ISIBSIR 82-2567

NAT'L INST. OF STAND & TECH

AlllDt. 2bis7E .nalysis of Sections 4.2

Through 4.14 of the GSA

Proposed Uniform Federal

Accessibility Standard

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center foi Building Technology

Structures Division

Washington, DC 20234

August 1 982

oc- >y: 100 anagement Division

• US 6

iervices Administration

: * on, DC 20405

82-2567

i 1982

NBSIR 82-2567

AN ANALYSIS OF SECTIONS 4.2

THROUGH 4.14 OF THE GSA

PROPOSED UNIFORM FEDERAL

ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD

George Turner

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Building Technology

Structures Division

Washington, DC 20234

August 1 982

Sponsored by:

Design Management Division

General Services Administration

Washington, DC 20405

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

ABSTRACT

Recently, the General Services Administration (GSA) developed a draft uniform

accessibility standard (the focus of this report) intended to be promulgated

in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the

Department of Defense, and the United States Postal Service. Under contract

to the General Services Administration, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS),

Center for Building Technology assisted in the review of part 4, "Accessible

Elements and Spaces," sections 4.2 through and including 4.14 of the draft

standard in order to determine the extent to which previously identified

problems of accessibility (NBS database) were addressed by the provisions of

the standard. The analysis was carried out by reviewing and classifying the

provisions of the draft standard; searching the NBS data base for information

relevant to the classes of provisions in the draft standard; and comparing the

provisions with the NBS database.

iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author would like to express gratitude to Mrs. Kathleen Field, the Project

Liaison Representative and Ms. Diane Walters, Chief, Design Program Branch

of the General Services Administration for their assistance, insights, and

patience during the conduct of the project. The author gratefully acknowledges

the critical reviews of drafts by Dr. Belinda Collins and Dr. Arthur Rubin of

the NBS Center for Building Technology (CBT) and the final review by Mr. Harold

Nelson of the Center for Fire Research. Finally, the author thanks the staff

of the CBT Word Processing Center.

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABSTRACT iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv

1. INTRODDCTION 1

1.1 Background 1 1.2 Objective and Scope of the Analysis 1 l.S Organization of the Report 1

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE NBS DATABASE AND THE GSA STANDARD 2

2.1 Introduction 2 2.2 NBS Database 2 2.3 GSA Draft Standard 3

3. QUERIES OF THE NBS DATABASE AND THE GSA STANDARD 5

3.1 Introduction 5 3.2 Rates of Occurrence of Characteristics and Components in the

Database and Data File 3

3.3 Relationships Between Characteristics and Components 8

4. SUMMARY OF THE COMPARISON OF THE NBS DATABASE TO THE GSA STANDARD ... 27

4.1 Introduction 27

4.2 Summary of Rates of Occurrence of Characteristics

and Components 27

4.3 Summary of Characteristic/Component Relationships 27

4.4 Conclusions 29

5. REFERENCES 31

APPENDIX A A-1

APPENDIX B B-1

APPENDIX C C-1

APPENDIX D B-1

V
LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing

Accessibility Problems 12

Table 2. Characteristics of Circulation Components Prescribed in the

GSA Draft Standard 20

Table 3. Summary of Characteristic/ Component Relationships Common in

the Database and Data File 30

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Accessibility database record 3

Figure 2. GSA data file record 3

Figure 3. Rates of occurrences of characteristics of circulation

components 6

Figure 4. Rates of occurrences of circulation components 7

Figure 5. Characteristics of circulation components causing

accessibility problems 10

Figure 6. Characteristics of circulation components prescribed in the

GSA draft standard 11

Figure 7. A comparison of characteristics of circulation components

causing accessibility problems and those prescribed in the

GSA draft standard 28

vi
1.1 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

The purpose of building accessibility standards is to make buildings accessible

to people having various physical disabilities. In recent years, attention to

disabled building users and corresponding Federal legislation has fostered the

development of a revised national standard (ANSI A117. 1-1980) and numerous

accessibility design guidelines.

Recently, the General Services Administration (GSA) developed a draft uniform

accessibility standard (the focus of this report) intended to be promulgated in

conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department

of Defense, and the United States Postal Service. The purpose of the proposed

standard is to establish a measure for determining facility accessibility by the

physically disabled in federal and federally-funded facilities.

1.2

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE ANALYSIS

Under contract to the General Services Administration, the National Bureau of

Standards (NBS), Center for Building Technology assisted in the review of Part

4, "Accessible Elements and Spaces," sections 4.2 through and including 4.14

of the draft standard in order to determine the extent to which previously

identified problems of accessibility [Accessibility: An Approach...., 1977]

were addressed by the provisions of the standard.

The analysis was carried out by reviewing and classifying the provisions of the

draft standard; searching the NBS database (files of previously identified proh

lems of accessibility) for information relevant to the classes of provisions

in the draft standard; and comparing the provisions with the NBS database.

1.3

ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT

This report is organized in five sections;

Section 1, the current section, provides a general introduction.

Section 2 presents a description of the structure of the NBS database.

In addition, it describes Part 4 of the GSA draft standard and the

method by which its provisions were classified.

Section 3 presents the results of the search of the NBS database for

information relevant to the provisions in the draft standard.

Section 4 summarizes the comparison of the GSA provisions with relevant

sets of data from the NBS database.

Section 5 lists the references cited in the text.

1
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE NBS DATABASE AND THE GSA STANDARD

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This section describes the format of the data as well as the relationships

among data items that make up the NBS database. In addition the GSA draft

standard's technical provisions concerning accessible elements and spaces are described.

Section 2.2 identifies the source of the accessibility data, and explains the

structure of the records (units of data) that make up the database.

Section 2.3 presents the technical provisions from the draft standard that were

the focus of this analysis. Also, a description of the coding of the technical

provisions into a format similar to the NBS data records is provided.

2.2 NBS DATABASE

During 1981, the Occupancy Safety Group of the Center for Building Technology

developed a database of information about problems that disabled people experience when they use buildings. The information consisted of reported deficiencies of buildings and was collected by the Building Research Advisory Board

(BRAB) from a survey of a variety of disabled individuals and organizations and

individuals working with the disabled [Accessibility: An Approach ..., 1977].*

The reported deficiencies were characteristics or qualities of building components or a component’s environment that cause accessibility problems for disabled

individuals

.

The BRAB "Panel on Building Design Criteria for the Disabled" was responsible

for analyzing and reporting the results of the data collection. The BRAB

report does not indicate how the respondents were selected nor the rate of

response to 500 mailed survey forms. Therefore, the building deficiencies

reported may not be complete and/or unbiased. However, because the deficiencies illustrate some of the practical situations encountered by disabled

building users, they provide an initial basis for identifying and defining

accessibility problems.

Approximately 459 deficiencies in building accessibility are included in the

BRAB report and are presented in a format that classifies them with respect to

the building components of concern and the types of disabilities directly

affected. The deficiencies cited form the basis for the records that constitute the NBS database. However, since a single deficiency can affect many

different classes of disabled users, more than one record can be developed

for each deficiency.

