The name of this company is ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC
The name of this company is ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC
Common ADA Discrepancies
The following is a list of common Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) discrepancies found during ADA Title II and Title III compliance inspections. It is not a complete list, it is a list of those items most commonly found during inspections. This information is also available from ADAIN as a presentation by Richard Acree to train people and as a guest speaker. Please call Richard at 615-752-0060 to schedule your presentation.
1. Vehicle Parking Spaces Vehicle parking spaces at public locations are often missing van accessible parking spaces or the signs required to identify these spaces. Also, the slope of the parking spaces and aisles are commonly greater than that allowed by the Standards. These discrepancies make it difficult for handicapped individuals to find or use the handicapped parking spaces, or if the slope is too steep handicapped individuals can fall or their wheel chair can roll away from them. To remedy: designate one vehicle parking space as “Van Accessible” and mark the width of each space clearly; regrade the parking spaces and aisle to no greater than 1:48, or 2.08%, slope; install parking space identification signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) complying with Standard 703.7.2.1.
2. Exterior Routes Exterior routes (walking path or ramp) have a slope(s) of the exterior route that is frequently excessive. The walkway running slope of a walkway can not be more than 1:20, or 5%, and ramps should not slope more than 1:12 or 8.33%. The cross slope of these installations should not exceed 1:48, or 2.08%. The vertical abrupt change of elevation should not exceed ½ inch, with the top ¼ inch beveled. This abrupt change of elevation issue usually occurs where damage to the surface is observed, such as a pot hole in the vehicular path that also serves as a walking path. This discrepancies makes it difficult for disabled people to maneuver along the path and can create a trip/fall hazard. To remedy, regrade excessive slopes and repair any abrupt vertical elevation change to within limits.
3. Exterior Route Curb Ramps Exterior route curb ramps, where a sloped ramp is installed across a curb, are commonly too steep or the spaces at the top and/or bottom of the curb ramp (landings) are too small for maneuvering. These discrepancies make it difficult for disabled people to maneuver up or down the curb ramp. To remedy, repair or replace the curb ramp to comply with the Standards.
4. Pedestrian Exterior & Interior Doors Public exterior and interior pedestrian door issues include missing or inadequate signage, excessive closing speed, and excessive force required to open interior doors. Proper signage is important to all disabled individuals to maximize their information regarding the location of exterior doors and toilet room doors and to minimize the route they need to take to reach these doors. Doors that close automatically and too quickly can trap handicapped between the door and frame. Doors requiring more than 5 pounds of force to open are very difficult for the disabled to operate. To remedy: install ADA signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) complying with Standard 703.7.2.1 at the accessible exterior entry/exit doors and directional signs should be installed at the exterior doors that are not accessible; install signs at interior permanent spaces; repair or replace door closers for the interior doors so that the door opening force does not exceed 5 pounds; repair or replace all door closers that allow the door(s) to close too quickly.
5. Interior Door Installation The employee work area interior door installation is commonly too narrow in width, the wrong glass installation is commonly observed that is too far above the floor, the door opening force is too great, the door auto closing speed is too fast, and the wrong door handles are installed. All of these discrepancies make it difficult for disabled individuals to use the door, especially those in a wheel chair or using walking aids. To remedy, repair or replace the employee work area door to comply with the Standards.
6. Toilet Room Sink Toilet room sink issues commonly found include faucet handles that require grasping and twisting, the sink height is commonly too high or low above the floor, and the water pipes below the sink are commonly exposed to contact. Some disabled people cannot grasp or twist a handle with their hands so they would be unable to use the faucet handles. Disabled people in wheel chairs needs specific leg space below the sink to clear their legs and the top of the sink or counter needs to be within an acceptable range to allow them access to the sink and faucet handles. To remedy: replace the faucet handles with a model that does not require grasping and twisting; install the sink at an acceptable level; cover the water pipes below the sink to prevent contact with pedestrians.
7. Toilet Installation The toilet installation issues include the toilet flush handle commonly on the wrong side of the toilet, the toilet seat is commonly too loose, the toilet is commonly too loosely installed on the floor, the toilet grab bars are not installed correctly. These discrepancies make it difficult for an individual to reach the flush handle, or if the seat or toilet are loosely installed, using the toilet may cause an individual, disabled or not, to fall and injure themselves. To remedy, repair or replace the toilet with an installation that complies with the Standards.
8. Toilet Room Maneuvering space in the toilet room is commonly too small. Maneuvering space in the toilet room should include a 60 inch turning space, either in the form of a circle or a T. If this space is too small, it is difficult for a disabled person in a wheel chair to access the different elements in the toilet room. To remedy, increase space in the toilet room to provide an acceptable turning space.
9. Toilet Stall Door The toilet room stall door does not close automatically and/or maneuvering space is limited. It is difficult for a disabled individual to maneuver inside the toilet stall, then have to go back out to grab the door and pull it shut so they can lock it. To remedy, repair or replace the toilet stall doors to close automatically.
10. Accessible Accessories Accessories are commonly installed too high above the floor. Accessories include the coat hook, soap dispenser, paper towel dispenser, automated hand dryer, or light switch. To remedy, these elements should be installed no higher than 48 inches above the finish floor. And, in some cases, no greater than 46 inches above the floor.
