Understanding ADA Compliance for Exit Signs
What does it mean to be ADA-compliant? For starters, it means your facility is accessible to people who are handicapped or who have disabilities by adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
With over 61 million people with disabilities in the United States, it’s challenging to know the exact number of patrons and employees who may have disabilities that come into your facility. Working with a company that specializes in ADA-compliant signage ensures you have the signs you need and they’re properly positioned where they’re supposed to be.
The importance of ADA exit signage cannot be understated. It points the way to where people come in and go out. Clarity and direction for these locations and signage are crucial in emergencies, and so they must meet specific standards to ensure safe, accessible spaces for everyone, including people with disabilities. Clear and direct ADA-compliant exit signs help reduce panic, keep people safe, and limit damage in the case of fire, flood, or other emergencies requiring immediate evacuation.
To ensure safe navigation for everyone, ADA regulations cover two main kinds of exit signs:
- Directional: These signs provide directions to the building’s exits and are usually placed on the walls of large spaces, staircases, and hallways. This includes any directional ADA exit route sign, evacuation instructions, and exit route maps.
- Doorway Exit Signs: These signs lead to exits and must follow ADA sign installation guidelines for placement.
Height & Location Requirements for ADA Exit Signs
In order for ADA exit signs to be considered both accessible and effective, they need to follow installation rules:
- ADA Exit Sign Height: ADA Braille exit sign requirements state that they must be mounted on the adjacent wall to each exit door with the lowest line of text no less than 48″ from the floor and the highest line no more than 60″ from the floor.
- ADA Exit Sign Location: Door type also affects placement, with signs installed on the latch side of single doors. For double doors, the sign can go on the inactive door side if only one door is active and to the right of the right door if both doors are active. If you’re short on space, for auto-close doors without a hold-open device, ADA Braille exit signs can go on the push side of the door. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure there is 18″ x 18″ of clear floor space in front of the sign so it’s easy for patrons to approach and read.
- ADA Exit Sign Placement: Perpendicular signs (signs that project from the wall) or overhead signs that hang from the ceiling also have guidelines that state the bottom of the sign must be at least 80″ from the finished floor. It’s also essential that they do not interfere with the operation of any doors, sprinklers, or emergency equipment.
Types of ADA Exit Signage
Before you install exit ADA signs, it’s important to understand the different types to ensure your building meets compliance standards and the needs of all individuals. They’re not one-size-fits-all. Instead, they come in various forms, with each serving a unique purpose.
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Illuminated Signs
An illuminated exit ADA sign is critical for visibility during power outages or low-light conditions. They usually feature a backup batter to ensure they stay functional in emergencies. Illuminate exit signs are required to have clear, consistent lighting that doesn’t produce a glare.
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High-Contrast Signs
High-contrast ADA exit signs feature bold lettering and sharp distinctions between the text and background for better readability and visibility for those who may be visually impaired.
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Tactile with Braille
Tactile ADA exit signs with Braille feature raised characters, enabling blind or visually impaired people to understand exit information through touch. They must meet the specific height, character, and spacing requirements discussed below.
Each type of ADA exit sign has its own set of best practices to ensure all facility patrons can maneuver safely and comfortably in public spaces. For example, we always place illuminated signs in locations with maximum visibility. Additionally, tactile signs must follow the precise installation rules we mentioned above for accessibility.
ADA Braille and Tactile Exit Signs
As a cornerstone of ADA compliance, tactile and Braille exit signs are designed to ensure that people with limited vision can get around your facility safely. Having raised characters and Braille lettering makes signs accessible through touch and invites those with disabilities to also enjoy their surroundings.
Rules for Signs
Guidelines state that all doors must have ADA exit signage; however, not all signs must include visual and tactile characters together. For instance, you could pair a ceiling-mounted illuminated sign with a tactile braille sign next to an exit for maximum compliance.
There are several design rules that the ADA outlines for tactile signs:
- Fonts must be sans serif and characters must be uppercase.
- the width of the uppercase “O” should be between 55% and 11% of the height of the uppercase “I.”
- Character height must range from 5/8″ to 2″.
- Raised characters should be at least 1/32″ above the background and should be separated by at least 3/8″ from decorative elements.
- Signs must have a non-glare finish and maintain a contrast level of approximately 70% between the text and the background.
In the case of an emergency, people with visual impairments depend on Braille and tactile elements to safely and independently maneuver throughout your building. Trust Bell Company, Inc. to ensure accessibility for everyone in your space by following ADA exit signage requirements to a T.
Why You Need to Follow ADA Exit Sign Requirements
Ignoring the requirements for ADA exit signs can significantly impact not only the people you serve but your business as well.
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Reputation
Failing to provide signage that is accessible sends a message that can alienate those who are handicapped or who have disabilities. Negative opinions about your business being uncaring or inaccessible can spread quickly and be hard to shake—ultimately negatively impacting your reputation and, quite likely, your bottom line.
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Safety
ADA-compliant signs are lifesaving in emergency situations. People with disabilities may struggle to find exits without them, which can increase their risk of injury during evacuations. Having the proper ADA exit signs ensure everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate your building safely.
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Finances
It’s also important to know that noncompliance can result in hefty fines of up to $75,000 per violation in addition to costly lawsuits. Your business is held accountable for maintaining ADA standards even if an emergency never occurs.
Ultimately, adhering to ADA guidelines protects people and your business.
Create Custom ADA Signs and Braille Signs with Bell Company, Inc.
Don’t risk outsourcing your ADA signage to just anyone. With over 75 years of experience, our team specializes in creating custom ADA-compliant signs, including Braille and tactile options. We’re equipped to meet your building’s unique needs from design to installation. We’ll ensure every detail meets ADA standards and exceeds yours by prioritizing accessibility and safety. Get in touch today for a quote on our high-quality exit signage that supports an accessible environment.
