Use these prompts to notice barriers and collect evidence. Follow the linked clauses for detailed geometry, exceptions and the number of elements that must be accessible. The practical suggestions extend beyond the selected technical checks.
01 / ARRIVE
Parking & the last few metres
Start where the visitor actually arrives: a parking space, passenger drop-off, public pavement or transport stop. Follow the transfer space all the way to the entrance.
- Protect the transfer area. ADA §502: a car space is at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide with a 60 in (1525 mm) access aisle. A van space uses 132 + 60 in, or 96 + 96 in. Neither the ramp nor a parked vehicle should consume the aisle.
- Measure the surface, not just the paint. ADA §502.4 limits parking-space and access-aisle slopes to 1:48 in all directions. Record ponding, unstable paving and any lip at the route connection.
- Check the journey at busy times. Trace the shortest accessible route to the entrance. Count the required spaces using ADA §208 for each parking facility; a single marked bay does not establish that enough are provided.
What to record on site
Arrival point, bay and aisle widths, slopes in both directions, obstructions, the route taken, opening hours and photo references. For drop-off, separately review the loading-zone requirements in §503.
ADA: §§208, 502 · parking guide
02 / CONNECT
A route that stays clear
Measure the usable path after furniture, signs, door swings and equipment are in place. A generous corridor can still have one impassable pinch point.
- Check width and room to pass. ADA §403 generally requires 36 in (915 mm) clear width. Short reductions and turns have separate conditions; routes under 60 in (1525 mm) need passing spaces at intervals no more than 200 ft (61 m).
- Measure both slopes. ADA walking surfaces: running slope at most 1:20; cross slope at most 1:48. A steeper running slope enters the ramp provisions. A gently sloping route can still tilt too far sideways.
- Trace every transition. Under ADA §303, a vertical change can be up to ¼ in (6.4 mm); changes above that up to ½ in (13 mm) need a bevel no steeper than 1:2. Larger changes need an accessible route component. Check gratings, loose mats and overhead projections too.
What to record on site
Mark the narrowest point on a route sketch. Record clear width, turning and passing spaces, the steepest measured locations and surface condition. ISO 21542:2021 §6.3.3 sets path requirements in relation to expected traffic; do not substitute the ADA width as an ISO target.
ADA: §§206, 303, 403 · route guide
03 / ENTER
Approach, open, pass through
Review the whole door sequence from both sides. Visitors need somewhere to position themselves, reach the hardware, open the leaf and move through without reversing into a hazard.
- Measure the clear opening. ADA §404.2.3 normally requires at least 32 in (815 mm), measured between the door face at 90° and the stop. Openings deeper than 24 in (610 mm) need at least 36 in (915 mm).
- Use the correct approach diagram. ADA §404.2.4 clearance depends on push/pull side, approach direction, latch and closer. A door-width measurement alone cannot verify manoeuvring space.
- Test force and operation. ADA §404.2.9 limits opening force for interior hinged doors and sliding/folding doors to 5 lbf (22.2 N), excluding fire doors and latch release. It sets no maximum opening force for exterior hinged doors. Record the door type with the reading.
What to record on site
Door identifier, type, swing, clear opening, approach geometry, threshold, closer timing and measured force. Check intercom feedback and the clear space at automatic-door controls. ISO 21542:2021 §9.1 is the separate door reference.
ADA: §404 · entrances and doors guide
04 / CHANGE LEVEL
Ramps, stairs & lifts
Choose the route for the complete level change. A short ramp can require substantial landing space; stairs and an accessible alternative must both be usable.
- Plan the ramp beyond its slope. ADA §405: 1:12 maximum running slope, 1:48 maximum cross slope and 30 in (760 mm) maximum rise per run. Provide the required landings, handrails and edge protection. Limited alteration exceptions are not general design targets.
- Measure a complete stair flight. ADA §504 requires uniform risers from 4 to 7 in (100–180 mm), uniform treads at least 11 in (280 mm), and no open risers on stairs subject to this section. Check nosings and both handrails.
- Test the accessible alternative in service. Find the lift without staff directions. Check the approach, controls, door operation and visual/audible information. A platform lift is permitted only in specified circumstances; confirm scope before choosing it.
What to record on site
Rise and horizontal run for each ramp segment, actual landing dimensions and local slope readings. For stairs, record each rise/tread and handrail continuity. For a lift, record availability, maintenance issues and who resolves a breakdown. Use the planner for preliminary ramp geometry.
