Malheur County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Malheur County

Introduction

Malheur County Elections Office
251 “B” Street West
Courthouse Suite 4
Vale Oregon 97918

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On February 25, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Malheur County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon.

Most election offices were located in their county courthouse. Therefore most of the surveys involved an evaluation of a portion of a larger facility. The scope of the survey included the accessible route from the public sidewalk and parking, if provided, to the accessible entrance. If the accessible route to the elections office included use of an elevator, the elevator was evaluated. In addition to surveying the public access areas of the elections office, employee and volunteer areas were evaluated. The survey also included an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that served the elections office.

The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections offices can evaluate and prioritize barrier removal and obtain financial assistance from the HAVA Program to assist with the funding of the removal of these barriers.

The recommendations provided in this report are made to assist the county elections office in identifying and removing structural barriers to its facilities. An evaluation of individual programs, services and activities within a certain facility was not part of this study. This report does not address potential program modifications that may be available to provide program accessibility. Public entities that are subject to Title II of the ADA must conduct an ADA compliance review known as an ADA Self Evaluation. The ADA Self Evaluation must include an evaluation of policies, practices, procedures, programs, employment, and communication as well as an evaluation of facilities for structural accessibility. As part of the ADA Self Evaluation, each public entity is required to develop an ADA Transition Plan to address any structural barriers identified during the ADA Self Evaluation process.

The ADA Compliance Report

Each report has an “Executive Summary” located at the beginning of the report that summarizes all of the recommendations made in the body of the report. The recommendations are prioritized in order of importance using the priorities established by the U.S. Department of Justice for public entities.

The body of the report utilizes three sections for each set of structural barriers identified. The first section is titled “Existing Condition.” The “existing condition” section summarizes the building element or elements that do not comply with either the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the State of Oregon Building Code.

The second section is titled "ADA Accessibility Guidelines." The "ADA Accessibility Guidelines" section of the report is a summary of the applicable accessibility requirements, including the more stringent Oregon requirements where applicable. A complete copy of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines should be consulted along with the State of Oregon Building Code prior to making any alterations to the facility.

The third section is titled "Recommendations." The "recommendations" section provides a recommendation or recommendations for the removal of the architectural barriers identified. This section may also make a recommendation for an alternative to barrier removal or may make a recommendation for a temporary solution.

Photographs of barriers are provided in the appendix section of the report, which is located at the back of the report. The photographs are numbered and referenced in the body of the report by appendix page and photograph number. Not all barriers have photographs as many are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the appendix of the report. New digital camera operator error also caused some photographs to be missing.

Some counties have provided drive-up drop boxes at their county courthouses or at other convenient locations within their county for voters to drive-up and drop their ballots without having to exit their vehicle. These drive-up drop boxes are excellent ways to provide improved access for people with disabilities and seniors. Because of the cost of removing many of the barriers identified during this survey, counties should consider providing these drive-up drop boxes as an alternative.

If, after reviewing the report, there are any questions about the barriers identified or the recommendations made, or any other aspect of the survey or report, please contact Bob Pike at Environmental Access, Inc.

Executive Summary

Parking

On-Street Parking:
The signs should be replaced with signs that have the correct statutory language and the signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be marked with a “van accessible” sign below the standard parking sign.

Parking Lot:
The sign should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

On-Street Parking Space Accessible Route:
A curb ramp should be installed at the front of the common access aisle and connect to the sidewalk.

Parking Lot Accessible Route:
The accessible parking space should be connected to an accessible entrance by way of an accessible route or the parking space should be relocated or signed.

Entrances

Exterior Entrance:
The gaps and transitions on the ramp should be repaired. The UPS box should be relocated. The mat should be removed or attached to the surface.

Interior Entrance:
The public side of the counter should be kept clear of obstructions. Anytime the door to the elections is open, the door that provides access to the accessible counter should be open. The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The knee space under the accessible counter should be kept clear of obstructions.

Counters

When a renovation is undertaken, a section of the main counter should be lowered to 34 inches above the floor.

