Tactile signage confusion

[jar546]

I really wish the ANSI 117.1 2003 would clean up a little bit. It seems as though just like all codes, you have to remember several sections just for compliance with 1 item. The figures also lead to confusion. As an example:

If you read the requirements and look at the figure for 703.3.10 it states and shows that 48" is acceptable as a minimum to the baseline of the lowest character. The figure also shows a braille below this 48" mark AFF.

However, when you go to 703.4.5 it states that the minimum height AFF to the baseline of the braille cells.

So when a contractor looks at figure 703.3.10 and places the sign exactly as shown, you know just how ****ed he is when I fail it because of 703.4.5. I would be ****ed too.

Let's not talk about the fact that accessible signs (not tactile, not braille) can be as low as 40" AFF to the baseline of the lowest character. WTF?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I always tell the contractor to wait and put the signs up when i'm there for the final, than I mark the wall at 48" and tell them to mount it above this mark. They almost always get it wrong otherwise. If they ask I tell them to mount the sign beween 48 and 60 inches.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I can never understand why a DP gives the minimum demension for the mouting height or the contractor wants to install them at that height. ANSI gives you 12 inches to work with mounting the signs.

703.3.10 Height above Floor.

Tactile characters shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the floor, measured to the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the floor, measured to the baseline of the highest tactile character.

As for your question about the figures

104.3 Figures.

Unless specifically stated, figures included herein are provided for informational purposes only and are not considered part of the standard.

 

[jar546]

I agree, I have been just telling them if it is 48" to the bottom of the sign they can't go wrong. Never mind, they can still do it wrong.

 

[RJJ]

They can go wrong even if you mark the wall with them.

 

[Glennman CBO]

The same goes with the 16" to 18" from the side wall to the center of the toilet. They always go to the 18", then end up over that amount. They have 2" of play, but they go to the limit instead. Go figure.

 

[alora]

Considering there's another code that should be followed over ANSI, you could just go 60" AFF to the centerline of the sign and be done with it.

Hint: 4.30.6