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Contents / Intro This booklet was developed to give you a broad overview and understanding of the ADA sign regulations. We have also included design tools and drawings to help you select or design a sign system that is both compliant and functional. ADA Regulations ADA Sign Checklist Design Options - ADA Sign Summary 14 - Sign Checklist and Drawings 24 - Sign Specifications 4 - ADA Sign Types 15 - Room and Office Signs 25 - Standard Colors 5 - Characters and Fonts 16 - Changeable Window Slot 26 - Premium Materials 6 - Braille Requirements 17 - Restroom Signs 27 - Fonts and Pictograms 7 - Pictograms 18 - Directional - Overhead 28 - Graphic Options 8 - Spacing Requirements 19 - Informational - Safety 29 - Mounting Options 9 - Character Heights 20 - Stair Sign - Code Signs 0 - Order Form 10 - Sizing Chart 21 - Exit - Evacuation Signs 11 - Mounting Requirements 22 - People - Donor Plaques 12 - ADA Floor Plan 2 - Exterior - Entrance Signs Signs of our Times intent is to provide accurate and complete information regarding Federal ADA sign regulations. Some information has been condensed or simplified for easier understanding. The information should not be considered legal advise. Check your State or local regulations which may vary or supercede Federal laws.
ADA Sign Summary The following rules apply to signs that identify a room, space or area. Informational and directional signs don t require Braille or raised characters, however follow many of the other requirements. Please read this entire guide for a complete overview. 1 Signs that identify a room, space or area shall have raised characters and Braille. (216.2) (70.1) 2 Signs shall have a non-glare finish with contrasting colors. (70.6.2) Pictograms shall be in their own 6 high field. Add the ISA symbol if accessible. (70.6.1) 4 Characters shall be Sans Serif and all Uppercase. (70.2.) (70.2.2) 6 5 Characters must be between 5/8 and 2 with a minimum of 1/8 spacing. (70.2.5) (70.2.7) 6 Font shall be ADA compliant. t overly bold, condensed, italic, etc. (70.2.4) (70.2.6) 7 A /8 minimum margin is required around all raised elements, including Braille. (70.2.7) 8 A 1 high space is needed for one line of Braille. (70..2) 1 9 Braille shall be all together and /8 to 1/ 2 below last line of text. (70..2) /8 Margin 10 Line Spacing shall be 5-70% of Character Height. (70..8) 11 ADA signs are required for both public access areas and all employee areas. (102.5A) signsofourtimes.com
ADA Sign Types The matrix below shows Identification Informational Directional Overhead Signs Signs that identify a room, space or area. Signs that provide information about a room, space or area. Signs that provide direction to a room, space or area. Wall, ceiling and projection type signs, mounted overhead. what is required for each of the four ADA sign types. Sign Finish n-glare n-glare n-glare n-glare Sign Colors Good Contrast Good Contrast Good Contrast Good Contrast Braille Required Yes Raised Characters Yes t Required t Required t Required Pictogram Requirements Yes - See pg 7 Special Req. Special Req. Special Req. Character Font Sans Serif Sans or Simple Serif Sans or Simple Serif Sans or Simple Serif Characters Height 5/8-2 5/8 Minimum * 5/8 Minimum * 2 Minimum * Characters Case All Uppercase Upper and/or Lower Upper and/or Lower Upper and/or Lower Characters Spacing 1/8-4x Stroke 10-5% of Stroke 10-5% of Stroke 10-5% of Stroke Characters Stroke 15% Max of Stroke 10-0% Stroke 10-0% Stroke 10-0% Stroke Mounting Requirements See Page 11 ne ne Min. Clearance 80 * See chart on page 9 signsofourtimes.com 4
Characters / Fonts Fonts for room and area identification are required to be sans serif and shall not be italic, oblique, script or decorative. Characters should be raised a minimum of 1/2 and between 5/8 and 2 in height. ADA Compliant t Compliant TIMES ROMAN GARAMOND Sans Serif Serif A TIMES ROMAN Times Roman Min. Width 55% Max. Width 110% Maximum letter stroke for a tactile signs is 15% of character height.15 Raised 1/2 Uppercase as measure by the top of a beveled character. 5/8 /4 7/8 1 signsofourtimes.com 5
Braille Requirements There are many rules that govern proper Braille use: ADA Compliant NOT Compliant Braille shall be dome shaped. t flat or pointed. Braille shall be precisely sized and spaced. Braille shall be ½ 8 to ½ below last line of text. Braille shall be contracted Grade II. Braille shall be in lower case except for proper names, acronyms or as a letter in a room number (B20). Braille Size Braille Spacing Spacing on Sign. between cells Distinct Dome Shape.060 Diameter at base.1 between Braille dots.025 in Height.4 between Braille lines 1 high space required for one line of Braille /8 /8 signsofourtimes.com 6
Pictograms This chart shows typical pictograms and their proper usage. Pictograms used in identifying a room or space shall be 6 within a 6 high field. There is no specific rule on the height of the pictgram itself. Required Pictograms. 6 high background field required. Room Signs pictograms are not required, but are recommended. If used, a 6 high background field required. Miscellaneous Pictograms. field height requirement. 7
