Is StepNpull ADA Compliant?

StepNpull & ADA Compliance

A common question that arises when people are discussing our sanitary foot-operated door openers on social media and online forums is one regarding ADA Compliance. ADA stands for the “Amercians with Disabilities Act of 1990” In short, it is a civil rights law that, “prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public” according to the ada National Network.

The ADA was amended (ADAAA) which added updated classifications to the definition of “disability” and language directed specifically at businesses. More recently, additional legislation in 2010 revised the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Why ADA Compliance important?

In short, if you are a business of any kind your facility should meet minimum accessibility for your employees, customers, and anyone else who could walk through your doors. So how does StepNpull fit into this? (See also: Our article about “The Real Reason Doors Are Heavy”)

Is StepNpull an ADA Compliant Product?

Yes. On two different occasions, we contacted the US DOL about StepNpull® and asked if it was ADA compliant. In both instances, they stated that StepNpull® is ADA compliant because it doesn’t interfere with ingress or egress.

In Chapter 4 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, it states: “404.2.10 Door and Gate Surfaces. Swinging door and gate surfaces within 10 inches (255 mm) of the finish floor or ground measured vertically shall have a smooth surface on the push side extending the full width of the door or gate. Parts creating horizontal or vertical joints in these surfaces shall be within 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of the same plane as the other. Cavities created by added kick plates shall be capped.” Notice that the 10 inches of vertically smooth surface is on the push side of the door not the pull side. StepNpull is installed on the pull side of the door.