ADA Compliant Guidelines

ADA Compliant Guidelines

ADA compliant handrails are required in all new commercial buildings and remodeled buildings in the United States. Don’t think of ADA compliant guidelines as building code requirements; they are a part of a civil rights legislation that establishes accessibility standards.

In order to receive ADA compliance certification, handrail products must follow a number of strict rules:

• Commercial: The railing must be continuous and smooth, and it must be located on both sides of stairways, ramps, etc.
• Commercial: The handrail to be 34-38" tall at stairs and 42" tall at all other flat areas.
• Residential: The railing must be a minimum of 36" tall.
• For wall mount railings the space between the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be 1.5" or more.
• An ADA compliant handrail must not rotate in its fitting
• The end of the handrail must return smoothly into the floor, a wall, or a post.

These are just a few of the many requirements that are obligatory for ADA compliant handrails.