* BRAB is now the Advisory Board on the Built Environment (ABBE) of the

National Research Council. However, reference will be made to the BRAB

report throughout this paper.

2
Figure 1. Accessibility database record

Building

Characteristics of Circulation Building User Incidents of

Building Components Components Uses Disabilities Inaccessibility

Appendix A lists the categories and numerical codes for each of the record

fields. Although the deficiencies reported by BRAB covered many types of building components and building uses, the NBS database has only been completed for

circulation components and uses. The current database contains approximately

500 records. Appendix B provides a description and general summary of the NBS

database.

The logical structure for the database records is based on the assumption that

problems (incidents of building inaccessibility) occur when physical characteristics of building systems require abilities that are not possessed by some

segment of the user population (i.e., the disabled).

The format of the records follows a causal sequence from physical

characteristics of buildings to their effect on building users. Each record

contains five fields as illustrated in Figure 1. The fields are arranged from

left to right analogous to a causal sequence initiated by characteristics of

the environment transmitted through building components, their uses, user’s

abilities, and resulting in incidents of inaccessibility.

2.3 GSA DRAFT STANDARD

The purpose of the GSA draft standard is to establish a measure for facility

accessibility by the physically disabled. The standard is applicable to the

design, construction, and alteration of federal and federally-funded buildings

and facilities.

The technical provisions of the standard are aimed at establishing a minimxim

of at least one accessible route through a building and its site. The provisions are the same as those of the American National Standard Institute’s

document A117, 1-1980 with certain exceptions.

The technical provisions that were the focus of the analysis are contained in

sections 4.2 through 4.14. The provisions specified requirements

for space allowances and reach ranges; accessible routes; protruding objects;

ground and floor surfaces; parking and passenger loading zones; curb ramps;

ramps; stairs; elevators; platform lifts; doors; and entrances.

Figure 2. GSA data file record

Characteristic

of Building Building Provision

Components Component Number
A data file (GSA data file) for the provisions in sections 4.2 through 4,14 was developed by entering provisions as records. The format and coding for the

records was similar to the NBS database. However the GSA data file records

contain only three fields as illustrated in figure 2.

In certain cases , the technical provisions specified characteristics in a global

or general way without mentioning a specific component. Therefore, some of

the records in the GSA data file contain blank fields. Appendix C is a listing

of the GSA data file.

4
3. QUERIES OF THE NBS DATABASE AND THE GSA STANDARD

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This section describes the queries of the NBS database and the GSA standard

(data file). Section 3.2 presents general information about relative rates of

occurrences of the different fields in records of the database and data file.

Section 3.3 presents specific information from the database about the characteristics of components that have been identified as causing accessibility

problems and information from the data file relative to those same components.

3.2 RATES OF OCCURRENCE OF CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS IN THE DATABASE AND

DATA FILE

The objective of this analysis was to determine the extent to which previously

identified problems of accessibility were addressed by the provisions of the

GSA draft standard. In order to meet the objective, several comparisons were

made between the NBS database and the draft standard as represented by the GSA

data file.

Figure 3 contains histograms showing the rates of occurrences of the component

characteristic types in the NBS database, and the rates of occurrences of the

component characteristic types in the GSA data file. The frequencies indicated

by the histograms represent rates at which characteristics of circulation components were reported in conjunction with accessibility problems and were

cited in the GSA Standard's provisions.

It is apparent in figure 3 that the majority of the characteristics found in

both the database and the file fall in the first three categories: dimension,

configuration, and surface condition. However, the relative frequencies among

those categories in the database is different from the relative frequencies

among the same categories in the data file. Surface conditions are the most

frequently cited characteristics leading to accessibility problems in the

database, while dimensions are the most frequently specified characteristic

in the data file.

Figure 4 contains histograms showing the frequencies of the circulation

component types in the database and the frequencies of the circulation

component types in the file.

About half of the component types found in the database and file are in the

fourth category, vertical building circulation components. As with the

component characteristics, the database and file differ in the relative

frequencies among the component types. However, the database and data file

overwhelmingly show vertical circulation components as most frequently

occurring in both of them.

5
NBS

DATABASE

GSA

DATA

FILE

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SSNIONnOiftinS/IXllMOD

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NOISNBWia

S (S o s s s

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NOIilCWCD 3DVianS

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O « O 9 in « in

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Figure

3.

Rates

of

occurrences

of

characteristics

of

circulation

components

in

the

NBS

database
NBS

DATABASE

GSA

DATA

FILE

siiGNOdMoo 3,cnina ivnoiiisnvhi

U. (r UJ O3UJ ZO>-• Id U)

Si)GN0dHQ3 S.cnina lVU«}ZIdOH

siiQNOdWDD 9,(nina ivDiiaiA

SilBNOdMOO EIIS IVNOUISNm

Si^QN0dM^0 HilS IViM^ZiaOH

SIN3NOdWD3 3iIS IVDIiaBA

siiQNOdWDO 0 ,cnina tvnoiiisnvul

SulK3NOdW3D 9,cnina TViUOZiaOH

SiN3N0dWD9 9,cnina TVDIiiBA

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SiM3NOdW39 ailS TViWOZiaOH

SilQNOdWCO ILIS TVDUaHA

U. QC Id O3Id ZO»-i Id (A 7

Figure

4.

Rates

of

occurrences

of

characteristics

of

circulation

components

in

the

GSA

data

file
3.3 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS

Another comparison made between the NBS database and the GSA data file,

characteristics associated with components, is presented in figures 5 and 6

and in tables 1 and 2.

Figure 5 illustrates the occurrences of characteristics associated with

components that were identified as causing accessibility problems. Where an

”X" occurs at the intersection of a characteristic and component, a deficiency

was cited in the BRAB report.

The grid lines are included only as aids to relating the X's to approximate

values on the numerical code frames. The graph in figure 5 is provided to

give a visual indication of how either a characteristic or component can be

quickly compared to others in terms of its particular frequency of citation in

accessibility problems. Table 1 gives a listing of the categories of characteristic/component relationships and their frequencies of occurrence.

Figure 6 illustrates the occurrences of characteristics associated with

components that were specified in provisions of the draft standard. Where an

”0” occurs at an intersection, a minimum requirement for a characteristic of a component was cited. Where ”0's" occur along the vertical frame line, the provisions specified characteristics in a global or general way without mentioning

a specific component.

As with figure 5, the grid lines in figure 6 are merely aids to relating to

the values on the frame lines. While the graph in figure 6 provides a visual

indication of the relationships specified in the data file, table 2 gives a listing of the categories of relationships and the relevant provisions from

the draft standard.

Since the database had more characteristic/component relationships than the

data file, there were more deficiencies cited in the BRAB report than there

were minimum requirements specified in the draft standard. Nevertheless, it

may not be necessary for a provision to be written in response to every deficiency that can be identified. A single provision can eliminate more than one deficiency or it may only be feasible to correct a deficiency through some other means.

