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Buildings

6.5 Door handles

Door handles should be clearly visible, reachable, and easy to grasp, such as a tubular shape. Knobs or handles which require a turning motion should not be used. Many people find them impossible or painful to turn. Lever door handles are easier to use.

diagram showing two differing types of door handles. Upper handle is a D shaped lever handle with a 45mm return section at the end of the handle in towards the door. The lower handle is a L shaped pull handle and the handle is shown to be 45mm from the face of the door. Both handles are minimum diameter 20mm and maximum 35mm.

Design Criteria

secure fixing
clearly distinguishable from door
easily gripped surface
1040mm above floor level
45mm clear of door
50mm (minimum) clearance from frame
level handle 20mm minimum (35mm maximum) diameter
pull handle 35mm maximum diameter
vertical handles extend from not less than 400mm to at least 1400mm above floor level
closing horizontal pull rail for use from wheelchair, 1040mm above floor level.

Diagram showing a door with the top of a vertical pull handle 1400m from floor level and a horizontal pull or lever handle 1040mm from floor level.

Building entrances, Doors - General design features, Principal entrance doors, Non automatic doors, Double doors, Internal doors, Automatic doors, Glass Doors, Revolving Doors, Doormats

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