4 Important Steps for ADA Compliant and Accessible Greenhouse Design
Painted handicapped parking sign
In the U.S., the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requires the integration of accessibility and compliance measures into greenhouse design. LLK Greenhouse Solutions recently considered how ADA compliance is best incorporated throughout the design process and broke it down into four separate stages. So, here are the four steps to take in addressing accessibility and compliance when designing your next greenhouse project.
1. Initial Planning
The initial and early planning phase of designing a greenhouse should strive toward communication. Primarily, this should be by partnering with ADA specialists and individuals with disabilities so they can provide valuable insights on specific needs. Through receiving and cataloging this information, the operations team can consider all possible options to tailor the greenhouse design toward accessibility.
Overall, the available space should be optimized to get the most possible use, both in general and for specific concerns. Examples may include:
- Bench and workstation heights
- Emergency feature use
- Employee break areas
- Optional customization of spaces
- Path and walkway materials
- Storage area accessibility
2. Layout Design
Once space is accounted for and an assessment of wants and needs is complete, the specifics of the greenhouse design and layout can be agreed upon. This is where adhering to ADA compliance requirements and recommendations should be paramount. To give a few examples:
Doorways need to be wide enough to accommodate wheelchair access, and automatic door systems should be considered for easy entry and exit for individuals with disabilities.
Ramps are recommended to be set at a slope ratio of 1:12 and incorporate non-slip surfaces for safety during varying weather conditions.
Floors, much like ramps, should opt for non-slip surfaces, in addition to using material that can withstand wear and tear from heavy traffic use.
Walkways, like doorways, need to accommodate wheelchairs while also including extra space to ensure smooth traffic flow in both directions.
Workstations also need to consider both standing and seated workers with height-adjustable surfaces that can be easily modified.
3. Communication and Signage
With the materials and equipment required for greenhouse production accounted for, the next step regards proper labeling and warning safety communications through signage.
According to LLK Greenhouse Solutions, signage that concerns accessibility features should “use large, clear fonts with high contrast between text and background to enhance readability for individuals with visual impairments.”
Signs should be placed at “decision points” to guide navigation, including entrances, emergency exits, and restrooms. Additionally, signage should be employed at eye level (for standing and seated individuals) to identify different plant sections, tools, equipment, and other prominent features of the greenhouse.
4. Auditing and Incorporating Feedback
The first three steps cover ADA accessibility and compliance issues up until the point of opening and operation. After that, goals and metrics should be set to measure and gauge the effectiveness of implemented features in the greenhouse’s design.
Properly auditing your greenhouses’ accessibility features helps to improve employee safety and satisfaction, as well as the long-term success of your business. For impartiality during the auditing process, external ADA compliance experts can be optionally employed.
Using this information can dictate what is working successfully, and what needs to be improved, whether through additional or revised signage or through education and communication through team meetings and demonstrations. In these cases, the process of how to assist and explain navigation to greenhouse visitors should be covered.
For additional information and details on what to consider and implement for each step, please read the original article from LLK Greenhouse Solutions.
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