Source: https://www.corada.com/voices/topics/23
Timestamp: 2020-07-06 22:40:53
Document Index: 615208497

Matched Legal Cases: ['§106', '§203', '§ 35', '§ 36', 'art 36', 'art 1630', '§1630', '§1630', 'art 100', '§100', '§100', '§100', '§100', 'art 8', '§202', 'art 1630', 'art 100', 'art 8', 'art 1191', '§104', 'art 1191', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 35', 'art 36']

Professional Interpretation or Opinion
Dan Woosley | May 15, 2015 at 12:05PM (edited)
Alterations & Path of travel
Not Facility-related
Project date: April 10, 2015
Questions, Facts, and Assumptions:
The purpose of this interpretation is to address the question of whether or not an accessible route is required by the ADA Standards from a retail store to an on-site dumpster and enclosure for new construction or for alterations. For this interpretation, the basis is solely on the application of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (aka '2010 ADA').
The project considered is for a prototype that could be built in any state. The dumpster is typically on the property site, serves the retail store, is open-air, usually has a fence with gate or door(s), and is often across an internal driveway (although some configurations may place it adjacent to the back of the building). It is also assumed that this is not a public dumpster, but is for the sole use of the retail store by its employees.
For general understanding, site-specific information such as grading, slopes and cross-slopes are not included in a prototype design and thus, the design concept for all exterior elements that impact accessibility will require specific design application once the topography and dimensional specifics are known about a selected site.
Foundational to our opinion is our understanding that the trash dumpster and its enclosure are considered an employee work area as defined by the 2010 ADA §106.5.
Employee Work Area. All or any portion of a space used only by employees and used only for work. Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas. (underline added)
Because the dumpster is only used by employees when doing their work, there are some exceptions that limit the responsibility of providing accessible elements inside a work area. These are covered in the General Exceptions of §203.9.
203.9 Employee Work Areas. Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall only be required to comply with 206.2.8 [common use circulation paths within work area], 207.1 [accessible means of egress], and 215.3 [wiring for visible alarms] and shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work area. (underline and [brackets] added)
Since the three referenced sections relating to ‘circulation paths within’, ‘accessible means of egress’, and ‘visible alarms’ do not relate to the dumpster and enclosure fencing, what remains is only the requirement to provide for an individual with a disability to “approach, enter, and exit” the employee work area. This would trigger:
a level area outside the gate to accommodate the door maneuvering clearance,
operable door/gate hardware,
clear width at doorway, and
compliant closer speed and force (if applicable).
It does not require turn-around space inside the enclosure, door maneuvering clearances from the inside, compliant operable parts to operate the dumpster door or accessible reach ranges, although all those would certainly be good design practice. The requirements for accessibility for an employee using a wheelchair would be to open the door, to enter roughly half-way, and to back out (see ADAAG Manual, section 4.1.1(3), p. 9, published by the Access Board in July 1998, as seen in the figure excerpt below).
Accessible aspects at the Employee Work Area itself (within the enclosure) would become an issue of providing reasonable accommodations on an “as needed” basis per Title 1 of the ADA, should an employee with a disability be assigned that task or an employee so assigned gain a disability.
So the requirements at the enclosure are to provide accessibility to approach, enter and exit the gate. However, the obligation must also provide an accessible route to the Employee Work Area.
Section 206.2.2 of the ADA Standards requires that at least one accessible route connect the dumpster enclosure to the building.
206.2.2 Within a Site. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site. (underline added)
The dumpster and enclosure is a “facility” as defined in the ADA and therefore a connecting route for pedestrian travel must be provided. Normally, that route would take the same path that ambulatory employees might take, but if the site constraints called for it, it might be a different path altogether, even from a different door.
Admittedly, beyond the design of the enclosure itself, the most challenging aspect would likely be providing compliant slopes, cross slopes, curb ramps when necessary, and connection to an accessible entry/exit that the employees would have access to. There is no requirement for painted crosswalk going across the pavement, but it is advisable to indicate the accessible route on the design drawings (both the prototype drawings and especially the construction documents) to clearly communicate to the Contractor the higher level of responsibility expected along that route.
For Alteration projects in an existing facility, the path of travel requirements are only triggered when the altered area includes a primary function. Because the dumpster and enclosure are not a primary function of a retail facility, either for customers or for employees, even an alteration to the enclosure itself would not trigger modifications to the path of travel to the dumpster.
