Clatsop County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Clatsop County

Clatsop County Elections Office
820 Exchange Street, Suite 220
Astoria Oregon 97103

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

July 13, 2007

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

Introduction

On July 9, 2007, Environmental Access, Inc., conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Clatsop County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and/or Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon, whichever is more stringent.

The scope of the survey included the accessible route from the public sidewalk and parking, if provided, to the accessible entrance. If the accessible route to the elections office included use of an elevator, the elevator was evaluated. In addition to surveying the public access areas of the elections office, employee and volunteer areas were evaluated. The survey includes an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that serve the elections office.

The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections office can evaluate and prioritize barrier removal and obtain financial assistance from the HAVA Program to assist with the funding of the removal of these barriers.

The recommendations provided in this report are made to assist the county elections office in identifying and removing structural barriers to its facilities. An evaluation of individual programs, services and activities within a certain facility was not part of this study. This report does not address potential program modifications that may be available to provide program accessibility. Public entities that are subject to Title II of the ADA must conduct an ADA compliance review known as an ADA Self Evaluation. The ADA Self Evaluation must include an evaluation of policies, practices, procedures, programs, employment, and communication as well as an evaluation of facilities for structural accessibility. As part of the ADA Self Evaluation, each public entity is required to develop an ADA Transition Plan to address any structural barriers identified during the ADA Self Evaluation process.

The ADA Compliance Report

Each report has an “Executive Summary” located at the beginning of the report that summarizes all of the recommendations made in the body of the report. The recommendations are prioritized in order of importance using the priorities established by the U.S. Department of Justice for public entities.

The body of the report utilizes three sections for each set of structural barriers identified. The first section is titled “Existing Condition.” The “existing condition” section summarizes the building element or elements that do not comply with either the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the State of Oregon Building Code whichever is more stringent.

The second section is titled “ADA Accessibility Guidelines.” The “ADA Accessibility Guidelines” section of the report is a summary of the applicable accessibility requirements, including the more stringent Oregon requirements where applicable. A complete copy of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines should be consulted along with the current version of the State of Oregon Building Code prior to making any alterations to the facility.

The third section is titled “Recommendations.” The “recommendations” section provides a recommendation or recommendations for the removal of the architectural barriers identified. This section may also make a recommendation for an alternative to barrier removal or may make a recommendation for a temporary solution.

Digital photographs of non-conforming elements are provided in the report in order to assist with their identification and location within the facility. The photographs are numbered for reference in the body of the report by page and photograph number. Not all non-conforming elements have photographs as many of the elements are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the report. Digital camera operator error also caused some photographs to be missing.

Some counties have provided drive-up drop boxes at their county courthouses or at other convenient locations within their county for voters to drive-up and drop their ballots without having to exit their vehicle. These drive-up drop boxes are excellent ways to provide improved access for people with disabilities and seniors. Because of the cost of removing many of the barriers identified during this survey, counties should consider providing these drive-up drop boxes as an alternative.

If, after reviewing the report, there are any questions about the barriers identified or the recommendations made, or any other aspect of the survey or report, please contact Bob Pike at Environmental Access, Inc., (503) 526-9400 or Bobpike@comcast.net

Executive Summary

Accessible Route/Parking

The two accessible parking spaces should be moved so that they are in front of the designated accessible entrance with one disabled space located on each side of the curb ramp. This would place the two disabled parking spaces in the inset portion of the sidewalk area that is now designated as a “Loading Zone” and provide a wider area to provide access aisles. The width of the curb ramp between the two disabled parking spaces should be stripped a no parking area. The location of the post where the ballot drop box is located during elections should be relocated away from the entrance and revised parking layout. The sidewalk gaps should be repaired.

Curb Ramp

The curb ramp as well as the accessible route into the designated accessible entrance should be modified so that the slope is 5 percent (1:20) or less. The curb ramp should have detectable warnings consisting of raised truncated domes at the bottom of the ramp a minimum of 24 inches deep the full width of the throat of the ramp.

Accessible Route/Entrance

Rear Entrance:
The rear entrance should have directional signage installed utilizing the International Symbol of Access and indicating the location of the accessible entrance. This should be placed on the handrail at the end of the stairs near the parking lot.

