Tactile Warning on Doors

[LGreene]

Someone recently asked me about tactile warning on doors, specifically whether it was required for stair doors. I wrote an article for my blog about it, but would love to hear what you all have to say. http://idighardware.com/2012/09/q-a-tactile-warning/

a) Is tactile warning on doors to hazardous areas required in your jurisdiction?

b) Do you require tactile warning on stair doors?

c) If you do require tactile warning, what material/process do you allow?

d) If you require tactile warning on doors to hazardous areas, which rooms do you consider hazardous?

 

[mtlogcabin]

If a jurisdiction adopted Appendix E then all permanent rooms and space would have to be identified with a tactile sign

E107.2 Designations.

Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall be tactile. Where pictograms are provided as designations of interior rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall have tactile text descriptors. Signs required to provide tactile characters and pictograms shall comply with ICC A117.1

To answer you questions

a) No

b) No, just signage when required by the IBC

c) No

d) No

 

[mark handler]

Two comments

1. Tactile Signage should not be "on doors"

2. Tactile Signage varies depending on what state you are in, not all use ANSI, or the IBC or the 2010 ADASAD.

They all vary.

 

[LGreene]

Traditionally, tactile warning was knurling or an abrasive coating / tape on the lever handle. Tactile signage is a different topic, although is is related because tactile signage could make the tactile warning on lever handles less important.

 

[zigmark]

Interesting, I did not catch the distinction in your OP about tactile warning - vs- tactile signage. Like the others I presumed that you were refering to signage as well. I have not encountered tactile warning on a door handle that I can recall. I would have to answer NO to each of your questions. So is there a code provision in the '09 IBC I have overlooked regarding this, and could you provide the reference if so? I'm familiar with the signage requirements but not this.

ZIG

 

[Paul Sweet]

The detectable (or tactile) warning that used to be required at the top of stairs was in the floor finish, not on the door hardware. Before ADAAG, several different textures, including exposed aggregate or grooved concrete, were considered to be detectable.

 

[LGreene]

Interesting, I did not catch the distinction in your OP about tactile warning - vs- tactile signage. Like the others I presumed that you were refering to signage as well. I have not encountered tactile warning on a door handle that I can recall. I would have to answer NO to each of your questions. So is there a code provision in the '09 IBC I have overlooked regarding this, and could you provide the reference if so? I'm familiar with the signage requirements but not this.ZIG

There is nothing in the IBC that requires a tactile warning on door hardware. It was in A117.1 way back in 1986 but was removed from the next edition. But old codes and standards never die, they just show up as either state requirements, or in some AHJ's enforcement toolbag. In Massachusetts, tactile warning is in our Architectural Access Board Standards - 521 CMR. It's also in the UFAS.

 

[LGreene]

The detectable (or tactile) warning that used to be required at the top of stairs was in the floor finish, not on the door hardware. Before ADAAG, several different textures, including exposed aggregate or grooved concrete, were considered to be detectable.

I agree, but it is being misapplied (IMO) by the Department of Health in a jurisdiction in the NYC area.

 

[TJacobs]

2006 IBC:

1011.3 Tactile exit signs.

A tactile sign stating EXIT and complying with ICC A117.1 shall be provided adjacent to each door to an egress stairway, an exit passageway and the exit discharge.

 

[TJacobs]

Answers are for Illinois using the 1997 Illinois Accessibility Code:

a) Is tactile warning on doors to hazardous areas required in your jurisdiction? Yes IAC 400.310(t)(2)

b) Do you require tactile warning on stair doors? Yes at top of stair, not door IAC 400.310(t)(3)

c) If you do require tactile warning, what material/process do you allow? see code text below

d) If you require tactile warning on doors to hazardous areas, which rooms do you consider hazardous? see code text below



400.310 t) Detectable Warnings

Detectable warnings shall be provided as follows:

1) Detectable Warnings on Walking Surfaces. Detectable warning features

on walking surfaces shall consist of exposed aggregate concrete, cushioned

surfaces made of rubber or plastic, raised strips, or grooves. Features shall

contrast with that of the surrounding surface. Raised strips or grooves shall

comply with Illustration B, Fig. 40.

2) Tactile Warnings on Doors to Hazardous Areas. Doors that lead to areas

that might prove dangerous to a person who is visually impaired (for

example, doors to loading platforms, boiler rooms, stages, etc.) shall be

made identifiable to the touch by a textured surface on the door handle, knob,

pull, or other operating hardware. This textured surface may be made by

knurling or roughening or by a material applied to the contact surface. Such

textured surfaces shall not be provided for emergency exit doors or any doors

other than those to hazardous areas. See definition of "Hazardous Area".

3) Detectable Warnings at Stairs. All stairs, except those in dwelling units,

in enclosed stair towers, or set to the side of the path of travel shall have a

detectable warning at the top of stair runs (see Illustration B, Fig. 41).

4) Detectable Warnings at Hazardous Vehicular Areas. If a walk crosses or

adjoins a vehicular way, and the walking surfaces are not separated by curbs,

railings, or other elements between the pedestrian areas and vehicular

areas, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a

continuous, detectable warning texture, which is 36 in. (915 mm) wide,

complying with subsection (t)(1) of this Section. (ADAAG 4.29.5)

5) Detectable Warnings at Reflecting Pools. The edges of reflecting pools

shall be protected by railings, walls, curbs, or detectable warnings complying

with subsection (t)(1) of this Section. (ADAAG 4.29.6)

6) Standardization. Textured surfaces for detectable warnings shall be

standard within a building, facility, site, or complex of buildings.

 

[LGreene]

Thanks TJacobs - I like the added line about not applying the tactile warning on doors to emergency exits.