bgaskins

Making sure all your customers can reach the ketchup and mustard is important. We’ve found that condiments that are not within the required reach ranges is one of the top Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues seen in truck stops and travel plazas.

Last month my post covered reach ranges with respect to drink machines control and counter heights. This month’s post is a continuation of the topic and discusses the requirements for the height of drink cup and lid dispensers.

The most important thing to know is that one of each type and one of each size should be available within the required reach ranges. When we say one of each type, this means cups and lids for hot, cold and frozen drinks, for example plastic, paper, Styrofoam. Straws must also be accessible within the required reach ranges. For details about reach range requirements please reference my post from July.

The devil is in the details. We find that some of the top Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues seen in truck stops and travel plazas are overlooked details within the Standards. This month we look at how non-compliant counter top heights also affect drink machine control heights.

Drink machine controls are often too high when the machines are placed on top of counter tops that are too high. We’re finding that when counters are leveled, they are leveled up. This makes the counters too high, often as little as a quarter inch. Yes, a quarter of an inch does matter.

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design section 904 covers the guidelines for sales and service counters.

904.4.1 Parallel Approach. A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches long minimum and 36 inches high maximum above the finish floor shall be provided. A clear floor or ground surface complying with 305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch minimum length of counter.

904.4.2 Forward Approach. A portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches long minimum and 36 inches high maximum shall be provided. Knee and toe space complying with 306 shall be provided under the counter. A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be positioned for a forward approach to the counter.

Most sales and service counters are designed for a parallel approach. Section 305 is referred to in both the parallel and forward approach. It states that the clear floor space in front of the sales and service counter should be a minimum of 30 by 48 inches.

We continue our series on the top 20 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues seen in truck stops and travel plazas by discussing curb ramps. Are your curb ramps compliant?

At least one fuel dispenser must comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (section 228). In order to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities at least one of each type of fuel grade sold must be available at an accessible fuel dispenser. Also, the accessible fuel dispenser should be the closest to the accessible entrance.