Sherman County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Sherman County

Introduction

Sherman County Elections Office
500 Court Street
Moro Oregon 97039

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 25, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On May 19, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Sherman 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 accessible parking space in the front of the building should be relocated to the rear of the building or signage should be provided at the parking space indicating that the front entrance is not accessible.

Accessible Route

Front of Building:
The accessible parking space should be relocated to the rear of the building. If the parking space is not relocated, a sign should be posted that states that the accessible entrance is at the rear of the building.

Rear of Building:
The transition from the asphalt to the concrete should be modified so that the transition is properly beveled.

Entrances

Building Entrances:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the front entrance indicating the location of the accessible rear entrance. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The automatic door-opening button should be modified so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Interior Entrances:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signs should be installed on the latch side of the doors, centered at 60 inches above the finished 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:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall.

Women’s:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar.

Sink

When a renovation is undertaken the sink counter should be modified to be accessible. The sink faucets should be replaced with accessible faucet hardware. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor.

Reach Ranges

The pamphlet holder should be relocated to an accessible location.

Emergency Alarms

The emergency alarm system does not comply. 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 — Front Parking:
There is one designated accessible parking space in the front of the building. The parking space is 9 feet wide with a 7-foot wide access aisle. The parking space does not connect to an accessible route. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)

Existing Condition — Rear Parking:
There is one designated accessible parking space at the rear of the building where the accessible entrance is located. The parking space is marked as van accessible. The slope on the parking space and access aisle exceeds 2 percent but is no greater than 4 percent. The parking space is 9 feet wide with an 8-foot access aisle. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 2)

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)

For parking spaces with 1-25 parking spaces, one parking space shall be provided. For parking lots with 26 to 50 there shall be a minimum of two accessible parking spaces 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 $450.00 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 accessible parking space in the front of the building should be relocated to the rear of the building or signage should be provided at the parking space indicating that the front entrance is not accessible.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Front of Building:
There are no public sidewalks in the area. The accessible route from the front accessible parking has a transition from the access aisle to the walkway that is gravel, has a slope that exceeds 15 percent and has a transition greater than 1 inch that is not beveled. It leads to a curb ramp that does not have detectable warnings. The walkway from the front parking to the front entrance is more than 40 feet in length and is not accessible; it has a slope that exceeds 5 percent and ranges from 8.3 to 10.3 percent. There are no handrails or landings. There are no directional signs in the front that indicates the accessible parking and entrance are at the rear of the building. There are two signs at each corner of the courthouse that read “Reserved Parking” and they have directional arrows but these signs are confusing because of the accessible parking space that is located in the front of the building. (See Appendix Page 3, Photos. # 3 & 4)

Existing Condition — Rear of Building:
The accessible route from the accessible parking to the rear accessible entrance has a transition where the asphalt meets the concrete that is greater than ¼ inch and is not properly beveled. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. # 5)

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 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

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

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

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 — Front of Building:
The accessible parking space should be relocated to the rear of the building. If the parking space is not relocated, a sign should be posted that states that the accessible entrance is at the rear of the building.

Recommendation — Rear of Building:
The transition from the asphalt to the concrete should be modified so that the transition is properly beveled.

Entrances
Existing Condition — Building Entrances:
The main front entrance is not accessible, there is no directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating where the accessible entrance is located. The accessible rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. There is an International Symbol of Access located on the automatic door-opening button. The automatic door-opening button is mounted on the wall and is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 12-1/2 inches at 36 inches above the ground. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. # 6)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The door to the county elections office has a round doorknob that require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The door is propped open during business hours. There is a sign above the door that reads, “clerk” and there is no raised letter and Braille sign provided. The courtroom is used by the elections office, the door has a round doorknob that require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is a sign above the door that reads “courtroom” and there is no raised letter and Braille sign provided. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 7)

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)

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

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

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 — Building Entrances:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the front entrance indicating the location of the accessible rear entrance. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The automatic door-opening button should be modified so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Recommendation — Interior Entrances:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signs should be installed on the latch side of the doors, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 39-1/2 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 7)

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 near the elections office. The following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 15 lbs. The water closet is centered at 19 inches from the sidewall. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted more than 36 inches from the back wall; they are 42 and 48 inches from the back wall

Existing Condition — Women’s:
The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 11 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted more than 36 inches from the back wall; they are 42 and 48 inches from the back wall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar.

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)

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

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

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

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment provided in the toilet room shall be located optimally at 48" above the finished floor. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". Controls and mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

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

Recommendation — Men’s:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall.

Recommendation — Women’s:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar.

Sinks

Existing Condition:
There is a sink and counter in the elections office, the sink counter is located at 41-1/2 inches above the finished floor. The sink faucets are round and require tight grasping, pinching and twisting of the wrist to operate. The paper towel dispenser is located at 58 inches above the floor and is not accessible. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 8

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
A clear floor space shall be provided for a front or parallel approach to cabinets, counters, sinks, and appliances. Countertops and sinks shall be 34" maximum above the floor. At least 50% of shelf space in cabinets and refrigerators/ freezers shall be within reach ranges. Space shall be designated to allow for operation of doors on cabinets and appliances.

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 examples of accessible designs. 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

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment shall be located optimally at 48" above the finished floor. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". Controls and mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Recommendation:
When a renovation is undertaken the sink counter should be modified to be accessible. The sink faucets should be replaced with accessible faucet hardware. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor.

Reach Ranges

Existing Condition:
There are pamphlets and brochures located in a holder on the wall above the counter and behind the door and they are not accessible. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 8)

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

The minimum low forward reach shall be 15". ADAAG 4.2.5

If the high forward reach is over an obstruction, the following conditions shall be met:

Knee spaces below obstruction shall equal or exceed reach length required above the obstruction.
If the obstruction is less than 20" deep, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48".
If the obstruction is 20"-25" deep, the maximum high forward reach shall be 44".
If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54".
The minimum low side reach shall be 9".

ADAAG 4.2.5

If the high side reach is over an obstruction, the following conditions shall be met:

Obstruction shall be a maximum of 34" in height, 24" in depth, and a maximum high side reach shall be 46". ADAAG 4.2.6

Recommendation:
The pamphlet holder should be relocated to an accessible location.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
The emergency alarms system does not comply. There are no audible/visual 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.