ADA: §405 · ramps; §§504–505 · stairs; §§407–410 · lifts
05 / USE FACILITIES
Toilets that work as a room
Follow the sequence: enter, close and lock the door, turn, transfer, use the toilet, wash and dry hands, then leave. Check each step with all fittings deployed.
- Draw the clear spaces. ADA §§603–604 require turning space and fixture clearances. A 60 in (1525 mm) turning circle is one option; a compliant T-shaped space is another. Neither verifies the whole room by itself.
- Check the transfer arrangement. For an adult wheelchair-accessible water closet, ADA §604.2 places its centreline 16–18 in (405–455 mm) from the side wall. Review seat height, grab bars and toilet clearance together; ambulatory compartments have different provisions.
- Use every fitting. Check the approach and knee/toe space at the basin, controls, mirror, soap and drying equipment. Look for waste bins or changing tables occupying a required clearance.
What to record on site
A measured plan with door swing, fixture and transfer clearances, grab bars and movable objects. Photograph the room in normal use. ISO 21542:2021 §10.5 describes different toilet layouts and transfer arrangements; one turning diameter does not represent the whole ISO layout.
ADA: §§603–606 · toilet rooms guide
06 / OPERATE
Reach, grip & get feedback
A reachable button can still be unusable if a person cannot approach it, operate it with limited dexterity or tell whether it worked.
- Start at the clear floor space. ADA §305 normally requires 30 × 48 in (760 × 1220 mm). Position it for the intended approach. Recesses and obstructions can require more space.
- Measure the part people touch. ADA §308 unobstructed forward and side reaches generally span 15–48 in (380–1220 mm). Reach over a counter has separate depth and height limits. Measuring only the device casing can hide an inaccessible control.
- Try operation with one hand. ADA §309.4 requires operation without tight grasping, pinching or twisting the wrist, with force at most 5 lbf (22.2 N), subject to its exceptions. Also check that feedback is understandable without relying on colour or sound alone.
What to record on site
Control identifier, approach, clear space, operating height, obstruction depth and measured force. Record any difficulty seeing the display, finding the control, holding it down or confirming a successful action.
ADA: §§305, 308–309 · operable parts guide
07 / UNDERSTAND
Wayfinding & sensory information
Offer information where a person makes a decision. Consistent names, useful contrast and a choice of visual, tactile or audible cues help people travel with less guesswork.
- Check the sign for its actual job. ADA §703 distinguishes tactile and visual requirements. Visual signs need non-glare finishes and light/dark character contrast. Size and spacing depend on the sign and viewing conditions.
- Check tactile text height correctly. Under ADA §703.4.1, the lowest tactile-character baseline is at least 48 in (1220 mm) high; the highest is no more than 60 in (1525 mm). The exception for elevator-car controls and sign-location rules must also be considered.
- Follow a first-time visitor's route. Record missing cues at junctions, glare, confusing reflections, noise and inconsistent room names. Test reception communication and hearing support where provided. These practical observations complement the technical sign checks.
What to record on site
Decision point, destination name, information format, sign position, viewing distance and lighting condition. ISO 21542:2021 §§5.1, 5.5 and 6.3.2 address orientation, signage and wayfinding; include sensory information in the route review.
ADA: Chapter 7 · communication elements; §216 · where signs are required
08 / LEAVE SAFELY
Everyday exit & emergency planning
Plan for visitors who cannot use stairs, hear an announcement or interpret an unfamiliar escape route. Access must remain useful when ordinary routines are disrupted.
- Review the approved egress strategy. ADA §207 refers to specific editions of the International Building Code for accessible means of egress. The locally adopted building and fire rules also need review; an entrance-route check cannot establish emergency compliance.
- Verify systems and responsibilities. With the building's responsible person, identify exit routes, alarms, assistance arrangements and any designated refuge or rescue-assistance spaces. Confirm how communication is maintained and who acts when assistance is requested.
- Check the plan in practice. Do not assume a passenger lift is approved for evacuation. Confirm the intended equipment and procedures with the fire-safety team, involve disabled occupants and document exercises and follow-up actions.
What to record on site
The plan's version, responsible role, route and communication arrangements, equipment status and unresolved questions. ISO 21542:2021 §11.4 treats evacuation as coordinated building systems and planning, including lifts designed for that purpose.
ADA: §207 · accessible means of egress guide