Front Entrance:
The curb ramp, sidewalk and maneuvering clearance in front of the doors should be modified so that the slope is minimized as much as the terrain will allow. A 30 inch by 48 inch clear ground space with a slope of no more than 2 percent should be provided at the door opening button.

Elevator

An elevator company should be contacted to conduct a complete evaluation of the elevator deficiencies so that the elevator can be upgraded to be in full compliance. Raised and Braille floor designations should be installed on both jambs of all elevator hoist way entrances, centered at 60 inches above the floor. Raised characters and Braille designations should be installed on the left side of all elevator car control buttons. The ground floor or main entry to the building should be marked with a raised “star” to the left of the button. The floor buttons should have audible and visual indicators showing when each call is registered and when each call is answered. The elevator needs audible and visual signals at each hoist way entrance to indicate which car is answering a call. The audible signal should sound once for “up” and twice for “down” and shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72 inches above the lobby floor. The visual elements shall be at least 2-1/2 inches in the smallest direction. The car doors should remain open for 10 seconds after they meet an obstruction.

Toilet Rooms

Signage:
Directional signage utilizing the International of Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

The following items pertain to the designated accessible toilet room:

Door:
The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is no greater than 5 lbs. and the waste receptacle should be relocated.

Grab Bars:
A 36-inch back grab bar should be installed.

Lavatory:
The lavatory should be replaced with a lavatory that has a 17-inch minimum depth and mounted so as to provide the proper knee space. Auto faucet sensors should remain on for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to the far side of the lavatory.

Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to the wall opposite the toilet so there is an unobstructed clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches for a side approach.

Coat Hook:
The coat hook should be remounted at a maximum of height of 54 inches.

Protruding Objects

Drinking Fountain:
The drinking fountain should be lowered so that the knee space is at 27 inches above the floor. A paper cup dispenser should be installed until a dual-height drinking fountain is installed on the first floor.

Mailboxes:
The mailboxes should be modified with some type of detectable barrier that will alert people who are blind or visually impaired that the mailboxes are across from the elevator on the first floor. A barrier can be installed on the floor under the mailboxes to alert someone using a cane that the mailboxes are present. Something can be installed on the bottom edge of the mailboxes so as to extend it at or below 27 inches to provide a detectable barrier.

ADA Compliance Report

Accessible Route/Parking

There are two on-street parking spaces designated as disabled parking spaces on each end of the “Loading Zone” that is designated by the yellow inset curb. The disabled parking spaces do not have access aisles. They are located on the same side of the street as the designated accessible entrance to the building and require an individual to exit their vehicle from the driver’s side onto the sidewalk; exiting from the passenger side would exit someone into the vehicular lane of traffic. During elections there is a post in the parking area in front of the building where the drive-up ballot drop box is located.

Existing Condition - Accessible Route/Parking - 9th & Exchange Street:
There is an on-street disabled parking space located at the end of the block at 9th and Exchange Street. This disabled parking space is approximately 60 feet from the accessible entrance and the slope on the sidewalk has a running slope that is greater than 5 percent. The parking space is 22 feet long and 8 feet wide and has a running slope greater than 2 percent that ranges from 5 percent to 7.3 percent and a cross slope that exceeds 2 percent and ranges as high as 9 to 10 percent. There is a curb ramp at the intersection of 9th & Exchange which is approximately 16 additional feet from the disabled parking space. The curb ramp does not have detectable warnings. There are wide gaps in the sidewalk that need to be repaired.

