Top 20 ADA Compliance Issues Seen in Truckstops and Travel Plazas is back! Join guest post contributor Brad Gaskins, The McIntosh Group every month for a new installment in his monthly column.
/// Guest post by contributor Brad Gaskins, The McIntosh Group
Like most standards for accessible design, this standard boils down to one question: How can we ensure that all individuals, including those with limited mobility, can use this facility for its intended purpose?
In public restrooms, many barriers to accessibility arise, and one of the most common issues we see when we are out in the field surveying is the sink.
A person in a wheelchair must have enough space to be able to use the sink, reach its controls and the soap dispenser, and not have the danger of getting their knees or toes clobbered by protruding pipes or other objects.
Unless in a private restroom accessed only through a private office, every toilet facility must adhere to this standard (although, in a lavatory with multiple sinks, only one sink has to comply.)
Like most accessibility barrier issues, its best to consider this prior to building your facility. Depending on the sink design, it requires some forethought on the mounting height. If it is mounted too high (above 34 inches) then a person in a wheelchair may not be able to reach the sink controls, soaps, etc. However, if it is mounted too low, it may not allow enough space for knee and toe clearance. The general rule there is that there must be 9 inches of clear space from the ground for the toes, and up to at least 27 inches of clear space for the knees.
There is a narrow window that allows both issues to be met, but requires accuracy during the installation of the sink.
On existing sinks that do not comply, there is no quick easy fix. It typically requires the relocation of the sink, and depending on the design of the sink, it may require complete removal and replacement. Either way, you’re going to have to make an appointment with your general contractor.
Figure 306.3 Knee Clearance, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
For more detailed information, see Section 606, Lavatories and Sinks, in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
/// Read more Top 20 ADA Compliance Issues Seen in Truckstops and Travel Plazas posts here.
Photo Credit: The McIntosh Group
The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.
{Guest Post} Guest post provided by NATSO Allied member Brad Gaskins, The McIntosh Group. The McIntosh Group is an architecture firm focused on providing accessibility solutions for clients nationwide. Learn more about The McIntosh Group.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
