In this blog entry, the Raleigh commercial locksmith service and Raleigh lock installation team here at DKNY Locksmith will detail the most important things to know about ADA-compliant locks.
What are ADA Compliant locks?
ADA regulations stipulate that all door levers and locks in commercial buildings are manufactured in a way that makes them easily accessible to all patrons, including those with disabilities. Usually ADA compliant locks look similar to locks that aren’t ADA compliant. In order for a lock to be classified as ADA compliant, the lock should be able to be operated with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting necessary – and it should take less than 5 pounds of force in order to activate the operable parts of the lock. Door levers also need to be able to be easily operated. The lever size and the lever handles projection away from the door need to allow for easy access for all. Most lever operated lock mechanisms, push type lock mechanisms, and U shaped door handles are ADA compliant. Often locks that can be operated with closed fists or gripped loosely can be modified to ADA compliance. If your lock or handle requires coordinated hand or finger movement, or any form of intense dexterity, it will likely not be ADA compliant, and should be avoided.
ADA Compliance Requirements
In order to be ADA compliant, door, lock, and doo handle design need to have all the features mentioned above. The mounted operable parts of the lock need to be between 334 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above floor level. Be careful when fitting keypad devices or other devices like this to operate ADA complaint lock mechanisms, as these devices often require coordinated finger and hand movements that might be too difficult or complex. (However, ADA code does NOT say that this type of lock is not inherently allowed.) The door needs to be easily opened with less than 5 pounds of continuous force, besides the necessary force to open up the lock or retract the lock bolt. ADA compliance requirements make it essential for builders or architects of commercial properties to pay close attention to locks during the construction process to ensure that all people can easily access the property.