Access update newsletter [2011, v.2 : no.1]

(\с*мл UfUfifa 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 By Laurel W. Wright, Chief Accessibility Code Consultant, NC Dept of Ins/OSFM (91 9) 661-5880 Ext 247 Laurel.Wright@ncdoi.gov NC ACCESSIBILITY CODE 2009 NC Bldg Code Ch. 11 2003 ICC/ANSI A1 17.1 Effective date: 1 Jan 2010 2010 ADA Standards: • Published: Federal Register 9/15/09 ♦ Enforceable 3/15/12 * Copy available: www.ada.aov SIGN UP FOR THE E-MAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST AT: www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/E naineerina/CodeServices/ engineering codeservice s interpretations accessi bilitv.asp See E-mail Updates at top of page. Changes from 2004 NCAC Charter Sch / Unsex Toilets 2 Evaluation Service Wbst 2 NORTH CAROLINA I DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE ©SFM Should I design to the 2009 NCBC or to the 201 0 ADA when I submit for my permit now that the 2010 ADA Standards are out? Which Code to Use: NCBC or 201 0 ADA? Everyone should know that North Carolina's current code is the 2009 NC Building Code with Ch. 1 1, which references the 2003 ANSI A1 17.1 It is easy to forget that there are accessibility provisions in other sections of the NCBC , too, though, so don't forget to check other chapters as well (Ch. 10, 34, App. E, etc.). The 201 2 NCBC will be based on the 2009 International Building Code and will reference the 2009 ANSI A1 17.1 . When it goes into effect on January 1st, 2012, it will be as close as possible to complying with the 2010 ADA Standards that will become enforceable on March 15, 2012. What many designers are choosing to do is to design a project now that complies with the 2010 ADA Standards so that when the project is constructed, it will comply with the ADA code in effect at the time that the Certificate of Occupancy is issued. If you, as the designer, are getting a permit now - you are required to comply with the NC building code in effect at the time that the project is permitted, i.e., the 2009 NCBC. You can always choose to design beyond the minimum code requirements. In discussions with the US Department of Justice, USDOJ has said that if the choice has been made to go with the 20 10 ADA Standards, then compliance with all the standards is what is required. This becomes a typical "You cannot pick and choose" between different code requirements. The recommendation is to pick one set of code requirements and go with that one set so that it is clear how the building is designed. That way, if there are any issues later, it will be as simple as possible to figure out. New DOI Policy: ANSI 606.5 Lavatories with Enhanced Reach Ranges Required for Nursery, Daycare, and K-3rd Grade The 2003 edition of ANSI has technical requirements that do not have specific scoping provisions in the 2009 NC Building Code. One of these is ANSI 606.5 Lavatories with Enhanced Reach Ranges which was developed for persons who are, as the ANSI Commentary states, short in stature or have limited reach range over the 34 inch lavatory or counter. While the height of a lavatory may be lower for children, children of younger ages do have a limited reach range. As a result, DOI has adopted the following policy, effective immediately: 2003 ANSI 606.5 Lavatories with Enhanced Reach Ranges is now applicable for daycare, nursery and К-З'З grades. This section addresses the location of reach range of lavatory controls (faucets) and soap dispensers, requiring them to have either 1 . A maximum reach depth of 1 1 inches from the front edge of the counter, or 2. If automatic, to be activated within a reach depth of 1 1 inches maximum. The water and soap flow shall be provided with a reach depth of 1 1 inches maximum as well. This does mean that lavatories for 3,a grade and below will have to be checked to determine whether or not the fixture will comply with the ANSI 606.5 requirement. This policy applies to the lavatories for all children in this age range (daycare, nursery and K-3,e grades), not just the accessible lavatories. The language in the ANSI Commentary describes it in slightly more detail and a photo is provided as well. Please confirm that your standard designs comply. Access may be provided from the side as well as from the front.