How well do you understand ADA compliance in the context of your business? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) businesses are required to make “reasonable accommodations” for individuals with qualified disabilities and a part of that accommodation includes access to your business. Your doors need to be ADA compliant regardless of the size of your business. Do you have a clear understanding of what is required for compliance with ADA door regulations? Here’s a quick look at some ADA compliant door FAQs.

Door Width and Surfaces

What is the surface requirement for ADA doors?

At a minimum, the bottom rail should be 10 inches from the finish floor, with a smooth surface on the push side that extends the entire width of the door. If there are parts that create horizontal or vertical joints on these surfaces, they must be within 1/16 inch of the existing plane as the other. Cavities should be capped and projections into the required clear opening width must not be lower than 34 inches above the finish floor or ground, with projections between 34 inches and 80 inches above the finish floor or ground no more than 4 inches.

How wide should door openings be?

The entryway or door opening must be a minimum of 32 inches wide and a maximum of 48 inches. The entryway of swinging doors should be measured between the face of the door and the stop, and the door must open 90 degrees. Entryways that are over 24 inches deep should have a clear opening of 36 inches minimum.

Handles, Pulls, Panic Bars

What does ADA regulation stipulate regarding the operable parts of door hardware?

ADA regulation requires that the operable parts of locks, exit devices, handles, pulls, latches, etc. on doors be 34 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground. These door hardware parts should be operable with a single hand and the force for activation of these parts should be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

Which door hardware is best?

For accommodating the greatest user range, door hardware that can be operated with a loose grip or closed fist and not require considerable dexterity and coordination are ideal.

Door Closers

What is the ADA compliant requirement regarding door closers?

From an open position of 90 degrees, doors equipped with an automatic closing device closer should take 5 seconds minimum to move the door to a position of 12 degrees from the latch. Spring hinged doors should close in 1.5 seconds minimum from an open position of 70 degrees.

What is the allowable force for opening doors? 

The force for pushing or pulling open an interior hinged door or gate, not including fire doors is a maximum of 5 pounds (22.2 N). The allowable force for fire doors is the minimum established by the appropriate administrative authority.

Secure Lock & Alarm: Providing ADA Compliant Door for Massachusetts Businesses

You have a responsibility to comply with the requirement for ADA doors if you operate a business that’s open to the public. Accommodating disabled persons should be a business priority and having ADA compliant doors that afford accessibility is crucial. Stay in compliance and avoid hefty fines, while ensuring the safety of both able-bodied and disabled individuals. Contact Secure Lock & Alarm today to have the areas leading door installer provide you business with  ADA compliant doors.