The Importance of ADA Compliant Exit Signs for Businesses

1. The Importance of ADA Compliant Exit Signs for Businesses

2. In today’s business environment, the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can hardly be understated. This federal law has brought about fundamental changes in societal attitudes towards inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for businesses. The ADA, particularly its 2010 standards for accessible design, has proven instrumental in progressively shaping community behavior towards more tolerance and inclusion. A crucial aspect of these standards is ADA compliant exit signs, which are pivotal for businesses to remain ADA compliant and avoid hefty penalties. The specifications for ADA exit sign locations are quite detailed, highlighting the thoughtfulness put into these federal regulations. ADA compliant exit signs are mandated in nearly all businesses with 15 or more full-time employees, notably at every exit door. They are also required for identifying permanent rooms or spaces within a building, such as bathrooms, kitchens, exam rooms, etc. Moreover, ADA signs are crucial for safety within any public building, offering information or directions towards emergency exits, regular and emergency exit doors, stairs, elevators, and so on. Information or directional signs along the access route, guiding individuals to emergency exits, restrooms, and other significant accessible spaces, are also required.

3. A Deeper Look at ADA Compliant Exit Signs Regarding ADA compliant exit signs, it’s important to note that doorway exit signs and emergency exits that are overhead or visual only, or use pictograms only, must be accompanied by an ADA Braille sign, also known as an ADA tactile sign, using grade #2 Braille. The tactile sign must also contain raised characters. These signs should be installed on the adjacent wall to the exit doors or exit discharge on the latch side of the door. There are specific requirements for ADA compliant exit signs to ensure optimum visibility and accessibility. They should use high contrast colors between the text and background and feature a non-glare background finish, a sans serif font, and all uppercase characters. Additionally, they should be mindful of character proportions and spacing, as well as stroke thickness. Tactile exit signs should be mounted with the baseline character of the raised lettering measuring 48″ inches minimum to 60″ inches maximum from the ground surface. Clear floor space in front of a tactile sign should be enough to allow a person in a wheelchair comfortable access.

4. For new constructions of any public building from 2010 onwards, accessibility is a requirement right from the start. This includes having at least two exit doors or escape routes in case of an emergency, each equipped with ADA exit signs that incorporate visual, tactile, and Braille elements in their design. Specific regulations exist for emergency exit double doors. If both panels or sides are active, the exit signs need to be placed on the right side of the right doors. If only one side is functional, the tactile sign’s requirements state it should be positioned on the inactive side. In all other cases, ADA signs should be on the adjacent wall of the side of the door with the latch. The Department of Justice is partially responsible for enforcing ADA requirements for businesses. Non-compliance can lead to steep fines, even reaching $75,000 for first violations and $150,000 for each subsequent violation. Businesses, especially new ones, cannot afford such financial setbacks. Shopping For ADA Compliant Exit Signs Online It’s crucial to trust professional signage companies like Braille Sign Pros, who are authorities on all signs needed for ADA compliance, including ADA compliant exit signs. They offer professional custom work, standard stock options, excellent customer service, and excellent prices to meet all your ADA compliant signage needs. If you are a facility manager looking to invest in high-quality braille signage, this is the only place you need to go online.

5. Contact Us Braille Sign Pros LLC Email: sales@braillesignpros.com Website: www.braillesignpros.com Phone: 888-297-8577 Add: PO Box 678 Lindstrom, MN 55045