Checkout Aisles and the ADA
ADA Compliant Checkout Aisle
Checkout aisles have unique Standards within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 2010 ADA Standards 216.11, 227.2 and 904.3 cover the accessibility requirements for checkout aisles. The graphic on the right is representative of a checkout aisle that is ADA compliant.
2010 ADA Standard 227.2, Check-Out Aisles, states, “Where check-out aisles are provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 227.2. Where check-out aisles serve different functions, check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 227.2 for each function. Where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout the building or facility, check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be dispersed. EXCEPTION: Where the selling space is under 5000 square feet (465 m2) no more than one check-out aisle complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be required.” The graphic below is representative of two accessible checkout aisles within a group of checkout aisles.
Checkout Aisle Group with Accessible and Non-Accessible Aisles
Table 227.2, Checkout Aisles, is used to determine the minimum number of check-out aisles of each function required to comply with [Standard] 904.31. See the table below.
Checkout Aisle Table
So if your grocery store has 10 checkout aisles, at least 3 of those checkout aisles must be compliant with ADA Standard 904.3.
ADA Compliant Sign for Checkout Aisle
2010 ADA Standard 216.11, [Signs] Check-Out Aisles, states, “Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with [Standard] 703.7.2.1. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification. EXCEPTION: Where all check-out aisles serving a single function comply with 904.3, signs complying with [Standard]703.7.2.1 shall not be required.” An example of a compliant sign for a checkout aisle is shown on the right.
2010 ADA Standard 227.5, Queues and Waiting Lines, states, “Queues and waiting lines servicing counters or check-out aisles required to comply with [Standard] 904.3 or [Standard] 904.4 shall comply with [Standard] 403.” Standard 403 covers Walking Surfaces which includes such criteria as slope or grade, width, surface condition, etc.
2010 ADA Standard 904.3.1, [Checkout Aisle] Aisle, states, “Aisles shall comply with [Standard] 403.” So the aisle itself has to comply with Standard 403 for criteria such as slope or grade, width, surface condition, etc. The graphic below is representative of an accessible aisle width.
Accessible Checkout Aisle Width
As is always the case with route width, the 36 inch requirement is reducable to 32 inches for a short length. See the diagram below.
Route Width Requirements
2010 ADA Standard 904.3.2, [Checkout Aisle] Counter, states, “The counter surface height shall be 38 inches (965 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. The top of the counter edge protection shall be 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the top of the counter surface on the aisle side of the check-out counter.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard.
Checkout Aisle Maximum Counter Height
The length of the 2 inch high edge protection should run the full length of the accessible checkout aisle. See the diagram below.
Checkout Aisle Edge Protection Runs Full Length of the Checkout Aisle
Maximum 2 inch Checkout Aisle Edge Protection
The graphic on the right shows how the 2 inch edge protection may look at the installation. Note that this a maximum of 2 inches.
Check writing surfaces are not required for checkout aisles; however, if installed they should comply with 2010 ADA Standard 904.3.3, Check Writing Surfaces, which states, “Where provided, check writing surfaces shall comply with [Standard] 902.3.”
2010 ADA Standard 902.3, [Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces] Height, states, “The tops of dining surfaces and work surfaces shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.” Clearly, a check writing surface is considered a work surface. The diagram below is representative of this Standard.
Check Writing Surface Height Range
Check writing surfaces can be fixed or movable installations. The diagram below is representative of a fixed check writing surface. If this installation projects out more than 4 inches from the counter make sure it does not violate protruding object criteria.
Fixed Check Writing Surface
Otherwise a check writing surface can pivot out or be pulled out for temporary use as in the graphic below. In this case the check writing device must comply with the Standards for operable parts.
Check Writing Surface that Pivots Out