Existing Condition - Accessible Route/Parking - Exchange Street:
The second on-street designated disabled parking space is located near the beginning of the block and is closer to the accessible entrance; approximately 32 feet to the parking space. The slope on the sidewalk to the parking space is greater than 5 percent in places and ranges from 4.7 percent to 7.6 percent. The slope on the designated disabled parking space is greater than 2 percent in all directions and has a running slope of 4.2 percent and a cross slope of 12.4 percent.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5 & OSSC 1103.2.3.2

An accessible route shall be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 (5 percent) with a cross slope no greater 1:50 (2 percent). ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4” and 1/2” require that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

If parking spaces are provided for self-parking by employees or visitors, or both, then accessible spaces complying with 4.6 shall be provided in each such parking area. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)

The accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from the parking area to the accessible entrance. If a facility has multiple accessible entrances with parking, accessible parking shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. ADAAG 4.6.2

If parking is located at a facility in such a manner that it requires an individual to enter a vehicular lane of travel, then a crosswalk must be provided. When the accessible route crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and it is not separated by curbs, railings, or other elements, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29

One space is required to be "van accessible."A van accessible space must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" wide access aisle under Oregon Law. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. Other disabled parking spaces must have a 108" wide parking space, a vertical clearance of 80", and a minimum 72" wide access aisle. Two parking spaces may share a common 96" wide access aisle. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)(b) & 4.6.5

A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read: "Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $450.00 under ORS 811.615."

These signs shall be placed on posts with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

The pavement of each accessible parking space shall be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. The symbol shall be a minimum of 29" in height and a minimum of 24" in width. The width of the symbol striping shall be 4".

No ramp or other obstruction may extend into an accessible parking space or the adjacent access aisle.

Accessible parking spaces must measure at least 17' in length. ORS 447.233

Parking spaces and access aisles shall have a maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) in all directions. ADAAG 4.6.3

Recommendation:
The two accessible parking spaces should be moved so that they are in front of the designated accessible entrance with one disabled space located on each side of the curb ramp. This would place the two disabled parking spaces in the inset portion of the sidewalk area that is now designated as a “Loading Zone” and provide a wider area to provide access aisles. The width of the curb ramp between the two disabled parking spaces should be stripped a no parking area. The location of the post where the ballot drop box is located during elections should be relocated away from the entrance and revised parking layout. The sidewalk gaps should be repaired.

Curb Ramp

Existing Condition:
There is a curb ramp in front of the designated accessible entrance. The curb ramp does not have a level landing at the top and does not have detectable warnings.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Curb ramps shall be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a curb. Curb ramps shall have the least slope possible; the maximum slope allowed is 1:12 or 8.3 percent. ADAAG 4.7.1

Curb ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36" and have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. Transitions shall be flush and free of abrupt changes, no greater than 1/4". Any greater than 1/4" shall be beveled. ADAAG 4.7.3, 4.7.4 & 4.5

Curb ramp sides or flares may be 1:10 unless they are located in an accessible route where pedestrians may walk across the ramp, then they must have a maximum slope of 1:12. ADAAG 4.7.5

Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the ramp. Surfaces shall contrast visually from the adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from adjoining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on- cane contact.

The surface shall consist of raised truncated domes with the following features:

Diameter: 0.9" nominal
Height: 0.2" nominal
Center to Center spacing: 2.35" nominal

ADAAG 4.7.7 & 4.29.2

If the curb ramps are located at marked crossings, they shall be fully contained within the marked area. If the curb ramps are diagonal curb ramps at marked intersections, a minimum of a 48" wide area shall be provided at the bottom of the ramp and contained within the marked crossing. ADAAG 4.7.9 & 4.7.10

Recommendation:
The curb ramp as well as the accessible route into the designated accessible entrance should be modified so that the slope is 5 percent (1:20) or less. The curb ramp should have detectable warnings consisting of raised truncated domes at the bottom of the ramp a minimum of 24 inches deep the full width of the throat of the ramp.

Accessible Route/Entrance

Existing Condition - Rear Entrance:
There is a rear entrance off of the back parking lot, it is not accessible and there is no directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access that indicates the location of the accessible entrance.

