Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Commercial Buildings
Accreditation
Pre-Test
This short pre-test is designed to measure
content areas covered in this class and will
indicate what you already know about
these areas.
Contents
Overview
Module 1 Introduction to Accessibility
Module 2 Exterior Accessible Route
Module 3 Accessible Entry and Means of Egress
Module 4 Interior Accessible Route
Module 5 Building Features and Facilities
Module 6 Special Occupancy Requirements
Module 7 Dwelling and Sleeping units
Module 8 Existing Structures
Goal
. . . determine the minimum
requirements for accessibility.
• 2012 International Building Code.
• 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible
and Usable Buildings
and Facilities.
This seminar primarily addresses accessibility in commercial
buildings. Residential type facilities covered in this class is
limited to the facilities that are not permanent residences. There
are types of facilities that may have some overlap, such as
dormitories, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Objectives
Upon completion of this seminar, you will be
better able to:
Identify accessibility requirements in context of:
Who they benefit.
Where and why they originated.
Distinguish between:
Federal laws.
Accessibility code requirements.
Determine the extent to which accessibility code
provisions apply.
Identify scoping and technical requirements
2012 IBC Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 6
Page 1
Graphic Conventions
Drawings presented today, and in the workbook, use the
following graphic conventions for showing dimensions on
figures. All dimensions are shown in inches above the
measure line with the metric equivalent below.
Built Environment
Physical impairments
disability
ability
Focus on a person’s ability to have access to places to live,
work and play.
Don’t focus on their disability.
Module 1
Introduction to Accessibility
A Look at Accessibility
Scope and Technical Requirements of
Accessibility Provisions.
Coordination with Federal Documents.
Disability Definition
“A physical or mental
impairment which substantially
limits one or more of a person’s
major life activities.”
Requirements
Scoping Technical
Requirements: Requirements:
“What, Where “How”
and How Many” (ICC/ANSI A117.1-
(2012 IBC®) 2009)
Mainstreaming
Coordination Efforts
Federal laws
ICC Goals
Coordinate the building code requirements with
the
ICC Goals
Enforcement of Federal
Requirements
Inspection and
Review Mediation
Complaints
General Exceptions
28
Collective Reference
Existing Buildings
Detached Dwellings
2012 IBC Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 32
Utility Structure
2012 IBC Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 33
Construction Sites
Raised Area
Equipment Spaces
Residential R-1
Live/Work
Units
Detention and
Correctional Facilities
2012 IBC Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 42
Private Clubs
Special Occupancies
Group I.
Group R.
Assembly seating.
Self-service storage areas.
Judicial facilities.
Non-accessible Levels
< 3000 square feet except in:
Health care providers.
Multi-tenant mercantile.
Transportation facilities.
Items specifically addressed in 1107 and 1108.
Air traffic control towers.
Non-public areas with < = 5 occupants.
Press boxes
Press Boxes
Existing Buildings
Maintenance.
Change of occupancy.
Addition.
Alteration.
Historic buildings.
Exceptions
Type B units.
Accessible means of egress.
Technically infeasible.
When historical significance is adversely
affected.
Exceptions
> 20% of the cost of the alteration.
55
Dimensions
of Adult-Sized Wheelchair
Unobstructed
Forward Reach Limit
Unobstructed
Side Reach Limit
Cane Ranges
and Techniques
Children Requirements
Unobstructed Children’s Reach Ranges
Forward or Ages Ages Ages
Side Reach 3 and 4 5 through 8 9 through 12
High (maximum) 36 in. 40 in. 44 in.
Low (minimum) 20 in. 15 in. 16 in.
Module 2
Accessible Entrances
Accessible Route
Width for Turns
Changes in Elevation
Protruding Objects
Good or Bad?
Protruding Objects
Good or Bad?
Parking Locations
Dispersion by Type
Number Required
Based on number provided.
Number required per zoning laws.
