confusing.  Doors are part of the accessible route, but can they swing into the floor space that is required for turning? Do we need an accessible route to a second floor dining area in a restaurant?  What about details on the exterior accessible route?  In this newsletter I address some of these questions.

Can the door swing into turning space
 
Can the door swing into the turning space of a room? 
 
This question comes up a lot. My standard answer was always yes. The turning space is not a fixed object or location.  Therefore, it is assumed that if a door is opening, a person can move out of the way, even if they are in a wheelchair.
 
 restroom plan
 
But that is not the entire story....

In dressing rooms, section 4.35 of ADAAG states that No door shall swing into any part of the turning space. This is probably because a person who is changing will be moving around the space and is not in a fixed position. Therefore if a door opens, it will be harder to move out of the way since they could be in the middle of either dressing or undressing.

DRESSING ROOM
So not all turning spaces are alike....
 
p.s. remember that doors cannot swing into the clear floor space of a required accessible fixture or accessory (unless it is a single user restroom with a space 30"x48" beyond the swing of the door)
 
In This Issue
Door swing into turning space
Accessible routes for raised dining areas
Inspector's corner: Grate
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Accessible routes for raised dining areas
 
If you are desiging a new restaurant in a non-elevator equiped building (either new or being altered), and wanted to add a second level dining area, you are allowed to do it without providing an accessible route only if certain requirements are met. 
 
In the ADAAG section 5.4 Dining Areas,  it states that in new construction, all dining areas, including raised or sunken dining areas, loggias, and outdoor seating areas, shall be accessible. In non-elevator buildings, an accessible means of vertical access to the mezzanine is not required under the following conditions:
 
1) the area of mezzanine seating measures no more than 33 percent of the area of the total accessible seating area;
 
2) the same accommodations (including but not limited to smoking areas and non-smoking areas), services and decor are provided in an accessible space usable by the general public; and,
 
3) the accessible areas are not restricted to use by people with disabilities.
 
eating 
Inspector's Corner: Grates
  
grate

This video shows an inspection of an accessible route where the grate along the route was positioned the wrong way.  Fig. 8h of the ADAAG shows the proper way of installing the grates along the path of travel.

 fig8h
If you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with, feel free to contact me any time. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Marcela Abadi Rhoads, RAS #240
Abadi Accessibility
214. 403.8714