Expert witness discovers that "ADA Compliant" products are not always ADA compliant.
Don't take their word for it...
While designing a project for a disabled Veteran, I was asked to specify an outdoor shower for use after workouts, laboring in the yard and swimming.
I began to research outdoor showers and discovered that there are many models that are labeled "ADA Compliant." I downloaded the specifications and sat back with an cold glass of iced tea for some rather boring reading.
Being familiar with the ADA codes, I soon realized that almost every one of these outdoor shower products were falsely advertized as being "ADA Compliant." They in fact, were only partially complaint.
Know the codes
The outdoor showers were only partially ADA Compliant.... they merely had ADA Compliant handles on the water valves and lower shower heads. Convenient yes, but they had omitted a major safety factor.
Temperature modulation and temperature limits are a mandatory feature of ADA Compliant showers. If a shower gets scalding hot, a disabled person cannot jump out of the water and scream, "OH, $%&# !" Someone who is paralyzed might not even feel the burning water.
Liability
If you are selecting products for a project, it is imperative that you know the codes that apply to those products. Simply relying upon a manufacturer's label of ADA Compliance can result in the specifier or installer assuming a lot of liability in the even someone is injured.
It helps to know the codes!
Paolo Benedetti Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa ©www.aquatictechnology.com
Don't take their word for it...
While designing a project for a disabled Veteran, I was asked to specify an outdoor shower for use after workouts, laboring in the yard and swimming.
I began to research outdoor showers and discovered that there are many models that are labeled "ADA Compliant." I downloaded the specifications and sat back with an cold glass of iced tea for some rather boring reading.
Being familiar with the ADA codes, I soon realized that almost every one of these outdoor shower products were falsely advertized as being "ADA Compliant." They in fact, were only partially complaint.
Know the codes
The outdoor showers were only partially ADA Compliant.... they merely had ADA Compliant handles on the water valves and lower shower heads. Convenient yes, but they had omitted a major safety factor.
Temperature modulation and temperature limits are a mandatory feature of ADA Compliant showers. If a shower gets scalding hot, a disabled person cannot jump out of the water and scream, "OH, $%&# !" Someone who is paralyzed might not even feel the burning water.
Liability
If you are selecting products for a project, it is imperative that you know the codes that apply to those products. Simply relying upon a manufacturer's label of ADA Compliance can result in the specifier or installer assuming a lot of liability in the even someone is injured.
It helps to know the codes!
Paolo Benedetti Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa ©www.aquatictechnology.com
Do you know where I could find some swimming pool contractors in West Vancouver? I have been saving up for a pool for years now and it's finally time to pull the trigger. Can you help me out?
ReplyDeleteYes It is very important to know the codes before selecting products for a project.
ReplyDeleteForensic Engineering Consultants