Does ADA Apply to Standpipe Hose Connections?

6/12/2019

For standpipe hose connections within stairwells, does ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) restrictions apply to the dimensions of hose valves coming off pipe?

ADA - 2010 Standard

307.2 Protrusion Limits. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.

307.3 Post-Mounted Objects. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons shall overhang circulation paths 12 inches (305 mm) maximum when located 27 inches (685 mm) minimum and 80 inches (2030 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

In particular, I'm wondering if the 4" protrusion limit applies to standpipe hose connections off of a vertical standpipe, and if it does, if it only applies if the standpipe hose connection is pointed into the path of egress?

I would imagine there's some life safety experts that could explain this better than I surely am.

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4 Comments

Wayne Ammons

6/12/2019 08:05:56 am

***Not a life safety expert, but interested in being able to research all codes and standards***

I would say "yes" for the answer to your initial question. The same verbiage is found in the 2018 International Fire Code (Chapter 10, Section 1003). Further, in the introductory text to chapter 11, Accessibility, it states that "the provisions in the I-Codes are intended to meet or exceed the requirements in the federal accessibility requirement found in the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act". It's also my understanding that if the federal government passes regulations pertaining to building construction or public safety, the code councils will incorporate these regulations into future codes.

Here is an interesting website with many visuals and diagrams explaining the ADA Standards, with a standpipe valve about a third of the way down:

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-accessible-means-of-egress?highlight=WyJob3NlIiwiaG9zZXMiLCJob3NpbmciLCJ2YWx2ZSIsInZhbHZlcyJd

Colin L. link

6/12/2019 10:47:34 am

**also not a life safety expert**

Yes, ADA rules do apply to stanpipes.

My understanding is that the 4" max. protrusion rule applies only when the leading edge of the object is ABOVE the cane sweep height of 0"-27". For example, a fire extinguisher cabinet where the bottom of the cabinet is above 27" could only protrude 4" from the wall. However, if you mount the cabinet with the bottom at 26", then the leading edge is within the cane sweep zone, and the cabinet can protrude from the wall any amount (as long is it's not impeding circulation). A standpipe starts at the floor/stair landing, so the leading edge is within cane sweep (<27"), so if you align the valve parallel with the adjacent wall (so the valve doesn't protrude any further from the wall than the pipe, you will meet ADA standards.

Additionally, see 307.3; this section allows for "post mounted" objects to protrude 12" beyond the post (into the circulation path), where the post is within cane sweep. It is my understanding that this can apply to a standpipe, where the vertical pipe is considered the "post" and the hose valve is the "post mounted object", so the valve can project up to 12" from the vertical pipe in any direction and still be ADA compliant.

**again, not a LS expert, hopefully someone can weight in an confirm or correct my understanding.

Robert Karlin

6/13/2019 06:54:59 pm

Also Compliance with ADA is not a "local Code" isssue. ADA is federal law - a CFR - since way back to 1991 signed in by GHWB. Any prescription in this law must be provided for equal protection to the class of the disabled. so yes

Robert again

6/13/2019 07:00:14 pm

this also applies to fire extinguisher cabinets as well. I ve seen several re-works after the ADA inspection flagged all of them.

Does ADA Apply to Standpipe Hose Connections?

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