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ADA Survey Notes
There are three levels, or models of ADA Surveying:
A).The Orientation Tour- an abbreviated roll- or walk-through to point out obvious barriers to a program or service with a representative of the facility followed by a brief written summary. This type would utilize a brief checklist, i.e. the Existing Facilities Checklist 2.1
B).Basic Facility Survey - Usually a larger & more thorough survey utilizing a checklist like the ATBCB Checklist, with a Summary and Report, usually including a narrative and pictures.
C).Full Detail Facility Survey -Similar to the Basic, but with a greater level of reporting and documentation. This type would be used by a consultant who is serving as an expert witness, or as part of an investigation to a complaint of discrimination. This type of survey will always provide a high level of documentation, to include photos and full narrative which could contain:
1).Summary
2). List of Barriers
3).Creative Solutions
4).Severity Code
5).Priority Code
6).Schedule
7).Cost Estimates
8).Comments
Priority Codes:
1Approach (Exterior Route & Entrance)
2Interior route (access to goods & services)
3Restrooms
4Other Accessible features
Severity Codes:
1Minor inconvenience
2Major Inconvenience
3Blocks Access
4Safety Hazard
In the Preamble to the regulation, the ADA calls for
“ a high degree of convenient accessibility”.
ADA Survey Notes (continued)
Survey Tool References:
SmartTool angle finder (digital inclinometer); Mfgr: Macklenburg Duncan
Customer service to find out your local distributor: 800-654-8454
Internet address: and go to levels and tools
HMC Door pressure gauges; (tensionometers)
Mfgr: HMC Int’l Div., Inc,
800-848-4912 x4452
303-794-2510
Starrett Code Tape; Mfgr: L.S.Starrett Company, Athol, MA 978-249-3551
for distributor
Distributes the Smartool, Door checkers and tapes 800-946-9471
When using a tape measure and level for determining the slope of a ramp, the following measurements will tell you the slope. First, set the level (for purposes of this example, it must always be a 2' long level) on the surface in the direction someone would walk or roll. Lift the end of the level closest to the bottom of the ramp until the bubble in the level indicator is centered between the lines. Measure the space from the ramp surface to the bottom of the end you are holding up and compare to the following table:
½ inch of space = 1:50 (2%)
1 1/4 inch space = 1:20 (or 5%)
2 inches = 1:12 (8.33%)
There is a table on page 40 in the ADAAG Manual that addresses all the different slopes in ratio, percentage, and degrees for those who are using the SmartTool. Make sure to check the cross slope of the surface as well! To accomplish this, turn the level so that it is perpendicular across the ramp slope to check that the cross slope is less than 1:50. Check slopes in several locations of the ramp.
Eastlake, Derry & Associates, LLC
737 Powell Ave, Morgantown, WV 26505 304-296-3510