Is your property ADA compliant?

ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990 to protect from discriminating those with disabilities in the work place and to allow adequate accessibility into public facilities to name a few. It is estimated that one out of every five people have a disability. This statistic makes it even more important that your property complies with the codes and standards to protect those with disabilities and to protect you from a liability.

 Those with vision disabilities now have elevators and ATM machines that feature Braille instructions and areas that lead into vehicle traffic have truncated domes for their assistant. Those in wheel chairs must have ramp accessibility to entry areas and be able to reach areas such as ATM machines, bank tellers, check out registers, telephones, drinking fountains, restroom light switches and sinks to name a few. They will also need hand rails to assistant in sloped areas and restrooms.   

There are many other codes and requirements necessary to be compliant, and it would be recommended to have a complete evaluation done routinely as codes often change. Listed below are a few check list items to review on your property.

Here are a few ADA Accessibility check list items:

• PARKING - Are there accessible parking spaces reserved?. Are the accessible parking spaces located closest to the accessible route and accessible building entrance? Is the accessible space identified with a permanently installed sign 5 to 7 feet above grade which includes the international symbol of access? Do curbs on the accessible route have curb cuts or curb ramps at 1:12 slope?
  

• EXTERIOR ACCESSIBLE ROUTE - Are there public transportation stops on site, if so, is an accessible route provided to the building from the stop? If there are stairs at the main entrance, is there also a ramp or lift present? Does the accessible route provide for a clean, unobstructed width of at least 36 inches?

• ENTRANCE/EXTERIOR DOORS - Is the international symbol of accessibility provided at the accessible entrance? Can door handle be operated with one hand and does not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate? Is it located no higher than 48 inches?
  

• INTERIOR ACCESSIBLE ROUTE - Does the accessible entrance provide direct access to the main floor, lobby, or elevator? Are all aisles and pathways to all goods and services at least 36 inches wide?Do signs designating permanent rooms and spaces, such as restrooms, meeting rooms and offices, comply with the appropriate requirements for accessible signage?

For more information on ADA codes and requirements, go to http://www.caldag.com/


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-ON-SITE Commercial Services Team