One would think that implementing a mere restroom sign for the local office building would be as simple as pie. Now, take that pre-conceived notion, and toss it out of the window.
Basic questions ‘Signs of Intelligence’ ask ourselves before committing to an ADA order:
- Do we have the appropriate equipment necessary to CORRECTLY make this specific signage
- What do we have to study and train ourselves on to ensure proper execution of this project
ADA Regulations
Braille:
-The signage indicating permanent rooms or space must have Braille.
-Grade 2 and Dome Shape
-Shall be a direct translation and located below the copy
-For multiple lines of copy, Braille shall be located below the entire text
-Shall be lower case, except for proper nouns, individual letters, names, or acronyms
-Directional and informational signage does not require Braille
Copy:
-ADA 5/8″ minimum- 2″ maximum height
-Tactile- Raised 1/32″ minimum
-Located directly below pictogram, when applicable
-Line spacing shall be between 135%- 170% the height of the copy
-Characters shall contrast as much as possible with their background
Font Restrictions:
-San Serif: many people often ignore the fact that the tactile lettering should be sans serif, or in general that the character size is regulated
-15% maximum stroke width to letter height ratio
-ALL CAPS
-Cannot be: italic, oblique, script, decorative, bold, or unusual in any way
Finish & Contrast:
-Signs shall have a “Non-glare” finish
-Textured backgrounds shall be kept to a minimum as to not affect legibility
-Braille does not need to contrast with its background
-Signs intended to be read by touch shall not have sharp or abrasive edges
Title 24 California:
-Men- 12″ equilateral triangle
-Women- 12″ diameter circle
-Unisex- Triangle on 12″ circle: ¼” thick, does not take the place of required tactile ADA sign, mounted on door 60″ from centerline to finish floor
Spacing:
-We often see this concept problem when the physical design doesn’t allow enough room for compliant Braille and tactile, also could be pending upon the frame system
-ADA 6″ minimum unobstructed vertical Pictogram Field
-ADA 3/8″ minimum distance between the copy any raised elements
-PRODUCTION 0.405″ minimum distance between Braille & any other raised elements
Installation:
-Signs may not protrude more than 4″ from a wall
-Flag mounted signs & over-head signs must be mounted a minimum of 80″ from the finish floor
-Vertical placement based on tactile characters location:
-Minimum: Baseline of lowest character must be 48″ above the finish floor
-Maximum: Baseline of highest character must not extend past 60″ above the finish floor
-Tactile signs shall be located on the latch side of the door, to the right of double doors. If no space is available at the latch side of the door, or to the right of double doors, the sign shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall if no other space
-There must be a clear floor space of 18″ X 18″ minimum, centered on the tactile characters. This space should not be intersected by the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45-degree open position
Signs of Intelligence offers a variety of ADA compliant signage options. Without ADA compliance, the business is not up to code and can be subjected to potential lawsuits and penalties. Let us make the complicated decisions for you.
For more information, reach us at 470-395-0171
“Smarter Signs & Graphics for Today’s Smarter World”