One way to determine whether or not provisions should be written for a deficiency is to assign relative values to the deficiencies. Field five of

each record of the NBS database indicates the severity of the consequences to

disabled building users of characteristic/component deficiencies. The incident

8
A

of inaccessibility code (see Appendix A) indicates the severity of a deficiency and provides a means for establishing priority for provisions.

j

X

i

It is important to point out that the incident of inaccessibility was coded

in a purely subjective manner. Since the type of incident was not a part of

the BRAB report format, the person entering the deficiencies into records

made the decision based on professional judgement as to the extent to which a given deficiency would cause an incident of inaccessibility. In order to

maintain some degree of consistency, the same individual was responsible for

entering all of the records. However, to reiterate, the coding in the fifth

field of a record only represents the opinion of the NBS coder and not the

BRAB data.

9
O

X

<COt

<EO

IUJa

V)I-

»-4 o

80

60

40

80

0

0 10 20 30

COnPONENTS

40 60

Figure 5. Characteristics of circulation components

causing accessibility problems

10
f

C

H

e 10 20 30 40 50

80

60

40

80

0

Figure 6. Characteristics of circulation components prescribed

in the GSA draft standard

11
Table 1. Characteristics of

Problems

Characteristics

Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Number

of Occurrences

Component in the Database

Shape Curb cuts 5

Uneven surface •• 4

Slippery surface •• !• 5

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

M t< 6

Width Site Walkways 3

Slope n M 5

Uneven surface !• M 4

Slippery surface It It 4

Glare producing surface It If 1

Holes or depressions It ft 5

Protrusions from surface It tt 4

Lack of information It It 1

Inappropriate foliage or landscaping

tt If 13

Poor or no illumination It tt 14

Width Parking spaces 2

Location It tt 3

Holes or depressions tt ft 5

Insufficient number It It 6

Not available tt It 3

12
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Problems (Continued)

Number

of Occurrences

Characteristics Component in the Database

Height Curbs A

Insufficient manual A assistance

None Site railings 3

Rate of movement Elevators 2

Poor or no illumination M1

Location Elevator waiting area 2

Slippery surface M •• 99 A

Loose surface 99 99 99 A

Carpeting pile height M !• 99 A

Poor or no illumination • • 99 II 1

Objects that protude M 99 II 5 or obstruct

Height Elevator call buttons 5

Area dimension II M •• 3

Resistance to operation II II • I 3

Relative position II It II 3

Non-uniform placement II II II 2

Imperceptible •I 99 II 3

13
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Problems (Continued)

Number

of Occurrences

Characteristics Component in the Database

Height Elevator

indicator

car location 1

Non-uniform placement M If M 2

Imperceptible M II II 3

II Elevator

indicator

directional 3

Width Elevator doors 2

Operating time II •• 2

Operation non-reversible •I II 3

Height Elevator

panel

car operating 5

Area dimension It II II 3

Resistance to operation II •1 II 3

Relative position II II 3

Non-uniform placement II *1 II 2

Imperceptible •1 II II 2

Height Elevator emergency phone 5

Non-uniform placement II II II 2

Imperceptible II •1 II 2

Confusing information II II II 1

Complex manipulation required II 11 II 2

Height Elevator

indicator

in-car location 1

Imperceptible II II 2

14
Characteristics Component

Inappropriately located Elevator in-car location

indicator

1

Area dimension Elevator car platform

(floor)

1

Slippery surface M 1* M 4

Glare producing surface l« M M

1

Loose surface t* M •• 4

Carpeting pile height tt t« It 4

Glare producing surface Elevator car walls 1

Insufficient number Elevator car handrails 4

None «« If 4

Uneven alignment Elevator floor and waiting

area sills

5

Hole (space between) tt tt tt tt 5

Height Elevator door opening

detectors

3

Area dimension Elevator emergency

exitway

2

Inappropriately located Escalators 3

Uneven surface Escalator up comb-plate 4

Poor or no illumination tt It tt 1

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

It It It 1

15
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components

Problems (Continued)

Characteristics Component

Causing Accessibility

Number

of Occurrences

in the Database

Width Escalator steps 3

Rate of movement t« »« 3

No edge marking I* If 1

Operation non-reversible tf If 5

Intermeshes with or closes

against something smooth

If II 2

No emergency stop If If 5

Uneven surface Escalator down

comb-plate

4

Poor or no illumination If If 1

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

If M

1

Inteirmeshes with or closes

against something

Escalator handrail 4

Run length Stairs 4

Slope If 5

Shape If 2

Location If 3

Slippery surface If 16

Glare producing surface II 1

No edge marking If 1

Loose surface If 5

Grating surface If 1

Imperceptible •• 3

16
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Problems (Continued)

Number

of Occurrences

Characteristics Component in the Database

Poor or no illumination Stairs 1

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

fft 1

Exposure to weather ft 7

Missing part ft 1

Insufficient handrails It 5

Run length Ramps 3

Width •• 1

Slope •« 5

Shape ft 1

Slippery surface •• 4

Abrupt level change in

surface

•I 5

No edge marking ft 5

Loose surface •• 5

Grating surface If 1

Imperceptible If 2

Indirect or undesired route •• 4

Exposure to weather tf 5

Low ceiling If 2

Insufficient handrails ft 9

Area dimension Ramp landings 3

Insufficient handrails M If 6

17
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Problems (Continued)

Characteristics Component

Number

of Occurrences

in the Database

Length Corridors 3

Width tf 2

Slippery surface M 2

Surface texture change It 1

Glare producing surface It 2

Loose surface If 4

Grating surface It 1

Insufficient information It 1

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

It 4

Insufficient manual

assistance

ft 4

Slippery surface Lobbies 4

Surface texture change It 3

Area dimension Entry-way/ entrance

area

2

Relative position ft It 5

Handicap access ID

missing

It It 4

Width Doors 6

Weight •• 9

Relative position It 6

Location ft 7

Direction of swing 3

18
Table 1. Characteristics of Circulation Components Causing Accessibility

Problems (Continued)

Number

of Occurrences

Characteristics Component in the Database

Rough surface Doors 3

Surface protrusions i 5

None for handicapped 6

Insufficient information •1 2

No automatic opener 15

19
Table 2. Characteristics of Circulation Components Prescribed in the GSA

Draft Standard

Relevant

Characteristics Components Provisions

Length - 4. 2. 2.1

Width - 4.2.1

4.2.2

o 4.2.4.

1

4.3.3

4.3.4

Height - 4.2.5

4.2.6

Slope - 4.3.7

Area dimension - 4.2.3

4.2.4

Shape - 4. 2. 4.

