Access Update Newsletter
2014 May
Volume 5, Issue 1
By Laurel W. Wright, Chief Accessibility Code Consultant, NC Dept of Ins/OSFM (919) 661-5880 Ext 247 Laurel.Wright@ncdoi.gov
Research the www.ada.gov Website
Bldg Code Council Mtgs - Recorded
Every once in a while, it is nice to have a brand new reference site to go to. Today is the day to remind you that the US Dept. of Justice’s website at www.ada.gov is an excellent location for finding many things.
The main menu in navy blue across the top holds options for LAW/REGULATIONS, DESIGN STANDARDS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MATERIALS, and ENFORCEMENT.
For handouts on specific issues, an excellent page to
check and book mark is : http://www.ada.gov/ta-pubs-pg2.htm
If you are not seeing what you are searching for right away, there are two helpful methods at your fingertips. One is the SEARCH BOX at the top right side of the page. This will search the entire website, based on the search criteria entered. The other is the SITE MAP at the lower right side of the page.
There are helpful documents on the
following items well worth checking out:
• A Primer for Small Business
• Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
• Effective Communication
• Accessible Pools – Means of Entry and Exit
• Accessibility Requirements for Existing pools at Hotels and other Public Accommodations
• Service Animals
• Ticket Sales
A wonderful reference!
The NC Building Code Council meets regularly on a quarterly schedule on the second Tuesday of March, June, September and December. Their meetings are typically held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC.
We know that these meetings have always been on your to-do list, but often when the time comes, there is something else that heads to the top of the list in terms of priority. So, NCDOI now records the meetings and posts the
recordings on the NCDOI website.
If you go to www.ncdoi.com/osfm , then select Engineering and Codes, then Building Code Council, you will go to the BCC’s home page. The menu to the right →
gives you the option to select:
LISTEN TO PAST BUILDING CODE COUNCIL MEETINGS
From that point, you can select which portion of the meeting you wish to listen to. [The working meeting before the actual meeting is not recorded.]
This is a wonderful feature as you can select the issue that you are most interested about and do not have to listen through the entire meeting.
NC ACCESSIBILITY CODE
2012 NC Bldg Code Ch. 11
2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1
Mandatory: 1 Jun 2012
Click here TO SIGN UP FOR THIS E-MAIL NEWSLETTER OR SCAN THIS WITH YOUR SMART PHONE:
Individual Highlights
48” Ext Path of Travel 2
USDOJ Mediation Prog 2
NCBC App E105.2 W/D 3
2014 Public Swim Std 3
Grade 2 Braille Ref. 4
Reminders/Q+A 4
New ADA Civil Penalties 4
2010 ADA STANDARDS:
• Mandatory 3/15/12
• Copy available: www.ada.gov
This is a combination AccessUpdate and TechData Newsletter with information from both USDOJ and ADA as well as NC Building Code and ANSI information – enjoy!2
48” Exterior Path of Travel
USDOJ Mediation Program Info
The Department of Justice has issued two new publications explaining its ADA Mediation Program. Through its Program, the Department of Justice resolves many ADA complaints quickly and effectively at no cost to the parties. Resolving ADA Complaints Through Mediation: An Overview outlines the Program, and The ADA Mediation Program: Questions and Answers responds to frequently asked questions about the Program.
To find out more about the ADA and the ADA Mediation Program, call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or visit its ADA.gov website.
[The above was reprinted from the USDOJ newsletter.]
A recent newsletter from the US Access Board had the following exciting news:
Based on the values assigned to the firmness and stability measurements, the findings indicate that several types of surface materials tested, when installed according to the study's protocols, maintained a consistently firm and stable surface. These included the 3/4" size limestone aggregate, the polyurethane stabilizer, and one of the polymer stabilizers. In addition, the researchers concluded that based on the study's data, "a trail composed of an all-aggregate material, when constructed to specified parameters, could be maintained with little or no maintenance as a firm and stable surface." However, they also identified areas where further research is needed.
In a second phase of the project, researchers conducted a nationwide survey of trail managers to gather information on types of surface materials and treatments used and their effectiveness. Among 39 trails reviewed in the survey response, most were composed of native or natural soils or crushed rock and only a small portion (less than 8%) involved some type of stabilizer.
These and other conclusions are discussed in a report on the project, "National Trail Surfaces Study: Final Report," which is available on NCA's website.
To get additional information, go to: http://www.access-board.gov/
There is an article/link titled: • Board Sponsored Study Completed on Natural Trail Surface Materials
(March 25)3
NCBC App E105.2 – Laundry Equipment
New Public Swimming Standard
Background: I have a new coin laundry facility installing 25 dryers and 36 washers. There are 3 types of dryers, 30lbs, 50lbs and 80lbs capacity units and there are 5 types of washers, 20lbs, 30lbs, 50lbs, 60lbs and 90lbs capacity units.
Q: Should the accessible dryer and washer units be dispersed among the different capacities (one of each size) or just apply a flat 5%?
A: Since this is a stand-alone facility, not associated with a condominium or townhomes, NCBC App E105.2 applies. While NCBC 1109.12 will require the controls to be within the accessible reach ranges, that requirements will be applicable for only a certain number of machines. In this case two of the washing machines [NCBC App E105.2.1] and two of the clothes dryers [NCBC App E105.2.2].