Existing Condition - Front Entrance:
This entrance is marked with the International Symbol of Access. At this designated accessible entrance there is a curb ramp with a slope up with no level landing and then there is a significant down slope to the doors. The slope down to the doors has a slope greater than 5 percent and ranges from 9.1 percent to 11.2 percent. There are two sets of glass double doors and the vestibule does not comply, there is only 36 inches between an open door and the next door. Both sets of doors are equipped with automatic door opening devices. The exterior door operating button is not located on a level clear floor space with a maximum 2 percent slope; the slope is 7.4 to 7.9 percent.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5 & OSSC 1103.2.3.2

The accessible entrance to a building or facility, where feasible, shall be the entrance used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.3(8)(a)

When all entrances are not accessible, the accessible entrances shall be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Entrances which are not accessible shall have directional signage indicating where the nearest accessible entrance is located. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(c), 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.6(1)(h) & 4.30.1

When two doors are located in a series, the minimum space between two hinged doors in a series shall be 48" plus the width of any door swinging into the space. ADAAG 4.13.7

Out-swinging entrance doors with a front approach shall have a minimum 5' long landing and it shall extend a minimum of 18" beyond the latch side of the door. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6

Automatic door operating button shall be mounted a minimum of 36” above the surface and not more than 48” above the finished ground or floor area. OSSC Ch. 11

Controls and operating mechanisms shall be located optimally at 48" above the finished floor. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". The minimum low forward reach is 15”. If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". The clear floor space shall be level with a maximum slope of 2 percent. The minimum low side reach shall be no less than 9”. Controls and mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.25.3 & 4.27.

Recommendation - Rear Entrance:
The rear entrance should have directional signage installed utilizing the International Symbol of Access and indicating the location of the accessible entrance. This should be placed on the handrail at the end of the stairs near the parking lot.

Recommendation - Front Entrance:
The curb ramp, sidewalk and maneuvering clearance in front of the doors should be modified so that the slope is minimized as much as the terrain will allow. A 30 inch by 48 inch clear ground space with a slope of no more than 2 percent should be provided at the door opening button.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator does not have 2 inch high raised and Braille floor designations provided on both jambs, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor, of all elevator hoist way entrances. There are no raised characters and Braille designations to the left of the car control buttons. The call button for the main entry floor is not designated by a raised star at the left of the button. Floor buttons are not provided with visual indicators showing when each call is registered and they shall extinguish when each call is answered. The elevator does not have audible and visual signals at each hoist way entrance to indicate which car is answering a call. The audible signals shall sound once for “up” and twice for “down” and shall be mounted with the centerline at least 72 above the lobby floor. The visual elements shall be at least 2-1/2 inches in the smallest direction. The car doors do not remain open for 10 seconds after they meet an obstruction.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
One passenger elevator complying with ADAAG Section 4.10 shall serve each level, including mezzanines, in all multi-story buildings and facilities unless exempted. If more than one passenger elevator is provided, each full passenger elevator shall comply with 4.10. ADAAG 4.1.3(5)

Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Elevators shall have self-leveling devices that will automatically align the car and floor within 1/2". ADAAG 4.10.2

Doors shall have a reopening device that will stop and reopen the door. The device shall operate without requiring contact and shall be located at heights of 5" and 29" above the finished floor. The reopening device shall remain effective for at least 20 seconds. If safety door edges are provided in existing automatic elevators, automatic reopening devices may be omitted. ADAAG 4.10.6

Minimum car dimensions shall be 48" deep by 48" wide for existing conditions and alterations. Cabs of other sizes may be allowed when usability is demonstrated and other provisions are in compliance. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(c) & 4.10.9

Hall call buttons shall be centered at 42" above the floor and shall have visual signals to indicate when a call is registered and answered. The minimum button size is 3/4" and they shall be raised or flush. Objects mounted below the call buttons shall not protrude more than 4" from the wall. ADAAG 4.10.3

Hall lanterns shall have visual and audible signals at each hoist-way entrance to indicate which car is answering. Audible signals shall sound once for "up" and twice for "down". Visual signals shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72" above the lobby floor. Visual signals shall be a minimum of 2-1/2" in the smallest dimension. ADAAG 4.10.4

Raised and Braille floor designations shall be provided on both jambs at all elevator hoist-way entrances. They shall be located and centered 60" above the finished floor. Characters shall be 2" high, raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. ADAAG 4.10.5

Car control buttons shall be a minimum of 3/4" in the smallest dimension and shall be raised or flush. All control buttons shall be designated by Braille and raised numbers. Characters shall be 5/8" high, raised 1/32" and be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. The main floor call button shall be designated by a raised star. They shall be placed to the left of the button. Floor buttons shall be provided with signals which light when a call is registered. All floor buttons shall be a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side approach is possible and a maximum of 48" where a front approach is required. ADAAG 4.10.12(1)(2)(3)(4)