2

Relative position - 4. 2. 4.1

Location - 4.3.4

Abrupt level change - 4.3.8

4.5.2

Loose surface - 4.5.3

Grating surface - 4.5.4

Carpeting pile height - 4.5.3

20
Table 2. Characteristics

Draft Standard

of Circulation Components Prescribed

(Continued)

in the GSA

Characteristics Components

Relevant

Provisions

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

- 4.4.1

Low ceiling - 4.4.2

Exposure to weather Site stairs 4.9.6

4.7.3

Width Curb cuts 4.7.10

Slope •• II 4.7.2

4.7.5

Shape • I M 4.7.10

Relative position Curb cuts 4.7.6

4.7.9

4.7.10

Location •f M 4.7.1

Objects that protrude

or obstruct

M It 4.7.8

Width Ramps 4.8.3

Slope ft 4.8.1

4.8.2

No handrail It 4.8.5

4. 8. 5(1)

21
Table 2, Characteristics of Circulation Components Prescribed in the GSA

Draft Standard (Continued)

Relevant

Characteristics Components Provisions

Missing element Ramps 4.8.7

Insufficient handrails 4.8.5

4. 8. 5(1)

4. 8. 5(2)

4. 8. 5(3)

4. 8. 5(4)

4. 8. 5(5)

4.8.5(b)

Width Parking spaces 4.6.3

Location tt It 4.6.2

Insufficient numbe r

•t It 4.6.1

None It It 4.6.1

Handicap

missing

access ID It It 4.6.4

Length Pedestrian drop-off

and pick up points

4.6.5

Width It It 4.6.5

Relative position It It 4.6.5

Location Turnstiles 4.13.2

Width Elevator call buttons 4.10.12(1)

22
Table 2. Characteristics

Draft Standard

of Circulation Components Prescribed

(Continued)

in the GSA

Characteristics Components

Relevant

Provisions

Height Elevator call buttons 4.10.3

4.10.12(3)

Relative position ft ft If 4.10.3

4.10.12(1)

4.10.12(4)

Insufficient information ft ft If 4.10.3

Confusing information ft It If 4.10.12(2)

Height Elevator directional

indicator

4.10.4(1)

Relative position ft It 4.10.4(3)

Insufficient information If It 4.10.4

Inappropriately located

information

tf It 4.10.4

4.10.4(3)

Operator time Elevator doors 4.10.7

4.10.3

Operation non-reversible It If 4.10.6

Poor or no illumination Elevator car operating

panel

4.10.11

Height Elevator emergency phone 4.10.14

23
Table 2. Characteristics

Draft Standard

of Circulation Components Prescribed

(Continued)

in the GSA

Characteristics Components

Relevant

Provisions

Imperceptible Elevator emergency phone 4.10.14

Relative position Elevator in-car position

indicator

4.10.13

Imperceptible

Length

f« •• It Elevator car platform

(floor)

4.10.13

4.10.9

Width II M 4.10.9

Poor or no illumination tl M tt 4.10.11

Uneven Elevator floor and

waiting area sills

4.10.2

Poor or no illumination tl tl II 4.10.11

Height Elevator door opening

detectors

4.10.6

Operating time M II II 4.10.6

Exposure to weather Stairs 4.9.6

Width Ramps 4.8.3

Slope tl 4.8.1

4.8.2

Exposure to weather II 4.8.8

24
Table 2. Characteristics of Circulation Components Prescribed in the GSA

Draft Standard (Continued)

Relevant

Characteristics Components Provisions

Handrails missing Ramps 4.8.5

4. 8. 5(1)

Missing part 4.8.7

Insufficient handrails 4.8.5

4. 8. 5(1)

4. 8. 5(2)

4.8.50)

4. 8. 5(4)

4. 8. 5(5)

4.8.5(b)

Length Ramp landings 4. 8. 4(2)

4.8.40)

Width 19 M 4. 8. 4(1)

4.8.40)

Area dimension Entry-way/ entrance

area

4.13.6

Protrusions • • 19 4.13.8

Indirect or undesired route 19 19 4.14.2

Width Doors 4.13.5

Operating time 99 4.13.10

19 4.13.12

25
Table 2. Characteristics of Circulation Components Prescribed in the GSA

Draft Standard (Continued)

Relevant

Characteristics Components Provisions

Resistance to operation Doors 4.13.11(1)

4.13.11(2)

4.13.12

Relative position ta 4.13.7

Location tf 4.14.1

Insufficient number ta 4.14.1

None for handicapped la 4.14.1

Complex manipulation required •• 4.13.9

Location Turnstiles 4.13.2

26
4. SUMMARY OF THE COMPARISON OF THE NBS DATABASE TO THE GSA STANDARD

4

.1

INTRODUCTION

This section sunmarizes the comparisons between relative rates of occurrences

of characteristics and components in the database and data file. In addition,

a summary comparison of the characteristic/component relationships between the

database and file is presented.

4.2

SUMMARY OF RATES OF OCCURRENCE OF CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS

The relative rates of occurrences of component and characteristic types

differed between the NBS database and the GSA data file. In particular, the

frequency of occurrence of the surface condition characteristic relative to

other characteristics in the database was completely different from the same relationships in the data file.

There is no obvious explanation for the difference between the database and

file. It can be speculated that many of the problem causing aspects of surfaces result from wear and the quality of their maintenance over time, while

the data file reflects provisions aimed at initial design configurations.

Unlike the characteristics, the rates of occurrence of the vertical circulation

components was high in both the database and the data file. The only difference

between the two was related to the location of the vertical components , building or site. The explanation of the difference between the locations is based

on the way that the records were entered. The BRAB report contained many

deficiencies associated with building elevators (a vertical building component).

Likewise, the draft standard contained many provisions associated with elevators.

However, the draft standard did not independently specify elevators inside the

building as did the BRAB report. The provisions from the standard were entered

as applicable to both site and building elevators. As a result, the GSA data

file has a higher relative frequency of occurrence of vertical site components

than does the NBS database.

4.3

SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTIC/ COMPONENT RELATIONSHIPS

The characteristic/component relationship was different between the database

and data file. Figure 7 shows the relationships from both the database and

data file. The intersections indicated by an "X" are from the database and

those indicated by an "0" are from the data file. When data from both files

occur at the same intersection, a black circle is used to show the location.

In a few instances, it appears that an "X" and ”0'' coincide but are not

blackened in. These situations are cases where the numerical codes were very

close (such as, 25.04 and 25.05) and the graphic software treated the code

numbers in such a way as to make them indistinguishable at the scale of figure

7 . The grid lines are aids to relating to the values on the frame lines

.

Of more than 140 relationships indicated in figure 7, only 24 were the same for

both the database and the data file. When an ”0" (provision) exists alone, it

may be possible that similar provisions from existing standards have prevented

a deficiency. When an "X” (deficiency) exists alone, it is necessary to

27
too»-H-itn>-i>om-i03>7Da>

0 10 30 40 50

C

H

30

COMPONENTS

Figure 7. A comparison of characteristics of circulation components

causing accessibility problems and those prescribed in the

GSA draft standard

8(

6(

4(

0

28
determine the severity of the deficiency and whether or not it can feasibly

be eliminated or reduced.

Table 3 gives a listing of the categories of characteristic/ component

relationships common to both the database and data file.

Although not a part of this analysis, there are various ways of querying the

database. For example, it is possible to examine any of the GSA provisions

in terms of the extent to which they impact various disability types. Some

provisions help all disabled user while others affect only one or two disability types. The information obtained from different types of database

queries can be used to: 1) rank code and standard provisions in terms of

their effectiveness over all disability types, 2) predict the kinds of

accessibility problems that may be associated with proposed or existing

building circulation components, or 3) help identify areas where research is

needed.

