Making a hospital accessible isn’t just the law; it’s part of good patient care. Using Georgetown Sign Company means your facility will not only meet all federal ADA guidelines but significantly enhance wayfinding and safety for all patients and visitors, especially those with some form of disability.
ADA Standards for Hospital Signs
Effective signs in hospitals include various types of signs, each with specific requirements as outlined by the ADA:
- Tactile Signs at Entrances and Exits
- Size and Location: Tactile characters must be accessible at a height of 48 inches to 60 inches off the floor. These signs should be placed beside doors or on the door itself where permissible.
- Character Requirements: Raised characters and Braille are required. Braille should be placed directly below the corresponding text.
- Directional and Information Signs
- Visual Requirements: Non-tactile informational signs such as directories or other signs that provide direction must be visually clear. They should adhere to high-contrast guidelines with light-on-dark or dark-on-light visuals to ensure they are easily readable.
- Placement: These signs must be strategically located to guide patients and visitors effectively, especially along routes leading to critical areas like emergency rooms or exits.
- Room Identification Signs
- Content Requirements: Permanent room labels need tactile text and Braille. Additional information on the sign that is non-permanent does not require tactile features but must still meet visual accessibility standards.
- Consistency and Visibility: Ensuring consistent placement at a uniform height makes these signs easier to locate and read both visually and through touch.
- Emergency and Egress Signs
- Dual Compliance: Signs that identify emergency exits or egress routes need to include both tactile elements and high-contrast visual designs. These signs play a critical role during emergencies, helping guide everyone to safety efficiently.
- Special Features: Areas of refuge, spaces where individuals who cannot use stairs may wait for assistance, must have signs that are tactile and include Braille.
- Elevator Signs
- Tactile and Visual Requirements: Elevator signs must include tactile numbers and letters to indicate floors and directions.
- Placement Flexibility: Unlike other signs, elevator signs can have tactile elements placed outside the standard mounting height to accommodate the panel layout.
Ensuring Compliance and Accessibility
Georgetown Sign Company promises to deliver signs that meet the exact specifications needed for ADA compliance. Every sign not only gives an ethos of accessibility but also aligns with the hospital’s aesthetics. Our signs help develop an inviting and friendly environment for all patients and visitors.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can keep your hospital free from fines and legal issues.
