Look at the photo on the right. What you are seeing is a hall in a hotel that was recently renovated after a hurricane did significant damage. What’s wrong?

HINT: Think about protruding objects and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The door frames are normally about 6 feet 6 inches above the floor.

ANSWER: The scounces (wall lights) are hung way too low on the wall.

In the photo on the left you can see a closeup of the scounces that project out into the hall approximately 6 inches, which is too far. What is correct in the photo is the recessed fire extinguisher that does not extend more than 4 inches into the hallway.

Protruding objects, including wall mounted lights, cannot project out into the circulation path more than 4 inches if they are installed less than 80 inches above the finished floor, unless they are in the cane detection zone below 27 inches above the finished floor. See the diagram below for a representation of ADA guidelines for protruding objects.

If you observe a building, stadium, or beach access that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.