In general, the information obtained from a database of accessibility problems

can be used to: 1) analyze the scope and completeness of existing and proposed

accessibility guidelines or regulations, 2) make decisions about what type of

environmental alterations are optimum for the range of disability types, and

3) to predict the kinds of accessibility problems that may be associated with

proposed or existing building designs. In addition, the database information

can help identify areas where research is needed through the comparison of

accessibility problem areas with the existing knowledge base.

Appendix D provides the overall structure and individual elements of accessibility problems for use in developing the general analyses mentioned above.

4.4. CONCLUSIONS

There was very little agreement between the NBS database and the GSA

accessibility provisions. The accessibility problems represented in the database constitute an empirical analysis. The GSA standard may represent either

an empirical or a logical approach to resolving accessibility problems. If

the standard was developed from an empirical approach, the real-world problems

in the database are different from those used to construct the standard. On

the other handj if the standard was developed from a logical approach, it may

or may not have received confirmation relative to real-world problems.

Whatever may have been the method used for its development, the standard is

necessary for establishing a measure for determining facility accessibility.

29
Table 3. Sununary of Characteristic/Component Relationships Common in the Database and Data File

Characteristic Component

Number of Records in

Database

Relevant Provisions

From Draft Standard

Shape Curb cuts 5 4.7.5

4.7.10

Objects that

protrude or obstruct Curb cuts 6 4.7.8

Width Parking spaces 2 4.6.3

Location Parking spaces 3 4.6.2

Insufficient

number

Parking spaces 3 4.6.1

Height

Elevator

call buttons 5 4.10.3

4.10.12(3)

Relative position Elevator

call buttons

3 4.10.3

4.10.12(1)

4.10.12(4)

Operating time Elevator doors 2 4.10.7

4.10.8

Operation

non-reversible

Elevator doors 3 4.10.6

Height

Elevator

emergency phone 5 4.10.14

Imperceptible

Elevator

emergency phone 2 4.10.14

Imperceptible

Elevator in-car

position

indicator

2 4.10.13

Uneven Elevatorplatform and

waiting area

sills

5 4.10.2

Height

Elevator door

opening

detectors

3 4.10.6

Exposure to weatherStairs 7 4.9.6

Width Ramps 1 4.8.3

Slope Ramps 5 4.8.1

4.8.2

Insufficient

handrails

Ramps 9 4.8.5

4. 8. 5(1)

4. 8. 5(2)

4. 8. 5(3)

4. 8. 5(4)

4. 8. 5(5)

4. 8. 5(6)

Area

dimension

Entry-way/

entrance area 2 4.13.6

Width Doors 6 4.13.5

Relative position Doors 6 4.13.7

Location Doors 7 4.14.1

None for the handicapped

Doors 6 4.14.1

30
5. REFERENCES

These references include citations made in both the main body of the report

and in the appendices.

[ 1 ] Accessibility: An approach to the development of design criteria and

applicable design solutions . Panel on Building Design Criteria for the

Disabled, Committee on Accessible Environments for the Disabled, National

Research Council. Washington, D.C., 1977. (Now organized as the Advisory

Board on the Built Environment of the National Research Council.)

[2] Cronberg, Tarja. Performance requirements for buildings . Swedish

Council for Building Research, D3: 1975, Stockholm, 1975.

[3] Foster, Bruce E., ed. Performance concept in buildings . Vol. I.

Washington, D.C.: National Bureau of Standards, SP 361, 1972.

[4] Markus, T. A., Whyman, P., Morgan J., Whitton, D., Maver, T. , Canter, D.

,

and Fleming, J. Building performance . New York: Halsted Press, 1972.

[5] Steinfeld, E., Schroeder, S., Duncan, J. , Paste, R. , Chollet, D.,

Bishop, M., Wirth, P., and Cardell, P. Access to the built environment:

a review of literature. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office,

1976.

[6J Turner, George and Collins, Belinda. Pedestrian Movement Characteristics

on Building Ramps. Washington, D.C.: National Bureau of Standards,

NBSIR 81-2310, 1981.

31

APPENDIX A

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BUILDING COMPONENTS

These categories were developed primarily from the causal physical characteristics

contributing to building component deficiencies outlined in the BRAB report.

Dimension - the measurable extent of the physical form and operations of building

components.

1 . LENGTH

2. WIDTH

3 . HEIGHT

4. WEIGHT

5 . SLOPE

6. OPERATING TIME

7. AREA

8 . VOLUME

9. RATE OF MOVEMENT

10.

RESISTANCE TO OPERATION

Configuration - the form or figure that results from a particular spatial

arrangement of parts.

(Numbering is not continuous in sequence between categories in order to allow the

addition of entries if necessary.)

16. SHAPE

17. RELATIVE POSITION

18. LOCATION

19. PATTERN

20. DIRECTION OF SWING

21 . NON-UNIFORM PLACEMENT

Surface Condition - The manner or state of the surface of building components

particularly circulation components such as floors, walkways, etc.

25

.

UNEVEN

26. SLIPPERY

27 . ROUGH

28 . TEXTURE CHANGE

29 . GLARE PRODUCING

30. HOLES OR DEPRESSIONS

31 . PROTRUSIONS

32. ABRUPT LEVEL CHANGE

33. NO EDGE MARKING

34. LOOSE SURFACE

35. GRATING

36. CARPETING PILE HEIGHT

A-1
Component Availability - extent to which a component can be used

41. INSUFFICIENT NUMBER

42. NOT AVAILABLE (NONE)

Information Condition - the data, facts, or stimuli necessary for the appropriate

use of a component

45. INSUFFICIENT

46. IMPERCEPTIBLE

47. NONE

48. CONFUSING

49. INAPPROPRIATELY LOCATED

50. HANDICAP ACCESS IDENTIFICATION MISSING

Context /Surroundings - the situation, background, or environment around a component

55. INAPPROPRIATE FOLIAGE & LANSCAPING

56. POOR OR NO ILLUMINATION

57. INDIRECT OR UNDESIRABLE ROUTE

58. OBJECTS THAT PROTRUDE OR OBSTRUCT

59. EXPOSURE TO WEATHER

60. LOW CEILING

Operating Condition - the condition, help or aid necessary to use a building

component

66. HUMAN ASSISTANCE INSUFFICIENT

67. HUMAN ASSISTANCE NOT AVAILABLE

68. MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE ELEMENT MISSING

69. MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE INSUFFICIENT

70. MANUAL ASSISTANCE ELEMENT MISSING

71. ELEMENT NOT OPERATING

72. ELEMENT HAS MISSING PART

73. MANUAL ASSISTANCE ELEllENT INSUFFICIENT

74. ELEMENT IS MISSING

75. COMPLEX MANIPULATION REQUIRED

76. OPERATION NON-REVERSIBLE

77. INTERMESHES WITH OR CLOSES AGAINST SOMETHING

78. NO EMERGENCY STOP
BUILDING CIRCULATION COMPONENTS

These categories were developed by Turner and Collins [1981].