Table 1106.1 for general parking.
2% for Group R-2 and R-3.
10% at hospitals facilities.
20% at mobility treatment centers.
Alternative Space
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
36” minimum
Detectable
Warnings
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Signage
Accessible parking
Entrances
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Module 2 Problem
Evaluate the accessible
parking and the exterior
accessible route on this
site.
Module 3
Entrance/Exit
Requirements—Introduction
Requirements for both entry and egress must be
addressed and the most restrictive applied.
Consists of:
Accessible •Exterior accessible route. 60% of the
Elevator
Entry •Accessible entrances. entrances
•Interior accessible route.
Problem
#1
Consider a small
nonsprinklered mercantile
or business with a main
entrance out the front and
a service entrance out the
back.
Problem
#1
How many entrances are
required to be accessible?
One entrance is required
to be accessible (IBC
Section 1105.1)
Problem
#1
If two means or egress are
required, how many exits
are required to be
accessible?
Two exits are required to
be accessible (IBC
Section 1007.1).
Problem
#1
Is there an exception
for sprinklered
buildings?
Exterior Area of
Assisted Rescue
2012 Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 107
Page 60
Problem #2
Picture a large one-story,
unlimited-area building,
with one main entrance
and four required exits
provided around the
perimeter of the store.
Main Entrance
Problem #2
How many exits are required to
be accessible?
Two exits are required to be
accessible (IBC Section
1007.1).
Main Entrance
Problem #2
If they built a storage area in
the back that included an
Employee employee entrance and
Storage employee break room (greater
Lounge than 50 occupants), how would
that affect entrance and means
of egress requirements?
At least two accessible
means of egress must be
provided from each space
Sales Area (IBC Section 1107.1).
Therefore, the rear door
must be accessible and
signage must be provided at
the nonaccessible entrances
or exits (IBC Sections
1110.1, 1110.2 and 1110.3).
Main Entrance
Problem #3
Consider a banquet facility
with a main lobby/entrance
hall, and a large hall with
moveable partitions.
Lobby
Problem #3
How many entrances are
required to be accessible?
One accessible entrance is
required (IBC Sections
1104.3 and 1105.1).
Moveable Partitions
How many exits are required
(i.e., from the building, from
each space)?
Two accessible means of Lobby
egress from each space,
therefore all exits from this
facility must be accessible
(IBC Section 1007.1).
Problem #4
In a multistory office building,
the elevator in a central core
provides the accessible route to
the upper floors.
Problem #4
At least one exit stairway and
the elevator shall serve as part
of the accessible means of
egress (IBC Section 1007.2.1).
With a sprinkler system the
stairway is exempted from the
48-inch (1219 mm) clear width
and the areas of refuge (IBC
Section 1007.3, Exception 2).
The elevator must have standby
power, but with a sprinkler
system, the area of refuge
would be exempted (IBC
Section 1007.4, Exception 2).
Two way communications must
be provided in the elevator lobby
(IBC Section 1007.8)
Problem #4
Second, same layouts, but
assume that this building is two
stories, and not sprinklered.
Problem #4
Are there any special
signage considerations?
In addition to the signage at
the areas of refuge, directional
signage must be provided at
the elevator and any
nonaccessible means of
egress (IBC Section 1007.10).
Instructional signage must be
provided at the two way
communication system (IBC
Section 1007.8.2). Tactile
signage is required at
stairways (IBC Sections
1110.3 and 1011.3).
Problem #4
What would be the requirements if a building had elevators in more than
one location?
The location chosen for the two-way communication system is normally based on the
fact that people will try and go out the way they came in. Therefore, if more than one
elevator bank serves as part of an accessible route into a space, two way
communication should be provided in each elevator lobby.
