As the manager or owner of a commercial building, you are required to make sure your building complies with all codes, laws, and regulations. If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at ADA provisions, you might want to review them to be sure your elevator is compliant. The following are some requirements to be aware of.
Electronic Operation
To be ADA compliant, your elevator must operate electronically. This means the doors have to open and close without anyone touching the actual doors. They need to have a reopening feature that will open the doors without physical contact when someone enters the elevator after the doors have already begun to close.
Floor Space
Your elevators need to have a certain amount of floor space to be ADA compliant. A wheelchair user should be able to comfortably enter and exit the elevator. He or she should be able to reach the controls as well, as they should also be a certain height from the floor.
Hall Signals
Elevators need to have visible and audible hall signals under ADA provisions. If you have more than one elevator in one hallway or location, each elevator should have its own audible, visible hall signal so the user knows which elevator has answered the call button. Ascending and descending directions should have appropriate audible signs, and users should have a verbal signal that shows whether the elevator is headed up or down.
Open Doors
When an elevator door opens, it needs to remain open for a minimum time of three seconds. This gives those with special needs an appropriate amount of time to enter or exit the elevator. If he or she needs more time, the electronic reopening feature should kick in.
Learning More About ADA Compliance
If you’re still unsure whether your commercial elevators are ADA compliant, consult with the professionals. Contact Keystone Elevator by calling 781-277-4655 or emailing us today to learn more!