M301 Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients in Supine, Prone, or Side-Lying Position
M301.1 General
Diagnostic equipment that supports patients in a supine, prone, or side-lying position shall comply with M301.
EXCEPTION: Examination chairs complying with M302 that recline to facilitate diagnosis after patients transfer onto the chair shall not be required to comply with M301.
M301.2 Transfer Surface
A transfer surface shall be provided and shall comply with M301.2.
M301.2.1 Adjustability
Transfer surfaces shall be adjustable in height measured from the floor to the top of the uncompressed transfer surface and shall provide the following: A. A low transfer position at a height of 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum; B. A high transfer position at 25 inches (635 mm); and C. At least 4 additional transfer positions located between the low and high transfer positions and separated by 1 inch (25 mm) minimum.
M301.2.2 Sunset
The low transfer position height, Item A of M301.2.1, shall cease to have effect on [Insert date 5 years after date of publication in the Federal Register].
M301.2.3 Size
The size of the transfer surface shall comply with M301.2.3.1 or M301.2.3.2. The size of transfer surfaces shall be measured from center points of their opposing sides.
M301.2.3.1 End Transfer Surface
End transfer surfaces shall be 28 inches (710 mm) wide minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) long minimum.
EXCEPTION: Transfer surfaces for imaging equipment with bores shall be permitted to be 21 inches (535 mm) wide minimum but shall not be permitted to be less than the full width of the examination surface provided for the patient.
M301.2.3.2 Side Transfer Surface
Side transfer surfaces shall be 28 inches (710 mm) wide minimum and 28 inches (710 mm) long minimum.
EXCEPTION: Transfer surfaces for imaging equipment with bores shall be permitted to be 21 inches (535 mm) wide minimum but shall not be permitted to be less than the full width of the examination surface provided for the patient.
M301.2.4 Unobstructed Transfer
Each transfer surface shall provide two unobstructed sides for patient transfer.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Obstructions no more than 3 inches (75 mm) deep shall be permitted to extend beyond transfer sides of transfer surfaces provided that such obstructions do not protrude above the tops of transfer surfaces.
- Temporary obstructions shall be permitted provided that they can be repositioned during transfer to comply with M301.2.4, including Exception 1.
M301.3 Supports
Transfer supports, leg supports, and reclining surfaces shall comply with M301.3.
M301.3.1 Transfer Supports
Transfer surfaces required by M301.2 shall provide transfer supports and shall comply with M305.2.
M301.3.2 Leg Supports
Where stirrups are provided, leg supports shall also be provided and shall comply with M305.4.
M301.3.3 Head and Back Support
Where the diagnostic equipment is used in a reclined position, head and back support shall be provided and shall comply with M305.5.
M301.4 Lift Compatibility
Diagnostic equipment shall be usable with portable patient lifts and, when in use with such lifts, shall comply with M301.4.1 or M301.4.2.
EXCEPTION: Where fixed overhead patient lifts are provided, and when their use with diagnostic equipment is permitted by an enforcing authority, diagnostic equipment shall not be required to meet the lift compatibility requirements of this section provided that such equipment is clearly labeled as not compatible with portable floor lifts.
M301.4.1 Clearance in Base
The base of diagnostic equipment shall provide a clearance 39 inches (990 mm) wide minimum, 6 inches (150 mm) high minimum measured from the floor, and 36 inches (915 mm) deep minimum measured from the edge of the examination surface. Where the width of examination surfaces is less than 36 inches (915 mm), the clearance depth shall extend the full width of the equipment. Components of diagnostic equipment are permitted to be located within 8 inches (205 mm) maximum of the centerline of the clearance width.
M301.4.2 Clearance Around Base
The base of diagnostic equipment shall provide a clearance 6 inches (150 mm) high minimum measured from the floor and 36 inches (915 mm) deep minimum measured from the edge of the examination surface. The width of the base permitted within this clearance shall be 26 inches (660 mm) wide maximum at the edge of the examination surface and shall be permitted to increase at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in width for each 3 inches (75 mm) in depth.
