36C25618R0078-045.pdf

VA Barrier Free Design Standard A Supplement to the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS)

January 1, 2017 rev 11/1/17 Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Facilities Standards Service

PG-18-13

PG 18-13 - VA BARRIER FREE DESIGN STANDARD January 1, 2017

VA Barrier Free Design Standard The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) insures that buildings financed with federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessible to everyone. This law requires all construction, renovation, or leasing with federal funds to meet the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS). ABAAS was made effective May 9, 2006 for new construction and alterations, June 30, 2006 for lease-construction facilities, and February 7, 2007 for all other leased facilities. ABAAS replaces the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), which was VA’s previous standard for accessibility.

This supplement to ABAAS tailors some of the requirements to better meet the barrier free needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in its health care facilities.

Previous requirements have been simplified and abbreviated so that these six pages replace the former 26-page VA Barrier Free Design Handbook (H-08-13).

The following comparison tables are to assist contracted Architect/Engineer firms and VA staff in designing accessible health care facilities for the VA. Paragraph numbers correspond to ABAAS paragraph numbers. Planners and designers are to be guided by ABAAS, the exception being where the more stringent VA requirement is noted in the tables.

Minimum Requirements

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Sites - parking spaces accessible 1% greater than ABAAS 1 SCI/D Facilities 0.2 accessible spaces per

Inpatient bed; 0.5 per Long- Term Care bed; 5.6 per Outpatient Exam Room.

Dedicated for SCI/D patients

Hospital Outpatient Facilities

Rehabilitation and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities

10% of total spaces

20% of total spaces

10% of total spaces

20% of total spaces

Buildings- accessible seating, assembly areas

1% greater than ABAAS 2

VA GUIDELINES ARE THE SAME AS ABAAS FOR MOST REQUIREMENTS.

WHERE VA REQUIREMENTS DIFFER, SEE BELOW.

http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/aba-standards-gsa.cfm http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm

Accessible Route

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Width, min. Patient Care Areas 1800 mm (6'-0") 900 mm (3'-0") 3 Width, min. Administrative Areas 1500 mm (5'-0") 900 mm (3'-0") 3 Slope, maximum (including parking spaces) 1:33 (3%) 1:20 (5%) 4

Minimum gradient of walk requiring rest areas every 60 000 mm (200')

1:50 1:33 5

Minimum size of level platforms at doors

1800 mm x 1800 mm (6'-0" x 6'-0")

1500 mm x 1500 mm (5'- 0" x 5'-0")

Turning Radius 1650 mm (5’-6”) 1500 mm (5’-0”) 32 Turning Radius, Bariatric 1800 mm (6’-0”) 1500 mm (5’-0”) 32

Floor Surfaces

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Changes in level Not permitted on SCI floors No requirement 7 Carpet cushion or padding Not permitted Permitted

Parking and Passenger Loading Zones

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Access aisle requirement for accessible parking spaces

1500 mm (5'-0") each side 1525*mm (5'-0") 1 per 2 spaces.

Passenger loading area "communication system" for assistance at SCI units

Yes No requirement 10

Curb Ramps

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Width, minimum 1200 mm (4'-0") 900 mm (3'-0") 11

Ramps

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Maximum slope 1:20 1:12 12 Maximum length, within range of

1:33 -1:26 12 000 mm (40' ) 60 000 mm (200') 13

Maximum length, within range of 1:25 -1:20

10 500 mm (35' ) 60 000 mm (200') 13

Minimum clear width 1200 mm (4'-0") 900 mm (3'-0") 14 Minimum size level landing, where doors swing into landing 1800 mm x 1800 mm (6'-0" x 6'-0")

1500 mm x 1500 mm (5'- 0" x 5'-0")

Stairs

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Handrail height 850 mm (34") 750 mm-850 mm (30”-34")

Elevators (Passenger)

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Minimum width of elevator doors 1200 mm (4'-0") 900 mm (3'-0") 17 Minimum car size 2400 mm x 1850 mm

