Elevator Signs
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for elevator signage can be found in the ASME Safety Code A17. There are basically two types of sign needed. First is the identification signage on the elevator enclosure (referred to as the ‘hoistway’) and the controls inside the car. On the exterior, Code 17 requires 2” raised and Braille on both door jambs of the hoistway entrances, positioned 60” above the floor level. Similar labeling is mandated on the buttons and other controls on the car’s interior, at a height of no more than 48” from the floor.
ADA COMPLIANT ELEVATOR SIGNS FOR BUILDINGS
The second type of elevator signs are directional signage pointing toward the locations of elevators on each floor. Multi-storey public buildings must have directional and wayfinding signage to guide people to the elevators, escalators and stairs. Like all compliant ADA signs, these are specified to be highly visible with non-glare high-contrast lettering and standard international symbology for sighted individuals, complemented with raised tactile lettering and Braille for those with visual disabilities. Each sign must be placed at a height that can be reached by someone sitting in a wheelchair.
If you’re looking for ADA compliant elevator signs, call WeBuildSigns (512) 323-9770
To accommodate visually impaired persons, elevator signage must also have Braille and raised tactile lettering and symbols. Those that can accommodate wheelchairs must display the raised tactile symbol for wheelchair accessibility. And, of course, the lobby and corridors should have ADA directional signs with arrows pointing in the direction of the elevators.
In government facilities and commercial buildings used by the public, all elevators must have prominent signage describing their suitability (or unsuitability) for use during a fire or other emergency. An elevator or escalator requires electrical power that may be curtailed in these situations. So most multi-level edifices have elevator signs prohibiting their use in the event of fire, flooding or other circumstances in which power may be cut off. To facilitate safe and rapid egress, there will be nearby informational signs advising people NOT to use the elevator, and providing directions to evacuate using the nearest stairway.
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL ELEVATOR SIGN REQUIREMENTS
At the Federal level, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) manages the regulations that govern the design, construction and maintenance of elevators used by employees in the workplace. These OSHA requirements encompass the Car ID and capacity, inspection plates, warning notices for In Case of Fire and Elevator Out of Order. They also mandate signs for any open elevator shafts or pits, and exposure to potentially dangerous electrical and mechanical components. OSHA regulations also require distinctions between freight elevators those intended for people.
Many states and cities with high-rise office and residential structures have additional laws regulating the design and operation of escalators and elevators. These address the special safety and accommodation issues attendant with elevator implementations in very tall buildings. Generally the specifications for elevator signs are a part of a more comprehensive set of requirements for building directories, evacuation plans, egress maps and directional signs. These cover both the safety needs for emergency access, as well as the requirement to accommodate people with disabilities. But as far as elevator signage goes, in most cases adherence to the ADA, ASME and OSHA regulations is sufficient for these locales.
Call WBS (512) 323-9770 for high quality stairway and elevator sign packages.
WeBuildSigns manufactures more than a dozen families of architectural signs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. These attractive and cost-effective products are available in our online store. We have a sign family for every building style and budget.
WBS sells individual elevator signs; but most of our customers purchase a complete set of architectural signs – including both identification and navigational/directional products. Identification signs include room name and numbering plaques, lobby signs, conference room labeling, and signs marking the location of elevators, escalators and stairs. Directional signage includes building and level directories and layout maps, egress diagrams, and pointers to exits, restrooms, elevators and stairways.
BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE ELEVATOR SIGNS
We have all been in buildings where it was difficult to find your way around. You’re on a business trip, check into a strange hotel, and have to ask the desk clerk how to get to your room. Thoughtful floor plan layouts and proper signage can make this a lot easier. Organizations that care about their employees, customers and visitors make a point of installing effective architectural signs to make it easier to get where you need to go.
Navigating in an unfamiliar establishment can be even more daunting for someone with a disability. This is especially true for someone with impaired vision or mobility. The most difficult aspects of moving about a building are dealing with doors (hinged, sliding and revolving) and level changes (stairs, elevators, ramps and escalators). Imagine being a blind person trying to locate a wheelchair-accessible elevator in a strange office or residential tower. That’s where ASME and OSHA compliant elevator signs come in – they enable people in wheelchairs to avoid stairways and the frustration of elevators that are not going to work for them.
STANDARD AND CUSTOM ELEVATOR SIGN DESIGNS
In addition to the amazing array of standard elevator signs available in our online store, WBS also designs and manufactures custom sign packages. Based on your current or planned building decor, corporate logo and color scheme, we can create a custom sign collection specifically for your organization. This can include office signs, conference room labels, restroom signage, stair and elevator signs -- and matching building directory, level plans and egress maps. A comprehensive custom sign system conveys the impression of substance and high quality to your employees, business partners and customers.
Customized architectural signs can dramatically enhance the accessibility and appearance of a restaurant, retail store, apartment building or hospital. With one of our custom signage systems your identification and wayfinding badges will have an attractive and consistent design of your choosing. And most of our customers are surprised how inexpensive a complete custom package can be. Call WBS today to learn how we can enhance the safety, accommodation and look of your building.
WeBuildSigns (WBS) – Custom ADA Compliant Elevator Signage - (512) 323-9770