Installing Dryers at the ADA Recommended Height
The Americans with Disabilities Act sets out clear guidelines for mounting automatic hand dryers in public spaces. Hand dryer height is an important part of the ADA.
Signed into law during the 1990s for the purpose of making public places accessible to all people – including the disabled – the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to all public buildings, requiring them to be handicap accessible.
ADA Guidelines for Automatic Hand Dryers
The ADA guarantees that disabled patrons can easily access walkways, restrooms, and all parts of any public space. The ADA’s guidelines extend to restrooms, requiring fixtures like hand dryers, stalls, and baby changing stations be installed so that all people have equal and unrestricted access.
Aside from ADA and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations, all automatic hand dryers must adhere to applicable local, state, and federal guidelines.
Building owners must undergo periodic inspections, so it’s important to make sure your dryer is up to code. Most modern hand dryer models also require installation by an electrician or a licensed and bonded contractor.
Tips for Proper Installation
So what’s the best way to make sure your automatic hand dryer is installed at the correct height and complies with all ADA regulations and applicable laws? By using the following tips, you can be sure that you remain in compliance and that all guests can safely and easily use your automatic hand dryer.
Research all relevant ordinances and ADA regulations pertaining to automatic hand dryers in public spaces. By knowing what is required ahead of time, you’ll avoid any potential problems and you can be sure all guests will be able to use your automatic dryer.
Determine if your model is suitable for either flush or recessed installation. There are differing guidelines for each installation type and some have more complicated installation steps that can only be performed by a professional or require specialized installation equipment.
While some hand dryers can be installed by anyone, others require the assistance of a professional, such as an electrician. Always read and follow all included installation instructions.
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, all automatic hand dryers must be installed at a height no less than 27 inches from the floor and cannot protrude more than 4 from the wall or the recessed space.
Installing your automatic hand dryer is not only important for the safety and comfort of your guests, but it is also important for legal reasons. If a local, state or federal agency discovers that your hand dryer has not been installed or maintained to all Americans with Disabilities Act specifications, it can result in legal trouble and/or hefty fines. By researching ADA rules and consulting with professionals, you can protect your guests as well as your business.
If you need installation advice, the experts at Allied are here to help. With a huge selection of push-button and automatic hand dryers from the world’s top manufacturers, Allied offers free and fast shipping and a price match guarantee.