M302 Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients in Seated Position
M302.1 General
Diagnostic equipment that supports patients in a seated position shall comply with M302.
EXCEPTION: Where weight scales contain wheelchair spaces complying with M303 and also provide a seat integral to the equipment, the scales shall not be required to comply with M302.
M302.2 Transfer Surface
A transfer surface shall be provided and shall comply with M302.2.
M302.2.1 Adjustability
Transfer surfaces shall be adjustable in height measured from the floor to the top of the uncompressed transfer surface and shall provide the following: A. A low transfer position at a height of 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum; B. A high transfer position at 25 inches (635 mm); and C. At least 4 additional transfer positions located between the low and high transfer positions and separated by 1 inch (25 mm) minimum.
M302.2.2 Sunset
The low transfer position height, Item A of M302.2.1, shall cease to have effect on [Insert date 5 years after date of publication in the Federal Register].
M302.2.3 Size
Transfer surfaces shall be 21 inches (610 mm) wide minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) deep minimum. The size of transfer surfaces shall be measured from center points of their opposing sides.
M302.2.4 Transfer Sides
Options to transfer from a mobility device shall be provided on two adjoining sides of transfer surfaces.
EXCEPTION: Options to transfer to or from a mobility device onto opposing sides of transfer surfaces shall be permitted where the transfer surface is obstructed by fixed footrests.
M302.2.5 Unobstructed Transfer
Each transfer side complying with M302.2.4 shall provide unobstructed access to transfer surfaces.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Obstructions no more than 3 inches (75 mm) deep shall be permitted to extend beyond transfer sides of transfer surfaces provided that such obstructions do not protrude above the tops of transfer surfaces.
- Temporary obstructions shall be permitted provided that they can be repositioned during transfer to comply with M302.2.5, including Exception 1.
M302.3 Supports
Transfer supports, leg supports and reclining surfaces shall comply with M302.3.
M302.3.1 Transfer Supports
Transfer supports shall be provided for use with transfer sides required by M302.2.4 and shall comply with M305.2.1.1, M305.2.2.1, and M305.2.3 through M305.2.8.
M302.3.2 Leg Supports
Where stirrups are provided, leg supports shall also be provided and comply with M305.4.
M302.3.3 Head and Back Support
Where the diagnostic equipment is used in a reclined position, head and back support shall be provided and shall comply with M305.5.
M302.4 Lift Compatibility
Diagnostic equipment shall be usable with portable patient lifts and, when in use with such lifts, shall comply with M302.4.1 or M302.4.2.
EXCEPTION: Where fixed overhead patient lifts are provided, and when their use with diagnostic equipment is permitted by an enforcing authority, diagnostic equipment shall not be required to meet the lift compatibility requirements of this section provided that such equipment is clearly labeled as not compatible with portable floor lifts.
M302.4.1 Clearance in Base
The base of the diagnostic equipment shall provide a clearance 39 inches (990 mm) wide minimum, 6 inches (150 mm) high minimum measured from the floor, and 36 inches (915 mm) deep minimum measured from the edge of the examination surface. Where the width of the examination surface is less than 36 inches (915 mm), the clearance depth shall extend the full width of the equipment. Equipment components are permitted to be located within 8 inches (205 mm) maximum of the centerline of the clearance width.
M302.4.2 Clearance Around Base
The base of the diagnostic equipment shall provide a clearance 6 inches (150 mm) high minimum measured from the floor and 36 inches (915 mm) deep minimum measured from the edge of the examination surface. The width of the base permitted within this clearance shall be 26 inches (660 mm) wide maximum at the edge of the examination surface and shall be permitted to increase at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in width for each 3 inches (75 mm) in depth.