A visual car position indicator shall be located above the car control panel or above the door. As the car passes or stops at a floor, the number shall illuminate and an audible signal shall sound. Numbers shall be a minimum of 1/2" and audible signals shall be no less than 20 db. ADAAG 4.10.13

If an emergency two-way communication system is provided, it shall be located a maximum of 48" above the floor. The system shall be identified by raised symbol and lettering next to the device. If the device uses a handset, it shall have a minimum cord length of 29". The emergency communication device shall not require voice communication. If it is located in a closed compartment, the door shall be easy to open with one hand, shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. If emergency alarms or stops are provided, they shall be grouped at the bottom of the elevator control panel at a minimum of 35" above the floor. ADAAG 4.10.14

Recommendation:
An elevator company should be contacted to conduct a complete evaluation of the elevator deficiencies so that the elevator can be upgraded to be in full compliance. Raised and Braille floor designations should be installed on both jambs of all elevator hoist way entrances, centered at 60 inches above the floor. Raised characters and Braille designations should be installed on the left side of all elevator car control buttons. The ground floor or main entry to the building should be marked with a raised “star” to the left of the button. The floor buttons should have audible and visual indicators showing when each call is registered and when each call is answered. The elevator needs audible and visual signals at each hoist way entrance to indicate which car is answering a call. The audible signal should sound once for “up” and twice for “down” and shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72 inches above the lobby floor. The visual elements shall be at least 2-1/2 inches in the smallest direction. The car doors should remain open for 10 seconds after they meet an obstruction.

Toilet Rooms

Existing Condition - Signage:
There is a single occupancy toilet room that is designated as accessible and a men’s and women’s toilet room that is not accessible. There is no directional signage at the inaccessible toilet rooms utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If toilet rooms are provided in a facility, then each public and common use facility shall be accessible. Accessible toilet room facilities shall be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 4.1.2(6) & 4.22.1

Signage utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be provided at accessible toilet rooms when all toilet rooms are not accessible. Signage shall also be provided on toilet rooms that are not accessible, indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room within the facility. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(d) & 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii)

Signs which provide direction to or information about functional spaces of the building shall have letters and numbers with a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. Characters and numbers on such signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read, except for signs higher than 80" above the finished floor, which shall have a minimum height of 3". The characters and background of signs shall be a non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background, light-on-dark or dark-on-light. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(b), 4.30.2, 4.30.3 & 4.30.5

Recommendation - Signage:
Directional signage utilizing the International of Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

The following items pertain to the designated accessible toilet room:

Existing Condition - Door:
The door to the accessible toilet room has an opening force that is greater than 5 lbs. and the force is 8 lbs. On the push side of the door, a waste receptacle reduces the push side clearance from 18 inches to 5 inches; a minimum of 12 inches is required.

Existing Condition - Coat Hook:
There is a coat hook mounted on the back of the toilet room door at 68 inches above the finished floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Doors into accessible toilet rooms shall provide a minimum of 32" clear space, provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space within the toilet room. ADAAG 4.22.2 & 4.23.2

On the pull side of the door, there must be a maneuvering clearance at least 60” deep and with a minimum of 18" of maneuvering clearance on the latch side of the door. On the push side of the door, there must be a maneuvering clearance at least 48” deep and with a minimum of 12” of maneuvering clearance on the latch side of the door if the door has a latch and closer. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6 & OSSC 1109.9.3

If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". ADAAG 4.2.5 & 4.2.6 & OSSC 1108.4.8

Recommendation - Door:
The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is no greater than 5 lbs. and the waste receptacle should be relocated.

Recommendation - Coat Hook:
The coat hook should be remounted at a maximum of height of 54 inches.

Recommendation - Grab Bars:
There is a compliant side grab bar of 42 inches but there is no back grab bar.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
For single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be mounted 33"-36" above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the side wall a minimum of 42" long and a maximum of 12" from the back wall. A back grab bar shall be provided a minimum of 36" long and 12" minimum on each side of the water closet centerline and a maximum of 6 inches from the side wall. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26

Recommendation - Grab Bars:
A 36-inch long back grab bar should be installed.

