Ensuring ADA Compliance for Commercial Door Hardware

Over 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. Accessibility is crucial for them. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance ensures that commercial spaces are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This includes door hardware, which must meet specific standards to be considered compliant. In this blog, we'll explore what ADA compliance is, why it's important, and how to ensure your door hardware meets the necessary standards.

Jump to a Section:

1. Understanding ADA Compliance
2. The Importance of ADA Compliance
3. ADA Compliance Standards for Door Hardware
4. Benefits of ADA Compliance
5. Steps to Ensure ADA Compliance
6. Ensuring Accessibility in your Building with PDQ

Understanding ADA Compliance

ADA compliance means following the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law stops discrimination against people with disabilities. It ensures everyone has equal access to jobs, services, and government programs. The ADA covers many disabilities, like mobility, sensory, and cognitive issues. Businesses need to make their spaces accessible for everyone.

The Importance of ADA Compliance

ADA compliance is vital for several reasons:

• Legal Requirements: Businesses must meet ADA standards to avoid fines and lawsuits. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of $75,000 for a single ADA violation, and over $100,000 for additional violations.
• Moral Imperative: It's about providing equal access to all individuals. Everyone deserves to participate fully in society.
• Business Benefits: ADA compliance boosts a business's reputation. Accessible spaces attract more customers, including those with disabilities. This can expand the customer base and improve business success.

ADA Compliance Standards for Door Hardware

Ensuring your commercial doors meet ADA standards is crucial. Here are the basic requirements:

Ease of Use

• Doors should be easy to open without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.
• Handles, pulls, latches, and locks must be operable with one hand.

Specific Standards

• Clear Width: Doors must have a minimum clear opening of 32 inches when open 90 degrees.
• Maneuvering Clearance: Adequate space around doors is essential. For example, front approaches to pull side of swinging doors need at least 18 inches of space beyond the latch side.
• Thresholds: Door thresholds should not exceed 1/2 inch in height to prevent tripping hazards.
• Hardware Operation: Handles, pulls, latches, and locks should be mounted no higher than 48 inches above the floor.

Meeting these standards ensures accessibility for everyone, including those with disabilities. It also helps businesses avoid legal issues and enhances their reputation.

Benefits of ADA Compliance

Legal Protection

• Avoiding Fines and Lawsuits: Meeting ADA standards helps businesses avoid costly fines and legal issues. Non-compliance can result in penalties over $75,000 per violation.

Enhanced Accessibility

• Creating a Welcoming Environment: ADA compliance ensures that all customers, including those with disabilities, can access and enjoy your services. This inclusivity fosters a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Improved Reputation

• Building a Positive Brand Image: Businesses that prioritize accessibility are seen as inclusive and socially responsible. This positive image can attract more customers and enhance brand loyalty.

Steps to Ensure ADA Compliance

Assessment

Evaluating current door hardware for ADA compliance involves several steps:

• Measure Door Opening Force: Use a door poundage gauge to check if the door requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open.
• Check Clear Width: Ensure doors have a minimum clear opening of 32 inches when open 90 degrees.
• Inspect Maneuvering Clearance: Verify adequate space around doors for wheelchair access. Front approaches to pull side of swinging doors need at least 18 inches beyond the latch side.
• Review Hardware Operation: Handles, pulls, latches, and locks should be operable with one hand and mounted no higher than 48 inches above the floor.

Upgrades

If your door hardware is non-compliant, consider these upgrades:

• Replace Handles and Knobs: Install ADA-compliant handles that can be operated without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.
• Install Automatic Openers: Automatic door openers can make doors accessible to everyone.
• Adjust Door Closers: Ensure door closers are set to require no more than 5 pounds of force to open.
• Replace Exit Devices: Install a CBC exit device, like PDQ’s 5P exit device, that can be operated with a force of 5 pounds or less.

Maintenance

Ongoing compliance requires regular checks and maintenance:

• Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect doors and hardware to ensure they meet ADA standards.
• Training Staff: Train maintenance personnel on ADA requirements to prevent compliance issues.
• Clear Obstructions: Ensure doorways and maneuvering spaces are free of obstructions like trash cans or furniture.

Ensuring Accessibility in your Building with PDQ

ADA compliance is essential for legal protection, moral duty, and business success. Following the Americans with Disabilities Act stops discrimination and ensures everyone has equal access.

Compliance helps avoid fines and lawsuits, creates a welcoming space, and builds a positive brand image. Contact us today to keep your building secure and compliant.