Hood River County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Hood River County

Introduction

Hood River County Elections Office
601 State Street
Hood River Oregon 97031

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On April 13, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Hood River County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon.

Most election offices were located in their county courthouse. Therefore most of the surveys involved an evaluation of a portion of a larger facility. 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 also included an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that served the elections office.

The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections offices 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.

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 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.

Photographs of barriers are provided in the appendix section of the report, which is located at the back of the report. The photographs are numbered and referenced in the body of the report by appendix page and photograph number. Not all barriers have photographs as many are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the appendix of the report. New 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.

Executive Summary

Parking

The parking spaces should be reconfigured so that two parking spaces share a common access aisle and are 17 feet long. Compliant statutory signs should be provided and mounted on posts that are located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be designated as “van accessible” with a van accessible sign below the standard parking sign.

Accessible Routes

When the parking spaces are reconfigured, the access aisle should be connected to the entrance via a crosswalk and detectable warnings.

Entrances

Main Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided and indicate the location of the accessible entrance. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be provided. An automatic door opening device and a modified door threshold would make this entrance much accessible.

Rear Entrance:
This entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door should be unlocked during business hours. The ashtray should be relocated out of the maneuvering space of the door. The door threshold should be beveled. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device could be installed.

Elections Entrance:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed.

Interior Entrances:
The gate should be replaced with a single gate that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening width. Round doorknobs should be replacedwith accessible door hardware.

Toilet Rooms

The raised letter and Braille sign should be lowered so that it is centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The privacy lock should be adjusted so that the operating force is no greater than 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be installed and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevator

The elevator should be evaluated for ADA compliance. At a minimum the hall call buttons should be lowered. The floors should be marked with raised letter and Braille floor designations. The car control buttons should be lowered and marked with raised letter and Braille markings. The emergency communication device should be modified to be accessible.

Drinking Fountains

Dual-height drinking fountains and/or accessible fountains should be installed. In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountains.

Ballot Drop

An accessible ballot drop should be provided. A drive-up ballot drop box could be located in the parking lot.

Emergency Alarms

Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking:
There are two disabled parking spaces provided. One space is 10-feet wide and does not have an access aisle. It has a slope of 4.5 percent. The second space is 9-feet wide and has an 8-foot access aisle. It has a slope of 4.5 percent and the access aisle has a slope of 5 percent. The parking space is only 16 feet long. Both spaces are marked with a non-compliant sign, it states “handicapped parking.” No space is designated as van accessible. Both signs are mounted too low; they are located at 60 inches above the ground. The pavement markings are not correct. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Two accessible parking spaces are provided. 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. The second space 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 $300.00 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

If these signs are placed on posts then they shall be placed 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 parking spaces should be reconfigured so that two parking spaces share a common access aisle and are 17 feet long. Compliant statutory signs should be provided and mounted on posts that are located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be designated as “van accessible” with a van accessible sign below the standard parking sign.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Accessible Route:
The accessible route to the entrance requires entering the parking lot; there is no crosswalk or detectable warnings provided. Depending upon the route taken from the parking spaces, there are transitions and sunken areas in the asphalt.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, passenger loading zones, if provided, and public streets and sidewalks, and accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance to the facility. The accessible route, to the maximum extent possible, shall coincide with the route used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.2(1) & 4.3.2(1)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces that are on the same site. ADAAG 4.3.2(2)

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

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 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. 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" requires 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

Accessible routes shall have a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. If gratings are located along accessible routes, they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2" wide and shall be perpendicular to the route of travel. ADAAG 4.3.6 & 4.5

Recommendation
When the parking spaces are reconfigured, the access aisle should be connected to the entrance via a crosswalk and detectable warnings.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Main Entrance
The main entrance from the public sidewalk is not fully accessible. There are double doors separated by a vestibule, there is only 41 inches between the open doors. The exterior door has an opening force of 15 lbs. The opening force of the interior door is 10 lbs. There is a door threshold that is not properly beveled. The maneuvering space in front of the door has a slope that ranges from 4 to 11 percent. There is no directional signage indicating the location of the accessible rear entrance. The door is marked with an overhead “exit” sign on the interior of the door and there is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. (See Appendix Page 3, Photos. # 3 & 4)

Existing Condition — Rear Entrance:
The rear door is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door is locked and requires using a phone. The phone requires voice communication. The phone is mounted at 57 inches above the ground. There is an ashtray located in the clear floor space of the door. The door has a ½ inch threshold that is not properly beveled. The door pressure exceeds 14 lbs. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. # 5)

Existing Condition – Elections Entrance:
The entrance to the elections office has a door with an opening force of 12 lbs. There is a paper sign above the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage.

