Portable Sanitation Association International

ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JULY 22, 2020 Page 9 ADA Compliance 30 Years On…Continued from page 4 Continued on page 10 Operators Weigh In The portable sanitation operators with whom we spoke had the following comments and suggestions regarding ADA-compliance in the five scenarios listed on page 4. Use of Different Wheelchair Units in the Field An operator we interviewed said that "educating the customer on the initial phone call [is] very important." When a customer calls and requests a unit, they generally use the generic name "ADA" when placing their order. This operator's company makes a point of explaining the difference between an ADA-compliant unit and a handicapped accessible unit. This company also has a price difference for these pieces of equipment with the ADA costing more to do its larger footprint, weight, and loading challenges. This company has had "very, very few objections to the price difference, primarily due to the education that we provide to the customer up front." Another operator uses a different approach. When speaking with customers, this company suggests using the ADA-compliant units for special events requiring accessibility by law, and the handicapped accessible units on job sites. "Given the small suburban communities that we service," this Operator "explains the differences on the phone but the customer makes the final decision." Therefore, it is theoretically possible that a non-ADA-compliant unit will be chosen and placed where an ADA-compliant unit is required. Having explained the differences to the customer, the operator feels the legal burden is on the customer at that point if the unit's compliance is questioned. A third operator has been in the portable sanitation business for many, many years. He states that several years ago, "we made the decision to use only 'official' ADA units in our company." This person feels that "at least one potential exposure is eliminated in that every unit meets ADA requirements." Placement of Units in the Field Communication with customers is key on ADA issues, just as it is with all other aspects of your work with them. One operator has guidelines for placement of ADA or handicapped accessible units that is shared with customers. They include: • Placement near other standard units. If the terrain is prohibitive, the unit should be as close as possible to the standard units. • The company has large and readable wheelchair decals on the unit. It is also suggested to the customer that additional signage be placed near the bank of standard units, or at any other appropriate location that is advisable in order to inform everyone that handicapped facilities are on site. • Emphasizing that standard curbs impede the ability of a handicapped individual to reach the unit unless a ramp is present.

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