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Accessibility Assessment | Marion County

Introduction

Marion County Elections Office
4263 Commercial Street, S.E., Suite 300
Salem, Oregon 97302-3987

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On August 5, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Marion County Election 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 pavement markings at the parking spaces and access aisles should be repainted. 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

Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp and prior to the route entering the vehicular lane of travel at the access aisle.

Ramps

The handrails on the bottom of the ramp should be extended approximately 3 feet.

Entrances

Accessible Entrance:
Directional signage 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:
Raised letter and Braille signs should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

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

Men's:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible stall lock. An accessible toilet seat cover dispenser should be mounted away from the grab bars. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The sink faucet should be replaced on at least one sink. A minimum of 29 inches of knee space should be provided at a minimum of one sink. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be provided within reach ranges. An accessible mirror should be installed. The urinal should be lowered to a maximum of 17 inches above the finished floor.

Women's:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible stall lock. An accessible toilet seat cover dispenser should be mounted away from the grab bars. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The sink faucet should be replaced on at least one sink. A minimum of 29 inches of knee space should be provided at a minimum of one sink. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be mounted within reach ranges. An accessible mirror should be installed. An accessible coat hook should be provided. The large red bench should be removed to provide access to the lockers. A smaller bench could be provided.

Drinking Fountains

When a renovation is undertaken, a dual height drinking fountain should be provided.

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 four accessible parking spaces provided near the accessible entrance. Two parking spaces share a common access aisle. The slope on the parking spaces exceeds 2 percent in some locations but does not exceed 4 percent. The signs are mounted at approximately 60 inches above the ground and are too low. The pavement markings are faded and difficult to see. The accessible parking spaces and access aisles are located across a vehicular lane of travel, there are no detectable warnings provided where the route crosses the traffic lane.

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 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:
The pavement markings at the parking spaces and access aisles should be repainted. 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 Route

Existing Condition — Parking:
There is no accessible route from the public way along Commercial to the entrance of the Elections Office.

Existing Condition — Parking:
The route from the existing accessible parking spaces to the entrance to the county elections office requires crossing a vehicular lane of travel. There is a crosswalk but there are no detectable warnings on either side of the route prior to the lane of traffic. There are gaps and transitions along the route that are greater than ¼ that are not properly beveled. There is a large gap at the bottom of the curb ramp and the curb ramp does not have detectable warnings.

ADA Accessiblity 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 4.1.2 (2), 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 4.1.3 (1), 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route is a continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces of a building or facility. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps, and lifts. ADAAG 3.5

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walking area are not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular areas, 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

Recommendations:
Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp and prior to the route entering the vehicular lane of travel at the access aisle.

Ramp

Existing Condition:
There is a ramp to the entrance to the elections office. The handrails at the bottom of the ramp do not extend 12 inches past the end of the slope on the ramp. The ramp does not have a level landing at the bottom of the ramp; it has a slope that is greater than 4 percent.

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 bottom of the ramp should be extended approximately 3 feet.

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 accessible entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door to the accessible entrance is equipped with an automatic door-opening device. The button is located so that there is not the clear ground space at the button due to the slope of the ramp. There is a transition at the entrance that is greater than ¼ inch and is not properly beveled. There is an exit sign above the door but there is no raised letter and Braille exit signage.

Existing Condition—Elections Entrance:
The entrance to the elections office is a single door that is propped open. The door does not have the required 18 inch latch-side clearance on the pull side of the door; it is 13-1/2 inches. There is a raised “Elections Department sign but there is no raised letter and Braille signs for the suite number and exit sign.

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 signage 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:
Raised letter and Braille signs should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 40-1/2 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section.

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 on the same floor as elections. There are automatic door opening devices provided for each toilet room. The following deficiencies were identified:

Existing Condition—Men's:
There is no raised letter and Braille sign mounted on the latch side of the door. There are two stalls, one is designated as accessible. The centerline of the water closet is 16 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar and is mounted at 58 inches above the floor. The stall lock is not accessible; it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There are four sinks provided, the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sink faucets are not accessible; they require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The sinks do not provide adequate knee space; there is only 22 inches of knee space. The mirror is mounted too high; it is 49-1/2 above the finished floor. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible; it is mounted across the sink at 48 inches above the floor. There is no lower urinal.

Existing Condition—Women's:
There is no raised letter and Braille sign mounted on the latch side of the door. There are two stalls, one is designated as accessible. The centerline of the water closet is 17 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar and is mounted at 58 inches above the floor. The back grab bars is only 30 inches long. The stall lock is not accessible; it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There are four sinks provided, the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sink faucets are not accessible; they require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The sinks do not provide adequate knee space; there is only 22 inches of knee space. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible; it is mounted across the sink at 48 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser is mounted at 54-1/2 inches above the floor but a side approach is not possible. There is a bench and lockers that are not accessible. There is a free standing coat rack that is not accessible.

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

Stall doors shall be out-swinging with self-closing hinges. Minimum stall door width shall be a 32" clear opening. Stall door locks shall be slide bolts or flip latches and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. If coat hooks are provided on the inside of stall doors, they shall be located a maximum of 54" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.5, 4.13.9 & 4.2.5

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

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

If urinals are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. Urinals shall be floor mounted or wall mounted with an elongated rim a maximum of 17" above the finished floor. A clear floor space 30" wide by 48" deep minimum shall be provided in front of the urinal to allow a front approach. Urinal shields may be provided if they do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim and provide 29" of clearance between them. Flush controls shall be located a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. Controls 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 force to operate a flush control shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.18.2, 3, & 4, 4.22.5 & 4.23.5

Recommendation&8212;Men’s:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible stall lock. An accessible toilet seat cover dispenser should be mounted away from the grab bars. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The sink faucet should be replaced on at least one sink. A minimum of 29 inches of knee space should be provided at a minimum of one sink. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be provided within reach ranges. An accessible mirror should be installed. The urinal should be lowered to a maximum of 17 inches above the finished floor.

Recommendation&8212;Women’s:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the sidewall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible stall lock. An accessible toilet seat cover dispenser should be mounted away from the grab bars. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The sink faucet should be replaced on at least one sink. A minimum of 29 inches of knee space should be provided at a minimum of one sink. An accessible paper towel dispenser should be mounted within reach ranges. An accessible mirror should be installed. An accessible coat hook should be provided. The large red bench should be removed to provide access to the lockers. A smaller bench could be provided.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There are drinking fountains located in the hallway; they are single height fountains with the spout mounted at 43 inches above the floor. Paper cup dispensers are provided at the drinking fountains.

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:
When a renovation is undertaken, a dual height drinking fountain should be provided.

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:

  1. The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
  2. The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
  3. Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
  4. The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
  5. The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.
  6. The device shall be placed 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower.
    7. 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.