Toilet Rooms

Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated below the grab bars. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches to the operating mechanism of the dispenser.

Emergency Alarms

Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.

The ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — On Street Parking:
There are two designated accessible on-street parking spaces provided at the front of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The parking spaces are marked with signs that are post mounted and located approximately 68 inches above the ground. The signs do not have the correct statutory citation but states, “Handicapped Parking Permit Required.” There is no sign designating the van accessible parking space. The slope at the front of the parking spaces exceeds 2 percent, but is no greater than 3 percent. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

Existing Condition — Parking Lot:
There is one accessible parking space provided at the back entrance. The parking space is marked as “van accessible.” The sign is post mounted and located at approximately 60 inches above the ground. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. #3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Two accessible parking spaces are provided in front of the building. A single space is provided in the parking lot. One space at each location is required to be "van accessible." A van accessible space must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" wide access aisle under Oregon Law. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. The second space must have a 108" wide parking space, a vertical clearance of 80", and a minimum 72" wide access aisle. Two parking spaces may share a common 96" wide access aisle. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)(b) & 4.6.5

A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read:

"Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $300.00 under ORS 811.615."

These signs shall be placed on posts with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

If these signs are placed on posts then they shall be placed with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

The pavement of each accessible parking space shall be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. The symbol shall be a minimum of 29" in height and a minimum of 24" in width. The width of the symbol striping shall be 4".

No ramp or other obstruction may extend into an accessible parking space or the adjacent access aisle.

Accessible parking spaces must measure at least 17' in length. ORS 447.233

Parking spaces and access aisles shall have a maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) in all directions. ADAAG 4.6.3

Recommendation — On-Street Parking:
The signs should be replaced with signs that have the correct statutory language and the signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be marked with a “van accessible” sign below the standard parking sign.

Recommendation — Parking Lot:
The sign should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

Existing Condition — On-Street Parking Spaces Accessible Route:
There is no curb ramp at the front of the access aisle of the parking spaces and an individual must enter the vehicular lane of travel to access the curb ramp and sidewalk. The curb ramp at the corner does not have detectable warnings.

Existing Condition — Parking Lot:
There is no accessible route from this parking space to an accessible entrance. It requires entering a vehicular lane of travel.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, passenger loading zones, if provided, and public streets and sidewalks, and accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance to the facility. The accessible route, to the maximum extent possible, shall coincide with the route used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.2(1) & 4.3.2(1)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces that are on the same site. ADAAG 4.3.2(2)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5

An accessible route shall be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

Accessible routes shall have a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. If gratings are located along accessible routes, they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2" wide and shall be perpendicular to the route of travel. ADAAG 4.3.6 & 4.5

Curb ramps shall be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a curb. Curb ramps shall have the least slope possible, the maximum slope allowed is 1:12 or 8.3 percent. ADAAG 4.7.1

Curb ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36" and have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. Transitions shall be flush and free of abrupt changes, no greater than 1/4". Any greater than 1/4" shall be beveled. ADAAG 4.7.3, 4.7.4 & 4.5

Curb ramp sides or flares may be 1:10 unless they are located in an accessible route where pedestrians may walk across the ramp, then they must have a maximum slope of 1:12. ADAAG 4.7.5

Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the ramp. Surfaces shall contrast visually from the adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from a joining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on- cane contact. The surface shall consist of raised truncated domes with the following features:

Diameter: 0.9" nominal

Height: 0.2" nominal

Center to Center spacing: 2.35" nominal

ADAAG 4.7.7 & 4.29.2

Recommendation — On-Street Parking Space Accessible Route:
A curb ramp should be installed at the front of the common access aisle and connect to the sidewalk.

