Prioritizing accessibility for everyone in your business is not only a service to your customers but to humanity too. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your space should adhere to ADA requirements including ADA knee clearance. The ADA guidelines are designed to provide enough space for people using wheelchairs to access sinks, counters and other fixtures comfortably. However, meeting these standards can be challenging which can lead to mistakes.
This article aims to explain some of the common mistakes in ADA knee clearance and how you can avoid them.
Examples of mistakes in ADA knee clearance
- Inadequate depth and height
One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide the required depth and height for knee clearance. According to ADA guidelines, knee clearance must be at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide and 19 inches deep to allow a wheelchair user to move around freely.
How to avoid:
To avoid this mistake, carefully review the ADA standards for accessible design before you begin construction or renovation. Use the right measuring tools and double-check the measurements during the planning and execution phase to ensure compliance.
- Installing obstructions under the fixtures
Installing pipes, cabinetry and other obstructions under sinks can block the required knee clearance. While these objects may seem minor, they can make a space to be non-compliant and inaccessible.
How to avoid
To avoid this mistake, use insulation or protective covering on exposed pipes. This is a better option than allowing them to reduce the available space under the sink. Ensure cabinets and other objects are installed elsewhere to maintain a clear area underneath.
- Neglecting Toe Clearance
ADA guidelines also require toe clearance. Toe clearance is different from knee clearance however they’re closely related. Many designers focus more on the knees, forgetting the 9-inch toe clearance required for accessibility.
How to avoid
You need to include both toe and knee clearance in your designs the toe clearance should extend an additional 6 inches beyond the required knee depth, ensuring that people with mobility issues have enough space.
- Poor quality control during construction
Even with the best design, mistakes can happen during construction if the engineers or contractors are not well-versed in ADA requirements. Slight mistakes or oversight can result in non-compliance.
How to avoid
Avoid working with contractors who are inexperienced in ADA compliance. Conduct regular inspections during construction to confirm that the measurements align with the instructions in the guidelines.
Conclusion
Ensuring ADA compliance in your business not only ensures you’re meeting legal requirements, it also creates an environment that is accessible and usable for everyone, especially those with disabilities. When ensuring ADA compliance, you must avoid the common mistakes others make. By addressing these mistakes, you create a space that promotes accessibility for everyone.