Lake County Assessment

Introduction

Lake County Elections Office
513 Center Street
Lakeview Oregon 97630

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On April 23, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Lake 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

Two accessible parking spaces should share a common access aisle and be located in the same block as the courthouse. Specifically, they should be located where the “Public Library” sign is located. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side of the space should be marked with a “van accessible” sign. Parking space signs should be post mounted and be located so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

A curb ramp should be installed at the end of the access aisle of the parking spaces and provide access to the public sidewalk and walkway that leads to the ramp to the courthouse.

Ramps

The handrails on the top section of the ramp should be modified to comply.

Entrances

Accessible Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The door-opening device should be repaired or turned on during the hours the courthouse is open. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the inside of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Elections Entrance:
A single door with a door opening clearance of 32 inches should be installed. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the inside of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Toilet Rooms

Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. The raised letter and Braille sign mounted on the door of the accessible toilet room should be relocated on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is a maximum of 5 lbs. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The back grab bar should be relocated so that it is no more than 6 inches from the sidewall. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated from above the side grab bar. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be provided. The existing paper towel dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevator

An ADA compliance evaluation should be conducted of the elevator and the feasibility of upgrading or replacing the elevator and the elevator car. At a minimum, the hall call buttons should be lowered. The car control buttons should be lowered and marked with raised and Braille designations at the left of the buttons. Each floor should be marked with a raised letter and Braille floor designation. Audible and visual floor passing tones should be installed. The emergency communication device should be replaced with a compliant device.

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 no accessible parking spaces provided near the accessible entrance. There are on-street disabled parking spaces provided but they are across streets from the courthouse block and they are not the closest possible parking spaces to the accessible entrance.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

A minimum of two accessible parking spaces should be 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."

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:
Two accessible parking spaces should share a common access aisle and be located in the same block as the courthouse. Specifically, they should be located where the “Public Library” sign is located. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side of the space should be marked with a “van accessible” sign. Parking space signs should be post mounted and be located so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

Existing Condition:
The route from the existing accessible parking spaces to the entrance to the courthouse requires crossing streets and using curb ramps and is not on the shortest practical route.

Recommendation:
A curb ramp should be installed at the end of the access aisle of the parking spaces and provide access to the public sidewalk and walkway that leads to the ramp to the courthouse.

Ramp

Existing Condition:
There is a ramp to the front entrance. The handrails at the top section of the ramp are located at 42 inches above the ground and are non-compliant. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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 handrails on the top section of the ramp should be modified to comply.

Entrance

Existing Condition — Accessible Entrance:
There are no directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The door to the accessible entrance is equipped with an automatic door-opening device, during the site visit it was not operating. The door opening force is more than 8-1/2lbs. and is greater than 15 lbs. There is an exit sign above the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage.

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
The entrance to the elections office has a double set of metal doors. The door hardware is round knobs and requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The width of a single door provides a clear opening width of 29 inches. There is a sign above the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 2)

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)

If an entrance has two independently operated door leaves, and 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

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 — Accessible Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The door-opening device should be repaired or turned on during the hours the courthouse is open. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the inside of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
A single door with a door opening clearance of 32 inches should be installed. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the inside of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Toilet Rooms

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms on each floor; they are not accessible. There is no directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access at the inaccessible facilities indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. There is an accessible single occupancy unisex facility provided in the basement, the following issues pertain to this facility.

Existing Condition – Single Occupancy Unsex Facility:
There is a raised letter and Braille sign mounted on the door. The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 10 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 21-1/2 inches from the sidewall. The back grab bar is mounted more than 6 inches from the sidewall. The sink hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted above the side grab bar. The paper towel dispenser handle is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate and the dispenser is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 8 inches at 46 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Pages 4, 5 & 6, Photos. # 3, 4, & 5)

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

Recommendation:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. The raised letter and Braille sign mounted on the door of the accessible toilet room should be relocated on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is a maximum of 5 lbs. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The back grab bar should be relocated so that it is no more than 6 inches from the sidewall. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated from above the side grab bar. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be provided. The existing paper towel dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator is non-compliant. The car measures 44 by 57 inches. The hall call buttons are mounted at 48-1/2 inches above the floor. There are no raised letter and Braille car controls buttons. The car control buttons are located between 50 and 59 inches above the elevator floor. There are no raised letter and Braille floor markings. There are no audible and visual floor passing tones. The emergency telephone requires voice communication. (See Appendix Pages 7 & 8, Photos. # 6 & 7)

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:
An ADA compliance evaluation should be conducted of the elevator and the feasibility of upgrading or replacing the elevator and the elevator car. At a minimum, the hall call buttons should be lowered. The car control buttons should be lowered and marked with raised and Braille designations at the left of the buttons. Each floor should be marked with a raised letter and Braille floor designation. Audible and visual floor passing tones should be installed. The emergency communication device should be replaced with a compliant device.

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.