(8'-0" x 6'-2") platform size 1730*mm x 1370*mm (68" x 51") car inside dimensions

Double set of handrails Yes No requirement 19

Windows

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Sill height in patient bedrooms 600 mm (24") maximum No requirement 20

Doors and Doorways

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Patient Care Delivery Areas with patient bed, stretcher or gurney access, minimum width

1200 mm (4' -0") 1100 mm (3' - 8") 21

Water Closets

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Grab bar configuration Double swing-up bars for all patient toilets/shower rooms on Nursing Units

Side & back bars for all accessible water closets.

Toilet Stalls

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Minimum accessible stall size 1650 mm x 1800 mm (5'-6" x 6'-0")

1500 mm x 1420*mm (5'- 0" x 4'-8")

Minimum size wheelchair "front-transfer" stall

1050 mm x 1800 mm (3'-6" x 6'-0")

900 mm x 1650 mm (3'-0" x 5'-6")

Grab bars Required in all stalls Required in accessible stalls

Shower Stalls (Patient)

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Minimum stall dimensions 1200 mm x 1200 mm (4'-0" x 4'-0")

900 mm x 900 mm (3'-0” x 3'-0”) or 750 mm x 1500 mm (2'-6" x 5'-0”)

Grab bars Horizontal plus vertical bars Horizontal bars only 31

Toilet Rooms

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Inpatient Bedroom Toilet Rooms, Minimum width of toilet room entrance doors

1200 mm (48") 850 mm (34") 25

Cafeterias

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Knee clearance, for minimum 5% tables

675 mm (2'-3") and 725 mm (2'-5") for at least 5%

675 mm (2'- 3") 27

Cutlery and supply height 1000 mm-1200 mm (40" - 48")

1350 mm (54") max. 28

Health Care Facilities

REQUIREMENT VA ABAAS NOTES

Medical/Surgical Nursing Units, percent of patient bedrooms accessible

100% 10% 29

Medical/Surgical Nursing Units, percent of toilet rooms accessible

100% 10% 29

*ABAAS indicates slightly different metric equivalents than the ones which VA has adopted.

Information gathered from data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services; the National Center for Health Statistics; and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Planning and Management Analysis (see SURVEY OF DISABLED VETERANS, OPMA-M 043-90-1).

1. The percent of disabled at VA hospitals is much higher than the percent of disabled in the general population. Two percent may be adequate for the general population. The percentage of disabled drivers/passengers is much higher in the veteran population. ABAAS Table 208.2 shows varying accessible parking space requirements. 1 out of every 6 accessible parking spaces shall be a van accessible parking space. Other VA Hospital service lines may have different requirements.

2. A higher percentage of sick and disabled make up the VA population than make up the general population. ABAAS Table 221.2.1.1 shows varying wheelchair space requirements in assembly areas.

3. It takes a minimum of 1500 mm (5’-0”) for two wheelchairs to pass. Wheelchairs have increased in size in recent years, so 1800 mm (6’-0”) is recommended for Patient Care Delivery Areas where wheelchair usage is commonplace.

4. The disabled population used by ABAAS to determine an acceptable slope for using public accommodations is stronger and younger than are veterans at VA facilities.

5. Previous studies used a younger, more fit, population to determine the minimum slope and distance for a disabled person’s travel capability.

6. Older, ill veterans need more room to maneuver and a larger safety envelope.

7. Current standards are based on an active, independent population.

8. Refer to Section 4 Parking Geometrics in the Parking Design Manual.

9. Disabled veterans come to VA facilities either driving or as a passenger. Both sides of the parking space must be accessible to allow disembarking from either side of the vehicle.

10. This feature, not mentioned in other standards, allow SCI veterans to contact Nursing Service, Pharmacy, or Security for their appropriate needs without the extra burden of unloading their wheelchair and leaving their car.

11. Sick veterans in wheelchairs are often weak, disoriented, and unskilled in wheelchair operation.

Studies show the additional 300 mm (1’-0”) provides a much needed margin of safety.

