On July 26, 1991 the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board published the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). ADA established accessibility requirements for new construction and alterations of State and local government facilities.
Listed below are ADA compliant requirements for ground and floor surfaces, check if your floor or ramp os ADA compliant:
- General Ground and Floor Surfaces
- ADA ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes must be stable, firm and slip-resistant. Wheelchairs move most easily on hard, stable, and regular surfaces. Soft loose surfaces such as sand or gravel, wet clay, or cobblestones can make it difficult for wheelchairs to move in ease.
- Gratings
- If gratings are located in walking surfaces, then they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2 in (13 mm) wide in one direction
- If gratings have elongated openings, then they shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the main direction of travel
- Slip Resistance
- Slip resistance is based on the frictional force necessary between the shoe and walking surface
- OSHA recommends that walking surfaces have a coefficient of friction of 0.5
- Changes in Level
- Changes in level up to 1/4 in (6 mm) may be vertical and without edge treatment
- Changes in level between 1/4 in and 1/2 in (6 mm and 13 mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2
- Changes in level greater than 1/2 in (13 mm) shall be flush and free of abrupt changes
- Carpet
- If carpet is used, then it shall be securely attached
- The maximum thickness shall be 1/2 in (13 mm)
- Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to the floor and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge
ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG). https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/background/adaag
If your surfaces utilize SLIPNOT, view SLIPNOT’s ADA compliant information: What Makes SLIPNOT ADA Compliant?