Reach ranges are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in section 308 of the 2010 ADA Standards. Reach ranges are broken down into forward or side (parallel) reach, obstructed high reach and unobstructed reach. The diagram below is representative of common low and high reach ranges of 15 and 48 inches, respectively, above the finished floor or ground, forward and side reach, with no obstruction.

2010 ADA Standard 308.2.1, [Forward Reach] Unobstructed, states, “Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.” The left side of the graphic above is representative of this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 308.3.1, [Side Reach] Unobstructed, states, “Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. EXCEPTIONS: 1. An obstruction shall be permitted between the clear floor or ground space and the element where the depth of the obstruction is 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. 2. Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.” The right side of the graphic above is representative of this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 308.2.2, [Forward Approach] Obstructed High Reach, states, “Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches (510 mm), the high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches (635 mm) maximum.” Note that this Standard assumes that knee and toe space are within the Standards below the obstruction. The graphic below is representative of this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 308.3.2, [Side Reach] Obstructed High Reach, states, “Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 10 inches (255 mm), the high side reach shall be 46 inches (1170 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. EXCEPTIONS: 1. The top of washing machines and clothes dryers shall be permitted to be 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish floor. 2. Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.” Note that this Standard assumes that no obstruction will have depth greater than 24 inches. The graphic below is representative of this Standard.

A unique and somewhat problematic installation is when an operable part, such as an outlet or wall switch, is located near an inside corner of a facility. When an individual in a wheel chair tries to reach this operable part, the arc of their arm swing makes it difficult to reach that corner. See the graphic below for reach range recommendations for corner installations over a 24 inch obstruction.

The 2010 ADA Standards does not address this issue directly. Based on the graphic above, for installations not over a counter, 12 inches from a corner behind the approach and 24 inches from a corner in front of the approach should provide access to a wall mounted element.

Guidance for elements mounted over a counter obstruction can be found in the Fair Housing Act where elements should not be located within 36 inches of a counter corner. If they are located there, a similar element should be located nearby that is not within 36 inches of the counter corner. See the graphic below for a representation.

Guidance for reach ranges for children are provided in a table in 2010 ADA Standard 308. This table is built primarily for children and according to age for building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or operable parts. These dimensions in the table apply to either forward or side reaches. Accessible elements and operable parts designed for adult use or children over age 12 can be located outside these ranges but must be within the adult reach ranges required by Standard 308. The graphic below is representative of the Table.

In summary, reach ranges are designed to provide accessibility for disabled people, especially people living in a wheelchair. Reach ranges vary depending on a forward or side approach and obstructed or unobstructed elements.

If you observe a facility that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

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