Recommendation — Parking Lot Accessible Route:
The accessible parking space should be connected to an accessible entrance by way of an accessible route or the parking space should be relocated or signed.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Exterior Entrance:
The front entrance is accessed by use of a ramp. There is a gap at the bottom and a large transition at the top of the ramp. The transition at the top of the ramp has been repaired, but it is not properly beveled. There is a UPS box located at the front door and it is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 6 inches at 31 inches above the ground. There is a mat at the front door and it is not secured or attached. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. #4)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrance:
There are two doors into the elections office, the first door accesses the main counter that is located at 42 inches above the floor. The second door accesses the lower accessible counter that is located at 36 inches above the floor. Yellow cones obstruct the knee space of the lower counter. There is no interior accessible route between these areas; there are chairs that obstruct the accessible route. Both doors have round doorknobs. There is a sign on the door that reads Room 101 and a sign above the doors that read “Recording/Elections Room 101.” There is no raised letter or Braille sign provided. There is no sign on the door to the accessible counter. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. #5)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible entrance to a building or facility, where feasible, shall be the entrance used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.3(8)(a)

When all entrances are not accessible, the accessible entrances shall be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Entrances which are not accessible shall have directional signage indicating where the nearest accessible entrance is located. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(c), 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.6(1)(h) & 4.30.1

At each accessible entrance, at least one door shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.1.3(7)(a)

Out-swinging entrance doors with a front approach shall have a minimum 5' long landing and it shall extend a minimum of 18" beyond the latch side of the door. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6

Doors into accessible spaces and areas shall provide a minimum clear space of 32", provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.13.5, 4.13.6 & 4.13.11

Accessible door hardware includes handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices with a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Door hardware shall be mounted no higher than 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.8

Maximum threshold height shall be 1/2". Raised thresholds shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. If existing thresholds are 3/4" or less, and have a beveled edge on each side, they are acceptable. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii) & 4.13.8

The maximum force allowed for opening an exterior door shall not exceed 8-1/2 lbs. The maximum force allowed for opening an interior door shall not exceed 5 lbs. Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Objects that project from walls and into walks, corridors, passageways or aisles, with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above the finished floor, shall protrude no more than 4". Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges at or below 27" above the finished floor may protrude any amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang a maximum of 12" from 27" to 80" above the finished floor or ground. Protruding objects shall not reduce the required clear width of an accessible route. ADAAG 4.4

Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces, shall be raised and provide Braille characters and pictograms. Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. Raised character height shall be a minimum 5/8" and a maximum of 2". Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6" minimum in height. The characters and background of signs shall be a non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background, light-on-dark or dark-on-light. The identification for rooms and spaces shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.

Mounting height shall be 60" above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. Such signage shall allow a person to approach within 3" without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(a) & 4.30.4, 5, & 6

Signs which provide direction to or information about functional spaces of the building shall have letters and numbers with a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. Characters and numbers on such signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read, except for signs higher than 80" above the finished floor, which shall have a minimum height of 3". The characters and background of signs shall be a non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background, light-on-dark or dark-on-light. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(b), 4.30.2, 4.30.3 & 4.30.5

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

Recommendation — Exterior Entrance:
The gaps and transitions on the ramp should be repaired. The UPS box should be relocated. The mat should be removed or attached to the surface.

Recommendation — Interior Entrance:
The public side of the counter should be kept clear of obstructions. Anytime the door to the elections is open, the door that provides access to the accessible counter should be open. The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The knee space under the accessible counter should be kept clear of obstructions.

Counter

Existing Condition:
The main counter is located at 42 inches above the finished floor. The lower counter is located at 36 above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. #5)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided. The tops of accessible tables and counters shall be from 28" to 34" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.32.3 & 4

In all areas where business transactions occur with the general public, such as department stores and retail stores where counters have cash registers and are provided for sales or distribution of goods or services to the public, a portion of the counter, a minimum of 36" in length, and a maximum of 36" above the finished floor shall be provided. Accessible counters, if provided, must be dispersed throughout the building or facility. Counters must be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 7.2

At ticketing counters, teller stations in a bank, registration counters in hotels and motels, box-office ticket counters, and other counters that may not have a cash register, but at which goods and services are sold or distributed, a portion of the main counter, which is a minimum of 36" in length and a maximum of 36" in height shall be provided. An auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36" in close proximity to the main counter may be provided. As an alternative, a folding shelf attached to the main counter or the use of the space on the side of the counter or a desk may be utilized. ADAAG 7.2

Recommendation:
When a renovation is undertaken, a section of the main counter should be lowered to 34 inches above the floor.