But with that said, if there is an alteration to an element along the route to the dumpster, that element would need to be made accessible per the new construction requirements to the maximum extent feasible.
For existing facilities with an on-site dumpster, there are no requirements for readily achievable barrier removal because the dumpster is not part of the place of public accommodation which would subject it to barrier removal.
Regarding the dumpster enclosure and whether an accessible route is required to the entrance door or gate, it is our opinion that the dumpster enclosure is an employee work area and, therefore, that an accessible pedestrian route from the store to the dumpster (or to the enclosure opening if there is one) is indeed required in new construction.
106.5 Employee Work Area
Accurate: 100% (4 votes)
Helpful: 100% (5 votes)
Kaylan M. Dunlap, CASp, ADAC, LPTA | January 15, 2016 at 8:01AM (edited)
Just as an FYI, Texas has a Technical Memorandum that briefly addresses dumpster enclosures. It is TM 2013-21.
Common Use Circulation Path
Accurate: 100% (2 votes)
Helpful: 100% (3 votes)
Federal Documents (539)
§ 35.151(b)(4)(iv)(B)(2)
Location of accessible routes to stages. (Section-by-Section Analysis)
Alterations to elevators. (Section-by-Section Analysis)
§ 36.403(f)(2)(i)
28 CFR Part 36 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities (1991 ADA Title III Regulations) (6)
Sec.36.403(f)(2)(i)
29 CFR Part 1630, Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the ADA (Title I Regulations with amendments issued through May 2016) (4)
§1630.16(b) Regulation of alcohol and drugs
§1630.16(c) Drug testing
24 CFR Part 100—Discriminatory Conduct Under the Fair Housing Act (with amendments issued through Sept. 2016) (6)
§100.205(c)
§100.205(c)(3)(i)
§100.205(c)(3)
§100.205(d)
24 CFR Part 8—Nondiscrimination Based on Handicap in Federally Assisted Programs and Activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (with amendments issued through Dec. 2007) (2)
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide (97)
Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities: ADA Standard Section 202.5
Alterations: ADA Standard Section 202.3
Raised Areas: ADA Standard Section 203.3
Single Occupant Structures: ADA Standard Section 203.6
1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (53)
4.3.4 Passing Space
4.1.7(2)(b) Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities Not Subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
A4.1.1(3) Areas Used Only by Employees as Work Areas
Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) (43)
4.1.7(2)(c)
4.1.5(2) ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
A4.3.1(1) Travel Distances
ABA Accessibility Standard for GSA Facilities Pocket Guide (82)
Dining Areas [5.4]/ Raised Platforms [5.7]
Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (13)
Accessible Jury Boxes, Attorney Areas, and Witness Stands
Accessible Routes to Press Boxes
Guide to the ADA Standards (60)
Alterations to Qualified Historic Facilities [§202.5]
Appendix to 29 CFR Part 1630—Interpretive Guidance on Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act (5)
Title I Technical Assistance Manual (15)
1630.16(b)
SEC. 105. POSTING NOTICES. 42 USC 12115
1630.2(f) Employee
Access to playing fields, lockers, and spaces used by players and performers
ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters (11)
A. Exterior Routes
Section E: Route from Entrance
B) Accessible Route
Accessible Route to Goods and Services
Error/Omission: There is no accessible route from accessible parking to an accessible entrance.
Accessible Information Exchange: Meeting on a Level Playing Field (5)
Feature 2 - Routes to the Building Entrance
Feature 4 - Routes to the Meeting Space
Feature 4 - Temporary Barrier Removal for Routes to the Meeting Space
Feature 2 - Temporary Barrier Removal for Routes to the Building Entrance
Accessible Meeting Location
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment (1)
14. What kinds of reasonable accommodations are related to the benefits and privileges of employment?
Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights (5)
6. What if there's no way I can do my regular job, even with an accommodation?
42. May an employer tell other employees that an individual is receiving a reasonable accommodation when employees ask questions about a coworker with a disability?
