Accessible Telescopes and Periscopes at US Forest Service Facilities

Information reproduced from the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.

Telescopes and Periscopes at US Forest Service (USFS) facilities must meet the requirements in the Forest Service Outdoor Recreational Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The graphic below is representative of a USFS viewing area with telescopes and periscopes.

Common Scenic Overlook Periscope - Telescope Installation

Whenever a telescope or periscope is provided, ensure that a separate telescope or periscope is available for use from a standing position (60 inches above the floor or ground surface is suggested) and from a seated position at each distinct viewing location.

Telescopes or periscopes for use from a seated position must be connected to the other major constructed features at the recreation area by an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR) and meet the following requirements.

Ensure that controls and operating mechanisms for telescopes and periscopes usable from a seated position comply with the technical requirements for reach ranges and operability specified in ABAAS, sections 308 and 309. The eyepiece of each telescope or periscope usable from a seated position must be 43 inches (1,090 millimeters) minimum and 51 inches (1,295 millimeters) maximum above the floor or ground surface. Although not required, an adjustable scope mount is ideal for accessible viewing. The graphic above shows one way to configure an accessible telescope area.

A clear floor or ground space should be provided that is adjacent to (and may overlap) an ORAR at all accessible telescopes and periscopes so that someone using a wheelchair or other assistive device can approach and move around them. This maneuvering space must be at least 36 inches by 48 inches (915 millimeters by 1,220 millimeters). The graphic below is representative of this 36X48 inch clear space.

USFS Clear Space Dimensions

Position the clear floor or ground space for a forward approach to the telescope or periscope and so that the eyepiece of the telescope or periscope is centered on the space. Provide knee and toe clearance complying with ABAAS, section 306, under the telescope or periscope. The graphic below is representative.

Knee and Toe Clearance for a Periscope Installation

Knee space under the telescope or periscope must be at least 30 inches (760 millimeters) wide, 19 inches (485 millimeters) deep, and 27 inches (685 millimeters) high, as measured from the ground or floor to the bottom of the structure that supports the telescope or periscope.

Toe clearance of at least 9 inches (230 millimeters) above the ground or floor must extend at least an additional 6 inches (150 millimeters) beyond the required knee clearance. The graphic below is representative of knee and toe space.

Do not allow the slope of the clear floor or ground space to exceed 1:48 (2 percent). However, when the surface is unpaved or not built with boards, grades not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) in any direction are allowed if required for proper drainage. Ensure the surface of the maneuvering space is firm, stable, and made from a material appropriate to the level of development and setting.

If a condition for exception in an alteration project at an existing site prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space (surface, slope, size, or location), the clear floor or ground space only has to comply with requirements to the extent practicable.

SUMMARY: Telescopes and periscopes at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG. Whenever a telescope or periscope is provided, ensure that a separate telescope or periscope is available for use from a standing position and from a seated position at each distinct viewing location. A level 36X48 inch clear space should be located at the accessible telescopes and periscopes.

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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 facility 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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