In buildings where the elevators are used as part of the accessible means of egress,
the question would be if the elevators were zoned. An elevator with standby power
must be accessible from all floors. Therefore, standby power may need to be supplied
to different banks if they serve different floors. Standby power must be switchable
between elevators in the same bank. If the elevators serve as a route into the space,
but do not serve as part of the accessible means of egress, they should have
appropriate directional signage.
Accessible
Entrance
Exceptions
Areas not required to be accessible.
Interior Routes
Elevator
Horizontal surfaces
Ramps
Platform
lifts
2012 Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 122
Page 67
Interior Routes
Connect accessible elements.
Except within dwelling units the only route
should not be through:
Kitchens
Storage rooms
Toilet or bathing rooms
Closets
The accessible route into the space must allow
access unassisted.
Entrance/Exit Requirements —
Accessible Means of Egress
Elements of Accessible Means of Egress
Exceptions
Existing buildings
Special Consideration
Mezzanines.
Wheelchair spaces in Assembly seating with
sloped or stepped floors.
Areas accessed only by platform lifts.
Ramps
Horizontal surfaces
Accessible Exit
Exit Stairs
Exit Door
Exit Doors
Maneuvering clearances.
Zero level entry.
Clear width.
Hardware.
Vestibules.
Elevators
Required in buildings four or more stories above
or below the level of exit discharge.
Standby power.
Accessed from an area of refuge.
Elevator
How to measure
height
Standby-power for
assisted
evacuation by
emergency
responders – not
self evacuation
133
Stairways
Exit stairway.
48” clear width.
Accessed from area
of refuge.
Fireman’s carry
Horizontal Exit
Area of Refuge
Accessed by an accessible route.
Separated by a smoke barrier.
Direct access to an exit stairway, elevator with
emergency power or accessible exit.
A horizontal exit is an alternative for and area of
refuge.
Areas of Refuge
30” x 48” space.
One space for every
200 occupants.
Access to a space
may be through one
other space.
Do not block general
means of egress
path.
Area of Refuge
Two way emergency
communication
system
Identification
Instructional signage
143
Figure courtesy of District of Columbia government website
Signage
At non-accessible exits
and
At elevators indicating the
location of accessible
means of egress.
Areas of refuge
Exterior areas of rescue
assistance.
Area of
Tactile signage at exit and
exit discharge doors. Refuge
Good or Bad?
Two-way Communication
Variety of options
Allow for communication and feedback between
emergency responders and people who need
assistance
In areas of refuge in non-sprinklered buildings
At elevator lobbies in sprinklered buildings
Good or Bad?
150
151
Visible Alarms
All public spaces.
All common spaces.
Group I-1 and
R-1 units per
Table 907.9.1.3.
Future expansion for:
Individual employee
work areas.
Group R-2 units.
Module 3 Problem
How many exterior
doors are required?
Which doors will most
likely serve as the
entrances, and how
many are required to
be accessible?
Assuming the
occupant load is 750,
how many doors will
serve as exit doors,
and how many are
required to be
accessible?
Module 4
Changes in Elevation
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Doors
Door Size
1008.1.1
Doors in a Series
1008.1.8
Door Swing
1008.1.2
Good or Bad?
Hardware
Maneuvering Clearances
Front
Front Approach, Approach,
Pull Side Push Side
Maneuvering Clearances
Door Surface
Maneuvering Clearance
Maneuvering Clearance
Required at power
assist doors
Not required a low-
power automatic
doors and fully
automatic doors
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Vestibules
Vestibules
Elevators
ASME A17.1.
ICC A117.1.
Permitted to serve as part
of the accessible route
anywhere.
5 story buildings or
higher:
Standby power for
accessible MOE.
One sized for a stretcher.
Elevator 80 MIN
2030
68 MIN
1725
Car Sizes
54 MIN
51 MIN
54 MIN
1370
1295
51 MIN
1370
1295
Access to
controls. 42 MIN 36 MIN
915
60” turning
1065
(a) Centered Door Loc ation (b) Off-Centered Door Loc ation
54 MIN 60 MIN
1370 1525
circle not
required.
