Graphics on a Glazed Egress Door

[tiffany.beffel]

Our communications team is wanting to put opaque graphics on a glazed egress door. I am recommending that the install height be no more than 48" to the top of the graphic to allow for visibility through the door glazing. Is there any code excerpts that support this or any other installation height? ADA provides some guidance, but it is relating to required signage rather than a marketing graphic. ADA also does give guidance for signage on doors with two active leaves. I am looking for any specific code references that support installation heights of non code prescribed signage. Thank you.

 

[walker.t]

to allow for visibility through the door glazing

In my opinion, when you are covering a glass door with an opaque graphic you are in effect creating one or more vision lights in the areas that are not obstructed by the graphics. Neither the ADA nor A117.1 gives a definition of “vision light” to know how large it has to be before it is actually considered a vision light. But because you are talking about leaving enough open space “to allow for visibility” I would treat the open area as a vision light.

I am recommending that the install height be no more than 48" to the top of the graphic to allow for visibility through the door glazing. Is there any code excerpts that support this or any other installation height?

Take a look at ADA 404.2.11 (or A117.1 404.2.10, the parallel provision in that standard,) these state that if a vision light is provided that at least one must have its lowest edge 43” maximum above the floor.

Also, I don’t think it matters if the door is an egress door or not, I’m not seeing anything in the ADA or A117.1 that differentiates between non-egress doors and egress doors when it comes to the requirements for vision lights.

I’m not familiar with accessibility requirements for marketing graphics, if there are any. And I’m not even sure what you mean by “marketing graphics,” like, is that the sign over the produce area that says, “Fresh Produce”? A picture of a cute puppy with “Pick me, pick me!” next to it? Can the “graphic” be considered “signage,” and if so is it a required sign?

glazed egress door

Be sure the graphics don’t camouflage the door, door must remain “readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors” per IBC 1010.1.

 

[tiffany.beffel]

Thank you very much for this information. Super helpful! The marketing graphics is like you had thought. No anything code related and not a required sign but could be considered signage. Our communications team is trying to put graphics (images and/or lettering) up in many places including right at the line of vision in our doors. Thank you again!

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Egress doors can be solid. We don't have to be able to see through exit doors. IMHO, there is nothing in the code or the ADA that in any way regulates the graphics you are describing.

 

[tiffany.beffel]

Egress doors can be solid. We don't have to be able to see through exit doors. IMHO, there is nothing in the code or the ADA that in any way regulates the graphics you are describing.

Absolutely correct. I think our main goal is to continue to have the doors operate with the visibility as initially intended rather than obstructing the line of vision. Thank you so much for your response.

 

[walker.t]

Thank you very much for this information.

You’re welcome!

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Absolutely correct. I think our main goal is to continue to have the doors operate with the visibility as initially intended rather than obstructing the line of vision. Thank you so much for your response.

The conundrum you are facing (or creating) is that by setting 48 inches as the maximum height for the graphics, by attempting to ensure visibility by able-bodied people you will also be ensuring that wheelchair occupants cannot see through the "vision" panel."

 

[JPohling]

Code, I think that there is absolutely code that would address this modification. Accessibility code as noted above requiring vision at 43" maximum. The 48" height would not be allowed.