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.
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.
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
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.