Vertical Site Components

1 . ELEVATORS

2. ESCALATORS

3. STAIRS

4 . CURB CUTS

5. RAMPS

6. VERTICAL PEOPLE MOVERS

Horizontal Site Components

10. HORIZONTAL PEOPLE MOVERS

11. WALKWAYS

12. PLAZAS

13. PARKING SPACES

14. PEDESTRIAN DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP POINTS

Transitional Site Components

18. GATES

19. TURNSTILES

20. CURBS

21. RAILINGS

22. FENCES

Vertical Building Components

ELEVATORS

25.01 Waiting Area

25.02 Call Buttons

25.03 Car Location Indicator and Directory

25.04 Directional Indicator

25.05 Elevator Doors

25.06 Car Operating Panel

25.07 Emergency Phone

25.08 In-Car Location Indicator

25.09 Car Platform/Floor

25.10 Car Walls

25.11 Car Ceiling

25.12 Handrails

25.13 Platform/Waiting Area Sills

25.14 Door Opening Detectors

25.15 Emergency Exitway

ESCALATORS

26.01 Up Comb Plate

26.02 Steps

26.03 Down Comb Plate

26.04 Handrail
27. STAIRS

28. RAMPS

29. VERTICAL PEOPLE MOVERS

30. STAIR LANDINGS

31. RAMP LANDINGS

Horizontal Building Components

35. HORIZONTAL PEOPLE MOVERS

36. CORRIDORS

37. AISLES

38. WALKWAYS

39. LOBBIES

40. ENTRY-WAY/ ENTRANCE AREA

Transitional Building Components

44. DOORS

45. GATES

46. TURNSTILES

47. RAILINGS

BUILDING USES

These categories of "uses" are human actions relative to the building system.

Uses are general activities or operations that a person is engaged in or should

be able to be engaged in within a building [Cronberg, 1975].

1. MOVEMENT BETWEEN BUILDING SITE LOCATIONS

2. MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF BUILDINGS

3. MOVEMENT BETWEEN LOCATIONS WITHIN BUILDINGS

4. MOTIONS AND MANIPULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCATIONS IN BUILDINGS

5. MOTIONS AND MANIPULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BUILDING EQUIPMENT

USER DISABILITIES

The categories were taken directly from Steinfeld, et al. [1979].

1. DIFFICULTY INTERPRETING INFORMATION

2. LOSS OF SIGHT

3. LOSS OF HEARING

4. PREVALANCE OF POOR BALANCE

5. UNCOORDINATION

6. LIMITAIONS OF STAMINA

7. DIFFICULTY MOVING HEAD

8. DIFFICULTY REACHING WITH ARMS

9. DIFFICULTY IN HANDLING AND FINGERING

10. LOSS OF UPPER EXTREMITY SKILLS

11. DIFFICULTY BENDING, KNEELING, ETC.

12. RELIANCE ON WALKING AIDS

13. INABILITY TO USE LOWER EXTREMITIES

14. EXTREMES OF SIZE AND WEIGHT

A-4
INCIDENTS OF INACCESSIBILITY

The technical literature does not provide a basis for developing categories of

incidents of inaccessibility. Therefore, four categories are proposed and

listed. The categories represent those instances when a particular characteristic of the physicl environment results in 1) preventing a disabled person from

using a building or one of its components, 2) causing an unsafe condition to a disabled user, 3) requiring an abnormal or highly augmented type of use, and

4) creating merely an inconvenience or annoyance.

1. USE IS PREVENTED

2. USE IS UNSAFE

3. USE IS RESTRICTED

4. USE IS CONVENIENT
m

- - . 'm ,M5,#- %

vAV'

,

•'f'lPv.v* ,? .', '.

ft*' #«>

V'O. IV..::

'.' f ^\' ' ' M

, js «. .5'

b,ai;

!.i|k 1 : ..vJiM :< J V* '01

• ^Vi(' ^ ^’' ^

^3i

*i%. «

;5?::7»,, . a

' .'*» ... .R4^ 'W.

3> .

'll

! 5-SW'

' '
APPENDIX a

Appendix B presents a general summary of the NBS database that was developed

during 1981 by the Occupancy Safety Group of the Center for Biailding Technology. The database consists of information about problems that disabled people

experience when they use buildings. The problems consist of perceived deficiencies of buildings and were collected by the Building Research Advisory Board

(BRAB) from a variety of disabled individuals and organizations and individuals

working with the disabled [Accessibility: An Approach ..., 1977].

Approximately 459 deficiencies are included in the BRAB report and are presented in a format that classifies them with respect to the building component

of concern and the types of disabilities directly affected. The deficiencies

are the basis for the records that constitute the NBS database. However, since

a single deficiency can affect many different classes of disabled users, more

than one record (database entry) can be developed for each deficiency.

The logical structure for the records is based on the assumption that problems

(incidents of building inaccessibility) occur when physical characteristics of

building systems require abilities that are not possessed by some segment of

the user population (i.e. , the disabled).

The format of the records is based on the causal relationship between physical

characteristics of buildings and their effect on building users. Each record

contains five fields as illustrated in figure B-i. The fields are arranged

from left to right indicating a causal sequence initiated by characteristics

of the environment transmitted through building components, their use, user’s

abilities, and resulting in incidents of inaccessibility.

Figure B-1. Accessibility database record

Building

Characteristics of Component Building User Incidents of

Building Components Types Uses Disabilities Inac cessibility

Although deficiencies in the BRAB report covered many types of building components and building uses, the NBS database has been completed for only circulation

components and uses. The current database file contains approximately 500

records

.

B-1
Figures B-2 through B-6 are frequency histograms for the categories of the five

fields in the records. The frequencies are counts of the number of times a particular category of a field occurred in the records. Consequently, the frequencies indicate the rate at which a particular category was reported in conjunction with an accessibility problem.

F

R

E

Q

U

E

N

C

IE

S

Figure B-2. Frequencies of occurrences of characteristics of building

components

B-2
u.

oc

ujo3

ujz

o

»-4 uj

<n

3ee

2dd

100

0

Figure B-3. Frequencies of occurrences of circulation component types

B-3
u.

QC

UJ

<93

liJ Z

O

H4

UJO)

Figure B-4. Frequencies of occurrences of building uses

B-4
Ll

Q:

UJO

3

UJ

2CO

I-I UJ

U)

a a

Figure B-5. Frequencies of occurrences of user disabilities

B-5
(nm»>-iozmcom;o*n

Figure B-6. Frequencies of occurrences of incidents of inaccessibility

B-6
It is possible to examine the frequencies of the categories of any one field

with respect to a particular category of any other field. For example, figure B-7 illustrates the frequencies of occurrence of the categories of the

circulation components in records where the user disability category is loss

of sight.

Figure B-7

.

Frequencies with which various building circulation components

cause problems for individuals having a loss of sight

B-7
Figure B-8 illustrates occurrences of various building components that were

identified in accessibility problems affecting disabilities. Where an "X" occurs at the intersection of a component and disability, there was a deficiency cited in the BRAB report. Therefore, it is possible to quickly see the

disabilities that are affected by a wide range of components and the components that affect a wide range of disabilities.* In a similar fashion, figure

B-9 depicts the range of characteristics relative to the various components

where deficiencies have been identified.

DISABILITIES

Figure B-8, Building components that cause problems for various disabilities

* The horizontal and vertical lines are includeed on the graph as an aid to

reading the values on the frame lines.

