Accessibility

What is a Means of Egress? What is the difference between accessible means of egress and general means of egress with a building with multiple means of egress? Accessible Means of Egress is defined as a continuous and unobstructed  path of travel from any occupied portion of a facility to a public way.  Egress consists Read more

The key to knowing the requirements that the IBC code mentions, is the ANSI a117.1 Standard. Universal design, Barrier Free Design, and Accessible Design are all according to the ANSI Standard a117.1  Even the DOJ’s Americans with Disability Act refers to the ANSI A117.1 Standard.  The You can find ANSI online, but book is only $30. I Read more

Stairs are can be one of the trickier parts of a building.  You’ll want to follow basic guide lines when designing accessible buildings. Stair Configurations: 10′ x 20′ is a good starting point for a rule of thumb for a stairwell size.     stairways shall have min headroom clearance of 80″ – measured vertically Read more

RAMP CODE: 1010.4 Vertical rise • Rise of any ramp is limited to ≤ 2′-6″. 1010.5.1 Width • The width required for a means of egress ramp is the same as that required for corridors. Note: 1018.2, “Corridor width,” is cited as the source governing applicable widths. • ≥ 3′ clear width is required for Read more

 Egress Routes Protruding Objects Clear Floor Area Knee and Toe Clearances Read more

In terms of Door approach, take a look at this chart from ANSI 117.1, Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall comply with Section 404.2.3 and shall include the full clear opening width of the doorway Read more

 GUARDRAILS 1.Open sides of landings, floor surfaces, ramps, and stairways shall be protected by a continuous guardrail.   HANDRAILS 1.Handrails shall be provided on both sides of ramps and stairs. On open stair/ramp sides railing becomes handrail/guardrail and is treated by the software as handrail even at landings if there’s no change in direction – Read more