Spacing Requirements /8 Minimum space around any raised element Proper spacing is important for anyone trying to feel or touch a sign. Shown are sizing and spacing requirements Character spacing shall be a minimum of 1/8 Line spacing shall be 5-70% of character height for signs that identify a room or space. Braille shall be ½ 8 to ½ below last line of raised text 1/8 minimum character spacing /8 Minimum space around Braille Compliant Issue Sample Layout ADA Rule t enough character spacing SIGNAGE Minimum 1/8 space between characters Too much character spacing S I G N A G E Maximum space of 4 x character stroke Characters too condensed SIGNAGE Minimum 55% of character height Characters too extended SIGNAGE Maximum 110% of character height Character stroke too thick SIGNAGE Maximum stroke is 15% of character height signsofourtimes.com 8
Character Heights Use this chart to determine the required letter size of your ADA sign. First determine the mounting height of your sign and then the average viewing distance of that sign. The minimum character height will be indicated. Sign Mounted between 40-70 Distance sign is to be read Minimum size of lettering Under 6 Feet 5/8 7 Feet /4 8-9 Feet 1 10-11 Feet 1.25 12-1 Feet 1.5 14-15 Feet 1.75 40-70 Reading Distance 16-17 Feet 2 18-19 Feet 2.25 20-21 Feet 2.5 22-2 Feet 2.75 24-25 Feet 26-27 Feet.25 Sign Mounted between 70-120 Distance sign is to be read Under 15 Feet 16-17 Feet 18-19 Feet 20-21 Feet 22-2 Feet 24-25 Feet Minimum size of lettering 2 2.25 2.5 2.75.25 70-120 Readi ng Dista nce 26-27 Feet.5 28-29 Feet.75 0-1 Feet 4 2 - Feet 4.25 4-5 Feet 5 6-7 Feet 5.25 Sign Mounted over 120 (10 feet) Distance sign is to be read Under 21 Feet 22-2 Feet 24-25 Feet 26-27 Feet 28-29 Feet 0-1 Feet 10 feet and above Reading Distance Minimum size of lettering 2 - Feet 4.5.25 4-5 Feet 4.75.5 6-7 Feet 5.75 8-9 Feet 5.25 4 40-41 Feet 5.5 4.25 42-45 Feet 6 signsofourtimes.com 9
Sizing Chart This chart was developed to help you determine the proper size of your sign based on the various ADA laws. Use the matrix below to determine overall length and height of your sign. Length of Sign 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 Letter Size 5/8 /4 7/8 1 1.25 4 2 7 5 4 4 2 9 7 5 5 11 9 7 6 4 1 11 8 7 5 15 12 10 8 6 17 1 11 10 7 19 15 12 11 8 2 19 14 1 10 27 21 17 14 10 1 24 20 15 11 } Maximum Number of Characters and Spaces per line based on Letter Height and Sign Length Height of Sign Letter Size 5/8 /4 7/8 1 2 1 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 4.5 2 2 6 4 7 5 4 4 8 6 5 4 4 9 7 6 5 5 10 8 6 5 5 12 9 8 7 6 } Maximum Number of Lines allowed based on Letter Height 1.25 1 1 1 2 4 5 Example: MATERIALS AND RESOURCES BUILDING occupac resourxe buildin 6 x 9 sign with /4 Letters 1 Maximum Number of Characters and Spaces per line Maximum Number of Lines per sign Studies with visually impaired people have shown that 5/8 lettering is too small to read. We recommend a minimum letter height of /4 for all ADA signs. signsofourtimes.com 10
Mounting Requirements Below are general guidelines for mounting room and overhead signs. Make sure to check with your State and/or local codes, as well as your building inspector before installing signs. 18 9 Minimum Center sign between an 18 minimum area and the center of the tactile characters. ROOM OR AREA SIGNAGE Maximum mounting height of tactile characters is 60 above floor to baseline of characters. Minimum mounting height of Braille is 48 above floor to baseline of Braille cells. occupac p 60 on center 48 min 60 max Room signs to be mounted on the latch side of the door. On double doors, with both leafs active, the sign shall be mounted on the right side. When there is not enough wall space for mounting the sign, use the nearest adjacent wall. Ceiling or wall projection signs must have a minimum clearance of 80 from bottom of sign to the floor. 18 Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor space of 18 minimum by 18 minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position. OVERHEAD MOUNTED SIGN 18 80 Min signsofourtimes.com 11
ADA Floor Plan Use the floor plan below and on the next page to see what signs are required on a typical project. Standard sizes and mounting locations are indicated. Other sizes and layouts are available. ISA Entry 6x6 Smoking 8x8 Employee ID x9 Room ID 8x8 Safety Sign 8x10 Exit x5 Exit Route 6x6 CA Restroom 12 Restoom 8x8 Directional 10x1 Occupancy 8x8 Slider Plate 8x8 signsofourtimes.com 12
ADA Floor Plan ADA signs are required for both public areas as well as all employee areas. Check your local and State codes for any variances. See pages 15-2 for a complete list of ADA, Interior and Code signs. Code Sign 11x9 Bulletin Sign 11.5x11 Informational 6x9 Stairwell 12x12 Floor 6x6 Refuge Sign 11x8 Exit Stairs 6x6 at non-exiting levels Directional 6x9 Window Slot 8x8 Fire Sign 10x8 Evacuation Plan 11.5x11 signsofourtimes.com 1
ADA Sign Checklist The following nine pages show a comprehensive list of ADA, Code and Interior signs required on a typical project. To order, simply choose your signs, style and colors. Custom logos, colors and materials are available. Sign Checklist Sign Drawings signsofourtimes.com 14