B-8
c

H

A

R

A

C

T

E

R

IS

T

IC

S

COfIPONENTS

Figure B-9. Characteristics of building components that cause problems in

accessibility

It is possible to analyze the database in greater detail than has been shown

in figures B-8 and B-9. For example, components affecting disabilities can

be examined with respect to any one or any set of characteristics; and characteristics of components that cause problems for a particular disability or

a specific set of disabilities can be examined. Figure B-10 shows the range

of characteristics relative to the various components that have been identified as a problem to individuals having a loss of sight. Similar figures

could be developed for any other disability.

The figures above have illustrated a few of the various ways of querying the

database. There are many other types of analyses that are possible. The

information obtained from the database can be used to: 1) analyze the scope and

completeness of existing and proposed accessibility guidelines or regulations,

2) make decisions about what type of environmental alterations are optimum for

the range of disability types, and 3) to predict the kinds of accessibility

problems that may be associated with proposed or existing building designs. In

addition, the database information can help identify areas where research is

needed through the comparison of accessibility problem areas with the existing

knowledge base.

il

B-9
Figure B-10. Characteristics of building components that cause problems for

individuals having a loss of sight

B-10

j;
APPENDIX C

The following is a listing of the GSA data file:

1 . 02.00 4 . 2.1

2 . 02.00 4 . 2.2

3 . 07.00 4 . 2.3

4 . 07.00 4 . 2.4

5 . 01.00 4 . 2 . 4.1

6 . 02.00 4 . 2 . 4.1

7 . 17.00 4 . 2 . 4.1

8 . 16.00 4 . 2 . 4.

2

9 . 03.00 4 . 2.5

IQ . 03.00 4 . 2.6

11 . 02.00 4 . 3.3

12 . 02.00 4 . 3.4

13 . 18.00 4 . 3.4

14 . 05.00 4 . 3.7

15 . 32.00 4 . 3.8

16 . 58.00 4 . 4.1

17 . 60.00 4 . 4.2

18 . 32.00 4 . 5.2

19 . 34.00 4 . 5.3

20 . 36.00 4 . 5.3

21 . 35.00 4 . 5.4

22 . 41.00 13.00 4 . 6.1

23 . 42.00 13.00 4 . 6.1

24 . 18.00 13.00 4 . 6.2

25 . 02.00 13.00 4 . 6.3

26 . 50.00 13.00 4 . 6.4

27 . 01.00 14.00 4 . 6.5

28 . 02.00 14.00 4 • 6 • 5 29 . 17.00 14.00 4 . 6.5

30 . 18.00 04.00 4 . 7.1

31 . 05.00 04.00 4 . 7.2

32 . 02.00 04.00 4 . 7.3

33 . 16.00 04.00 4 . 7.5

34 . 17.00 04.00 4 . 7.6

35 . 58.00 04.00 4 . 7.8

36 . 17.00 04.00 4 . 7.9

37 . 02.00 04.00 4 . 7.10

38 . 16.00 04.00 4 . 7.10

39 . 17.00 04.00 4 . 7.10

40 . 05.00 05 .00 4 . 8.1

41 . 05.00 28.00 4 . 8.1

42 . 05.00 05.00 4 . 8.2

43 . 05.00 28.00 4 . 8.2

44 . 02.00 05.00 4 . 8.3

45 . 02.00 28.00 4 . 8.3

46 . 02.00 31.00 4 . 8.4 ( 1 ) 47 . 01 .00 31 .00 4 . 8.4 ( 2 ) 48 . 01 .00 31.00 4 . 8 . 4 ( 3 ) 49 . 02.00 31 .00 4 . 8.4 ( 3 ) 50 . 70.00 05.00 4 . 8.5

51 . 73.00 05.00 4 . d .5 52 . 70.00 28.00 4 . 8.5

53 . 73.00 28.00 4 . 8.5

54 . 70.00 05.00 4 . 8.5 ( 1 ) 55 . 73.00 05.00 4 . 8 . 5 ( 1 ) 56 . 70.00 23.00 4 . 8 . 5 ( 1 )

G-1
57. 73.00 28.00 4. 8. 5(1)

58. 73.00 05.00 4. 8. 5(2)

59. 73.00 28.00 4. 8. 5(2)

60. 73.00 05.00 4. a. 5(3)

61. 73.00 28.00 4. 8. 5(3)

62. 73.00 05.00 4. a. 5(4)

63. 73.00 28.00 4.8.5 (4)

6A. 73.00 05.00 4. 8. 5(5)

65. 73.00 28.00 4.8.5 (5)

66. 73.00 05.00 4-8. 5(6)

67. 73.00 28.00 4. 8. 5(6)

68. 72,C(L G5.0Q 4.8.7

69. 72.00 28.00 4.8.7

70. 59.00 05.00 4.8.8

71. 59.00 28.00 4.8.8

71 ^. 59.00 03.00 4.9.6

73. 59.00 27.00 4.9.6

7A._ 25.00 25.13 4-11 - P 75. 03.00 25.02 4.10.3

76. 45.00 25.02 4.10.3

77. 17.00 25.02 4.10.3

78. _ 45.00 25.04 4-10.4 , 79. 49.00 25.04 4.10.4

SO. 03.00 25.04 4.10.4(1)

81. 17.00 25.04 4.10.4(3)

82. 49.00 25.04 4.10.4(3)

83. 76.00 25.05 4.10.6

34. 03.00 25.14 4.10.6

85. 06.00 25.14 4.10.6

86. 06.00 25.05 4.10.7

87. 06. CO 25.05 4.10.8

38. 01.00 25.09 4.10.9

89. 02.00 25.09 4.10.9

90. 56.00 25.06 4.10.11

91. 56.00 25.09 4.10.11

92. 56.00 25.13 4.10.11

93. 02.00 25.02 4.10.12(1)

94. 17.00 ^:5.02 4.10.12(1)

95. 48.00 25.02 4.10.12(2)

96. 03.00 25.02 4.10.12(3)

97. 17.00 25.02 4.10.12(4)

98. 46.00 25.08 4.10.13

99. 17.00 25.08 4.10.13

100. 03. CO 25.07 4.10.14 . 101. 46.00 25.07 4.10.14

102. 18.00 19.00 4.13.2

103. 18.00 46. CO 4.13.2

104. 02.00 44.00 4.13.5

105. 07.00 40.00 4.13.6

106. 17.00 44.00 4.13.7

107. 31.00 40.00 4.13.8

108. 75.00 44.00 4.13.9

109. 06.00 44.00 4.13.10

110. 10.00 44.00 4.13.11(1)

111. 10.00 44.00 4.13.11(2)

112. 06.00 44.00 4.13.12 i 113. 10.00 44.00 4.13.12

114. 41.00 44.00 4.14.1

115. 42.00 44.00 4.14.1

116. 18.00 44.00 4.14.1

117. 57.00 40.00 4.14.2

C-2
APPENDIX D

Appendix D presents a general structure and listing of elements for specifying

accessibility. Figure D-1 illustrates the structure of the relationships

among elements. The parameters of component characteristics are dependent

upon specific components, their uses, and/or users.