Existing Condition – Interior Entrances:
There is an entrance into the elections office area that has a set of swinging double gates. Each gate is 19 inches wide. The entrance to the voting room has a round doorknob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 6)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

At each accessible entrance, at least one door shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.1.3(7)(a)

If an entrance has two independently operated door leaves, then at least one leaf shall comply with this section. ADAAG 4.13.4

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

Doors into accessible spaces and areas shall provide a minimum clear space of 32", provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.13.5, 4.13.6 & 4.13.11

Accessible door hardware includes handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices with a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Door hardware shall be mounted no higher than 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.8

Maximum threshold height shall be 1/2". Raised thresholds shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. If existing thresholds are 3/4" or less, and have a beveled edge on each side, they are acceptable. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii) & 4.13.8

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

Generally, the maneuvering clearance required at a door with a front approach shall be 18" beyond the latch side of the door on the pull side and 12" beyond the latch side of the door on the push side. A 5' landing is required on the pull side of the doors. ADAAG 4.13.6

The maximum force allowed for opening an exterior door shall not exceed 8-1/2 lbs. The maximum force allowed for opening an interior door shall not exceed 5 lbs. Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Recommendation — Main Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided and indicate the location of the accessible entrance. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be provided. An automatic door opening device and a modified door threshold would make this entrance more accessible.

Recommendation — Rear Entrance:
This entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door should be unlocked during business hours. The ashtray should be relocated out of the maneuvering space of the door. The door threshold should be beveled. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device could be installed.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed.

Recommendation – Interior Entrances:
The gate should be replaced with a single gate that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening width. Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Toilet Rooms

There are men’s, women’s and single occupancy unisex toilet rooms provided. The following information pertains to the single occupancy unisex facility which is designated as accessible.

Existing Condition – Single Occupancy Unisex Facility:
There is a raised letter and Braille sign mounted at 64 inches above the finished floor. The door opening force is 16 lbs. The privacy lock on the door requires more than 5 lbs to operate. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the side grab bar. The water closet is centered at 19 inches from the sidewall. The paper towel dispenser requires tight grasping or pinching to operate and the dispenser is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 7 inches at 53 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Pages 5 & 6, Photos. # 7 & 8)

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)

An unobstructed turning space is required in toilet rooms. This space shall be either a 60" diameter circle or a T-shaped space 60" square with 36" legs. ADAAG 4.2.3, 4.22.3 & 4.23.3

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

Dispensers and receptacles shall be installed so that they do not interfere with the use of the grab bars. CH. 11

Water closets shall be located 18" from the sidewall or partition. The toilet seat height shall be located between 17" and 19" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.3

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment provided in the toilet room 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". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". 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 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed on the sidewall, below the grab bar, a minimum 19" above the finished floor and a maximum 36" from the rear wall. Toilet paper dispensers that control delivery or do not allow continuous paper flow shall not be used. ADAAG 4.16.6

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:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be lowered so that it is centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The privacy lock should be adjusted so that the operating force is no greater than 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be installed and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator hall call buttons are located at 54 inches above the finished floor. There are no hall lanterns or raised and Braille floor markings. There are no audible or visual floor passing tones. The car control buttons are located at 49 to 58 inches above the floor of the elevator. There are no raised or Braille car control button markings. The emergency telephone requires voice communication and the cabinet requires more than 5 lbs. of force to open.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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:
The elevator should be evaluated for ADA compliance. At a minimum the hall call buttons should be lowered. The floors should be marked with raised letter and Braille floor designations. The car control buttons should be lowered and marked with raised letter and Braille markings. The emergency communication device should be modified to be accessible.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There are single height drinking fountains located on each floor and they are not accessible. The spout is located at 42 inches above the floor and the operating button is located at 36 inches above the finished floor.

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)

Recommendation:
Dual-height drinking fountains and/or accessible fountains should be installed. In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountains.

Ballot Drop

Existing Condition:
There is a ballot drop slot located next to the main entrance. It is mounted at 48 inches above the ground and there is no level clear floor or ground space at the drop, the slope is 10 percent. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. #4)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment 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". 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 for drainage. 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 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Recommendation:
An accessible ballot drop should be provided. A drive-up ballot drop box could be located in the parking lot.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are no audible/visual emergency alarms provided.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If an emergency warning system is provided, then it shall include both audible and visual alarms. Visual alarms shall be provided, at a minimum, in restrooms, hallways, lobbies, meeting rooms, and any other common use area. Visual alarms shall be integrated into the building or the facility alarm system. If single station audible alarms are provided, then single station visual alarms shall be provided. The audible emergency alarm shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing sound level in the room or space by at least 15 db. or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 60 seconds by 5 dbs.

Audible alarm sound levels shall not exceed 120 dbs. Visual alarms shall be placed every 50 feet. Emergency exit signs shall flash as a visual emergency alarm in conjunction with audible emergency alarms. The visual alarm appliances shall provide the following features:

The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.

The device shall be placed 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower. ADAAG 4.1.3(14), 4.28.1 & 4.28.3

Recommendation:
Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.