Portable Sanitation Association International

ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JULY 22, 2020 Page 13 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)…Continued from page 12 What is required to ensure the "path of travel" is compliant? A path of travel includes a continuous, unobstructed way of pedestrian passage by which the accessible unit may be approached, entered, and exited. When bidding jobs that will include ADA-compliant units, portable restroom operators should discuss the customer's expectations for how the compliant path of travel will be achieved. If the customer expects the portable restroom operator will provide ramps or other means of access, this needs to be considered in the bidding process. The ADA National Network provides this guidance for providers of portable restrooms: Some portable restrooms make use of a ramp that slopes directly up to the entrance door, making it difficult or impossible for people in wheelchairs to climb the ramp and pull the stall door open at the same time. While these units are helpful to some people, they still are not accessible to many others. Accessible portable toilet units must be positioned on a level area that connects with an accessible route and have adequate space just outside the entrance door for people in wheelchairs to maneuver into position to open the door and enter. On steeply sloping sites, a temporary platform may be needed to provide this level area. The door threshold must be accessible. Outdoor surfaces are often uneven and may require a small bevel to level out the transition between the ground surface and door threshold. Units can be placed on or adjacent to parking lots or other paved surfaces. What else do I need to know to comply with the ADA? • Portable restroom units that meet the above space and range reaches per this Act are deemed "ADA- compliant." Other large units are sold using terms such as "handicap accessible" or "wheelchair accessible." Portable restroom operators should be aware that these units may not meet the ADA space and turn requirements specified in the law. This should be taken into account in talking with customers and planning for compliance. • The International Symbol of Accessibility must be posted on the ADA- compliant units. • Providing a typical ADA-compliant portable unit for persons with disabilities to use when a substantially better alternative, such as a climate- controlled portable restroom trailer with flushing toilets, is provided for able-bodied users is not strictly consistent with the requirements of the ADA. Operators and customers should be aware of this and adjust their equipment accordingly. • Even during the time of COVID-19, if an event is held for the public, it must be ADA compliant. Be sure to review the PSAI's COVID-19 guidance for event sites to ensure that your social distancing equipment set up is consistent with the ADA. v For other ADA questions, call the ADA National Network at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY). The Network has 10 regional centers in the United States. Visit the ADA National Network website to find your center. Members conducting business outside the United States are advised to check with local government officials concerning accessibility requirements in those countries.

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