80 MIN
60 MIN
2030
1525
36 MIN 36 MIN
915 915
(c ) Any Door Loc ation (d) Any Door Loc ation
LULAs
ASME A17.1.
ICC A117.1.
Application limited by
product:
Limited capacity.
25’ max. travel.
Slow speed.
* LULA Limited
Use/Limited
Application
Platform Lifts
ASME A18.1.
ICC A117.1.
Permitted anywhere in
existing buildings.
Limited application in
new construction.
Platform Lifts
Performing areas.
Wheelchair spaces in assembly seating.
Restricted spaces with <6 occupants.
Within dwelling and sleeping units.
Outdoor dining areas in Group A-5.
Platform Lifts
Areas in courtrooms.
Amusement rides.
Play structures.
Team or player seating.
Existing exterior constraints.
This location cannot also serve as part of an
accessible means of egress.
Platform Lifts
Types
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Controls
Key access no longer
required by the
standard.
Good or Bad?
Stairways
Not part of the accessible route into building.
Part of an accessible means of egress out of
building – assisted utilization.
Mainstreamed requirements.
Safety provisions for persons with mobility and
visually impairments addressed in IBC.
Handrails
1009. 15 & 1012.
Handrail
Extensions
1012.5
Stairway width
1007.3 or 1009.1
2012 Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 194
Handrail Extension
Good or Bad?
Solid tread and risers?
Good or Bad?
Handrail extensions?
Ramps
>1:20 slope.
1:12 slope maximum on accessible routes.
1:8 slope maximum in assembly that are
not accessible routes.
1:8 slope maximum for ramps that are not
means of egress.
Existing buildings with 6” or less rise.
Ramps
Change in level
Surfaces
Cross slope
Minimum width
Maximum rise
Adequate landings
Ramp Landings
Ramp Landings
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Module 4 Problem
Module 5
Bathrooms
Type A and Type B unit bathrooms are not
addressed in this class.
All other bathrooms will be covered here:
Public bathrooms
Private bathrooms
Accessible dwelling and sleeping units
Child size bathrooms
Bathrooms
Required fixtures per IPC.
Designers choice for how required fixtures are
separated:
Multi-stall bathrooms
Single occupant bathrooms
All bathrooms must be accessible per Chapter 6
of ICC A117.1.
Exceptions
Accessed through a private office.
Non-accessible dwelling or sleeping units.
50% of clustered single occupant bathrooms.
When only one urinal is provided in a bathroom,
that urinal is not required to be accessible.
Critical care or Intensive care.
Bathrooms
One of each type of fixture provided in each
bathroom:
Water closets
Lavatories
Urinals
Bathtubs
Showers
When 6 or more water closets and/or urinals are
provided in a room, an ambulatory stall is
required.
2012 IBC Accessibility and Usability for Commercial Buildings 218
Page 135
Sinks/Lavatories
Lavatories are for bathing purposes.
Sinks are typically a work sink.
5% constructed with front approach.
When 6 or more lavatories are provided in a
room, a lavatory with an enhances reach range
faucet is required.
Exceptions
Non-accessible:
Part of individual work stations
Mop or service sinks
Limited accessibility:
Sinks for children’s use
Kitchenettes permitted to have side approach
Purpose
Person with mobility impairment may require
assistance.
Families with small children.
Persons with temporary disabilities may require
assistance.
Customer friendly.
Location
Maximum of 500 feet and one story travel from
the men’s and women’s rooms.
In transportation facilities, travel shall not be
through a security checkpoint.
Additional
Requirements
Privacy locks
Signage
Side Transfer
Examples
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Urinals
Rim height
Clear floor space
Alcove
Flush controls
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Lavatories with
enhanced reach range
includes water and
soap controls (A117.1
606.5).
Room requirements
include towel
dispensers or hand
dryers (A117.1 606.7).
