This section is a resource for information regarding compliance of builders hardware to accessibility laws and regulations. Questions surrounding this area generally focus on determining if doors, locks and door hardware comply with one or more of the following:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes performance and prescriptive requirements for building entrances, doors and gates. The U.S. Access Board provides comprehensive information regarding ADA requirements for buildings, and provides guidance regarding entrances, doors and gates and provides a downloadable pdf of this guidance.
- Building Code Requirements
Most building codes regarding accessibility require compliance to ICC A117.1 “Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities”. The ICC A117.1 standard, and its informative commentary is available from the International Code Council (ICC).
- Accessibility Requirements
As with any compliance advice, the jurisdiction responsible for the applicable rules and regulations – city, county, state or U.S. government – may have adopted different requirements.
Below is a chart of BHMA Standards referenced in federal ADA requirements, in ICC A117.1 and in the International Building Code (IBC). For further clarification, please reference this Technical Bulletin on Power-Operated Doors.