Josephine County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Josephine County

Introduction

Josephine County Elections Office
PO Box 69
Grants Pass Oregon 97528

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On April 22, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Josephine 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 sign for the accessible parking space in the parking lot should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The pavement markings should be repainted.

Accessible Routes

The curb ramp in front of the single parking space in the parking lot should be revised to comply. The route from the two additional parking spaces at the back of the parking lot should be modified. The route should be revised so that it connects directly to the access aisle. The portion of the walkway that connects to the courthouse walk should be reconstructed to comply. The curb ramp next to the two additional parking spaces at the back of the lot should be reconstructed or revised to comply if it continues to be used.

Entrances

Rear Accessible Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Signage should be provided in the parking lot identifying the various entrances. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be installed on the latch side of the interior side of the door, 60 inches centered above the floor. The hallway door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Elections Entrance:
The opening force of the elections door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be installed on the latch side of the interior side of the door, 60 inches centered above the floor.

Interior Entrances:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counters

A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be installed at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. The raised letter and Braille sign on the accessible toilet room should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force on the double glass doors to the toilet room and on the toilet room door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The raised plastic toilet seat should be replaced with a standard toilet seat located at 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be installed. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

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 is one on-street disabled parking space provided at the front entrance of the building.There is a parking lot located at the rear of the building. There is one accessible parking space that serves the election office. The disabled parking space has a 9-foot wide parking space and an 8-foot wide access aisle. The parking space is marked with a post-mounted sign that is mounted at 60 inches above the ground. The pavement markings on the disabled parking are faded. There are two additional accessible spaces located at the back of the lot near the office building. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If parking spaces are provided for parking by employees, visitors, or both, then accessible parking spaces 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, 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 accessible parking space is provided. This parking space is required to be "van accessible." In Oregon, a van accessible parking space in a facility with less than 26 parking spaces must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" access aisle. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. 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."

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

If the signs are located on buildings, walls or other structures, then they signs shall be located so that they are easily visible when a car is parked in the parking space. 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 sign for the accessible parking space in the parking lot should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The pavement markings should be repainted.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition – Accessible Route:
There is a curb ramp at the front of the single accessible parking space provided near the accessible entrance. The curb ramp does not have detectable warnings. The slope of the curb ramp exceeds 9.5 percent. The route from the two additional accessible parking spaces that are provided at the back of the parking lot near the office building has areas of non-compliance. The portion of the walkway that connects to the courthouse walk has a transition that is greater than ½ inch and is not properly beveled. The concrete at this location has been recently ground off. The slope at this location exceeds 18 percent and is dangerous. The curb ramp next to these two disabled parking spaces does not comply.

There are no detectable warnings on the curb ramp and the slope exceeds 13 percent. There is no direct connection between the access aisle and the walkway at this location; a person must enter the parking lot to access a curb ramp. (See Appendix Pages 2 & 3, Photos. # 2, 3 & 4)

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

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 curb 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 a joining 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

Ramps are required wherever the slope on an accessible route exceeds 1:20 (5 percent). The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope allowed on a ramp is 1:12 (8.33 percent). Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36". Ramps shall have level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp and each ramp run. A ramp may have a run 30' in length and then must have a landing 5' in length. Landings are required at any place along the ramp where the ramp changes direction. ADAAG 4.8.1, 2, 3 & 4

Handrails are required on both sides of the ramp and shall be continuous the full length of the ramp. If they are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The height of the handrails shall be 34"-38" above the ramp surface and mounted 1-1/2" from any wall. The diameter of the handrail shall be 1-1/4" to 1-1/2", shall have a continuous gripping surface, and have ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall or post. ADAAG 4.8.5, 4.26.2 & 4.26.4

The ramp surface shall be firm, stable, and slip resistant. The maximum cross slope of a ramp shall be 1:50. Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on their walking surfaces. ADAAG 4.5.1, 4.8.6 & 4.8.8

Ramps and landings with a vertical drop-off shall have walls, railings, projecting surfaces, or minimum 2" high curbs to prevent people from slipping off the side of the ramp. ADAAG 4.8.7

Recommendation:
The curb ramp in front of the single parking space in the parking lot should be revised to comply. The route from the two additional parking spaces at the back of the parking lot should be modified. The route should be revised so that it connects directly to the access aisle. The portion of the walkway that connects to the courthouse walk should be reconstructed to comply. The curb ramp next to the two additional parking spaces at the back of the lot should be reconstructed or revised to comply if it continues to be used.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Rear Accessible Entrance:
The accessible rear entrance leads to an elevator. Not all of the inaccessible entrances have directional signage that includes the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. There is a small directional sign at the front of the courthouse but it is difficult to see and it has poor contrast. There is a ramp that provides access to the building next to the courthouse that has an International Symbol of Access and this makes the accessible route to the courthouse unclear. The entrance door has an opening force that is more than 8-1/2 lbs. and exceeds 14-1/2 lbs. There is an exit sign above the inside of the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage. The hallway entrance door has an opening force that is more than 5lbs. and exceeds 14lbs. (See Appendix Page 4, Photos. # 5 & 6)

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
The entrance to elections is a set of double doors. The door hardware is levers. The door opening force is more than 5lbs. and exceeds 10 lbs. There is a sign on the door and next to the door and an exit sign above the door, but there is no raised letter and Braille signage. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 7)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The entrance into the elections counting room has a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.

