Hospital Entrance Doors

Hospital entrance doors are a challenge for wheelchair users.  So what is the ADA requirement?

The ADA does not require automatic and power assisted doors, and when the requirements where found, it states that the requirements are found in building codes.  ADA does not have separate requirements.

In the opinion of ACCESS, hospital entrance doors are usually also exit doors for fire.  So, the ADA says these fire doors shall have a minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority, which in most situations are the building department and the fire department.  Building code does say that the door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30 pound force; and the door shall swing to a full open position when subjected to a 15 pound force.  It goes on to say that the forces shall be applied to the latch side of the door, that is inside of the building.

So why is this so complicated?  Blame Mother-Nature, it is the wind.  Wind blowing on the door and wind turbulence which actually will open the door, so the closure has to be able to key the door closed, which in turn will require a greater force to get the door open. 

So, if you are looking for an ADA censor to that hospital entrance door, there is none.  The good news is that many hospitals understand this entrance door opening challenge and have installed on their own automatic and power assisted entrance doors.

Give us your questions or thoughts on the above article.  You can post them here or on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Technologies-Services-Inc/268659564730.  You can also reach us at hfalstad@accessts.net or call us at (702) 649-7575.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Hank

The above are opinions of Hank Falstad, AIA, Managing Senior Associate of Access Technologies Services, Inc. (ACCESS).  See our web site for additional information:  www.accessts.net.