The ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, is a 1990 act passed by congress that prohibits discrimination of citizens based on physical abilities. As part of this act, commercial buildings are required to comply with ADA code which includes door handles as not to cause an unnecessary hindrance to those who cannot access doors traditionally. You need to make sure your entryways are ADA compliant.
Can a locksmith tell me if the door locks at my business are ADA compliant?
There’s a lot of nuance that goes into making sure a door handle is ADA compliant. This can include handle height, type, grip, and other aspects of the handle. A locksmith will be the best way to go to make sure your door is completely compliant, but you can do some research on your own to anticipate what you’re going to need to do to make sure your doors are compliant.
Below are some basics for making sure your door handles are ADA compliant. This is just a scratch into the surface, you’ll need to consult with a professional to learn more.
Handle Height
To comply with ADA standards, a door handle may be no lower than 34 inches from the floor and no higher than 48 inches above the floor. This is measured from the surface itself, and not from the bottom of the door. So be aware of that distinction as you go to measure your handle height for each door.
One-Hand Operation
All hardware designed to operate the opening and closing of a door must be able to be used with only one hand. It also cannot require the user to tightly grasp, pinch, or twist their wrists to operate the handle. Generally speaking, a closed fist or loose grip should be all a user needs to operate the door or it is not up to ADA compliance standards.
Strength
In addition to the level of dexterity needed to handle the door, the force needed to use the door should also not be excessive. A maximum weight of no more than 5 lbs should need be applied to operate a door. This also includes the use of operable parts of the door and not just the door itself.
Related Questions
How Large Is the Disabled Population of the US?
Apart from this being a government requirement in all commercial buildings, a large part of your clientele and potential consumers are likely Americans with disabilities. An estimated 18% of all Americans function with some sort of physical disability and the number is expected to grow from 50 million to over 70 million by 2030.
Are Traditional Door Knobs ADA Compliant?
They are not. The traditional door knob of your home requires a tighter grip and a twisting motion in the wrist that is forbidden under ADA regulations for door handles. Lever style handles are the most common door knob style that meets ADA requirements.
Making your business ADA friendly isn’t just a matter of compassion, it’s a matter of the law. You could be seriously fined if you don’t meet ADA compliance codes and a local locksmith can help you out.
Over 30 years of knowledge and experience makes Action Locksmith an expert at bringing your home or business up to code. As one of the best Locksmith Companies in Michigan, Action Locksmith provides emergency service 24/7 and can help you with all your door lock and security needs. From re-keying to keyless entry, camera installation and door repair, we do it all. If you need help with a safe, have an antique that needs a special key or would like a survey of your home’s security, give us a call, we are happy to help!