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

Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces, shall be raised and provide Braille characters and pictograms. Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. Raised character height shall be a minimum 5/8" and a maximum of 2". Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6" minimum in height. 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. The identification for rooms and spaces shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60" above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. Such signage shall allow a person to approach within 3" without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(a) & 4.30.4, 5, & 6

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

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

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 — Rear Accessible Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Signage should be provided in the parking lot identifying the various entrances. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be installed on the latch side of the interior side of the door, 60 inches centered above the floor. The hallway door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
The opening force of the elections door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be installed on the latch side of the interior side of the door, 60 inches centered above the floor.

Recommendation — Interior Entrances:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 42 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. There is a table, but the knee clearance is inadequate, it provides only 24-1/2 inches of knee space. (See Appendix Page 6, Photos. # 8 & 9)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided. The tops of accessible tables and counters shall be from 28" to 34" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.32.3 & 4

In all areas where business transactions occur with the general public, such as department stores and retail stores where counters have cash registers and are provided for sales or distribution of goods or services to the public, a portion of the counter, a minimum of 36" in length, and a maximum of 36" above the finished floor shall be provided. Accessible counters, if provided, must be dispersed throughout the building or facility. Counters must be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 7.2

At ticketing counters, teller stations in a bank, registration counters in hotels and motels, box-office ticket counters, and other counters that may not have a cash register, but at which goods and services are sold or distributed, a portion of the main counter, which is a minimum of 36" in length and a maximum of 36" in height shall be provided. An auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36" in close proximity to the main counter may be provided. As an alternative, a folding shelf attached to the main counter or the use of the space on the side of the counter or a desk may be utilized. ADAAG 7.2

Recommendation:
A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms provided; they are not accessible. There is no directional sign utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. There is an accessible single occupancy unisex facility provided and the following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition — Unisex Single Occupancy Toilet Facility:
There are double glass doors on the route to the toilet room. The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 20 lbs. There is a raised letter and Braille sign located on the door. The door opening force of the toilet room door is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 8 lbs. On the pull side of the toilet room door, there is post that reduces the latch-side clearance. The centerline of the water closet is 17 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat is located at 20 inches above the floor and is an extended seat made of plastic. The sink hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The paper towel dispenser does not have an accessible handle, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 5-1/4 inches at 32 inches above the finished floor.

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

Grab bars in accessible toilet rooms shall be located on the sidewall closest to the water closet, and on the back wall. The sidewall grab bar shall be a minimum of 40" long and shall be mounted a maximum of 12" from the rear wall. The back grab bar shall be a minimum of 36" long and located a maximum of 6" from the sidewall closest to the water closet. ADAAG 4.17.6

Grab bars shall have a diameter of the gripping surface between 1-1/4" to 1-1/2". The space between the wall or stall partition shall be 1-1/2". Grab bars shall be mounted between 33"-36" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.4, 4.17.6 & 4.26.2

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

Flush controls shall be mounted a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. They shall be mounted on the wide side of the toilet area and shall be hand operated or automatic. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.16.5 & 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

The unisex, single occupancy facility shall be located in the same area as existing toilet room facilities. Each such facility shall contain one accessible water closet, one accessible lavatory, and provide a door with a privacy latch. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(e)

The unisex, single-occupancy facility shall be designed to comply with the following:

The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a sidewall.
A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 48" wide.
A toilet room providing both a front and side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 60" wide.

ADAAG 4.16.2

For unisex, single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be provided 33"-36" above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the sidewall a minimum of 42" long and 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. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26

If lavatories are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.22.6 & 4.23.6

Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34" above the finished floor. A clearance a minimum of 29" shall be provided from the floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee clearance a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided under the bowl. 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

Hot water and drainpipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise designed to protect against contact. ADAAG 4.19.4

Faucets shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Lever-operated, push-type or electronically controlled devices are acceptable. If self-closing valves are used, the faucet shall remain open for at least 10 seconds. The force required to activate faucet controls shall not exceed 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.19.5 & 4.27.4

Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge at a maximum of 40" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.19.6

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:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be installed at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. The raised letter and Braille sign on the accessible toilet room should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force on the double glass doors to the toilet room and on the toilet room door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The raised plastic toilet seat should be replaced with a standard toilet seat located at 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be installed. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

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.