To ensure people with disabilities can easily and safely access your business might require a few modifications to the building. Otherwise, failure to comply with guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) could result in costly fines and additional penalties that eat into profits. Installing handicapped-accessible doors is a key requirement, so here’s what you need to know.

How Many Handicapped-Accessible Doors Are Needed?

There should be at least one ADA-compliant door at each accessible entrance to any business as well as to accessible offices and conference rooms inside the building. In structures built after 1992, 60% of entrances the public can access must be accessible. The doors that lead to the building from parking decks, skywalks, and tunnels used for foot traffic must also be compliant, and there should be one accessible door at escape routes.

To make it easier for people using wheelchairs and walkers to maneuver, the doors must have at least a 32-inch clearance. To prevent tripping hazards or difficulty moving wheelchairs through entrances, thresholds can’t be more than 1/2-inch high. If the threshold is more than 1/4-inch high, it must be beveled.     

What Types of Doors Are Available?

When shopping for handicapped-accessible doors, keep in mind that no more than 5 pounds of force must be used to move handles and levers. People shouldn’t need to use a tight grasp or twist their wrists while operating the hardware, either.

To meet requirements, consider automatic doors that use push-plate operation. There are also plates available with motion sensors, where waving a hand over the installation will open the door. Many lever and U-shaped handles also meet requirements.  When the door swings toward the person, there must be at least 18 inches of room to maneuver. When the door swings away, the requirement is 12 inches.

To make your business safer and more comfortable for all employees and customers, reach out to Southern Ohio Door Controls, with locations in Cleves, OH, and Crestwood, KY. Since 1983, the company has been providing businesses throughout the tri-state area with handicapped-accessible doors by Horton®, Nabco Gyro Tech®, and other top names in the commercial door industry. See a complete list of brands online. To inquire about available products and get a free door installation estimate, call the Cleves location at (513) 353-4793 or (877) 304-0251 or dial the Crestwood office at (502) 376-8260.