Disclaimer

This article may contain typographical and/or factual errors. Do not rely solely upon this article when determining the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to the installation of the ACTAtek system. All information relating to federal, state and local laws and regulations should be aquired from the proper regulatory authorities. Neither Intelligent Biometric Controls, Inc or it's employees can be held liable for improper installation of an ACTAtek as a result of relying upon this article.

Overview

This article was written to provide limited information regarding the mounting height of an ACTAtek system as it relates to the ADA. This article will not cover any other aspect of the ADA that might apply to the ACTAtek system.

Mounting Height a Reach

The ADA specifies a minimum and maximum height that an object must be mounted to be within reach of a wheelchair bound person. The required heights depend upon the ability of the handicapped person to access the device.

Forward Reach

As stated in ADAAG 4.2.5:

If the clear floor space only allows forward approach to an object, the maximum high forward reach allowed shall be 48 in (1220 mm) (see Fig. 5(a)). The minimum low forward reach is 15 in (380 mm). If the high forward reach is over an obstruction, reach and clearances shall be as shown in Fig. 5(b). Appendix Note

Figure 5a
High Forward Reach Limit
Forward reach range shown in profile and plan view to be 48 inches maximum and 15 inches minimum.

Figure 5b
Maximum Forward Reach over an Obstruction
The maximum level forward reach over an obstruction with knee space below is 25 inches (635 mm). When the obstruction is less than 20 inches (510 mm) deep, the maximum high forward reach is 48 inches (1220 mm). When the obstruction projects 20 to 25 inches (510 mm to 635 mm), the maximum high forward reach is 44 inches (1120 mm). (4.2.5, 4.25.3).

Side Reach

As stated in ADAAG 4.2.6:

If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the low side reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm) above the floor (Fig. 6(a) and (b)). If the side reach is over an obstruction, the reach and clearances shall be as shown in Fig 6(c). Appendix Note

Figure 6(a)
Clear Floor Space - Parallel Approach
The 30 by 48 inch clear floor space is located a maximum 10 inches (255 mm) from the wall.

Figure 6(b)
High and Low - Side Reach Limits
The 30 by 48 inch wheelchair clear floor space is located a maximum 10 inches (255 mm) from the wall.

Figure 6(c)
Maximum Side Reach over Obstruction
If the depth of the obstruction is 24 inches (610 mm) and the maximum height of the obstruction is 34 inches (865 mm), the maximum high side reach over the obstruction is 46 inches (1170).

Resources

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)
• United States Access Board Homepage