In a country where there are actually “disability lawsuit activists,” modernizing your elevators in Denver is not just about performance or aesthetics anymore, it’s also about making sure there is nothing to nitpick about your Elevator cars as regards accessibility by the disabled. 

This month, Applied Elevator will be featuring many of the details that go into making your elevator cars either compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—or not. 

Do Freight Elevators Have To Be ADA Compliant?

Under the regulations and engineering standards adopted in the wake of the ADA, the answer depends upon whether the elevator in question has a mixed use purpose. An elevator strictly used for freight and not passengers, and not serving the general public, are typically exempted from ADA compliance.

Does It Matter If My Cars Are Old? Are They Grandfathered?

Generally speaking, the answer to these questions is “No.” In fact the age of your cars could be all but screaming “non-compliant” if you haven’t updated them to comply with the law. If your elevator car can dimensionally accommodate a wheelchair, (80”W X 54”D with a 36” minimum door opening), even if only for a solo trip, it must be modified for such a passenger to operate the car, make emergency communication, be self leveling for arrivals and stops, as well as also meeting the needs of passengers with other forms of disability, such as the sight and hearing impaired.

ADA Compliant Elevators in Denver, From The Outside In

Lobby and Hall Call Buttons and Lanterns. The upper height limit for call buttons is set at 42” and all such buttons, whether flushed or raised, are required to have visual indicators for calling and answering. The top button must always be “up.” The minimum size of the buttons is ¾ in. in diameter. Hall lanterns with visible and audible indicators for car call and arrival have to be centered no lower than 72” from the floor. The audible indicator must chime once for “up” and twice for “down” or must pronounce the car travel direction in English.

Raised English characters and Braille placards indicating the floor number must be mounted on an entryway jamb centered at 60” above the floor.

Contact Applied Elevator 

We have vast experience modernizing elevators in Denver. In the next segment, we will cover some of what the doors and car interior require to be considered Ada Compliant.

The post Ensuring That Your Elevators in Denver are ADA Compliant appeared first on Applied Elevator.