Chapters 2 - 3 General and Miscellaneous Instructions
ADAAG provides both scoping and technical requirements. Scoping provisions
in 4.1 spell out which spaces and elements must meet the technical criteria
in sections 4.2 through 4.35. Special occupancy sections (5 through 10) apply
additional scoping and technical provisions to certain facility types. Information
in the appendix is advisory (non-mandatory) and noted by an asterisk(*). In
general, specific provisions take precedence over general requirements and
words and text over figures (although some figures contain requirements not
specified in text). Furniture, furnishings, and equipment not fixed to building
construction are not scoped or specified in ADAAG but may be covered by other
provisions in the DOJ or DOT regulations.
A "reserved" provision means that no requirement is currently specified.
In most cases, it signifies that a provision was considered but not included
(often because of a lack of information or consensus) or included but later
removed. A reserved status does not necessarily mean a requirement is pending.
GENERAL
Provisions for Adults [2.1]
ADAAG specifications are based on adult dimensions. Specifications for elements
used primarily by children have been developed and incorporated into ADAAG
(although they are not addressed in this edition of the manual). These optional
specifications address drinking fountains, water closets, toilet stalls, lavatories,
sinks, and fixed or built-in seating and tables.
Equivalent Facilitation [2.2]
Alternatives to specific requirements that provide equal or greater access
are permitted. This provides flexibility for new technologies and innovative
designs, solutions that may not have been taken into account when ADAAG was
developed. Examples of equivalent facilitation are included in the text of
ADAAG. The Access Board can provide further guidance on what may be considered
equivalent but there is no process for certifying alternative methods except
in transit facilities covered by DOT regulations. The responsibility for demonstrating
equivalent facilitation in the event of a challenge rests with the covered
entity. In the case of transit facilities, the Federal Transit Administration
does make official determinations of equivalent facilitation.
MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Graphic Conventions [3.1]
Dimensions in ADAAG and this manual are absolute unless noted as a maximum
or minimum. ADAAG includes in text and figures the metric equivalent (in millimeters).
ADAAG uses rounded-of ("soft") metric conversions in most cases;
more precise ("hard") conversions may be incorporated in future
revisions of the guidelines.
Dimensional Tolerances [3.2]
ADAAG recognizes conventional industry tolerances for field conditions. This
applies to the field work, not the design work. Information on specific tolerances
may be available from industry or trade organizations, code groups and building
officials, and published references. Recommendation: It is good practice to
avoid specifying precisely to the maximum or minimum where possible so that
achieved dimensions fall within ADAAG requirements.
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