Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1272101
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JULY 22, 2020 Page 4 Continued on page 9 ADA Compliance 30 Years On…continued from page 2 We Need a Dialogue For these reasons, the PSAI would like to initiate the sharing of ideas, suggestions, and lessons learned from past experiences dealing with ADA compliance. This article should be viewed as the beginning of what we hope will be an important process between portable sanitation operators and suppliers in our industry. To avoid the conversation being pulled off course because of preexisting opinions that may be held regarding any relevant aspect of the topic, we will use the generic terms "operator" and "supplier" to explain the concepts that need exploration without naming any of the firms or individuals who provided background for this story. The five scenarios that need to be discussed include: 1. ADA units versus handicapped accessible units. 2. Placement of these units. 3. Restroom trailers that are not ADA accessible. 4. Hand wash sink stations that are not currently ADA compatible. 5. Sanitary stands that are not currently ADA compatible. Here is some information and comments from relevant operators and suppliers on these topics to start the discussion. Understand the Difference in Units for Wheelchairs There are essentially two types of large-sized portable restroom units available from suppliers. One is ADA- compliant, and one is not. A unit is ADA-compliant if it has these basic characteristics: • enough room for a full 360-degree wheelchair turn (60 inches), • a wide door with a latch, hinge, or device for easier closing, • construction to provide support for required grab handles, • a ramp or flat egress into the unit, and • the standard international symbol of accessibility decal on the outside of the unit. Larger units that are not ADA-compliant are sometimes referred to as "wheelchair accessible" or "handicap accessible" units, though they do not meet the ADA's space requirements. Suppliers have told the PSAI these units were developed as an alternative to the ADA-compliant units due to operator requests. Operators have voiced concerns about the size and weight of the ADA-compliant units. There are other needs—such as a family-friendly unit—for which these larger units are used. Typically, they: • offer enough space to perform a three-point turn in a wheelchair, • include a wide door with a latch, hinge, or other device for easier closing, and • support a ramp or flat egress into the unit. Since they do not strictly meet ADA requirements, they should not be counted as part of the units on a site that are required for compliance with the ADA.