M303 Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients Seated in a Wheelchair
M303.1 General
Diagnostic equipment used by patients seated in a wheelchair shall comply with M303.
M303.2 Wheelchair Spaces
Wheelchair spaces complying with M303.2 shall be provided at diagnostic equipment.
M303.2.1 Orientation
Wheelchair spaces shall be designed so that a patient seated in a wheelchair orients in the same direction that a patient not seated in a wheelchair orients when the diagnostic equipment is in use.
M303.2.2 Width
Wheelchair spaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum.
EXCEPTION: Wheelchair spaces located on raised platforms shall be permitted to be 32 inches (815 mm) wide minimum to a height of 4 inches (100 mm) measured from the platform surface.
M303.2.3 Depth
The depth of wheelchair spaces shall comply with M303.2.3.
M303.2.3.1 Front or Rear Entry
Where wheelchair space entry and exit is provided at only one end (front or rear) the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) deep minimum.
M303.2.3.2 Pass Through Entry
Where wheelchair space entry and exit permits pass through from one end to the other, the wheelchair space shall be 40 inches deep (1015 mm) minimum.
M303.2.3.3 Side Entry
Where wheelchair space entry is only from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum.
M303.2.4 Equipment Clearances
Where wheelchair spaces are entered from the rear and includes space beneath components, wheelchair spaces shall include knee and toe clearances complying with M303.2.4.1 for breast platforms and M303.2.4.2 for all other equipment.
M303.2.4.1 Breast Platforms
Wheelchair spaces beneath breast platforms shall comply with M303.2.4.1.
M303.2.4.1.1 Depth
Wheelchair spaces shall include knee and toe clearance 25 inches (635 mm) deep minimum and 28 inches (710 mm) deep maximum.
M303.2.4.1.2 Height
Wheelchair spaces shall include toe clearance 9 inches (230 mm) high minimum above the floor measured to a depth of 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from the toe end of the wheelchair space. Knee clearance shall be provided at a depth of 19 inches (485 mm) minimum and 22 inches (560 mm) maximum at 9 inches (230 mm) above the floor and at a depth of 16 inches (405 mm) minimum at 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor measured from the leading edge of the breast platform. Between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor, the knee clearance shall be permitted to reduce at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in depth for every 6 inches (150 mm) in height.
EXCEPTION: Components shall be permitted to extend into the wheelchair space at a height of 1 ½ inches (38 mm) maximum between 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 25 inches (635 mm) maximum in depth measured from the leading edge of the breast platform. From 25 inches (635 mm) to 28 inches (710 mm) in depth the height of a component above 1 ½ inches (38 mm) shall be beveled at a rate of 2.5:3 maximum.
M303.2.4.2 Other Equipment
Wheelchair spaces beneath diagnostic equipment other than breast platforms shall comply with M303.2.4.2.
M303.2.4.2.1 Depth
Wheelchair spaces shall include knee and toe clearance 17 inches (430 mm) deep minimum and 25 inches (635 mm) deep maximum.
M303.2.4.2.2 Height
Wheelchair spaces shall include toe clearance 9 inches (230 mm) high minimum above the floor measured to a depth of 6 inches (150 mm) maximum measured from the toe end of the wheelchair space. Knee clearance shall be provided at a depth of 11 inches (280 mm) minimum and 25 inches (635 mm) maximum at 9 inches (230 mm) above the floor and at a depth of 8 inches (205 mm) minimum at 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor measured from the leading edge of the equipment. Between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor, the knee clearance shall be permitted to reduce at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in depth for every 6 inches (150 mm) in height.
M303.2.5 Surfaces
Wheelchair space surfaces shall not slope more than 1:48 in any direction.
M303.2.6 Edge Protection
Where wheelchair spaces are provided on a platform raised more than 1 ½ inches (38 mm) in height, edge protection 2 inches (51 mm) high minimum measured from the surface of the platform shall be provided on each side not providing entry to or exit from the equipment.
