“Violations of Code 309.4 are going to be more prevalent.”

— Omel Nieves Construction Law Attorney

Hunt Ortmann Palffy Nieves Darling & Mah, Inc.

Do you know the code? WATCH FULL VIDEO.

KNOW CODE 309.4
“THE FIVE-POUND RULE”

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates that operable parts must be usable with one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be a maximum of 5 pounds of force.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates that operable parts must be usable with one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be a maximum of 5 pounds of force.


Not all shower seats in the market are compliant

Owners of businesses and public accommodations may be at risk of a lawsuit or penalties if the operable parts in their restrooms are not in compliance with ADA Code 309.4. Manufacturers are also at risk if their accessibility products don’t comply.

Owners of businesses and public accommodations may be at risk of a lawsuit or penalties if the operable parts in their restrooms are not in compliance with ADA Code 309.4. Manufacturers are also at risk if their accessibility products don’t comply.

100+

Operable parts in a restroom

Operable parts that fall within the purview of Code 309.4 include: handles, door pulls, latches, locks, baby changing stations, drinking fountains, soap dispensers and accessibility shower seats, among others.1

1 https://www.access-board.gov/search?q=309.4&t[]=1120

100+

Operable parts in a restroom

Operable parts that fall within the purview of Code 309.4 include: handles, door pulls, latches, locks, baby changing stations, drinking fountains, soap dispensers and accessibility shower seats, among others.1


“ADA 309.4 is a hidden code with vast non-compliance.”

— Mark Tudor
Disability Access Consultants

Today, there is widespread non-compliance with ADA Code 309.4 — which makes restrooms inaccessible to 25% of the U.S. population.

Find out why access matters. WATCH FULL VIDEO.

We’re committed to ensuring ADA compliance for all.

As a trusted manufacturing partner of accessibility products for OEM customers for over 50 years, we do not take ADA guidelines lightly. We have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that our products enable people with disabilities to access services and activities that are part of daily life. Widespread non-compliance with ADA Code 309.4 is emerging as a very serious issue — with negative repercussions for the disabled population, as well as the entire construction industry. We want to right this wrong. Help us by joining the movement to increase ADA compliance and accessibility today.