ADA Standards and Elevators
As a building owner, you likely know about the ADA. The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, has specific requirements for different aspects of a property, including the elevators. Understanding and complying to the basics of the ADA regulations will help you keep your elevators safe for all.
Basics of Elevator Provisions
There are specific ADA provisions for elevators. These provisions include the following:
- All call buttons in the elevator have to be centered at 42 inches above the floor and should have signals to display when a call is recorded or answered
- Elevators must stay open for 3 seconds
- Elevators must open and close automatically and include a reopening feature
- Elevators must have control features such as buttons and braille control designators
- The floor of an elevator should have plenty of room for a wheelchair
- Handrails must be at approximately 30 inches
- Emergency control buttons should be in an accessible area
The point of these regulations is to ensure that at least one elevator in the building is accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.
Importance of Maintenance
Elevators break down from time to time, even more so when not maintained properly. When an elevator is out of order or being repaired, those who are able can take the stairs. However, the stairs are not a viable option for all, especially those who use a walker or a wheelchair to get around. Frequent breakdowns will have much more of an effect on those with disabilities. Make sure your building is safe and welcoming for all by staying up to date with maintenance and remaining ADA compliant.
If you aren’t sure that your property is up to the latest ADA standards and requirements, you can contact Puget Sound Elevator Company to assess and update your elevator. Call 425-800-8256 or email us today for more information.