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Accessibility Assessment | Umatilla County

Introduction

Umatilla County Elections Office
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton  Oregon 97801

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On February 24, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Umatilla 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 post-mounted signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground. A compliant accessible route should be provided from the three additional parking spaces across the parking lot. If it requires crossing a vehicular lane of travel, a crosswalk with detectable warnings should be provided.

Accessible Route

An accessible route from the public sidewalk should be designated. If it crosses a vehicular lane, a crosswalk with detectable warnings should be provided.

Entrance

Exterior Entrance:
Inaccessible entrances should have directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Accessible entrances should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The gaps and transitions in the accessible route should be repaired. The second accessible door threshold should be modified to comply.

The exterior entrance to elections should have handrails on both sides. The drain grate should be removed. The door threshold should be repaired. The door clearances and landing should be modified and the slope on the ramp should be verified. The door pressure should be reduced or an automatic door-opening device should be installed.

Interior Entrance:
The double doors should be replaced with a single door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The fire extinguisher should be relocated so that it is accessible and is not a protruding object hazard.

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:
Inaccessible toilet facilities shall be marked with directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities.  The accessible toilet facilities shall be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar to an accessible location. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected

Women’s:
Inaccessible toilet facilities shall be marked with directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet facilities. The accessible toilet facilities shall be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar to an accessible location. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.   

Emergency Alarms

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

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

There are two designated accessible public parking spaces in the parking lot off of Dorion Street. Two 9-foot wide accessible parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The parking spaces are marked with post-mounted parking signs that are located at 60 inches above the ground. One space is marked as "van accessible." There are three additional accessible spaces across a vehicular lane of travel, two are marked "reserved." There is no compliant accessible route from these three additional spaces to the accessible entrance, it requires crossing a vehicular lane of travel and there are no detectable warnings or crosswalk.   (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

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

If parking is located at a facility in such a manner that it requires an individual to enter a vehicular lane of travel, then a crosswalk must be provided. When the accessible route crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and it is not separated by curbs, railings, or other elements, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29

A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read:

"Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $300.00 under ORS 811.615."

These signs shall be placed on posts with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

Recommendation:
The post-mounted signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground. A compliant accessible route should be provided from the three additional parking spaces across the parking lot. If it requires crossing a vehicular lane of travel, a crosswalk with detectable warnings should be provided.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-Of-Way:
There is no accessible route from the public sidewalk to the accessible entrance, it requires use of the driveway and there is no crosswalk or detectable warnings. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5

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 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 be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

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

Recommendation:
An accessible route from the public sidewalk should be designated. If it crosses a vehicular lane, a crosswalk with detectable warnings should be provided.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Exterior Entrance:
The accessible side entrance is accessed by use of a ramp. There are gaps and transitions in the ramp surface that are wider and deeper than ½ inch. There are construction joints at the bottom, intermediate landing and top of the ramp that are 1 inch wide and as deep as 2 inches. The accessible rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. There are two doors and both entrance doors have automatic door opening devices. The second door has a threshold that is not properly beveled. There are inaccessible entrances off Court Street and 4th Street and they do not have directional signas indicating the location of the accessible entrance. There are directional signs in the back parking lot near the mailroom entrance. (See Appendix Page 3 & 4, Photos. # 4, 5 & 6)

