- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
What is an ADA compliant medicine cabinet?
ADA Compliance follows laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design requires products to be accessible for those with a wide range of abilities. Designing and installing an ADA compliant medicine cabinet is crucial to ensure that individuals with limitations and those with varying abilities can easily access their goods that are stored inside the medicine cabinet. This includes the cabinets hardware, the height of shelves, the height at which the cabinet is hung, and the design of the overall product that can be used by people of differing abilities. Our Accessible Series includes products that are helpful to those who do have physical limitations and follow the ADA guidelines to ensure accessibility. At Ketcham, we also offer fixed tilt mirrors and adjustable tilt mirrors to provide options under the ADA Compliance.
ADA Basics
For a product to be considered ADA compliant, there are some basic rules and regulations when it comes down to the design process and installation of these products. Basics of ADA Compliance include ranges of reach, these products should be operable with one hand (only needing 5lbs of activation force), and must not be too high off the ground for easy viewing access for people of varying abilities. Ensuring that the product meets all requirements is necessary for those who have disabilities or limited abilities.
Tilt v. fixed mirrors
Adjustable tilt mirrors feature mirrors that tilt downwards for seated individuals to be able to see themselves and can be used in the upright position for households with people of varying abilities. Ketcham's adjustable tilt mirrors can be adjusted after installation, and are equipped with two heavy duty self-locking support brackets.
Fixed-tilt mirrors are specifically created following the guidelines of the ADA requirements. These mirrors are mounted on a downward angle to allow those who are seated to have visibility with ease. The accessible mirror tapers from 4" tilt on top to 1" on the bottom to ensure those standing and sitting will be able to access the viewing area of the mirror. The angle of these mirrors is set when the mirror is installed, making this mirror require less maintenance. Due to the accessibility of these mirrors, the best use of these mirrors would be in public restrooms, schools or healthcare areas.
Accessible medicine cabinet
Accessible medicine cabinets are designed to be used by those who vary in mobility and height. Accessible medicine cabinets are created to accommodate those who are more specifically in seated and/or standing positions. Oftentimes, the bottom storage shelf is no higher than 44 inches above the finished floor in order to accommodate those of varying heights and abilities. This specific height allows for people with any ability to open and close these medicine cabinets with ease. These medicine cabinets are offered in both recessed and surface mounted options.
Mounting heights for our other cabinets/mirrors
To maintain ADA compliance, it is important to focus on the mounting height of the cabinets and mirrors. If the medicine cabinets have a mirror, the bottom edge must be 40 inches maximum off the finished floor, this ensures users of any ability are able to use the product easily. Users of the cabinets must be able to access handles, items stored inside and the bottom shelf without further issues.
Healthcare and public restroom applications
Within the healthcare and public restroom applications, ADA compliant medicine cabinets and mirrors are a great choice for anyone who may come into these spaces. Those who have no disabilities, are ambulatory or wheelchair bound should all be able to use and have the same access to these mirrors and medicine cabinets. In healthcare settings, individuals should have easy access to their stored goods and their visibility should be clear. As for public bathrooms, these mirrors should be of equal accessibility to anyone who enters the restroom.
Commercial compliance tips
When selecting a specified medicine cabinet or mirror for any public setting, compliance is larger than just picking an ADA labeled product. Ensuring proper installation and application is crucial to avoid errors and future issues from arising. Overall, focusing on each step under compliance should allow for a smooth selection and installation process.
For more information regarding Ketcham Medicine Cabinets Accessible Series contact us by email marketing@ketchamcabinets.com, or by phone (631) 615-6151.