Sorry for the recent lack of posts, I’ve been fanatically working to complete the phone app for Accessibility and ADA. I start these projects thinking, “That should be simple. That couldn’t be that much work.”

Then reality happens. I get partially done and realize that I’m going to be partially done for a long time. Finally some mental switch flips for me and I realize that I need to do whatever it takes to finish. Well, I did and it is.

Here’s a sample of the information the phone app provides.

1. Accessible Routes

1.1.    What is an Accessible Route? A pedestrian pathway (accessible by wheelchair) from public transportation, public streets or sidewalks, or accessible parking spaces to any location in the facility except areas explained more fully in IBC 2009 1103.2. Examples of the exempt areas are equipment spaces used primarily by maintenance personnel, raised platforms less than 300 sf, most Group U Utility buildings, most floor levels that have less than 3,000 sf (IBC 2009 1104.4), walk-in coolers and freezers, construction sites, one and two family detached homes, etc.

1.2.    What slopes are required for an Accessible Route? Slopes for walkways may be up to 5% (<5/8th inch per foot) with cross slopes being a maximum of 2% (<1/4 inch per foot) (ANSI A117.1-2003, 403.3). see graphic.

(Note: sorry graphic isn’t posting right now due to a glitz, we’re working on it).

Understand that slopes less than 5% are not a ramp and don’t require handrails.

1.3.    What widths are required on an Accessible Route? Minimum clear width for doors or passage ways less than 24” long is 32”. Minimum clear width otherwise is 36” (ANSI A117.1-2003,  Table 403.5). see graphic

(Note: sorry graphic isn’t posting right now due to a glitz, we’re working on it).

1.4.    Which door types can’t be on an Accessible Route? Revolving doors, revolving gates and turnstiles may not be part of an accessible route (ANSI A117.1-2003, 402.3).

1.5.    What areas can’t an Accessible Route pass through? The Accessible Route should be similar to the general circulation path. It should not pass through kitchens, toilet rooms or storage rooms (IBC 2009 1104.5).

1.6.    How many accessible entrances are required? 60% of public entrances need to be accessible or at least one for a restricted entrance building (IBC 2009 1105). Note that accessible means of egress (IBC 2009 1007) are different than accessible entrances.

1.7.    When are Accessible Means of Egress Required? All accessible spaces need an Accessible Means of Egress except alterations to existing buildings, certain mezzanines and certain Assembly areas (IBC 2009 1007.1).

1.8.    Can an Exit Access Stairway be part of an Accessible Means of Egress? Yes, a stairway with 48” minimum clear distance between railings and an Area of Rescue Assistance (IBC 2009 1007.6) may be part of an Accessible Means of Egress (IBC 2009 1007.3). Fully sprinklered buildings are generally exempt from that 48” minimum width between railings and the Area of Rescue Assistance, but the specifics should be reviewed in the code book.

Please let me know if you find this helpful or have any comments. Though at this point it’s off to India for programming and will soon be released with the other phone apps. We are within a few days of getting the first four apps released and I’m excited. I have no idea if anyone will actually want them, but that’s what makes business fun…in a sick sort of way.