Figure D-1. Relationship of Accessibility Elements

When specific building components, uses, and/or users are specified, particular

quantities and/or qualities of the component characteristics are necessary for

successful use of the specified components. When parameters of the characteristics are inappropriate, resulting incidents of inaccessibility can be

expected. Figures D-2 through D-5 provide classes of the elements used in the

relationships shown in figure D-1.

D-1
1. Length

2. Width

3. Height

c

4. Weight

0 5. Slope

«

c

6. Operating Time

<us

7. Area o

8. Volume

9. Rate of Movement

10. Resistance to Operation

16. Shape

c 17. Relative Position

o

18. Location

eg 19. Pattern

Ui3 20. Direction of Swing

QO

MhCo

21. Non-uniform Placement u

25. Uneven

CO 26. Slippery z e 27. Rough z 28. Texture Change

2

29. Glare Producing o e 30. Holes or Depressions o

z

31. Protrusions

<D 32. Abrupt Level Change o « 33. No Edge Marking

M 34. Loose Surface

A CO 35. Grating

Cbo

36. Carpeting Pile Height

COu >s

CO c

0) 41. Insufficient Number

b: o « 42. Not Available o e •H o

C-? «

> < <

45. Insufficient <

o

c

o c 46. Imperceptible

M o 47. None I

« 4J 48. Confusing

PLI 49. Inappropriately Located

luc

o

CJ 50. Handicap Access Identification Missing

M

55.

i Inappropriate Foliage and Landscaping

00 56. Poor or No Illumination

AJ •5 57. Indirect or Undesirable Route

0) C 58. Objects that Protrude or Obstruct

c o 59. Exposure to Weather a u

3

CO 60. Low Ceiling

66. Human Assistance Insufficient

67. Human Assistance not Available

c 68. Mechanical Assistance Element Missing

69. Mechanical Assistance Insufficient

70. Manual Assistance Element Missing

e 71. Element not Operating

72. Element has Missing Part

00 73. Manual Assistance Element Insufficient

74. Element is Missing

00u

75. Complex Manlpultion Required

OjCl 76. Operation Non-reverslble o 77. Intermeshes With of Closes Against Something

78. No Emergency Stop

Figure D-2. Physical Characteristics of Building Components

D-2
1. Elevators

4J 2. Escalators

CQ

iJ

e

a; 0) 3. Stairs

c

4. Curb Cuts W

01 CO a

a 5. Ramps > ou 6. Vertical People Movers

CQ CO 4J 10. Horizontal People Movers

4-> e

c

V 0^ 11. Walkways

o

N

4J C

o

12. Plazas

•H CO a

a

13. Parking Spaces

ozoa 14. Pedestrian Drop-off and Pick-up Points

c

CD 18. Gates

o c 19. Turnstiles

4J XJ C 20. Curb Curbs

CDc

CO a

a 21. Railings

CQ ou

22. Fences H

Waiting Area

Call Buttons

Car Location Indicator and Directory

Directional Indicator

CO CD Elevator Doors z

u

Ou

Car Operating Panel z

o CD

CO> Emergency Phone

04 JJC

0) In-car Location Indicator o (Uc U . Car Platform/Floor z

oa m Car Walls o1—

1

a

0

CM Car Ceiling

H o Handrails

3

00c Platforra/Waiting Area Sills

O

as •V Door Opening Detectors Mo

rH

•H Emergency Exitway o pa CO z u M

o CO o

JJ Up Comb Plate

M

u

•H

<0 Steps

=> u

03o Down Comb Plate

0) >

CD

Cx3 Handrail

vC

1

CM

27. Stairs

28. Ramps

29. Vertical People Movers

30. Stair Landings

31. Ramp Landings

<s 35. Horizontal People Movers

(Q 00c c 36. Corridors

C

o

•H <u H3 C

37. Aisles

N ^ oa 38. Walkways

U 3 a

pa o 39. Lobbies

X o 40. Entry-way/Entrance Area

»H

CD CO C 44. o

00 <kJ c c Doors

•H •H <y 45. Gates ^ o 46. Turnstiles

C

CO 3 a'CQ O 47. Railings

kJ CJ H

1

Figure D-3. Building Circulation Components

D-3
1. Movement Between Building Site Locations

2. Movement In and Out of Buildings Z

M 3. Movement Between Locations Within Buildings oJ 4. Motions and Manipulations Associated with

h-

(

Locations in Buildings

5. Motions and Manipulations Associated with

Building Eqtiipment

Figure D-4. Building Uses

1. Difficulty Interpreting Information

2. Loss of Sight

3. Loss of Hearing

4. Prevalence of Poor Balance

UM 5. Uncoordination

HM 6. Limitations of Stamina

J

M 7. Difficulty Moving Head

33<; 8, Difficulty Reaching with Arms

!/) M 9. Difficulty in Handling and Fingering

Q 10. Loss of Upper Extremity Skills

11. Difficulty Bending, Kneeling, etc.

CO3 12. Reliance on Walking Aids

13. Inability to Use Lower Extremities

14. Extremes of Size and Weight

Figure D-5. User Disabilities

General use of the structure of accessibility elements is as follows;

1. Specify the component(s) , use(s), and/or user(s) of interest.

2. Search the database for the subset of component(s) associated with

the specified use(s) and/or user(s).

3. The characteristics associated with the component subset(s) resulting from the search are the characteristics that have been identified

as causing accessibility problems.

4. Specify parameters for the component characteristics that will result

in accessibility.

5. If step 4 cannot be achieved using the available knowledge, an area

for further investigation or research has been identified.

D-4
NBS-114A (REV. 2-8C) U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

1. PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

2. Performing Organ. Report No. 3. Publication Date

SHEET (See instructions) NBSIK 82-2567 Aigust 1982

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

An Analysis of Section 2.4 Through 4.14 of the GSA

Proposed Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard

5. AUTHOR(S)

George Turner

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS, see instructions)

national bureau of standards

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

7. Contract/Grant No.

8 . Type of Report & Period Covered

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City. State. ZIP)

Design Management Division

General Services Administration

Washington, DC 20405

10.

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

I ! Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

11.

ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bi bliography or literature survey, mention it here)

Recently, the General Services Administration (GSA) developed a draft uniform

accessibility st^dard (the focus of this report) intended to be promulgated

in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the

Department of Defense, and the United States Postal Service. Under contract

to the General Services Administration, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS),

Center for Building Technology assisted in the review of part 4, sections 4.2

through and including 4.14 of the draft standard in order to determine the

extent to which previously identified problems of accessibility (NBS database)

were addressed by the provisions of the standard. The analysis was carried out

by reviewing and classifying the provisions of the draft standard; searching

the NBS data base for infomation relevant to the classes of provisions in the

draft standard; and comparing the provisions with the NBS database.

12.

KEY WORDS (S/x to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolons)

Accessibility; barrier-free design; building accessibility; database analysis

13. availability

I X'l Uni imited

I I For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

I I Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

20402.

I Y I Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

58

15. Price

S9 .00

USCOMM-DC S043-P90
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