(Proposed) Passenger Vessels Accessibility Guidelines

V901 General

V901.1 Scope

The provisions of Chapter 9 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

V902 Tables and Counters

V902.1 General

Tables and counters shall comply with V902.2 and V902.3.

EXCEPTION

Tables and counters for children’s use shall be permitted to comply with V902.4.

V902.2 Clear Deck Space

A clear deck space complying with V305 positioned for a forward approach shall be provided. Knee and toe clearance complying with V306 shall be provided.

EXCEPTIONS

1. Where raised seating surfaces are provided at tables or counters and the tops of the tables or counters are 15 inches (380 mm) minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface, clear deck spaces shall be permitted to be positioned for parallel approaches.
2. Where the top of tables or counters is 10 inches (255 mm) maximum deep, clear deck spaces shall be permitted to be positioned for parallel approaches.

Advisory V902.2 Clear Deck Spaces Exceptions 1 and 2 Exception 1 addresses situations where the usable surface is too low to provide knee clearance (e.g., a beverage table), but users are still sitting at raised seating surfaces (e.g., chairs, stools, and benches). Exception 2 addresses where the usable surface is too narrow to provide knee clearance (e.g., narrow counter along a wall).

V902.3 Height

The tops of tables and counters shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

EXCEPTION

The top of tables and counters shall be permitted to be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface where the clear deck spaces are allowed by V902.2 to be positioned for parallel approaches.

V902.4 Tables and Counters for Children’s Use

Accessible tables and counters for children’s use shall comply with V902.4.

EXCEPTION

Tables and counters that are used primarily by children, 5 years and younger, shall not be required to comply with V902.4 where a clear deck space complying with V305 positioned for a parallel approach is provided.

V902.4.1 Clear Deck Space

A clear deck space complying with V305 positioned for a forward approach shall be provided. Knee and toe clearance complying with V306 shall be provided, except that knee clearance 24 inches (610 mm) minimum above the finish deck surface shall be permitted.

V902.4.2 Height

The tops of tables and counters shall be 26 inches (660 mm) minimum and 30 inches (760 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

V903 Benches

V903.1 General

Benches shall comply with V903.

Advisory V903.1 General The technical provisions in V903 are not for typical seating benches. Benches covered by V903 have a greater depth which assists persons who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to dress or change their clothes while on the benches.

V903.2 Clear Deck Space

Clear deck space complying with V305 shall be provided and shall be positioned at the end of the bench seat and parallel to the short axis of the bench.

V903.3 Size

Benches shall have seats that are 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum and 20 inches (510 mm) deep minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) deep maximum.

V903.4 Back Support

The bench shall provide for back support or shall be affixed to a wall. Back support shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum and shall extend from a point 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the seat surface to a point 18 inches (455 mm) minimum above the seat surface. Back support shall be 2½ inches (64 mm) maximum from the rear edge of the seat measured horizontally.

V903.5 Height

The top of the bench seat surface shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

V903.6 Structural Strength

Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.

V903.7 Wet Locations

Where installed in wet locations, the surface of the seat shall be slip resistant and shall not accumulate water.

V904 Sales and Service Counters

V904.1 General

Check-out aisles and sales and service counters shall comply with the applicable requirements of V904.

V904.2 Approach

All portions of counters required to comply with V904 shall be located adjacent to a walking surface complying with V403.

Advisory V904.2 Approach If a cash register is provided at the sales or service counter, locate the accessible counter close to the cash register so that a person using a wheelchair is visible to sales or service personnel and to minimize the reach for a person with a disability.

V904.3 Check-Out Aisles

Check-out aisles shall comply with V904.3.

V904.3.1 Aisle

Aisles shall comply with V403.

V904.3.2 Counter

The counter surface height shall be 38 inches (965 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface. The top of the counter edge protection shall be 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the top of the counter surface on the aisle side of the check-out counter.

V904.3.3 Check Writing Surfaces

Where provided, check writing surfaces shall comply with V902.3.

V904.4 Sales and Service Counters

Sales counters and service counters shall comply with V904.4.1 or V904.4.2. The accessible portion of the counter top shall extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top.

EXCEPTION

In alterations, when the provision of a counter complying with V904.4 would result in a reduction of the number of existing counters at work stations or a reduction of the number of existing mail boxes, the counter shall be permitted to have a portion which is 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum complying with V904.4.1 provided that the required clear deck space is centered on the accessible length of the counter.

V904.4.1 Parallel Approach

A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish deck surface shall be provided. A clear deck space complying with V305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch (915 mm) minimum length of counter.

EXCEPTION

Where the provided counter surface is less than 36 inches (915 mm) long, the entire counter surface shall be 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish deck surface.

V904.4.2 Forward Approach

A portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches (760 mm) long minimum by 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum shall be provided. Knee and toe space complying with V306 shall be provided under the counter. A clear deck space complying with V305 shall be positioned for a forward approach to the counter.

V904.5 Food Service Lines

Counters in food service lines shall comply with V904.5.

V904.5.1 Self-Service Shelves and Dispensing Devices

Self-service shelves and dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, condiments, food, and beverages shall comply with V308.

V904.5.2 Tray Slides

The tops of tray slides shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish deck surface.

V904.6 Security Glazing

Where counters or teller windows have security glazing to separate employees from the passengers, a method to facilitate voice communication shall be provided. Telephone handset devices, if provided, shall comply with V704.3.

Advisory V904.6 Security Glazing Assistive listening devices complying with V706 can facilitate voice communication at counters or teller windows where there is security glazing which promotes distortion in audible information. Where assistive listening devices are installed, place signs complying with V703.7.2.3 to identify those facilities which are so equipped. Other voice communication methods include, but are not limited to, grilles, slats, talk-through baffles, intercoms, or telephone handset devices.