Building Entrances, Doors, and Interior Circulation
Core concepts
At least one accessible entrance must connect to the accessible route and be usable by people with disabilities. Know maneuvering clearances on both sides of doors for front, hinge-side, and latch-side approaches, both push and pull. Understand door hardware (operable without tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting), opening force (interior hinged doors max 5 lbf), closing speed, and thresholds (max 1/2 in beveled).
Interior circulation covers accessible routes within the building, turning space (60 in diameter circle or T-shaped), clear floor space (30 by 48 in), protruding objects (cane detection below 27 in, within 4 in of the floor, or above 80 in), and accessible means of egress considerations. Two-way traffic and passing spaces matter in corridors.
Traps in questions
- Applying the wrong maneuvering clearance because the approach side (hinge or latch) was misread.
- Forgetting that clear width is measured with the door open at 90 degrees, from the face of the door to the stop.
- Overlooking that closers and spring hinges affect opening force.
- Missing protruding-object rules for wall-mounted items like fire extinguishers and signage.
Worked example
A restroom door opens into a narrow corridor. Rule of thumb: first determine approach direction and swing, then select the clearance table value, then confirm the corridor provides the required clear width and turning space. If the door swings into the only route, verify the route is not blocked when the door is open.
Study tip
Memorize the clearance diagram as a set of four quadrants: approach side by swing direction. Practice reading plans to identify approach side quickly.