Existing Condition - Lavatory:
The lavatory is too shallow; it is only 15-1/2 inches deep. The auto sensor does not turn the faucet on unless you touch the sensor. The water does not remain on for a minimum of 10 seconds.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34" above the finished floor. Knee clearance a minimum of 29" shall be provided from the floor to the bottom edge of the rim and 27" high measured 8 inches under the rim and 30" wide. Toe clearance shall be a minimum of 9” high and extend under the rim of the lavatory a minimum of 17". A clear floor space 30" by 48" shall be provided in front of the lavatory to allow a forward approach. ADAAG 4.19.2 & 4.19.3

Recommendation - Lavatory:
The lavatory should be replaced with a lavatory that has a 17-inch minimum depth and mounted so as to provide the proper knee space. Auto faucet sensors should remain on for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Existing Condition - Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 8 inches at 40 inches above the floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Objects that project from walls and into walks, corridors, passageways or aisles, with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above the finished floor, shall protrude no more than 4". Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges at or below 27" above the finished floor may protrude any amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang a maximum of 12" from 27" to 80" above the finished floor or ground. Protruding objects shall not reduce the required clear width of an accessible route. ADAAG 4.4

Recommendation - Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to the far side of the lavatory.

Existing Condition - Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
There is a toilet seat cover dispenser that is mounted on the wall opposite the lavatory; it does not provide a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches for either a forward or side approach due to its placement 4-1/2 inches from a job in the wall.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Dispensers and or other equipment provided in the toilet room shall have a clear floor space. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Recommendation - Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to the wall opposite the toilet so there is an unobstructed clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches for a side approach.

Protruding Objects

Existing Condition - Drinking Fountain:
There is a single height drinking fountain on the first floor next to the elevator. There is 30-1/2 inches of knee space and the fountain is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 8-1/2 inches above the floor at 30-1/2 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Where only one drinking fountain is provided per floor, accessible drinking facilities shall be provided for wheelchair users and for persons who have difficulty bending or stooping. This may be accomplished by utilizing a "hi-lo" drinking fountain design with spouts at wheelchair and standard height. ADAAG 4.1.3(10)(a)

An accessible drinking fountain shall provide a spout no higher than 36" above the floor or ground. The spout shall be located at the front of the drinking fountain. The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4" high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. Controls shall be located at the front or side mounted near the front edge. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force required to operate the controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.15.2, 3, & 4 & 4.27.4

Wall- or post-mounted cantilevered fountains shall have a clear knee space a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 17" to 19" deep. A minimum clear floor space 30" by 48" allowing a forward approach to the drinking fountain shall be provided. ADAAG 4.15.5(1)

Free-standing or built-in units not having clear knee space shall have a minimum of 30" by 48" clear floor space allowing a parallel approach to the drinking fountain. ADAAG 4.15.5(2)

Objects that project from walls and into walks, corridors, passageways or aisles, with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above the finished floor, shall protrude no more than 4". Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges at or below 27" above the finished floor may protrude any amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang a maximum of 12" from 27" to 80" above the finished floor or ground. Protruding objects shall not reduce the required clear width of an accessible route. ADAAG 4.4 & OSSC 1103.2.4.8

Recommendation - Drinking Fountain:
The drinking fountain should be lowered so that the knee space is at 27 inches above the floor. A paper cup dispenser should be installed until a dual-height drinking fountain is installed on the first floor.

Existing Condition - Mailboxes:
There are mailboxes located opposite the elevator on the first floor; they are a protruding object hazard. The mailboxes protrude 20 inches at 28-3/4 inches above the finished floor.

Recommendation - Mailboxes:
The mailboxes should be modified with some type of detectable barrier that will alert people who are blind or visually impaired that the mailboxes are across from the elevator on the first floor. A barrier can be installed on the floor under the mailboxes to alert someone using a cane that the mailboxes are present. Something can be installed on the bottom edge of the mailboxes so as to extend it at or below 27 inches to provide a detectable barrier.