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ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and all or part of this information may only apply to Safe Harbored elements.

J. Drinking Fountains

Approximately 50% of the drinking fountains serving the shelter must be accessible and located on an accessible route. Accessible drinking fountains must have enough space for a person using a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device to use the drinking fountain. The spout and controls of the drinking fountain must be near the front edge. The controls must be usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The other 50% of drinking fountains serving the shelter must be configured for use by people who have difficulty bending or stooping while standing.

When an object, such as a drinking fountain, protrudes more than four inches into the circulation path, the bottom edge must be at 27 inches above the floor or lower so the drinking fountain is not a hazard to people who are blind or have low vision.

A man in a wheelchair is using a drinking fountain in the shelter

The following questions apply to 50% of the drinking fountains that are provided.

J1. If the drinking fountain is a wall-mounted unit, is there clear floor space at least 30 inches wide (36 inches if it is in an alcove) x 48 inches long in front of the drinking fountain and at least 27 inches high under the fountain so that a person using a wheelchair can get close to the spout and controls? [ADA Standards § 4.15.5 (1), Figs. 4 (e) and 27 (b)]

   Yes

   No

J2. If the drinking fountain is a floor-mounted unit, is there clear floor space at least 30 inches long x 48 inches wide (60 inches if it is in an alcove) for a side approach to the drinking fountain so that a person using a wheelchair can get close to the spout and controls even though the fountain has no clear space under it? [ADA Standards § 4.15.5 (2), Figs. 4 (e), 27 (c) and (d)]

   Yes

   No

J3. Is the top of the spout no higher than 36 inches above the floor and at the front of the fountain or water cooler? [ADA Standards § 4.15.2]

   Yes

   No

J4. Does the water rise at least 4 inches high when no more than 5 pounds of force is applied to the controls of the fountain? [ADA Standards §§ 4.15.3 and 4.15.4]

   Yes

   No

J5. Are the controls on or near the front of the unit and do they operate with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? [ADA Standards § 4.15.4]

   Yes

   No

J6. Is the bottom of the apron of the fountain 27 inches above the floor so that it provides the space needed for a person who uses a wheelchair to pull up under it but is not a hazard to people who are blind or have low vision and use a cane to detect hazards? [ADA Standards §§ 4.15.5 (1) and 4.4.1]

   Yes

   No

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