Handicap doors not only provide a courteous and necessary service to those living with disabilities, but they’re also required by law. If you’re a business owner with a building that’s available to the public, you’ll want to look into these regulations. Below, Southern Ohio Door Controls located in Cleves, OH, shares some helpful information about handicap doors and their requirements.

A Brief Guide to Handicap Doors

What Are They?

Handicap doors enable those who use wheelchairs or have issues with mobility to enter a building or room by pressing an automated button. Opening a door from a wheelchair can be extremely difficult and the lack of handicap doors can restrict access to certain areas.

Where Do You Need Them?

These doors are required in every public building and should allow those with disabilities to access every space that those without disabilities can access. When you have a bank of doors, only one needs to be handicap accessible. Public entrances, bathroom doors, emergency exits, and other accessible spaces within public buildings are required to have them as well. 

How Do They Work?

Handicap doors can be activated either with a button or with a motion sensor. Many use a mechanical arm located at the top of the door that slowly swings it open and closed behind the user. The button or sensor sends a signal to the box attached to the entrance, which then pushes the door open with its automated arm.

There are a number of regulations attached to handicap doors, including a threshold height of no more than half an inch, a width of at least 32 inches to allow wheelchairs to pass, and a button that is reachable by those sitting down. For safety and convenience, these openers operate slowly, allowing enough time for the user to pass through the door before it closes. 

Whether you need revolving, fully automated, or handicap doors installed, Southern Ohio Door Controls can help. They work hard to ensure the reliability, safety, and functionality of each entrance they install. They even provide door repair for those unexpected breakdowns. Contact them today at (513) 353-4793 or visit their website to learn more.