Archive for the ‘Ada Signs’ Category

How to Ensure Your ADA Signs Are Compliant

by Annie Cooper

Regardless of the industry, it’s important all the signage used in your facilities adheres to compliance regulations laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law, which went into effect in 1992, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in everyday activities.

As part of its efforts to achieve that goal, the ADA lays down specific guidelines for the signage inside every building. A sign that designates a room – or a permanent space – must comply with many regulatory measures to ensure nondiscrimination. In addition to signs designating different rooms, the signs in your facilities that provide direction to or information about the functional spaces around your building must follow ADA law.

It can sometimes be difficult to understand and interpret government regulations and standards. Therefore, we’ve compiled this quick resource guide for ADA-compliant signage.

What Signs Must be ADA Compliant?

ADA guidelines require that any sign identifying a permanent room or space have braille text. In those cases, Grade 2 braille should be used. Signs must meet specific requirements and specifications regarding the size, height, and location of braille characters.

The ADA does not require that temporary signs be compliant when used in a room whose function might change (i.e. a classroom that may occasionally be used as a science lab but may also be used for history).

What are the Regulations for ADA Signage?

1. RAISED CHARACTERS AND BRAILLE

Letters and numerals of SANS SERIF or SIMPLE SERIF type should be raised 1/32 in, with Grade 2 Braille accompanying them. There should be at least 5/8 inch (16 mm) of space between raised characters, but no more than 2 inches (50 mm).

  • No Access ADA Braille Sign
    83339
  • All Gender ADA Braille Sign
    83323
  • No Cellphone ADA Braille Sign
    83336
83339 – No Access W/ Symbol – ADA Braille Tactile Sign
83323 – All Gender W/ Wheelchair Symbol – ADA Braille Tactile Sign
83336 – No Cellphones W/ Symbol – ADA Braille Tactile Sign

2. PICTOGRAMS

The pictogram (if provided) should be accompanied by its equivalent verbal description, directly beneath the pictogram. Pictograms are figures that depict what the words are stating. The height of the pictogram’s border must be not less than 6 in (152 mm). (This does not mean the pictogram must be 6 inches high, but everything must fit within a minimum border of 6 inches.)

3. FINISH AND CONTRAST

A sign’s characters and background should be matte, eggshell, or another non-glare finish. Symbols and characters should contrast with their backgrounds – either light over dark or dark over light.

4. MOUNTING LOCATION

The signage should be located adjacent to the latch side of the door (including double-leaf doors), not on the door itself. Individuals who are visually impaired are instructed to locate the door handle, then to look for a sign on the wall adjacent to it. By placing the sign on the door, or on the wrong side of the door, the person risks being struck by an opening door, or even missing it altogether.

5. MOUNTING HEIGHT

To mount the sign, you will need to mount it at a height of 60 inches (1525 mm) above the finish floor. The signage location should be positioned so a person can approach the signage within 3 inches (76 mm) without being obstructed by protruding objects or standing in the swing of a door.

6. DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Parts of the guidelines also apply to signs providing directions to functional areas of a building. Adding an accessibility symbol to a directional sign is required when there is not an accessible entrance at every entrance of the building. In providing directions, the signage should be positioned so that it does not lead to a person to an inaccessible entrance.

Directional signs should be installed in non-accessible restrooms and point the user to the accessible restroom. The same applies to non-accessible telephones. A symbol for accessibility must also appear on these signs.

  • Entrance Left ADA Braille Sign
    ADA311
  • Entrance Right ADA Braille Sign
    ADA310
  • Stairs ADA Braille Sign
    GBR10
ADA311 – Entrance (Left Arrow) ADA Sign
ADA310 – Entrance (Right Arrow) ADA Sign
GBR10 – Glow In The Dark ADA Braille Sign

7. INFORMATIONAL SIGNS

Informational signs might be placed at assembly areas to indicate the presence of accessible seating and available listening aids. A sign like this would be posted at the ticket counter.

From labels and tags to ADA Braille Signs, Emedco has all the products you need to keep workers safe and compliant in your facilities. Just give our team of professionals a call at (866) 748-5963 or visit Emedco.com to find safety solutions for every challenge.

