Controls, handles and door/drawer pulls should be operable with one hand, require only a minimal amount of strength for operation, and should not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. (Includes handles/knobs/pulls on entry and exit doors, appliances, cabinets, drawers and plumbing fixtures, as well as light and thermostat controls/switches, intercoms, and other room controls.)

Guideline 36

Wall-mounted room controls (ie: wall receptacles, switches, thermostats, telephones, intercoms etc.) should be 15" to 48" above the finished floor. The switch plate can extend beyond that dimension, but the control itself should be within it.

Guideline 37

Ground fault circuit interrupters should be specified on all receptacles within the kitchen.

Guideline 38

A fire extinguisher should be visibly located in the kitchen, away from cooking equipment and 15" to 48" above the floor. Smoke alarms should be included near the kitchen.

Guideline 39

Window/skylight area should equal at least 10% of the total square footage of the separate kitchen, or a total living space which includes a kitchen.

Guideline 40

Every work surface in the kitchen should be well-illuminated by appropriate task and/or general lighting.

Rev: 09/19/95