There is an entrance directly into the county elections office from the 4th Street side of the building that is not accessible. There is a ramp with a slope that is steeper than 8.3 percent and there are handrails on one side only. There is a drain grate at the bottom of the ramp near the door that has openings greater than 1 inch that are parallel to the path of travel. The door has a threshold that is at least 2 inches and is not beveled. The door pressure is greater than 8-1/2 lbs. The door does not have the required 18-inch pull side clearance; there is only 6 inches of clearance. There is no directional signage indicating the location of the accessible entrance. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 7)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrance:
The entrance to the county elections office is a set of double doors. One door was propped open and each door has a clear opening width of 27-1/2 inches. The door has a round door knob. The election office is marked with a raised letter and Braille sign but it is mounted on one of the doors. There are boiler pipes in the hallway to the elections office that are protruding object hazards, they protrude 7 inches at 59 and 76 inches above the finished floor. There is also a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall that is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 6-1/2 inches at 36-1/2 inches above the finished floor. The fire extinguisher is not accessible, the handle is mounted at 56-1/2 inches above the floor. There are other doors within the elections office with round doorknobs, most doors were propped open. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 8)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible entrance to a building or facility, where feasible, shall be the entrance used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.3(8)(a)

When all entrances are not accessible, the accessible entrances shall be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Entrances which are not accessible shall have directional signage indicating where the nearest accessible entrance is located. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(c), 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.6(1)(h) & 4.30.1

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

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

Out-swinging entrance doors with a front approach shall have a minimum 5’ long landing and it shall extend a minimum of 18" beyond the latch side of the door. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6

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

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

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

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

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

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 — Exterior Entrance:
Inaccessible entrances should have directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Accessible entrances should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The gaps and transitions in the accessible route should be repaired. The second accessible door threshold should be modified to comply.

The exterior entrance to elections should have handrails on both sides. The drain grate should be removed. The door threshold should be repaired. The door clearances and landing should be modified and the slope on the ramp should be verified. The door pressure should be reduced or an automatic door opening device should be installed.

Recommendation — Interior Entrance:
The double doors should be replaced with a single door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The raised letter and Braille sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The fire extinguisher should be relocated so that it is accessible and is not a protruding object hazard.

Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a counter in the county election office, the top of the counter is 42 inches above the finished floor, and there is no accessible portion of the counter. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 8)

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 Room

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms in the basement, they are not accessible. There are no directional signs indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. There are accessible toilet rooms on the third floor, they are not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The following deficiencies apply to the third floor toilet rooms.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
The toilet room is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. There is a raised letter and Braille sign but it is located on the door. The door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. The room narrows to 31 inches at the route from the sinks to the urinal and stall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is located at 66 inches above the floor and is mounted above the side grab bar. There is inadequate clear floor space of 39 inches in front of the urinal due to a column. The sink hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. There is only 28-1/2 inches of knee space under the sink.

Existing Condition — Women’s:
The toilet room is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. There is a raised letter and Braille sign but it is located on the door. The door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser is located at 66 inches above the floor and is mounted above the side grab bar. The sink hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. There is only 28-1/2 inches of knee space under the sink. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 7 inches at 42 inches above the finished floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If toilet rooms are provided in a facility, then each public and common use facility shall be accessible. Accessible toilet room facilities shall be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 4.1.2(6) & 4.22.1

Signage utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be provided at accessible toilet rooms when all toilet rooms are not accessible. Signage shall also be provided on toilet rooms that are not accessible, indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room within the facility. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(d) & 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii)

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

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

Grab bars 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

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 side wall, 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 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

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 drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise designed to protect against contact. ADAAG 4.19.4

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

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

Objects that project from walls and into walks, corridors, passageways or aisles, with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above the finished floor, shall protrude no more than 4". Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges at or below 27" above the finished floor may protrude any amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang a maximum of 12" from 27" to 80" above the finished floor or ground. Protruding objects shall not reduce the required clear width of an accessible route. ADAAG 4.4

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a drinking fountain in the lobby and a drinking fountain in the basement, they are a dual height drinking fountain design and they are protruding object hazards. They protrude 18 inches at 33-1/2 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 8, Photo. #11)

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)

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 — Men’s:
Inaccessible toilet facilities shall be marked with directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The accessible toilet facilities shall be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar to an accessible location. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected.

Recommendation — Women’s:
Inaccessible toilet facilities shall be marked with directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The accessible toilet facilities shall be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the grab bar to an accessible location. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There is some 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.

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.