NH Courts Access Checklist This checklist is to be used as a guideline for basic access code compliance for facilities in the state of New Hampshire and is by no means as thorough as the 1992 CHECKLIST FOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, distributed by the US Access Board, which can be found online at: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/checklist/pdf/a16.pdf. Codes that apply in NH are: ADAAG, IBC 2000, ANSI A117.1-1998, UFAS, the NH State Building Code and the NH Architectural Barrier-Free Design Code. Court: ____________________________________________________ Location: _________________________________________________ Evaluator: _________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________________ If the building in which the court is located not solely used by the court, please identify the building use: [ ] Town/City Hall [ ] School [ ] Library [ ] Police or fire station [ ] Recreational or community center [ ] Private business [ ] Other - PLEASE SPECIFY:________________________________________ PARKING What type of parking is provided? [ ] On street only [ ] Parallel parking [ ] Head-In Parking [ ] Angled Head-In Parking [ ] Parking Lot What is the parking area surface? Check all that apply. [ ] Unpaved – describe: _______________________________________________ [ ] Broken or uneven pavement [ ] Unmarked pavement [ ] Poor surface, e.g. abrupt changes over ¼ inch [ ] Smooth pavement with painted spaces ELEMENT TO BE EVALUATED Y N NA Comment PARKING 1. Are there accessible parking spaces located as close as possible to the accessible entrance? 2. Are enough accessible parking spaces provided, based on the total number of available parking spaces (one accessible space for every 25 spaces)? How many accessible spaces are there? 3. Does each accessible parking space have an adjacent access aisle (a diagonal striped no- parking zone) that is at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide, or do two accessible spaces share an adjacent access aisle that is least 60 inches (5 feet) wide? Y N NA COMMENT 4. If there is a designated van-accessible parking space does it have an adjacent access aisle that is at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide? How many van accessible spaces are there? 5. Are all accessible parking spaces, including the access aisles, located on a level surface, not sloping more than 1:50 or 2% in all directions? 6. Does each accessible parking space have a sign with the wheelchair symbol of accessibility that is mounted on a post 60 inches from the ground so that it is visible when a vehicle is parked in the space? PATH OF TRAVEL FROM PARKING SPACE TO ENTRANCE 7. Does the path of travel from the accessible parking space cross into any type of vehicle traffic area? Note: If the accessible route crosses a vehicular route, a marked crosswalk should be provided. Y N NA COMMENT 8. Are there any curbs to step over from the parking space to the entrance? If YES, answer #9. If NO, skip to #13. 9. Is there a curb cut or curb ramp that allows a wheelchair to get onto the sidewalk? If YES, answer #10, #11, #12. If NO, skip to #13. 10. Is the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches wide, excluding the flared sides? 11. Is the slope of the curb ramp no more than 1:12? Note: 1:12 means there is one inch of vertical height for every 12 inches (or more) of length. 12. Does the curb cut have a detectable warning? Note: Truncated domes (raised bumps) are required to warn those who are blind that they are about to enter into a street. 13. Is there a clear, smooth, stable and slip-resistant path of travel from the parking spaces to the accessible entrance? Look for obstacles, large cracks in pavement, lifted or sunken joints in cement, potholes, uneven surfaces, etc. 14. Is the path of travel at least 36 inches wide? Note: The route may narrow to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length. 15. Does the path of travel have any abrupt changes in level that are over 1/2 inch in height? Y N NA COMMENT 16. Is there a portion of this path of travel that has a steep incline or downward grade? If YES, answer #17. If NO, skip to #27. 17. Is the grade or slope of this route 1:20 or better? This means there is one inch of vertical height for every 20 inches (or more) of length (1:22, 1:23, etc). If YES, skip to #27. If NO, this portion of the path of travel is a RAMP - answer #18 - #26. RAMPS 18. Is the slope no steeper than 1:12? This means there is one inch of rise in vertical height for every 12 inches (or more) of run in length (1:10, 1:8, etc.). Y N NA COMMENT STEP 1. Measure in inches the height of the ramp (the rise) = ________ inches STEP 2. Measure in inches the length of the ramp (the run) = ________ inches 19. If the rise of vertical height of the ramp is higher than 6 inches, are there handrails on both sides ramp? If YES, answer #20, #21, #22. If NO, skip to #23. Y N NA COMMENT 20. Are the handrails mounted between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface? 21. Are the handrails sturdy and secure within their fittings? 22. Do the handrails measure between 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 inches in diameter? 