ADA Standards,
Guidelines & Recommendations
| ADA Standard | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Handrail is to be between 34” and 38” inches from surface (ground/ramp/sidewalk). | Place handrail at 36”. |
| Posts (uprights/verticals) must be no more than 8’ feet apart from center to center of each post. | Place posts every 6’ feet from center to center. |
| Posts and handrail pipe need to be 1-1/4” – 1-1/2” Schedule 40. | Use 1-1/2” Schedule 40 for the posts and 1-1/4” Schedule 40 for the rails. Note: Actual Outer Diameters of 1-1/4” Schedule 40 is 1.66” and 1-1/2” Schedule 40 is 1.90”. |
| The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. | A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. |
| Handrail must be continuous. | Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. |
| A ‘D’-Return is needed to “round out” the ends of the handrail. | On straight runs: ‘D’ returns shall extend at least 12” inches On stairs and ramps: ‘D’ returns shall extend at least 12” inches beyond the top riser and at least 12” inches, plus the width of one tread, beyond the bottom riser. |
| Handrails shall not rotate within the fittings. | Handrails are screwed to the Handrail Bracket which disallows rotation. 3/16” holes need to be drilled in handrail to attach to Handrail Bracket |
