What is the Height of a Door Handle For DDA?

For many people with disabilities, the height of a door handle can make the difference between independence and frustration. That’s where the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) comes in. Let’s take a closer look at accessible door handles and find out what the DDA recommends.

First things first, what’s the DDA?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, often called the DDA, was a UK law that aimed to end discrimination against people with disabilities. In 2010, it was replaced by the Equality Act, but many people still use the term DDA when talking about accessibility standards. The goal of these laws is to ensure that buildings and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

So, what’s the magic number?

According to the current guidelines, which are based on the original DDA recommendations, the ideal height for a door handle is between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor. This range is considered the most accessible for the widest variety of people, including those who use wheelchairs or have limited reach.

The 900mm to 1100mm range is based on careful research into human ergonomics and the needs of people with various disabilities. This height range allows most adults, whether standing or seated in a wheelchair, to comfortably reach and operate the door handle.

Let’s break it down:

• The lower limit of 900mm ensures that the handle isn’t too low for most standing adults to use comfortably.

• The upper limit of 1100mm means that most wheelchair users can reach the handle without straining.

• This range also works well for people of shorter stature or those with limited reach.

While we’re focusing on height, it’s worth mentioning that the type of handle matters too. The DDA guidelines recommend lever handles rather than knob-style handles. Why? Lever handles are easier to grip and operate, especially for people with limited hand dexterity or strength.

A quick comparison

To give you a better idea of how these measurements compare to standard door handle heights, here’s a handy table:

As you can see, while a standard door handle height of 1000mm falls within the DDA-recommended range, handles that are too low or too high might not meet the accessibility guidelines.

Beyond residential buildings

While we often think about accessibility in terms of public buildings, these guidelines are increasingly being applied to residential properties too. Many new homes are being built with accessibility in mind, making them more adaptable for future needs.

The future of accessible design

As our understanding of accessibility grows, we might see even more changes in door handle design and placement. For instance, some designers are experimenting with adjustable handles that can be easily moved up or down to suit different users.

FAQs about DDA door handle heights

To wrap up, let’s answer some common questions about DDA-compliant door handles:

Do all buildings need to follow these guidelines? 

 While it’s not legally required for all buildings, it’s strongly recommended for public buildings and new constructions to follow these guidelines to ensure accessibility for all.

What if my door handles are outside the recommended range? 

If your handles are outside this range, consider adjusting them if possible, especially in public or shared spaces.

Are there any exceptions to these rules? 

 Yes, there can be exceptions in certain cases, such as historic buildings where alterations might be difficult or impossible.

Do these guidelines apply to both interior and exterior doors? 

Yes, the guidelines apply to both interior and exterior doors for consistency and accessibility throughout a building.

Can I install handles at different heights on the same door? 

 While it’s not common, some accessible designs do feature handles at different heights to accommodate a wider range of users.

In conclusion, while the height of a door handle might seem like a small detail, it plays a big role in making our buildings accessible to everyone. By following the DDA guidelines and aiming for that 900mm to 1100mm sweet spot, we can ensure that opening doors isn’t a barrier for anyone. Remember, good design is invisible – it just works for everyone!

Making Your Building Accessible with Access

Automation

Here at Access Automation, we specialise in providing DDA-compliant doors and automation solutions for all types of buildings. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing structure or working on a new build, our team of experts can help ensure your doors meet all the necessary accessibility requirements.

We offer a wide range of products, including:

• DDA-compliant door handles at the perfect height
• Automated doors for effortless entry
• Adjustable door closers for easy operation
• Full-door installation services

Don’t let accessibility be an afterthought in your building design. Call Access Automation today at 01255 434544, and let us help you create a space that’s welcoming and accessible to everyone.