23. Is the clear width of the ramp (measured between handrails if they exist) at least 36 inches? 24. Does the ramp have a level landing that is at least 60 inches long at the bottom, top, and wherever the ramp changes direction? Note: The level landing may be part of the sidewalk or walking surface. 25. If the inclined portion of the ramp is more than 30 feet long, does it have a level landing at least 60 inches long located at or before every 30 feet of horizontal length? 26. If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side of the ramp, is edge protection provided? OBSTACLES IN THE EXTERIOR PATH OF TRAVEL 27. Are there any objects that protrude into the sidewalks and walkways such as wall-mounted boxes, signs, handrail extensions, benches, tree branches, etc. that extend more than 4 inches into the sidewalk or walkway? If YES, answer #28a, #28b, and #29. If NO, skip to #30. Y N NA COMMENT 28. Are these objects: a.) mounted from the floor or wall, lower than 27 inches from the ground? Y N NA COMMENT b.) mounted from the ceiling or upper wall, higher than 80 inches from the ground? 29. If No to #28a or #28b, can the object(s) be removed or can the route be changed to avoid the object(s)? ENTRANCES AND EXTERIOR DOORS 30. a.) Is there at least one accessible entrance connected to the accessible route? Y N NA COMMENT b.) If there are inaccessible entrances serving the court, are signs clearly posted at each inaccessible entrance directing individuals to the nearest accessible entrance? c.) If the accessible entrance is located in the rear or the side of the building, is there a buzzer to notify those inside that assistance is needed at the door? 31. Is the ground in front of the door level? 32. Does at least one door or one side of a double leaf door at the accessible entrance provide at least 32 inches clear passage width when the door is open 90 degrees? 33. Is there an automatic door opener? If YES, skip to #37. If NO, answer #34 - #36. 34. Is the door hardware - a lever or pull handle, or a panic bar - operable with a closed fist and usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? 35. Is the door hardware mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor? 36. For a single door that pulls open, is there at least 18 inches of clear floor space outside the door on the handle (pull) side of the door? 37. If there is a self-closer on the door, does the door take at least 5 seconds to close? 38. If there is a raised threshold, is it no higher than 1/2 inch at the door and beveled on both sides? 39. If there are doors in a series that must be opened one after the other, is there clear floor space between them that measures at least 48 inches long plus the distance of any door swinging into the space between the doors? INTERIOR ROUTE OF TRAVEL 40. Once inside, is there an accessible route, at least 36 inches wide that connects the accessible entrance Y N NA COMMENT to all interior areas (including security scanner to the clerk, meeting rooms, restrooms, and courtroom(s), etc.)? Note: the accessible route may narrow to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length. 41. Is the accessible route free of steps and abrupt level changes (raised floorboards, thresholds, etc.) over 1/2 inch? Note: level changes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled. Y N NA COMMENT 42. Does the route from the entrance throughout the building (including meeting rooms, restrooms, the clerk and courtroom(s), etc.) have any changes in floor level requiring the use of a ramp, lift or elevator? If YES with a RAMP skip #43& #44 and answer #45. If YES with a LIFT skip #43, answer #44, skip #45. If YES with an ELEVATOR answer #43, skip #44, #45. If NO, skip #43, #44, and #45 and answer #46. 43. ELEVATOR: a.) Are the elevator call buttons mounted in an accessible location with the centerlines at 42 inches above the floor? Y N NA COMMENT b.) Does the elevator door have clear opening of at least 36 inches? c.) Does the elevator door remain open for at least 5 seconds? d.) Does the interior of the elevator car provide one of these clear floor space requirements? Door on center: 51”deep x 80”wide or 60” x 60”. Door off center: 80”deep x 54”wide or 51”deep x 68”wide. If not, list dimensions here: e.) Are the highest floor control buttons in the elevator cab mounted no more than 48 inches from the floor? f.) Are raised letters and Braille characters used to identify each floor button and each control? g.) Are signs mounted on both sides of the elevator hoist-way door opening that designate the floor with 2-inch minimum-height raised letters and Braille characters centered at 60 inches above the floor? h.) Is an emergency communication system provided inside the elevator with both audible & visible features? i.) Is the elevator equipped with audible tones or bells that signal each floor as it is passed and the door opening or closing? 