Toilet Room

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms near the elections office and they are not fully accessible. There is no directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. There are additional accessible single occupancy toilet rooms near the conference rooms, the recommendations pertain to these facilities.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
There is no raised letter or Braille sign provided. The entrance door does not have sufficient maneuvering space on the pull side of the door. The toilet stall is not fully accessible; it measures 63 inches wide at the back and 35 inches wide at the front. The centerline of the toilet is 15 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat is located at 16 inches above the finished floor. The stall lock is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The sink does not provide the required knee space. The hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The paper towel dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 8-1/2 inches at 45 inches above the floor.

Existing Condition — Women’s:
There is no raised letter or Braille sign provided. The door opening force exceeds 8 lbs. The centerline of the toilet is 15-1/2 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat is located at 16 inches above the finished floor. The stall lock is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The toilet paper and toilet seat cover dispensers are mounted above the side grab bar. The sink does not provide the required knee space. The hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The mirror is mounted at 50 inches above the floor to the reflecting surface. There are two paper towel dispensers that are protruding object hazards; they protrude 9 inches at 43 and 47 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 6 inches at 33-1/2 inches above the finished floor.

Existing Condition — Single Occupancy Near Conference Rooms:
The door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar at 57 inches above the floor. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible; it is mounted at 60 inches above the floor. There is a table in one of the toilet rooms that obstructs the clear floor space to the fixtures. (See Appendix Page 4, Photo. #6)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If toilet rooms are provided in a facility, then each public and common use facility shall be accessible. Accessible toilet room facilities shall be located on an accessible route ADAAG 4.1.2(6) & 4.22.1

Signage utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be provided at accessible toilet rooms when all toilet rooms are not accessible. Signage shall also be provided on toilet rooms that are not accessible, indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room within the facility. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(d) & 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii)

An unobstructed turning space is required in toilet rooms. This space shall be either a 60" diameter circle or a T-shaped space 60" square with 36" legs. ADAAG 4.2.3, 4.22.3 & 4.23.3

Doors into accessible toilet rooms shall provide a minimum of 32" clear space, provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space within the toilet room. ADAAG 4.22.2 & 4.23.2

At least one toilet stall shall be accessible in a toilet room. An accessible toilet stall shall have the following dimensions:

Accessible Stall: Minimum width: 60"

Minimum depth: 59” with a floor mounted water closet.

Minimum depth: 56” with a wall mounted water closet.

If the stall door is to be located on the side of the stall, the stall length shall be extended a minimum of 36". ADAAG 4.17.3

Grab bars in accessible toilet stalls shall be located on the sidewall closest to the water closet, and on the back wall. The sidewall grab bar shall be a minimum of 40" long and shall be mounted a maximum of 12" from the rear wall. The back grab bar shall be a minimum of 36" long and located a maximum of 6" from the sidewall closest to the water closet. ADAAG 4.17.6

In existing facilities or renovations, where it is technically infeasible to comply with the accessible stall requirements or where the existing plumbing code prevents combining two existing stalls to provide an accessible stall, then the following alternate stalls are allowed:

Alternate A Stall: Minimum width: 36"

Minimum depth: 69” with a floor mounted water closet.

Minimum depth: 66” with a wall mounted water closet.

Alternate B Stall: Minimum width: 48"

Minimum depth: 54"

ADAAG 4.17.3

Grab bars in Alternate A stalls shall be located on both sides of the stall and shall be a minimum of 42" long, mounted a maximum of 12" from the rear wall. ADAAG 4.17.6

In Alternate B stalls, one grab bar 42" long shall be located on the near wall and one grab bar 42" long shall be located on the rear wall. ADAAG 4.17.6

Grab bars shall have a diameter of the gripping surface between 1-1/4" to 1-1/2". The space between the wall or stall partition shall be 1-1/2". Grab bars shall be mounted between 33"-36" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.4, 4.17.6 & 4.26.2

