Serving Special Needs Populations: ADA-Compliant Products and Services

May 2, 2016
Key factors that determine ADA code compliance and allow safe use of an opening by handicapped persons: latching, clearance, opening force and closing speed. While not required by ADA, automated openings may be a good option.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability. The Department of Justice enforces the ADA through complaints, lawsuits, consent decrees, settlement agreements, and alternate dispute resolution (mediation).

Since portions of the ADA deal with locksmith-related door hardware, this code compliance issue provides opportunities for the locksmith to better serve the public and generate revenues by responding to clients who have found themselves with an ADA violation, or by advising clients of possible violations and helping them avoid being cited for violations in the first place. Knowledge of ADA is also necessary when selecting hardware for projects.

Although ADA is primarily concerned with non-residential premises, typically the guidelines set forth in the ADA are applicable to residential premises where disabled individuals may be present. Also ADA guidelines are consistent with and usually do not contradict other model Building Codes. 

Six Factors for ADA Compliance

  1. Latch requirements for an opening

Latch requirements focus on the mechanism used to open the door. Accessible doors can be opened with one hand and do not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. Acceptable designs include lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms and U-shaped handles. In terms of sliding doors, the operating hardware must be exposed and usable from both sides (when fully open).

  1. Characteristics of a clear opening

A clear opening must meet ADA standards for height, width and threshold measurements. By ADA standards, a door must be at least 80 inches in height. The width of a door must be a minimum of 32 inches and a maximum of 48 inches. It is important to remember that the clear width measurement is taken between the face of the door and the stop (with the door open to 90 degrees). Different rules apply to double-leaf doorways.

In doorways with two independently operated leaves, at least one of the active leaves must have a minimum clear opening of 32 inches, measured between the face of the door and stop (with the door open 90 degrees). Any projections on the face of the door must be set no lower than 34 inches above the floor or ground and must not extend more than 4 inches from the surface of the door.

Door surfaces within 10 inches of the floor or ground must be smooth on the push side and extend the full width of the door. Any parts creating a horizontal or vertical joint on the surface must be within 1/16 inch in depth. Cavities created by added kick plates must be capped.

Some disabled persons must push against a door with their chair or walker to open it. Applied kick plates and latch guards on doors with closers can reduce required maintenance by withstanding abuse from wheelchairs and canes. Vertical rods and latch guards protect the bottom rod of an exit device from damaging impacts caused by carts, gurneys and wheelchairs. If these rods are damaged, the exit device will not function as intended and can jeopardize safe exits during an emergency.

In addition to protecting the vertical rod, the guard provides a smooth unobstructed surface so the door can be pushed open easily with the bumpers of a wheelchair. The latch guard portion fits 10 inches above the bottom edge of the door and features a 45-degree ramp.

Also "less bottom rod" is also now specified for ADA. This allows no rod interference at the bottom of the door. However, if there is a "pair of doors," then a UL listed fire pin must be supplied to latch both doors together at the bottom with a standard surface vertical rod latch bolt at the top of both doors.

To be effective, kick plates should cover the door width, save approximately two inches. They should extend 16 inches from the door's bottom edge and be centered across the width of the door.

Thresholds must not exceed 3/4 inch in height for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 inch for other types of doors.

Changes in level up to 1/4 inch can be vertical and do not need an edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must have a beveled slope equaling 1:2. If the changes in level are greater than 1/2 inch, there must be a ramp. The floor or ground surface within the maneuvering clearances at the doorway must not have a slope steeper than 1:48.

  1. Opening force requirements for an opening 

Opening force requirements are critical to ensure that an opening is ADA compliant. Many disabled people have diminished strength; however, most can exert at least 5 lbf (pound force) in both pushing and pulling from a stationary position. The maximum opening force requirement for an interior, non-fire rated door is 5 lbs.

For an exterior door, the compliant opening force is determined by the local authorities having jurisdiction. This flexibility exists as environmental factors, such as wind and pressure differences, vary greatly by location. Many states have set the maximum opening force at 8.5 lbs.

