TECHNICAL

CHAPTER 3: BUILDING BLOCKS

CHAPTER 3: BUILDING BLOCKS

301 General

301.1 Scope.

The provisions of Chapter 3 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where referenced

by a requirement in this document.

302 Floor or Ground Surfaces

302.1 General.

Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall comply with

302.

EXCEPTIONS:

1.

Within animal containment areas, floor and ground surfaces shall not be required

to be stable, firm, and slip resistant.

2.

Areas of sport activity

shall not be required to comply with 302.

302.2 Carpet.

Carpet or carpet tile shall be securely attached and shall have a firm cushion, pad, or

backing or no cushion or pad.

Carpet or carpet tile shall have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or

level cut/uncut pile texture.

Pile height shall be ½ inch (13 mm) maximum.

Exposed edges of carpet

shall be fastened to floor surfaces and shall have trim on the entire length of the exposed edge.

Carpet

edge trim shall comply with 303.

Advisory 302.1 General.

A stable surface is one that remains unchanged by contaminants

or applied force, so that when the contaminant or force is removed, the surface returns to its

original condition.

A firm surface resists deformation by either indentations or particles

moving on its surface.

A slip-resistant surface provides sufficient frictional counterforce to

the forces exerted in walking to permit safe ambulation.

Advisory 302.2 Carpet.

Carpets and permanently affixed mats can significantly increase

the amount of force (roll resistance) needed to propel a wheelchair over a surface. The

firmer the carpeting and backing, the lower the roll resistance.

A pile thickness up to ½ inch

(13 mm) (measured to the backing, cushion, or pad) is allowed, although a lower pile

provides easier wheelchair maneuvering.

If a backing, cushion or pad is used, it must be

firm.

Preferably, carpet pad should not be used because the soft padding increases roll

resistance.

Figure 302.2

Carpet Pile Height

104

2010 Standards: Titles II and III

Department of Justice