The question then becomes: which two to choose? Considering the capacity range of washers and dryers, logic may select a choice of making the following dryers: 30 lbs and 80 lbs,, and the following washers: 30 lbs or 50lbs and 90 lbs accessible. The rationale behind the selection is that a person can always put fewer clothes in a larger machine, but cannot put the same amount in a smaller machine. The cost of doing so may require additional machines and require additional time. It the owner wishes to provide more than the minimum required number of washers or dryers, that would be acceptable also.
Reprint from the Distribution Notice:
(ALEXANDRIA, VA) - In honor of National Water Safety Month and the opening of public pools in May, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals announces its newly revised standard for public swimming pools, and is offering it free to public health officials across the country.
To complement this offering, APSP is also bundling its public pool and spa water quality standard free of charge. With these two standards, public health officials now have a complete package for public pool design and construction standards and water quality standards.
Approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/APSP/International Code Council (ICC)-1 2014 Standard for Public Swimming Pools features significant changes that will impact pool builders, installers and pool operators nationwide and protect those who use and enjoy public pools. The ANSI/APSP-11 2009 Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas provides recommended minimum guidelines for pool and spa water quality and chemistry in public pools and spas.
“In the interest of public safety, we are offering public health officials a free copy of these important standards so they have the most up-to-date information to protect the public in an aquatic environment,” said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP senior director, technical & standards. “I encourage officials to register for their free copies at APSP.org/PublicPoolStandards.”
The new standard covers public swimming pools used for swimming, bathing, competitive activities or recreational activities that are operated by an owner, lessee, operator, licensee or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged for use. Public swimming pools covered by this Standard include class A (competition pools), B (Any pool intended for public recreational use not otherwise classified), C, (hotels, motels and condominiums) and F (wading) pools. The ANSI/APSP/ICC-1 2014 is different from its 2003 predecessor in that the revised version addresses advanced technology, safety, and an improved understanding of best practices for constructing and renovating public swimming pools. Several major changes include an updated Appendix A on the Chemical Operational Parameters; a new Appendix B, “Water Velocity Limits” that describes how to determine the water velocity requirements of a public pool to achieve maximum performance safety and energy efficiency; and an expanded section on wading pools.
“This latest revision spans 23 years as an ANSI approved standard whose time tested requirements have been adopted in part or in total by various state and local health departments,” said DiGiovanni. “
The design and construction practices in this standard are based upon sound engineering principles, research, and field experience, that when applied properly, contribute to the delivery and installation of a safe pool for the public to enjoy for generations to come.”
Public health officials can register for their free copies of the standards at APSP.org/PublicPoolStandards. Others who want to purchase the standards may do so by visiting APSP.org/Store.4
Grade 2 Braille
Reminders/Q+A
New ADA Civil Monetary Penalties – Reprint from USDOJ
On March 28, 2014, the Department issued a Final Rule that adjusts for inflation the civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced by the Civil Rights Division, including those assessed under title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For the ADA, this adjustment increases the maximum civil penalty for a first violation from $55,000 to $75,000; for a subsequent violation the new maximum is $150,000. The new maximums apply only to violations occurring on or after April 28, 2014. This Final Rule, and the civil penalty adjustments made therein, were non-discretionary and required by statute.
To find out more about the ADA or this Final Rule, call the Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access its ADA.gov website.
THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF CALLS THAT REMIND AccessUpdate THAT OTHERS MAY NEED A REFRESHER OF SOME BASIC REQUIREMENTS HIDDEN AWAY IN THE ANSI STANDARD…
ANSI 604.9.3 requires self-closing doors for Wheelchair Accessible Compartments.
ANSI 604.10.3 also requires self-closing doors for Ambulatory Accessible Compartments.
DO YOU HAVE AN HISTORIC RAILROAD CAR? HERE IS A CONVERSATION ON HOW TO ADDRESS IT:
Q: I have an old historic City owned train caboose in our Historic District that someone wants to use for an art gallery. The two big issues I see are restrooms and accessibility. I have the restrooms worked out with a city owned building next to it with accessible restrooms on an accessible route. Even if we install a ramp or lift, there are other issues like doorway widths to comply with. Do you know of any compromises on accessibility that I can use? NCBC 3411 gives some exemptions on historic buildings. Could that apply?
A: Assuming that the train has been designated as an historic entity by either state or federal, the use of NCBC 3411 may be a logical solution. It has been used that way before. You may wish to check with the State Historic Preservation Office for any other assistance.
Q2: Just so I am clear, NCBC 3411 would exempt the structure from accessibility requirements as long as it is contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district as referenced in NCBC. 3411.2 exception #2?
A2: Not really. The facility is required to comply with all accessibility requirements unless doing so would damage the historic fabric of the structure (which is where the State Historic Preservation Office comes in). If it does, then NCBC 3411 is used for those items mentioned.
This latest may be of help to you if you are trying to check out what your Grade 2 Braille signage says. Occasionally someone files a complaint, or may ask how many characters the Grade 2 Braille stair sign has and this website may be able to assist you:
http://www.brailletranslator.org/
Please note that this is a tool, it is not a substitute for having the translation done professionally. But it may help you in a pinch when you need to find something out quickly.