Other elements covered
by operable part
requirements.
Bathtubs or Shower
Minimum dimensions for showers
Clearances/approach
Seats
Grab bars
Controls
Shower unit
Enclosures/doors
Thresholds
Transfer Shower
Roll-in Shower
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Hospital patient
bathroom with toilet,
lavatory and roll-in
shower.
Good or Bad?
Accessible hotel
room
Good or Bad?
One water supply, but
bowls will serve two
persons.
The dog fountain
exceeds code.
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good
or Bad?
Good
or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Locker Rooms
All locker rooms accessible.
5% of lockers.
Provide accessible bench.
Good or Bad?
Benches
Against a wall or with a
back for support
Sized to allow for
transfer and for a person
to raise their legs onto
the bench to aid in
dressing and undressing
Should be bolted down
or very stable to
minimize the chance of
tipping
Transfer to a Bench
Recommended to ease transfer
Built-in Counters
Check out aisles.
Table 1109.12.2 based on number provided.
Sales and service counters.
At least on of each type.
Check-out Counters –
Good or Bad?
Check-out Counters –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Service Window –
Good or Bad?
Built-in Counters
Built-in counters and work surfaces
5% or work surfaces.
5% of dining surfaces.
Food Service –
Good or Bad?
Storage
At least one of each type in accessible spaces:
Cabinets
Closets
Drawers
Mail boxes
5% of lockers.
Display shelves must be on an accessible route,
but not within reach ranges.
Storage –
Good or Bad?
Operable Parts
All operable parts
within accessible
spaces and intended
for occupant usage.
Windows
Accessible units in Groups I-1, I-2, R-1, R-2 and
R-4.
When required for ventilation or emergency
escape.
At least one in each room.
Exception:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Good or Bad?
Module 5 Problem
Assuming elevations
of fixtures and other
elements are correct;
does the toilet room
shown in this plan
meet the requirements
for accessibility?
Module 6
Special Occupancies
Requirements
Special Occupancies
Requirements
Fixed assembly seating.
Recreational facilities.
Dining areas.
Self-service storage facilities.
Judicial facilities.
Number of Spaces
Fixed seats provided.
Table 1108.2.2.1.
Luxury boxes, club boxes or suites.
Each box based on Table 1108.2.2.1.
Other box seats.
20% of total box seats based on Table 1108.2.2.1.
Lawn seating.
Team seating.
Dispersion
Access to services.
Integration.
Different levels.
Exceptions:
Balconies in religious facilities with <25% of the total
seats.
Balconies in assembly with both <300 seats and
<25% of the total seats.
Dispersion
Dispersion
Line of Sight – standing or seated spectators
Horizontal (side-to-side)
Vertical (front-to back)
Type (seating type or services)
Dispersion
Number of
wheelchairs spaces
(IBC Table
1108.2.2.1)
Number of wheelchair
space locations (ICC
A117.1 Table 802.10)
‘Wheelchair space locations’ include the companion seat
and can include multiple wheelchair spaces.
Wheelchair Space
Adjacent companion seat.
Size dependent on approach and if 1 or 2
wheelchair spaces.
1:48 maximum slope.
Provided on accessible route.
Wheelchair Space
The wheelchair space
must have should
alignment with the
companion seat to
allow interaction.
Line of Sight
Looking over the heads of seated
spectators
Line of Sight
Looking between the heads of seated
spectators
Line of Sight
Looking over the heads of standing
spectators
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Good or Bad?
Text Messaging
Stadiums, arenas and
grandstands.
With audible public
announcements.
Equivalent text
messages must be
provided.
Performance Areas
Access to all performing areas:
Stage
Orchestra pit
Choir loft
Speaker’s platform
Access to all supporting spaces.
Exception for catwalks.
Recreational Areas
Access to recreational areas.