12. Tests show only those with good upper body strength can manage a ramp slope of 1:12. Slopes greater than 1:16 create safety hazards for any wheeled vehicle.

13. Long uninterrupted ramps are prone to cause accidents. Weak, unskilled wheelchair users need more frequent stops in order to operate them safely.

14. The 300 mm (1’-0”) added width is necessary to ensure all VA wheelchair users can get up and down the ramp, safely.

15. Older, frail, disoriented, or disabled veterans need a larger level platform to maneuver a wheelchair.

16. Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) requires 850 mm (34") to 950 mm (38").

17. Hospital elevator doors need to be 1200 mm (4’-0”) wide in order to better facilitate the movement of gurneys, beds, and multiple wheelchairs.

18. See Transport Systems Design Manual. The larger cab size is required for movement of gurneys and multiple wheelchairs. This dimension is for side (off-centered) doors. Elevator cabs with centered doors require a minimum 51” x 80” clear dimension.

19. Handrails protect the elevator cab walls and provide stability for patients; the lower rail for wheelchairs, the higher rail for gurney riders and standers.

20. Window sills must be low enough that seated (wheelchair) and bedridden patients can see the outdoors.

21. A 1200 mm (4’-0”) door to patient and patient care delivery area bedrooms is required because beds with accessories, stretchers, and gurneys are frequently moved from one room to another.

This includes Long Term Care, CLC, Small House, SCI/D, Diagnostic and Treatment Areas such as X- Ray, Surgery, or Rehabilitation Therapy functions, Bariatric Exam Rooms, and Outpatient Procedure Rooms. In Medical/Surgical Nursing Units and Intensive Care Nursing Units, provide a 6’-0” wide opening with a 4’-0” and a 2’-0” door leaf for Bariatric Rooms. All Toilet Rooms within Patient Rooms shall also comply with the 4’-0” minimum width requirement. Where patient beds, stretcher, and gurneys do not access a patient care delivery room, then a minimum of 42” is required for the door width. See each individual Design Guide for specific door requirements.

22. An 800 mm (2’-8”) opening is not adequate for some wheelchairs and most gurneys.

23. Disabled patients in wheelchairs many times are not skilled in maneuvering wheelchairs, may be weaker, and space is often needed for someone to assist.

24. The 900 mm x 900 mm (3’-0” x 3’-0”) shower has a folding seat which requires the patient to transfer from the wheelchair. The 750 mm x 1500 mm (2’-6” x 5’-0”) shower just barely accommodates a wheelchair. There is little room for the patient to maneuver or for attendants to assist.

25. VA uses a standard 1200 mm (4’-0”) door to ensure a 1150 mm (46”) clear opening to patient and patient care delivery area Bedroom Toilet Rooms because wheelchairs and gurneys are larger now.

This includes Long Term Care, CLC, Small House, Medical/ Surgical Nursing units, Intensive Care, and SCI/D Patient Rooms.

26. The additional width allows correct door width and makes the stall usable by wheelchair users.

27. Many disabled veterans use electric wheelchairs with a control stick that will not fit under a table with only 675 mm (2’-3”) clearance.

28. Frail, disabled patients have a more limited reach than independent, more physically sound, wheelchair users.

29. The VA Under Secretary for Health has advised that 100% accessibility makes nursing simpler, puts less strain on staff, gives patients more independence, and requires less patient supervision by a limited staff. For renovation projects or projects at existing facilities where space is at a premium, consideration can be given to having less than 100% of the rooms accessible while meeting ABAAS requirements at a minimum.

30. Hospital Outpatient Facilities are those located in hospitals and which provide regular and continuing medical treatment. Rehabilitation and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities cover patients with mobility impairments.

31. See VA Standard Details 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3.

32. Wheelchairs have increased in size in recent years, thus the need for a 5’-6” minimum turning radius requirement.

VA Barrier Free Design Standard