If the requirements in question can not be met, an automatic or power-assisted door must be provided. 

To calculate force, measure 30 inches away from the hinge or to the centerline of the trim (whatever is greater). ADA law does not list instructions on how to measure the force of a door.

The particulars can be found in ANSI A156.4-4.3, the standards for door closers.

The greatest obstacle to meeting opening force requirements is balancing efficiency and accessibility. Five pounds of opening force is equal to only three pounds of closing force (ANSI 156.4 says that all Grade 1 door closers must meet a 60% efficiency rating). So, sometimes when a door opens with less than 5 lbs. and you have positive pressure, weather-strip, or wind condition, the door may not close with sufficient power to latch the door.

Essentially, if a door is easy to open, it is easy to keep open. If adjusted properly, mechanical closers can meet ADA requirements without losing control of the door.

There are two types of door closer designs: rack and pinion and cam and roller. Cam and roller technology allows for the most efficient and best door control, while maintaining the power to close doors. In doing so, it allows the door to remain secure where it is most important to do so - at the latch.

In many cases, the closer is blamed for closing problems. Most of the time, however, the door frame and door installation are to blame.

  1. Closing speed requirements for a door

Doors with delayed action features allow the individual more time to maneuver. Closing speed, as determined by ADA guidelines 4.13.10, requires a minimum sweep period of three seconds from an open position of 70 degrees to a point three inches from the latch (measured to the leading edge of the door). While the delayed action feature is not mandatory by law, it helps to accommodate those with disabilities.

  1. Identify the need for an automated opening

Automated openings are not required by the ADA, but they can avoid many issues. Automated openings make entering a building, using restrooms and exiting a building much easier for the disabled.

There are two types of automatic doors – low energy and high energy. 

A low energy door operates slowly with minimal force, do not require safety devices, involves a “Knowing Act device (example pushplate), and strives for barrier free accessibility. 

Low energy doors must comply with ANSI 156.19. They can not open any faster than three seconds to 80 degrees and four seconds to 90 degrees. They require no more than 15 pound obstruction to stop moving and, therefore, do not require guard rails, safety mats or canceling scanners which are all common safety equipment required for full energy door operators.

A high energy doors open by sensing an approaching pedestrian; operates quickly and opens 100% of the time, requires safety devices and targets all pedestrians. They must comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10. High energy doors can swing as fast as 1.5 seconds to 80 degrees and may require up to 40 pounds of movement to stop. As a result, high energy doors need guard rails, safety mats and/or canceling scanners to prevent injuries from occurring.

 6. Minimum speed requirements for an auto operated door

To meet ADA regulations, it is necessary to determine the amount of pounds force required to release the latch, set the door in motion and swing the door to the open position. A Door Pressure Gauge (DPG) can be used. Most DPG’s have a range of 0-35 pounds. The more pressure exerted against the gauge, the higher the pound force being applied.

Industry Resource

Many locksmiths take training and obtain certification from AAADM (The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers), website http://www.aaadm.com/.

This is the trade association of power-operated automatic door manufacturers established in 1994 to raise public awareness about automatic doors and administer a program to certify automatic door inspectors.
This site provides useful information for door professionalsarchitects and property owners on topics including automatic door usage, application and safety.

By being certified by AAADM, I am kept current on industry standards and practices, get project leads from entities visiting the site, and maintain my standing as a professional door operator installer and inspector.

The ADA sets minimum standards. State and local building codes may be more stringent. The Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (LAHJ) is responsible to enforce the ADA.

For information about the ADA, including the latest revised ADA regulations, visit the Department’s Web Site, www.ADA.gov.

And check out the following products that may be useful for ADA openings.

DORMA ED900

With an innovative electromechanical drive and microprocessor motion control system, DORMA’s ED900 is an advanced low-energy swing door power operator that is exceptionally quiet, safe, and easy to use. When operated manually, the ED900 demands little physical effort, while advanced power assist through the entire opening cycle makes even the heaviest-rated door feel light.

