Field Tolerances are permitted during construction, but not allowed for design. It is important that designs do not include ± on dimensions, as this would provide a moving target rather than complying dimensions. The field “tolerance” or adjustment” is allowed in construction due to minor differences in finish materials and their installation.

An exception to the allowance for field tolerances is when the ADA specifies a range. (see ADA Standards Figure 604.2) Water Closets (toilets) are shown in the figure as having a minimum and maximum dimension. The tolerance is “built-in” to this range so that no field condition would warrant acceptable deviations. The designer may wish to show the range with a note to the installer that no field tolerance outside this range is allowed. Another common use of ranges is in ADA 2010 Standards Figure 505.4 Handrail Height. The dimensions are now expressed as 34”-38” to top of the handrail. Many designers are still using the old “center of handrail” dimension, which could lead to unacceptable field compliance.

Whenever the ADA indicates both endpoints of a range with a number, then designers and installers should be aware that the field tolerance is already a part of the dimension and lies between the two points.

 

NOTE: The answers provided are the opinion of the author, and should not be relied upon as ADA interpretations may vary.

The 2010 ADA Standards require permanent rooms to be identified with signs containing raised characters and Braille. If pictograms are included to designate a toilet room, then the raised characters and Braille are to be installed directly below the pictogram. If the establishment has both complying and non-complying toilet rooms, then signage designating the complying toilet room will also include the international symbol of accessibility.

The toilet room sign may then look like the following:

Sign installation height is primarily regulated by two dimensions:
a) Height to the lowest portion of Braille
b) Height to the lowest portion of the highest row of text

 

NOTE: The answers provided are the opinion of the author, and should not be relied upon as ADA interpretations may vary.

 ADA Accessibility Training News & Updates

Approximately 40 designers, code officials and consultants attended the two days of accessibility training during the week long 21st Annual AZBO Spring Education Seminar in Tucson this April. The highlights for each day serve as a reminder that a civil rights law can be enforced as a code or standard within the built environment. If you missed out on this opportunity, don’t worry. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming ADA training classes this Fall in Prescott.

Highlights/Topics Discussed

Day 1 (April 17, 2014): The 2010 Standards for Accessible Design

• Arizona adoption requirements
• History and changes in the ADAAG since 1991
• Differences between enforcing a building code and the department of Justice Enforcing a Civil Rights Law
• How the ADA Standards differ from the IBC/ANSI
• What it means to be “Accessible”
• How to read, interpret, design, build to and enforce the ADA Standards
• Accessible routes and exceptions
• Working with defined terms
• Critique of ramps, curb ramps, door approaches, and other elements of accessible design

Day 2 (April 18, 2014): ADA for Existing Buildings and Alterations

• How the ICC existing building code has been coordinated with the ADA
• Landlord and tenant responsibilities
• Removal of barriers and how this requirement effects building design and permits
• Simplifying safe harbors
• Alterations and identifying primary use areas of a building
• The good and not-so-good truncated domes
• What a complete set of building plans should include
• Better understanding the mixed uses of buildings on a site and how to apply the ADA