M303.3 Entry
Where there is a change in level at the entry to wheelchair spaces, the change in level shall comply with M303.3.
M303.3.1 Vertical
Changes in level of ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.
M303.3.2 Beveled
Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high and ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
M303.3.3 Ramped
Changes in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped and shall comply with M303.3.3.
M303.3.3.1 Running Slope
Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12.
EXCEPTION: A running slope not steeper than 1:8 shall be permitted for ramp runs with a maximum height of 2 ½ inches (64 mm).
M303.3.3.2 Cross Slope
The cross slope of ramp runs shall not be steeper than 1:48.
M303.3.3.3 Clear Width
The clear width of ramp runs shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
M303.3.3.4 Edge Protection
Ramps with drop offs ½ inch (13 mm) or greater shall provide edge protection 2 inches (50 mm) high minimum on each side with a drop off.
M303.3.3.5 Handrails
Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall provide handrails on both sides.
M303.4 Components
Where components of diagnostic equipment are used to examine specific body parts, the components shall be capable of examining the body parts of a patient seated in a wheelchair. Breast platforms shall comply with M303.4.1.
M303.4.1 Breast Platform Adjustability
Breast platforms shall be continuously adjustable from a low height of 26 inches (660 mm) to a high height of 42 inches (1065 mm) above the floor.
M304 Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients in Standing Position
M304.1 General
Diagnostic equipment used by patients in a standing position shall comply with M304.
M304.2 Standing Surface
Equipment surfaces on which patients stand must comply with M304.2
M304.2.1 Slip Resistant
The surface on which the patient stands shall be slip resistant.
M304.2.2 Standing Supports
Standing supports shall be provided on two sides of the standing surface and shall comply with M305.3.
EXCEPTION: Diagnostic equipment with entry and exit permitting pass-through from one end to the other shall be permitted to provide one standing support on one side of the standing surface provided that the standing support complies with the requirements for standing supports in a horizontal position in M305.3.
M305 Supports
M305.1 General
Supports shall comply with M305.
M305.2 Transfer Supports
Transfer supports shall comply with M305.2.
M305.2.1 Location
Transfer supports shall comply with M305.2.1.1 or M305.2.1.2 and shall be located 1 ½ inches (38 mm) maximum measured horizontally from the plane defined by the nearest edge of the transfer surface.
EXCEPTION: Where the support folds, collapses, or articulates, the transfer support shall be permitted to be located 3 inches (75 mm) maximum from the plane defined by the nearest edge of the transfer surface.
M305.2.1.1 End Transfer Supports
Transfer supports for transfer surfaces complying with M301.2.3.1 and M302.2 shall be located on the short side (length) opposite the transfer side.
M305.2.1.2 Side Transfer Supports
Transfer supports for transfer surfaces complying with M301.2.3.2 shall be capable of supporting transfer on each side of the transfer surface.
M305.2.2 Length
The length of transfer supports shall comply with M305.2.2.1 or M305.2.2.2.
M305.2.2.1 End Transfer Supports.
Transfer supports for transfer surfaces complying with M301.2.3.1 and M305.2.2.1 shall be 15 inches (380 mm) long minimum. Transfer supports shall be positioned along 13 ½ inches (345 mm) minimum of the depth of the transfer surface.
M305.2.2.2 Side Transfer Supports
Transfer supports for transfer surfaces complying with M301.2.3.2 shall be 28 inches (710 mm) long minimum and shall be positioned along the width of transfer surfaces.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where transfer surfaces are part of an articulating surface, the support shall be permitted to be 15 inches (380 mm) long minimum.
2. Where the width of an imaging bed is more than 24 inches (533 mm), transfer supports shall be permitted to be 12 inches (305 mm) long minimum.
M305.2.3 Height
During use, the tops of transfer support gripping surfaces shall be 6 inches (150 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum higher than the top of the associated uncompressed transfer surface.