44. LIFT: a.) Is the lift operational at the time of the survey? Y N NA COMMENT b.) Is assistance required to enter and exit the lift? c.) Is assistance required to operate the lift? d.) Is there a way to notify authorities that assistance is needed to use the lift? e.) Is there a way to notify authorities that assistance is needed once in the lift? f.) Is the change in level from the floor to the lift surface ramped or beveled? g.) Is there at least a 30-inch by 48-inch clear floor space on the wheelchair lift? h.) Are the controls and operating mechanisms mounted no more than 48 inches? i.) Are the controls and operating mechanisms operable by one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting? 45. RAMP or inclined hallway: a.) Is the grade or slope of the incline 1:20 or better? (Refer to #17) If YES, skip to #46. If NO, continue. Y N NA COMMENT b.) Is the slope no steeper than 1:12? (refer to #18) Step 1. Measure in inches the height of the ramp (the rise) = ________ inches Step 2. Measure in inches the length of the ramp (the run) = ________ inches c.) If the rise in vertical height of the ramp is higher than 6 inches, are there handrails on both sides ramp? If YES, answer (d), (e), (f). If NO, skip to (g). Y N NA COMMENT d.) Are the handrails mounted between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface? e.) Are the handrails sturdy and secure within their fittings? f.) Do the handrails measure between 1-1/4 and 1- 1/2 inches in diameter? g.) Is the clear width of the ramp (measured between handrails if they exist) at least 36 inches? h.) Does the ramp have a level landing that is at least 60 inches long at the bottom, top, and wherever the ramp changes direction? i.) If the ramp is more than 30 feet long, does it have a level landing at least 60 inches long located at or before every 30 feet of horizontal length? j.) If the ramp or landing has a vertical drop-off on either side of the ramp, is edge protection provided? INTERIOR DOORS 46. Throughout the interior accessible route are there any doors that one must pass through? If YES, answer #47 and #48. If NO, skip to #54. Y N NA COMMENT 47. Is the clear width for the door opening at least 32 inches measured when the door is open 90 degrees? 48. Is there an automatic door opener? If YES, skip to #53. If NO, answer #49, #50, #51, #52. 49. Is the door hardware - a lever or pull handle, or a panic bar - operable with a closed fist and usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? 50. Is the door hardware mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor? 51. Is there clear maneuvering floor space in front of each door and on the pull side, is there at least 18 inches clear floor space beyond the latch side (pull side) of the door? 52. Is no more than 5 pounds force needed to push or pull open the accessible door? Note: Fire doors are exempt. 53. If there is a door closer on the door, does the door take at least 5 seconds to close? 54. If there are any thresholds, are they ½ inch high or less and beveled? OBSTACLES IN THE PATH OF TRAVEL 55. Are there any objects that protrude into the path of travel such as fire extinguishers, signs, drinking fountains, potted plants, furniture, etc., that extend more than 4 inches into this path? If YES, answer #56, #57. If NO, skip to #58. Y N NA COMMENT 56. Are these objects: a.) mounted from the floor or wall, lower than 27 inches from the floor? b.) mounted from the ceiling or upper wall, higher than 80 inches from the floor? 57. If NO to 56a or b, can the object(s) be removed or can the route be changed to avoid the object(s)? 58. Are there any open staircases along these routes? NOTE: If so, install a “cane-detectable” warning or a barrier that prevents travel into an area that has a head clearance that is less than 80 inches from the floor. 59. If there are temporary carpets or mats, are they firmly secured? 60. Is the carpet or mat no thicker than ½ inch? Y N NA COMMENT ACCESS WITHIN COURTROOM 61. Is there clear floor space in the gallery seating to accommodate at least one person sitting in a wheelchair? NOTE: The minimum space requirement is 30 inches by 48 inches. Y N NA COMMENT 62. Is the passage gate from the gallery area to the well of the courtroom at least 32 inches clear in width? 63. Is there level access to the Jury Box? If not, what is the height of the step(s): inches 64. Is there level access to the Witness Stand? If not, what is the height of the step(s): inches 65. Is there level access to the Clerk Station? If not, what is the height of the step(s): inches 66. Is there level access to the Judge’s Bench? If not, what is the height of the step(s): inches 67. Is there at least 29 inches clearance under desks or tables for counsel areas? 68. Is there a clear path of travel throughout the well of the courtroom that is at least 36 inches wide? 69. Are assistive listening systems available? JURY ASSEMBLY and DELIBERATION AREAS AND JUDGE’S CHAMBERS 70. Answer questions #40-#60 again. a) Is there a 36 inch clear path of travel provided? Y N NA COMMENT b) Is 29 inch clearance provided under tables? c) Is there access to and within the kitchen facilities? d) Are the Jury restrooms accessible? (Refer to #73) DETENTION AND VISITATION AREAS 71. Is there one accessible holding cell including an accessible toilet and sink unit? Y N NA COMMENT 72. Is there access provided to the consultation/visitation areas? RESTROOMS 73. a) Is the clear width for the door opening at least 32 inches measured when the door is open 90 degrees? Y