Product Spotlight: Safety Signs

by emedco

safetysigns

Safety signs are an essential tool to clearly notify employees and visitors of company policies and warn of dangers. Emedco has a huge selection of safety signs in various materials and sizes. They not only keep workers safe, but also help your facility maintain compliance and avoid hefty fines. Visit Emedco.com Today to get the sign you need.

Between the Lines: Why Parking Lot Stencils are Important

by emedco

Whether it’s a few yards of clear pavement outside the front door or a sprawling plain of blacktop, a parking lot is a parking lot — whether or not it has parking lot stencils that help organize it. This means your parking lot is a legally regulated space, which is just as important to your business’ regulatory compliance as any other part. In particular, regulations dealing with disabled persons and proper marking and signage still apply.

Parking Lot Stencils

Use parking lot stencils to make your lots more than just a space for vehicles.

It’s a good thing, then, that keeping compliant with regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) don’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, it can be as simple as holding a parking lot stencil and getting down with a can of spray paint. Of course, at that point, it’s important to choose the right kind of parking lot stencils to convey all the necessary information quickly, concisely and correctly. Choice matters, and that’s why we’re here with a few useful parking lot stencil products to suit your needs.

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Fighting for the ADA: A Brief History

by emedco

Everywhere you look, you’re sure to spot an ADA or a Braille sign near doors, restrooms, and on directories. In a culture that is so accepting of others, it’s hard to believe those with disabilities had a 20-year fight to gain equality.

ADA and Braille Signs

Support persons with disabilities by erecting ADA-compliant and Braille-enhanced signs.

Following the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, advocates for the handicapped decided it was their time to fight for the end of discrimination. For years, supporters wrote letters and stated their pleas to the government, while Congressional leaders held meetings behind closed doors. Finally, in 1973, the Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which banned discrimination of the disabled under any federal program or activity.

This was the first major victory in the fight for equality, but the government had failed to define what non-discrimination meant to those who are disabled.

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Get to Know Your Signs

by emedco

You need signs to guide your workers as they go about their daily lives and warn them of workplace hazards. But aside from that, you should also use signs to meet legal requirements. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the proper design, application, and use of safety signs as outlined in Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags (1910.145).

Safety sign

Traffic signs remind your employees to stay safe even on the road.

According to 1910.145, signs must be free from sharp edges, so stick to round or blunt corners. You should also follow the color standards, such as red, black and white for danger signs and yellow background with black letters for caution signs.  OSHA requires that signs be visible to employees at all times.

Here at Emedco, we offer a wide variety of signs that comply with OSHA’s requirements. Take your pick! (more…)

Know Your ADA Signs

by emedco

Whatever type of business you’re in, you should cater to the disabled as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One way you can do this is by putting up ADA-compliant handicapped signs.

ADA Braille Signs

Use ADA signs to cater to the disabled.

Use ADA signs to help the handicapped find their way around your facility by identifying rooms and passageways. Here are the factors you need to consider when looking for or posting handicapped signs. (more…)

Emedco’s Five Most Popular Traffic Signs

by emedco

Whether you’re driving to the office, going out for lunch, or driving to the mall, you see traffic signs everywhere. According to the US Department of Transportation, traffic signs keep you safe by notifying you of road regulations and potential hazards. They also guide your way by telling you proper directions.

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs keep you safe by preventing accidents.

But have you ever wondered which traffic signs are the most popular? Emedco clues you in on our best sellers. (more…)

Six Guidelines for Buying and Installing ADA Signs

by emedco

Handicap Parking Signs

You see handicap or ADA signs everywhere, especially because they are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). From parking lots of supermarkets to offices, these signs help handicapped people go about their daily lives without assistance. After all, without these signs, they may not get that parking space reserved for their vehicle.

But simply buying these ADA signs is not enough ― you have to ensure they are installed properly. Here are a few guidelines, based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, to help you buy the right ADA signs and install them properly: (more…)

Spring Clean-up… in your parking lot!

by emedco

Do pesky potholes have your workers whining?  Faded lines leading to crooked cars?  Time to give your parking lot a much needed makeover!

Follow these steps to create an updated parking lot with a re-vamped appearance.  Remember – your parking lot is the first thing seen by customers!