- April 06, 2018
- 0 Comments
- In Accessible Design and Construction
- By Peter Stratton
There are many ways to provide adequate protection at protruding objects and our accessibility consultants are always keeping an eye out for accessible design solutions that look like they were an intentional part of the design, rather than an afterthought. Here are just a few of the more successful and aesthetically pleasing examples of cane detectable barriers that we have come across…
Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains are common protruding objects found along circulation paths. Installing fountains in an alcove or providing a fixed barrier with the bottom edge located no more than 27 inches above the floor to one side of the fountain are possible solutions.
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/fountains-wall-e1523044094988-225x300.jpg)
A fixed barrier is provided to the side of the fountain that is mounted more than 27 inches above the floor.
Open Stairs
Below open stairs, headroom clearance will be reduced to less than the required 80 inches AFF. To provide headroom protection where the vertical clearance below the open stairs is less than 80 inches, a barrier must be installed.
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/Emerson-01-300x114.png)
The stair handrail folds down and wraps around the stair, functioning as a cane detectable barrier. [Emerson College, Los Angeles]
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-spiral-stair-300x200.jpg)
A curved bench serves as both a cane detectable barrier and a functional design feature. [Apple Store, Boston]
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-open-stair-small-225x300.png)
A rail provides a barrier where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches. [Apple Store, London]
Countertops
Cantilevered countertops with the bottom edge of the counter mounted more than 27 inches AFF are another common protruding object. This condition can frequently be found at bars, drink ledges, and counter seating, as well as amenity kitchen islands and peninsulas.
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/protruding-counter-small-300x225.png)
The countertop projects more than 4 inches into the circulation path, posing a hazard to a person with a vision impairment.
![](https://www.swinter.com/wp-content/uploads/metal-strip-counter-204x300.jpg)
A metal strap has been wrapped around the projecting countertop to serve as a cane detectable barrier.
We’re here to help! Contact us to learn more about our accessibility consulting services.