N NA COMMENT b) If there are any thresholds, are they ½ inch high or less and beveled? c) Is there an automatic door opener? If YES, skip to h. If NO, continue d) Is the door hardware (lever or pull handle) operable with a closed fist and usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? Y N NA COMMENT e) Is the door hardware mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor? f) Is there clear maneuvering floor space in front of the door and, on the pull side of the door, is there at least 18 inches clear floor space beyond the latch side (pull side) of the door? g) Is no more than 5 pounds force needed to push or pull open the restroom door? h) If there is a door closer, does the door take at least 5 seconds to close? i) Are there grab bars on the wall located behind the toilet and to the side of the toilet? j) Is the height of the toilet seat between 17 and 19 inches from the floor? k) Is the distance from center of toilet to the closest wall between 16 and 18 inches? l) Is the length of the clear floor space from the center of the toilet to any other fixture at least 42 inches? m) Is the toilet paper dispenser mounted on the wall 7- 9 inches from the outer edge of the toilet bowl? n) Are the sink faucets operable with a closed fist (paddle or lever type faucets)? o) Is there 29 inches of clearance underneath the sink? p) Is the top of sink or counter no higher than 34 inches from the floor? q) Are the pipes beneath the sink insulated? r) Is there a clear floor space for turning a wheelchair (with no fixtures in the way) that measures 60 inches by 60 inches? s) Are all dispensers mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor? t) Is there a stall door? If no, skip to z. u) Does the stall door have an open clearance of at least 32 inches? v) Is the door opening pressure 5 pounds or less? w) Are the door handle and lock operable with a closed fist? x) Is the door hardware mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor? (This applies to a coat hook as well.) Y N NA COMMENT y) If there is a door closer, does the door take at least 5 seconds to close? z) Is there appropriate signage (Unisex, Male, Female, Family - with the wheelchair symbol) identifying the restroom, mounted on the exterior wall, adjacent to the door handle, with Braille and raised letters and symbols? 74. If there are audible (horn) fire alarms in the building, are there visual (strobe) alarms in the restrooms? OTHER ELEMENTS TO EVALUATE 75. Do all permanent rooms (restrooms, courtrooms, clerk’s office, etc.) have Braille and raised letters and symbols signage posted on the wall adjacent to the handle side of the doors? Y N NA COMMENT 76. Where there are counters provided, is a portion of the counter no higher than 36 inches from the floor? 77. Where water fountains are provided a) Is there sufficient clear floor space (30 x 48 inches) in front of the fountain? and b) Is the spout no higher than 36 inches from the floor? 78. Where telephones are provided a) Is there sufficient clear floor space (30 x 48 inches) in front of the telephone? and b) Is the highest operable part no higher than 48 inches from the floor? and c) Is there a volume control switch? d) Is the handset cord at least 29 inches long? e) Is there a sign noting if a TDD is available? f) Is the telephone hearing-aid compatible? 79. Stairways – If there are stairs that must be used, answer the following. Are there handrails on both sides of the stairway? If YES, answer # 80. If NO, skip to #81. Y N NA COMMENT 80. a) Are the handrails mounted between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface? b) Are the handrails sturdy and secure within their fittings? c) Do the handrails measure between 1¼ and 1½ inches in diameter? d) Are the handrails mounted 1½ inches from the wall? e) Do the handrails extend 12 inches beyond the bottom and the top of the stairs? 81. Are the treads 11 inches deep? 82. Are the step risers between 4 to 7 inches high and uniform in height? 83. Is there a color contrast difference between the stairs and the landings? 84. Is there adequate lighting on the stairway? Other comments/concerns: For assistance with this checklist, to schedule a site-survey, or for questions regarding accessibility, contact: Cheryl L. Killam, Accessibility Specialist - (603) 271-4177; cheryl.killam@nh.gov NH Governor’s Commission on Disability 57 Regional Drive, Concord, NH 03301 For additional guidance, please refer to the United States Access Board Guidelines for Judicial Facilities: http://www.access- board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#judicial National Center for State Courts ADA Resource Center http://www.ncsconline.org/D_KIS/ADAResources.htm Trial Court Standards: http://www.ncsconline.org/D_Research/TCPS/Forms.htm#Standard%201.2 US General Services Administration http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8152&contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW GSA Court Design Guide: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8195&channelPage=% 2Fep%2Fchannel%2FgsaOverview.jsp&channelId=-15287 Whole Building Design Guide: http://www.wbdg.org/design/index.php?cn=1.15&cx=0 http://www.wbdg.org/design/index.php?cn=3.1&cx=0