The ED900 is fully ADA compliant – helpful for children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, or those carrying or pushing objects. The operator is exceptionally quiet, safe, and easy to use. Doors open at precisely controlled speeds and forces, assuring safety for all users.

The ED900 features Contour design for a highly aesthetic look especially when used with the TS93 family of closers.

Certifications include:

  • ANSI/BHMA 156.19 - Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors.
  • UL and CUL listed for fire door operators with automatic closers.
  • ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable buildings and facilities.
  • Underwriters Laboratories: ANSI/UL 325 Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems.
  • California State Fire Marshall (CSFM) approved.

Features include:

  • Low energy function to cycle the door open as programmed.
  • Power assist function for decreased opening force when manually operated.
  • Operator to have a programmable push and go.
  • All operators to have programmable sweep speed, latch speed, and backcheck cushioning.
  • Operators to have the following programmable options for power open functions: delay time, opening time/
  • opening force, opening angle, and door width selector.
  • Operators to have selectable jumper to accommodate push or pull side applications.
  • Operators to have on/off strike delay when the ED900 must delay while a locking device releases.
  • Push side (top jamb) and pull side (track) arms to be available.
  • All operators will be hard wired.
  • All operators to have selectable on/off obstacle detection on closing.

More Info: www.dorma.com

Dortronics' 5286 Push Plates

Ideal for use in office buildings, institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, banks, etc. where codes require a readily apparent and easy to use door control or electric lock release and an architecturally coordinated, aesthetically pleasing, appearance is required.

Standard 5286 exit release switches feature a large, easily operated, 1-1/2” x 3” push plate.

The push plate is available in two sizes and three different back mounting plates to meet all installation requirements. Both the push plates and the back mounting plates have smooth beveled edges on all four sides to enhance appearance. These assemblies are joined from the back with concealed screws to resist tampering.

Typically used for mounting on narrow door frames and aluminum mullions, the “N” style devices consist of the standard 1-1/2” x 3” push plate mated with a narrow 1-3/4” wide back plate for hollow metal or aluminum frame mounting. They are furnished with slotted oval head stainless steel screws for direct mounting to frame or partition box within frame.

The “W” Series push plate consists of a 1-1/2" x 3" push plate with a 3" wide back plate for standard single gang box mounting. They are furnished with standard slotted head screws.

The “D” Series has a large 4" x 4" push plate with a 4-5/8” wide back plate prepared for mounting to a double gang box. They are ffrnished with pre-assembled socket head mounting screws easily accessible through small holes in the push plate.

Push plates switches are available with alternate action, momentary or time delayed contacts.

The adjustable delay action assemblies utilize a miniature pneumatic timer, adjustable from 2 to 60 seconds, with a compression spring under the push plate.

All switch assemblies are rated for heavy duty usage and are furnished with color-coded wire leads for easy hook-up.

More Info: www.dortronics.com

ADAEZ Door Opener/Operator

The ADAEZ is an automatic door opener designed to meet the rigorous demands of institutional, commercial applications. The ADAEZ is an ADA compliant Low Energy Door operator which fully conforms to the ANSI A156.19 code requirements. It is offered by Norton Door Controls.

The ADAEZ operates in both automatic and manual modes. When used manually, the unit functions like an ordinary hydraulic door closer. Opening and closing forces are fully adjustable. A Dynamic Braking / Back check Braking module protects the door, frame, and operator from damage due to high winds or abuse.

Under automatic operation the ADAEZ controls the opening speed, opening force, hold open time, closing speed, and closing force. Patented Auto-Tune feature sets these parameters automatically to ensure safety and compliance with ANSI A156.19 code.

The ADAEZ can be found in schools, universities, banks, hospitals, healthcare facilities, museums, airports, hotels, retail outlets, casinos, laboratories, embassies, and other public buildings around the world.

