Standard wheelchair width specifications indicate a range of sizes from 584 mm overall to 685 mm overall. Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel must have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position and therefore it is important that this dimension be measured correctly.
Figure A-3.8.3.3.(1) shows a door opened to 90°. It is clear that the door, and to a lesser extent the stop, impinges on the space within the door frame. The clear width of not less than 850 mm is measured from the face of the door to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame. It is not sufficient just to measure the inside width of the door frame or the width of the door panel. There should be no projections into the required clear opening width lower than 865 mm above the finish floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 865 mm and 2030 mm above the finish floor or ground should not exceed 100 mm.
Other factors, including location of door stops other than on the door frame, and the installation of door closers and exit devices, should be taken into account. The intrusion of a door handle into the space is of lesser importance. It is recognized that there are many types of door frame and door mounts, but the overall objective is to maintain a clear width of not less than 850 mm. The diagram depicts a somewhat restrictive scenario, as many doors can open wider than 90° to ensure the minimum clear width of 850 mm that is required.