The Mental Health Provider's Role in a Client's Request for a Reasonable Accommodation at Work (2)
9. What Kind of Documentation Would Be Helpful?
24 CFR Part 100—Supplement to Notice of Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines: Questions and Answers about the Guidelines (6)
10.2 Q. Does the route leading from inside a private attached garage to the dwelling unit have to be accessible?
24 CFR Part 8 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Federally Assisted Programs and Activities - Notice: Instructions for use of alternative accessibility standard (6)
Elevator Exception 1—Section 206.2.3 of the 2010 Standards
Appendix to May 23, 2014 Document
Employee Work Areas—Section 203.9 of the 2010 Standards, and Similar Sections
Common Use Areas in Residential Facilities—Section 203.8 of the 2010 Standards
Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas—Exception to Section 202.4 of the 2010 Standards
Expanding Your Market: Maintaining Accessible Features in Retail Establishments (3)
Section 4.1.1, Application (Preamble, Section-by-Section Analysis)
Work Areas (Preamble, Section-by-Section Analysis)
Work Areas (Section-By-Section Analysis and Response to Comments)
New Provisions for Employee Work Areas
Accessible Route to Performance Areas
State and Local Documents (630)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (with amendments issued through 2008) (7)
12112(d)(2)(A) Prohibited examination or inquiry
12112(d)(2)(B) Acceptable inquiry
12112(d)(1) In general
36 CFR Part 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Emergency Transportable Housing Units (7)
233.3.4 Additions, F233.3.3 Additions, F233.4.4 Additions
203.8 Residential Facilities, F203.9 Residential Facilities
206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings (Exception 4), F206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings (Exception 4)
233.3.5 Alterations, F233.3.4 Alterations, F233.4.5 Alterations
§104.11(b)(4)
Codes and Standards (520)
2012 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction Pocket Guide (97)
2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) Pocket Guide (30)
State Technical Assistance (24)
DSA IR 11B-10: SCOPING AND PATH OF TRAVEL UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITY ALTERATION, ADDITION AND STRUCTURAL REPAIR PROJECTS (with revisions issued through April 2017) (2)
Technical Memorandum TM 2012-02 Emergency Response Buildings and Facilities (1)
Technical Memorandum TM 2012-03 Shopping Centers or Shopping Malls (1)
Technical Memorandum TM 2013-21 Employee Work Areas (4)
Technical Memorandum TM 2014-24 Location (Accessible Routes) (1)
DSA IR 11B-9: Accessibility Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems at School Sites (1)
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Accessibility: FAQs (6)
36 CFR Part 1191 ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Outdoor Developed Areas (3)
Accessible Boating Facilities - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (3)
Accessible Fishing Piers and Platforms - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (3)
Accessible Golf Courses - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (3)
Accessible Miniature Golf - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (4)
Accessible Play Areas - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas (5)
19. Are new play components added to an existing play area required to comply with the Standards even if there is not an accessible route from parking or the street to the play area?
Accessible Sports Facilities - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (4)
F208.3.1 General
24 CFR Part 100—Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (17)
1(2)(b) Site impracticality due to unusual characteristics
1(3) Exceptions to site impracticality
1(1)(a) Separate ground floor unit entrances
24 CFR Part 100—Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, Preamble (18)
(1) Accessible entrance and an accessible route
(2) An accessible route into and through covered dwelling units
Changes in Level within a Dwelling Unit
Site Impracticality Determinations
Excerpts from 2003 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® (2)
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, et al. Plaintiffs, v. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., et al., Defendants. - Statement of Interest on the Parties' Motions for Summary Judgment (3)
LEGAL OPINION - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE of GENERAL COUNSEL on 49 CFR 37.43(a) (1)
KIROLA v. THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO (1)
28 CFR Part 35 Title II Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (published 2008) (2)
28 CFR Part 36 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities NPRM: Preamble (2008 Title III NPRM Preamble) (2)
CAD/BIM Details (5)
Bobrick Narcotics Cabinet B-7316
What Makes Removal of a Barrier "Readily Achievable"? (1)
Must barriers be removed in areas used only by employees?
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities (13)
Comparison: 2010 and 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design - Scoping Requirements (3)
National Endowment for the Arts ADA Tip Sheet (1)
Products and Additional Resources (72)
Survey and Plan Review Tools (11)
ETA Survey and Plan Review Tools (3)
Changes in Level - Door Thresholds Tool
Effective Interaction: Communicating With and About People with Disabilities in the Workplace (1)
Regulations and Standards History (2)
Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Timeline - Disability & Employment (2)
Webinars, Videos, and Training (73)
Spirit of the ADA (28)
State Department or Agency (37)
Participate in Research: Non-Traditional Employment of People with Disabilities
ADA Live! Episode 61: Employment First and the ADA: Working Together
DSA Academy Pan Review - Accessibility - Sacramento, CA - September 2018
U.S. Access Board Section 508 Best Practices Webinar: Best Practices in Inclusive Employment Practices