If you own a business or commercial facility in Leland, make sure to install custom handrails at all your building’s entrances and exits. If you don’t, one small fall from a patient, customer or client could put you at risk for an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit. Below is more information about the American with Disabilities Act, or ADA, and its regulations concerning handrails and accessibility. 

What is the ADA?

ADA standards are not building code requirements. They are a part of civil rights legislation, created in the 1990s, whose purpose is to give disabled Americans equal access to job opportunities and physical public spaces. 

The ADA is divided into three sections, or “Titles.” Title I prohibits employers from discriminating against employees; Title II prohibits state-owned entities, like schools, from discriminating against students, employees, or citizens; and Title III requires all public facilities to be easily accessible to all persons. It’s this last section, Title III, which is of concern to business owners. The term “public facility” encompasses almost everything—includes hotels, retail stores, offices, gyms, restaurants, and much more.  

ADA Rules Regarding Handrails 

In order to make the grade and receive ADA compliance certification, handrails must follow a number of strict guidelines, including: 

• The railing must be continuous and smooth
• Handrails must be located on both sides of stairways, ramps, etc.
• Handrails must be 34-36 inches high
• The space between the handrail and the wall must be 1.5 inches or more
• The handrail must not rotate in its fitting
• The end of the handrail must either be rounded, or return smoothly into the floor

Note that this is not a comprehensive list of rules regarding handrails. A professional handrail installer will know the complete set of regulations and ensure they are properly adhered to.  

What Happens if I Violate the ADA?

As of March 2014, organizations and businesses can be fined up to $75,000 for their first ADA violation, and up to $150,000 for subsequent offenses. Obviously, that’s a major hit for most businesses, and could be enough to cause any small business to go bankrupt. You can see why it’s crucial to make sure that your business has handrails and other accessibility measures!

Get Commercial Handrail Installation in Cape Fear

An ADA-compliant handrail should be installed by a reliable, trusted fence company with plenty of referrals and positive testimonials—like us! Cape Fear Fence is proud to offer the best handrail installation services in Wilmington, Leland, and the nearby areas. Call us today to get commercial handrail installation for your stairs, ramps, porch, walkway, and trails.