Dispensers and receptacles shall be installed so that they do not interfere with the use of the grab bars. CH. 11

Stall doors shall be out-swinging with self-closing hinges. Minimum stall door width shall be a 32" clear opening. Stall door locks shall be slide bolts or flip latches and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. If coat hooks are provided on the inside of stall doors, they shall be located a maximum of 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.5, 4.13.9 & 4.2.5

If a toilet stall approach is from the latch side of the stall door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction must be a minimum of 42". ADAAG 4.17.5

If a toilet stall approach is from the hinge side of the stall door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction must be a minimum of 48". ADAAG 4.17.5

Water closets shall be located 18" from the sidewall or partition. The toilet seat height shall be located between 17" and 19" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.3

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment provided in the toilet room shall be located optimally at 48" above the finished floor. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". Controls and mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Flush controls shall be mounted a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. They shall be mounted on the wide side of the toilet area and shall be hand operated or automatic. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.16.5 & 4.27.4

Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed on the sidewall, below the grab bar, a minimum 19" above the finished floor and a maximum 36" from the rear wall. Toilet paper dispensers that control delivery or do not allow continuous paper flow shall not be used. ADAAG 4.16.6

In alterations or existing facilities, where it is technically infeasible to comply with the requirement that each toilet room provide accessible facilities, the installation of at least one unisex, single occupancy toilet room per floor is allowed. The unisex, single occupancy facility shall be located in the same area as existing toilet room facilities.

Each such facility shall contain one accessible water closet, one accessible lavatory, and provide a door with a privacy latch. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(e)

The unisex, single-occupancy facility shall be designed to comply with the following:

The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a sidewall.
A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 48" wide.
A toilet room providing both a front and side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 60" wide.

ADAAG 4.16.2

For unisex, single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be provided 33"-36" above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the sidewall a minimum of 42" long and 12" from the back wall. A back grab bar shall be provided a minimum of 36" long and 12" minimum on each side of the water closet centerline. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26

If urinals are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. Urinals shall be floor mounted or wall mounted with an elongated rim a maximum of 17" above the finished floor. A clear floor space 30" wide by 48" deep minimum shall be provided in front of the urinal to allow a front approach. Urinal shields may be provided if they do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim and provide 29" of clearance between them. Flush controls shall be located a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. Controls shall be hand operated or automatic. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force to operate a flush control shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.18.2, 3, & 4, 4.22.5 & 4.23.5

If lavatories are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.22.6 & 4.23.6

Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34" above the finished floor. A clearance a minimum of 29" shall be provided from the floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee clearance a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided under the bowl. A clear floor space 30" by 48" shall be provided in front of the lavatory to allow a forward approach. ADAAG 4.19.2 & 4.19.3

Hot water and drainpipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise designed to protect against contact. ADAAG 4.19.4

Faucets shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Lever-operated, push-type or electronically controlled devices are acceptable. If self-closing valves are used, the faucet shall remain open for at least 10 seconds. The force required to activate faucet controls shall not exceed 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.19.5 & 4.27.4

Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge at a maximum of 40" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.19.6

Recommendation:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated below the grab bar. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches to the operating mechanism of the dispenser.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There is some emergency alarms provided.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If an emergency warning system is provided, then it shall include both audible and visual alarms. Visual alarms shall be provided, at a minimum, in restrooms, hallways, lobbies, meeting rooms, and any other common use area. Visual alarms shall be integrated into the building or the facility alarm system. If single station audible alarms are provided, then single station visual alarms shall be provided. The audible emergency alarm shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing sound level in the room or space by at least 15 db. or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 60 seconds by 5 dbs.

Audible alarm sound levels shall not exceed 120 dbs. Visual alarms shall be placed every 50 feet. Emergency exit signs shall flash as a visual emergency alarm in conjunction with audible emergency alarms. The visual alarm appliances shall provide the following features:

The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.
The device shall be placed 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower.

ADAAG 4.1.3(14), 4.28.1 & 4.28.3

Recommendation:
Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.