EXCEPTION: Where the width of the transfer surface for imaging beds exceed 24 inches (610 mm), the tops of the gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be 3 inches (75 mm) minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum higher than the top of the associated uncompressed transfer surface.
M305.2.4 Cross Section
Transfer supports shall have a cross section complying with 305.2.4.1 or 305.2.4.2.
M305.2.4.1 Circular Cross Section
Transfer supports with circular cross sections shall have an outside diameter of 1 ¼ inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.
M305.2.4.2 Non-Circular Cross Section
Transfer supports with non-circular cross sections shall have a cross-section dimension of 2 inches (51 mm) maximum and a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 4.8 inches (120 mm) maximum.
M305.2.5 Surface Hazards
Transfer supports and surfaces adjacent to transfer supports shall be free of sharp or abrasive components and shall have eased edges.
M305.2.6 Gripping Surface
Transfer support gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of transfer support gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length.
M305.2.7 Clearance
Clearance between the transfer support gripping surface and adjacent surfaces or obstructions shall be 1 ½ inches (38 mm) minimum.
M305.2.8 Fittings
Transfer supports shall not rotate within their fittings when in place for transfer.
M305.3 Standing Supports
Standing supports shall provide continuous support throughout use of the diagnostic equipment and shall comply with M305.3.
M305.3.1 Length
The length of gripping surfaces for standing supports shall be based on the position of the standing supports in relation to the standing surfaces they serve. Horizontal standing support gripping surfaces shall comply with M305.3.1.1, horizontal standing support gripping surfaces on diagnostic equipment containing a wheelchair space shall comply with M305.3.1.2 and, vertical standing support gripping surfaces shall comply with M305.3.1.3.
M305.3.1.1 Horizontal Position
The length of gripping surfaces on horizontal standing supports shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum except for diagnostic equipment containing a wheelchair space which shall comply with M305.3.1.2.
M305.3.1.2 Diagnostic Equipment Containing a Wheelchair Space
On diagnostic equipment containing wheelchair spaces with one entry that also serves as the exit, the length of the gripping surface of horizontal standing supports shall be equal to or greater than 80 percent of the overall length of the platform. On diagnostic equipment containing a wheelchair space and permitting pass-through from one end to the other, the length of the gripping surface on horizontal standing supports shall be at least equal to the length of the platform.
M305.3.1.3 Vertical Position
The length of the gripping surface on vertical standing supports shall be 18 inches (455 mm) minimum.
M305.3.2 Height
The height of gripping surfaces for standing supports shall be based on the position of the standing supports in relation to the standing surfaces they serve. Horizontal standing support gripping surfaces shall comply with M305.3.2.1 and vertical standing support gripping surfaces shall comply with M305.3.2.2.
M305.3.2.1 Horizontal Position
The height of the top of the gripping surface on horizontal standing supports shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum above the standing surface.
M305.3.2.2 Vertical Position.
The height of the lowest end of the gripping surface on vertical standing supports shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 37 inches (940 mm) maximum above the standing surface.
M305.3.3 Fittings
Standing supports shall not rotate within their fittings.
M305.4 Leg Supports
Leg supports shall provide a method of supporting, positioning, and securing the patient’s legs.
M305.5 Head and Back Support
Where the diagnostic equipment is used in a reclined position, head and back support shall be provided. Where the incline of the back support can be modified while in use, head and back support shall be provided throughout the entire range of the incline.
M306 Communication
M306.1 General
Where instructions or other information necessary for performance of the diagnostic procedure is communicated to the patient through the diagnostic equipment, the instructions and other information shall be provided in at least two of the following methods: audible, visible, or tactile.
M307 Operable Parts
M307.1 General
Operable parts for patient use shall comply with M307.
M307.2 Tactilely Discernible
Operable parts shall be tactilely discernible without activation.
M307.3 Operation
Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
M307.4 Operating Force
The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
