The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposes many obligations on businesses. Generally speaking, they need to ensure that their facilities and services are equally accessible to all, regardless of their medical condition.
One of the many requirements for an ADA-compliant facility is to have accessible entrances. Businesses erecting new facilities generally need to ensure that 60% of all entrances meet compliance standards. Even those operating in existing buildings may need to invest in modifications to make entrances accessible.
What are the requirements for accessible entrances?
Closing speed for a door
Having a door remain open for long enough is crucial. People attempting to exit or enter a building while using mobility assistance devices need time to move without rushing and risking a fall. Crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs can slow people’s rate of travel. Therefore, accessible entranceways need doors that close slowly. They should provide at least five seconds of time as they move between 90⁰ open and 12⁰ open.
Reduced opening force
Accessible doors need to be easy for people with reduced strength to open. Current ADA standards allow for a maximum of five pounds of force at most to open an accessible door. There are exceptions for fire doors and certain hinged exterior doors. While automatic opening doors are not mandatory, they help ensure compliance with both opening force and closing speed rules.
Maneuvering clearance
There needs to be adequate room around a door for someone in a wheelchair to turn and maneuver. Generally, that means offering a level, smooth surface on both sides of the doorway. The clearance areas for the two sides of the doorway can overlap. Failing to provide accessible entrances and clearly mark them for the public could potentially lead to an ADA lawsuit. People who cannot access the business can initiate legal action that can cost the company tens of thousands of dollars in penalties and may lead to a requirement to make costly changes to a facility.
Learning about ADA requirements can help businesses limit the risk of an ADA lawsuit based on the state of their physical facilities. Accessible entrances are a key aspect of modern ADA compliance.