Building Codes and Barrier-Free Design 277
Stairway handrails must be continuous on both sides of the stairs. The inside handrail on switchback
or dogleg stairs must always be continuous as it changes direction. Other handrails must extend beyond
the top and bottom riser. A handrail’s top gripping surface must be between 34 (864 mm) and 38 inches
(965 mm) above stair nosings. In addition, the handrail must have a diameter or width of gripping sur-
face of between 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) and 1 1/2 inches (38 mm). There must also be a clear space be-
tween the handrail and the wall of at least 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) as shown in Figure 11.11.
Floor Surfaces and Tactile Pavings.
Floor finishes in a facility must be firm and slip-resistant and should provide easy access throughout the
building. If there is a change in level, the transition must meet the following requirements. If the change
is less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm), it may be vertical and without edge treatment. If the change in level is be-
tween 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm), it must be beveled and its slope no greater than 1:2.
Changes greater than 1/2 inch change the classification to a ramp, which must then meet the require-
ments outlined in the previous section. Bathroom floors should have a nonslip finish.
Door handles are also required to have a textured surface if they are part of a door that leads to an
area that might prove dangerous to a blind person, including doors to loading platforms, boiler rooms,
and stages.
Public Telephones.
Telephones are one of the easiest building elements to make accessible. They should be positioned so
that they can be reached by a person in a wheelchair. Accessible telephones may be designed for ei-
ther front or side access. In either case a clear floor space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) by 48
inches (1220 mm) is to be provided. Telephones should have pushbutton controls and telephone direc-
tories that are accessible by a person in a wheelchair.
Figure 11.12 Tread and nosing requirements (source: CFR Ch.1, Pt. 36, App.A, Fig.18, 7-1-94 Edition).