Features include:

  • ADA / ANSI A156.19 Compliant Design and Operation
  • Door Mounted Operator for Ease of Installation
  • PUSH Side (Parallel Arm) Mounting or PULL Side (Standard Arm) Mounting Hardware
  • Mounting Hardware for Virtually any Door and Frame
  • Automatic Handing Selector – Non Handed
  • Wireless RF Stainless Steel Pushbuttons - Heavy Duty, Weatherized, Surface Mounted
  • Dynamic Braking for High Wind Applications
  • Electronic Back Check for Abusive Environments
  • Fully Adjustable Closing Spring – Size 2 to Size 6 Closer
  • Brushless DC Motor/Gearbox delivers up to a 10M Activation Cycle Life
  • Integral ON / OFF Selector Switch
  • Easy to Use Mounting Template – Installation Instructions – Telephone Technical Support

The ADA EZ should be applied to doors using the 80/25 guideline. Apply ADA EZ to a door that gets approximately 80 manual cycles or more per day and is used 25 percent or less automatically.

When applied using the 80/25 guideline, the ADA EZ will self-generate all the power it needs to keep its field replaceable, onboard, battery pack charged for up to 12 years and in some cases longer.

A fully charged battery has the capability to open a door up to 2000 times in a row, generously allowing for periodic fluctuations from 80/25 guidelines with little impact on the product’s overall usability. For example 30% automatic use for one day is not a problem, so long as that level of automatic use is not sustained.

To use the ADA EZ outside of the 80/25 parameters, simply plug the unit into a common 110 VAC electrical outlet using the 1015P Hardwire Kit option. The Hardwire Kit is a low voltage plug in transformer and can be added to existing installed field units.

More Info: www.nortondoorcontrols.com

Paxton Readers with HID Technology™

Paxton Access has announced the addition of HID™ functionality to its most popular readers on response to requests from its customers to broaden the compatibility of the Paxton product line and make upgrades easier. This will enable the use of existing HID and new Paxton tokens within the same system.

Paxton has expanded the technology in its P50M Reader,

P75 Reader, Net2 PaxLock and Net2 Entry reader range

by adding Genuine HID Technology™. Customers can now use existing HID 125kHz credentials already issued on any of these readers, including the company’s desktop enrollment reader.

Wiegand communications have also been added and will be offered in addition to clock and data on the P50M and P75, making these readers highly versatile with Paxton solutions or third party panels.

The initial phase includes:

  • Added functionality reading of HID™ 125kHz Proximity tokens
  • Added functionality of Wiegand output on the P50M and P75 readers
  • Release of v5.03 SR3 software, containing the firmware for Net2 PaxLock US, required for use with HID™ 125kHz Proximity tokens

More Info: www.paxtonaccess.com

 CANSEC Zodiac Link

Looking for the enhanced authentication of biometrics? Zodiac LinkTM is Cansec’s latest addition to its field-proven line of fingerprint readers. Building on the success of the Zodiac 250, new features have been added. User capacity is increased from 250 users to 2,000. You can now link up to five readers with all user programming done from a designated Master. You can also copy user templates from one unit to the other in case one is damaged and needs to be replaced. No need to re-enroll users.

Just like the Zodiac 250, it can be used to directly control a door or it can be connected to any Wiegand-compatible access control panel. And like the 250, you can upgrade a regular prox reader to biometrics in under five minutes.

Features include:

  • Enroll and manage up to 2,000 users (2 templates per user) right at the reader
  • For use as a stand-alone system or “Link” up to 5 readers together via RS-485 (all user programming done at the Master is sent to all connected Slaves)
  • No PC or software required
  • User templates can be copied from one unit to another - no need to re-enroll users should a damaged unit need to be replaced
  • Use with a ZDCM Door Control Module for a totally stand-alone solution
  • Alternatively, allows existing proximity readers in the standard access control system to be upgraded to biometrics in under 5 minutes
  • Two-line LCD display guides users easily through all programming functions
  • No credentials required

More info: www.cansec.com