With many facility managers
looking to change their low-energy automatic operators from standard actuators to touchless, the following question has crossed my desk several times:
Are actuators for automatic operators required to have the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)?
I have combed the model codes and accessibility standards, and have not found a requirement for this symbol on actuators for automatic operators; the standards include specific locations where it is required. For example, the ADA requires the symbol on signage for some accessible entrances, check-out aisles, toilet rooms, and bathing rooms – typically when there are some existing entrances/aisles/rooms that do not comply with the standards and others that do. Some parking spaces are also required to have signage with the symbol. I don’t see any mention in the model codes and standards regarding the symbol on actuators.
There is one exception that I know of…the California Building Code (CBC) includes a section related to automatic operators on banks of exterior entrance doors, and this section includes requirements for the symbol on the actuators. It’s unclear whether the symbol is required for every automatic operator actuator in California, or only at the banks of exterior doors (I’m guessing the intent is the former).
Here’s the section from the CBC:
At each location where push plates are provided there shall be two push plates; the centerline of one push plate shall be 7 inches (178 mm) minimum and 8 inches (203 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface and the centerline of the second push plate shall be 30 inches (762 mm) minimum and 44 inches (1118 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface. Each push plate shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) diameter or a minimum of 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm) square and shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.
At each location where vertical actuation bars are provided the operable portion shall be located so the bottom is 5 inches (127 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface and the top is 35 inches (889 mm) minimum above the floor or ground surface. The operable portion of each vertical actuation bar shall be a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) wide and shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.
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If you know of another code or standard that requires the International Symbol of Accessibility on actuators for automatic operators, please leave a comment below!
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What is QQ? Is it as simple as the comment bar says, Quick Question?
The actuator responding to a wave of the hand (the question being, “May I come in?)
I can find a myriad of QQ actuators, but no where can I find what the heck is QQ.
I can’t be the only one in the dark.
Lori, someday when you’ve nothing else to do, how about a glossary.
Hi Lou!
QQ is just something I made up a long time ago to classify certain posts as “Quick Questions.” People always email me and say, “Hi Lori – I’ve got a quick question…” 🙂
– Lori
Your post is very timely. Yes, the ISA pictogram is req’d in California at all actuators (I need something better than a decal), and I’m actively looking for a touchless ‘wave’ actuator mfr who will include this on their product. Please let me know, I have a couple active projects! Typical installation, then, will be what we call a high/low arrangement, where I’ll specify the “wave” for the upper and a contact type for the lower.
found this article interesting…found this in related research in the ABA……..Standards issued under the ABA apply to facilities designed, built, or altered with federal funds or leased by federal agencies. The ABA Standards are implemented by the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the General Services Administration, and the U.S. Postal Service. Like the ADA Standards, these standards mandate use of the ISA to label or provide direction to certain accessible spaces and elements (§F216 and §703.7.2.1).
Wouldn’t the wave to open require special knowledge? Wouldn’t it have to be on back up power too if allowed on any required egress door?
Donnie
Hi Donnie –
The wave actuator is intended to be used to open the door automatically, not to unlock the door for egress. You can always exit manually too. Back-up power for the automatic operator is only required by the accessibility standards when the door doesn’t have the required maneuvering clearance on the egress side.
– Lori