A Guide to ADA Bathroom Signage Requirements

Are you building or refurbishing a public bathroom for your facility? If so, what you include in a restroom is as essential as how it’s designed. That’s why you must comply with applicable ADA regulations.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requires all businesses in the US to provide accessible features for 26% of the American people with disabilities. These features cover a variety of needs, including access to the bathroom.

However, many ADA bathroom signage requirements differ from what you might expect. So what do you need to know? 

Read on for a few of the essential things about ADA signage for public bathrooms.

Types of ADA-Compliant Bathroom Signs

There are four requirements for ADA bathroom signage: Braille, raised lettering, pictograms, and tactile. Braille signs are required in all public restrooms.

Increased lettering signs are also needed for all public restrooms. But they may be mounted above the handrail on the wall instead of on the door. 

Pictogram signs are only required in single-user restrooms but may be used in any bathroom. Lastly, tactile signs are not required but may be used in any washroom.

Braille and Tactile Character Regulations

Braille and tactile characters are essential to signs with ADA compliance, as they help those with visual impairments navigate their way around. Braille and tactile characters must be large and easy to read, with a minimum height of 0.5 inches. The spacing between the characters must also be at least 0.125 inches.

Materials and Finishes for Accessible ADA Bathroom Signages

There are a few different options for materials and finishes for accessible ADA bathroom signs. For example, you can use raised lettering and Braille on signs to make them easier to read for visually impaired people.

You can also make ADA signs from contrasting colors more visible for people with color blindness. Signs can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. And they can be finished with multiple coatings, such as paint, vinyl, or anodized aluminum.

Mounting Height and Location Requirements

There are specific requirements for the mounting height and location of ADA bathroom signage. The sign must be wall-mounted near the door’s latch, between 60 and 84 inches above the finished floor.

The sign should be mounted horizontally, with the bottom of the sign at least 6 inches above the finished floor. If the door is located in an alcove or recessed area, the sign should be mounted on the wall at the niche opening, at the exact height requirements.

Dimensional Requirements for ADA Signage

There are many types of ADA signage, but the braille sign is the most common. Braille signs must meet specific dimensional requirements to be compliant with the ADA. The minimum height of a braille sign must be 5 inches, and the maximum height must be 60 inches.

The minimum width of a braille sign must be 5 inches, and the maximum width must be 48 inches. The minimum space between the raised characters on a braille sign must be 3/8 inch, and the maximum can be 1/2 inch. The minimum font size for a braille sign must be 1/32 inch, and the maximum font size must be 1/8 inch.

Get Your Bathroom Signages Accredited to ADA Standards

There are many reasons to get your ADA bathroom signage. Ensure your business is accessible to all customers, providing clear and concise directions, and avoiding potential lawsuits. By getting your signages accredited, you will be able to provide a safe and accessible environment for all of your customers.

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