Detectable Warnings

[gbhammer]

A planner from our zoning department just asked if detectable warnings were no longer required because of revisions by the DOJ to the ADA Standards. Apparently a contractor for the DOT in our area has said that they are no longer required.

Anyone know something about this that I can't find on the web?

:???:

 

[Paul Sweet]

The Proposed Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way requires them.

http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/nprm.htm

 

[Examiner]

They never were required in the ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003. The ICC ANSI A117.1 states where provided.

406.13 Detectable Warnings at Curb Ramps.

Where detectable warnings are provided on curb ramps, they shall comply with Sections 406.13 and 705.

The only place in the ICC and Feds accessible guidelines for detectable warnings is only at rail transportation platforms.

805.5.2 Detectable Warnings. Platform boarding edges not protected by platform screens or guards shall have a detectable warning complying with Section 705, 24 inches (610 mm) in width, along the full length of the public use area of the platform.

The new 2010 ADA put it off on the Department of Transportation; therefore, the possible requirement occurring in the Public Right of Ways. Not required in parking lots or crossings therein. Drive entrances located in the Public Right of Way that has sidewalks also in the ROW will require detectable Warnings. However, note that the link Paul provided is a Proposed Rulemaking. I have not heard if it is now set in stone.

Your area may require them if you have amended the Codes.

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

Required. Apparently there were studies on the negative effects of detectable warning pads (DWP) in cold climates, but very little was published or made available to the general public. They are directional cues for people with vision impairments. Ever try going up an 8.33% curb ramp over the DWP when it is snowing? It took me three trys to get my front wheels to line up where they would go through the nobs. I was thankful there was a landing at the top so I didn't roll back down the ramp and into the street.

 

[gbhammer]

Ever try going up an 8.33% curb ramp over the DWP when it is snowing? It took me three trys to get my front wheels to line up where they would go through the nobs. I was thankful there was a landing at the top so I didn't roll back down the ramp and into the street.

I wondered about that. It seemed to me that it would be an obstacle to a chair, cane, or walker.

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

They never were required in the ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003. The ICC ANSI A117.1 states where provided.406.13 Detectable Warnings at Curb Ramps.

Where detectable warnings are provided on curb ramps, they shall comply with Sections 406.13 and 705.

The only place in the ICC and Feds accessible guidelines for detectable warnings is only at rail transportation platforms.

805.5.2 Detectable Warnings. Platform boarding edges not protected by platform screens or guards shall have a detectable warning complying with Section 705, 24 inches (610 mm) in width, along the full length of the public use area of the platform.

The new 2010 ADA put it off on the Department of Transportation; therefore, the possible requirement occurring in the Public Right of Ways. Not required in parking lots or crossings therein. Drive entrances located in the Public Right of Way that has sidewalks also in the ROW will require detectable Warnings. However, note that the link Paul provided is a Proposed Rulemaking. I have not heard if it is now set in stone.

Your area may require them if you have amended the Codes.

I get what you are saying about the 2003 ANSI, but 406.12 (raised marked crossings) does not have the "where provided" verbage...it is more of "shall be." Otherwise, I don't believe the 2009 ANSI amended any of the language either, which then defaults the requirement to the scoping provisions of the local AHJ. I believe the official adoption date has been announced for 2012 on the PROWAG document Paul linked. We require them at all in-site accessible routes to the PROW.

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

I wondered about that. It seemed to me that it would be an obstacle to a chair, cane, or walker.

Our office picked up a chair that we use on our assembly occupancy final inspections...it has a way of getting contractor's and owner's attention.

 

[gbhammer]

That is a great idea.

 

[jeffc]

The 2009 IBC, section 1109.9 states, Passenger transit platforms edges bordering a drop-off and not protected by platform screens or guards shall have a detectable warning. So we don't require detectable warnings with the bs (building stuff) I see.

 

[dbrown]

I spent the last 2 days at an ADA conference, one of the exercises involved us going to the parking lot of the technical college we were at and trying to get around it in a wheelchair, very eye opening! The representative of the Access Board gave us some contact info: 800-872-2253 or 202-272-0080, outdoor@access-board.gov , www.access-board.gov. They encourage questions about situations you may have. The gentleman's name that spoke was Bill Botten, excellent speaker, he travels the country speeking on behalf of the Access Board.