According to research, individuals with disabilities are considered to be the largest and the single fastest-growing of all minorities within the United States. These individuals – despite the hardships and challenges that they endure – control at least $1 trillion dollars in the total yearly income of the country.

Just like those without disabilities, they use businesses and various facilities that provide them with accessibility. If you own or operate a business, it is essential that you place an emphasis on your level of accessibility.

Accessible doors are the way to start. Not only do they welcome people from all backgrounds, they are legally required. One of the best options you have are pivot iron doors.

The Requirements for Door Accessibility

The following outlines the locations in which one accessible door should be present. Pivot iron doors are an ideal option as they open easily. Additionally, they may be used in conjunction with an automatic opening mechanism that increases the accessibility of the entrance for those that use mobility aids, such as walkers, motorized scooters, and wheelchairs:

1. Each entryway into a business that allows accessibility to the general public
2. Rooms and spaces where customers are granted access within malls and other business buildings
3. The entryways outlined from parking lots and structures
4. Entrances that serve transit routes
5. Emergency escape routes within or for a business

Door Structure Guidelines

If you are considering having pivot iron doors installed within your business to provide accessibility to disabled individuals, ensure the following:

• The clear width of the door must be – at the minimum – 32 inches.
• The hardware on the pivot iron door that is installed must not exceed 5lbs of the force for operation.
• All doors must be operable using only one hand.
• The threshold of the pivot iron door must not exceed a height of ½ of an inch.
• If there is a slope that does not exceed 1:2, a threshold of up to ¾ of an inch may be used.
• Ample space must be available for door access for those that use mobile scooters and/or wheelchairs.
• The closing speed of the pivot iron doors must be evaluated and adjusted for disabled access. This will allow those with the disabilities ample time to make it through the door safely.
• All door surface areas should be smooth. This will prevent mobility devices, canes, and wheelchairs from becoming snagged on any projections associated with the door surface.

More Information

If you would like to install pivot iron doors at your business so that you may allow access to those with disabilities, you may find out more about the requirements and laws of such fixtures by visiting the Department of Justice website and also by reviewing ADA Standards that are in place.

For more information on pivot iron doors and the varieties that are currently available and the installation process, you may contact us here at 316 Direct Wholesale by calling the following number: 316-201-9436