Exceptions:
Raised areas for refereeing, judging or scoring
Animal containment
Raised boxing or wrestling rings
95% of bowling lanes
Amusement Rides
Route to the ride
Transfer space or
wheelchair space on
the ride
Amusement Rides
Exceptions:
Mobile rides
Controlled by rider
Primarily for children
an assisted by adults
No ride seats
Exercise Equipment
Space for transfer or
to use at least one of
each type of machine
Not intended to
change machines
Golf
Access to course
using an accessible
golf cart
Access to driving
range, practice
greens, bag drop off
Miniature Golf
Access to at least
50% of holes
Route on or adjacent
to the holes
Play areas
Percentage of ground
level and raised
components on a
route via ramp or
transfer steps
Access to soft
contained play
structures
Pools
Access to pools
based on types and
size
Options for type of
entry
Exceptions:
Diving boards
Slides
Catchment pools
Shooting Facilities
A turning space at
one station in each
type of shooting
facility
Dining Areas
All dining areas accessible.
Exceptions:
Mezzanines with <25% of the total seating.
Sports facilities with tiered dining, at least 25% of the
seating area must be accessible.
Good or Bad?
Self-service Storage
Self-service Storage
<=200 units, 5% accessible.
>200 units, 10 units plus 2% accessible.
Dispersed by type.
Not required to dispersed by location.
Good or Bad?
Judicial Facilities
Courtrooms
Good or Bad?
Courtrooms
Good or Bad?
Holding Cells
At least one central holding cell for each
type provided.
At least one court-floor holding cell for
each type provided.
Visiting Areas
5% of the spaces for detainees.
Exception for areas not serving accessible holding
cells.
5% of the spaces for visitors.
At least one cubical accessible on both sides.
At least one of each type of security partition or
communication system.
Good or Bad?
Module 6 Problem
The following is a plan
of a nightclub. Assume
the rectangular tables
and bar have built-in
seating and the round
tables are loose
seating.
Module 8
Existing Structures
Existing Buildings
Maintenance.
Change of occupancy.
Addition.
Alteration.
Historic buildings.
Alterations
Alterations must meet new construction requirements,
-or-
If you touch it – fix it,
If the area being altered contains a primary function
area, the route to that area and including any toilet
rooms or drinking fountains that serve that area must be
evaluated for accessibility.
If they are not accessible, additional improvements are
required.
Alterations - Exceptions
Technically infeasible.
Adversely affect historic character.
Type B dwelling units.
Accessible means of egress.
Technically Infeasible
Alteration or removal of major structural
member.
Accessible Route
to Primary Function Area
Parking.
Exterior accessible route.
Entrance.
Interior accessible route.
Toilet rooms.
Drinking fountains.
Signage.
Exceptions
The cost of the accessible route exceeds 20% of
the cost of the alteration.
The alteration is limited to items that will not alter
the physical configuration or use of the space.
Windows, hardware, operating controls, electrical
outlets, signage.
Mechanical, electrical, fire protection systems or
hazardous abatement.
The alteration is to improve accessibility.
Historic Building
When compliance would be detrimental to the
historical significance of a registered building.
Minimum requirements
Site arrival points.
Access to main level.
Alternative entrance.
Unisex toilet room.
Historic Buildings
Special Scoping
Entrances.
Elevators.
Platform lifts.
Stair and Escalators.
Ramps.
Performance areas.
Dwelling and sleeping units – Accessible, Type A
and Type B.
Special Scoping
Jury boxes and witness stands.
Toilet rooms.
Dressing, fitting and locker rooms.
Fuel dispensers.
Thresholds.
Module 8
Problem
Suppose someone came to
you with these sketches of
an existing small-town
theater, wanting to know how
to make the facility more
accessible.
Module 8
Problem
What would you
suggest in the way of:
• Scoping
Requirements
• General
Recommendations
• Technical
Requirements?
Questions?
Post-Test
This post-test is designed to measure how
much you learned in this class.
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