Room / Office Signs Signs that identify a room, space or area are required to have raised characters and Braille. This requirement includes both public access areas and all employee areas. Standard sizes are shown. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 120 4.5x9 A 140 5x5 A 110 8x8 A 10 10x10 A 160 9x9 A 150 8x8 A 170 6x9 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Precision Cut Raised Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure A 180 7x7 A 190 9x9 Braille embedded into the surface signsofourtimes.com 15
Changeable Window Changeable window slot signs offer the advantage of quick in-house changes. Simply print out a name or message and insert it into the clear window slot. Any number of slots can be fabricated. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 210 8x8 A 220 8x8 A 20 8x8 A 240 14x9 (8.5 x 11 Paper Insert) A 250 11.5x11 (11 x 8.5 Paper Insert) A 260 14x8.5 A 270 7x7 1/8 Backer Panel Window Slot (Area for Insert) 1/16 Face Panel with Clear Window Characters bonded under extreme pressure A 280 4x16 Braille embedded into the surface signsofourtimes.com 16
Restroom Signs ADA restroom signs require Braille and should display the gender pictogram. California law also requires the 12 Circle/Triangle door sign. The ISA symbol (wheelchair) should be added to the sign if accessible. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 40 8x8 A 50 8x8 A 60 8x8 A 10 12 A 20 12 A 70 11x9 A 80 9.5x8 1/8 or 1/4 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Precision Cut Raised Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure Braille embedded into the surface if required A 0 12 A 90 9x12 signsofourtimes.com 17
Directional / Overhead A well designed wayfinding system provides clear logical access throughout a building. Signs can be wall mounted, projection mounted or suspended. Any number of lines or panels can be made to suit your needs. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 420 7x46 A 410 16.7x16 A 460 6x9 A 450 10x1 A 440 16x14 A 40 9x9 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Raised, Vinyl or Subsurface Characters Interchangeable Panels (optional) Braille not Required A 470 9x12 A 480 1x1 signsofourtimes.com 18
Informational / Safety Informational signs can provide important instructions and messages to both visitors and employees. Signs in most cases are not required to have Braille, however follow many other ADA laws. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 520 6x9 (8.5 x 11 Paper Insert) A 50 8x10 A 540 8x10 A 510 11.5x11 A 560 11x9 A 570 9x11 A 550 9x11 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Raised, Vinyl or Subsurface Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure A 580 6x9 Braille not Required signsofourtimes.com 19
Stair Signs / Code Stair and Code signs are not only required, but can provide vital information in case of an emergency. Check your State and local regulations for any variances to Federal ADA laws. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 610 8x8 A 620 10x8 A 60 8x8 A 640 9x12 A 680 6x6 A 670 8x8 A 650 12x12 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors A 660 18x12 Raised, Vinyl or Subsurface Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure Braille embedded into the surface if required A 690 6x6 signsofourtimes.com 20
Exit / Evacuation Signs Exit and Evacuation signs help guide and direct people safely out of a building or facility. Most require raised characters and Braille. Check your State or local regulations for any variances. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 700 8x8 A 710 7x11 A 720 6x6 A 70 6x6 A 770 6x6 (8.5 x 11 Paper Insert) A 740 11.5x11 A 750 11x8 A 760 12x10 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Raised or Subsurface Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure A 780 6x11 A 790 x5 A 795 6x6 Braille embedded into the surface if required signsofourtimes.com 21
People Signs Identifying employees and departments is helpful to good communications. Donor or recognition plaques are also available to honor and acknowledge key people in your organization. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. A 810 8x8 A 820 x9 A 840 8x8 A 80 18x9 A 860 5x8 A 850 11x2 1/8 Modified n-glare Acrylic Integral Subsurface Colors Raised, Vinyl or Subsurface Characters Characters bonded under extreme pressure A 870 6x11 A 880 10x8 Braille embedded into the surface if required signsofourtimes.com 22
Exterior / Entrance Signs of Our Times also manufactures exterior type signs. Many are required code signs, while others are used in identifying and directing visitors. Signs can be made out of Aluminum or Modified Acrylic. Other sizes, shapes and layouts available. 7028 Metal Letters A 920 9x7 A 90 9x7 A 910 24x12 A 940 11x11 Corporate Identification Hardware A 950 10x10 Employee Parking Receiving Dept A 960 16x24 A 970 6x6 signsofourtimes.com 2
Sign Specs t all ADA signs are created equal or compliant. We manufacture all our signs to the highest quality standards in the industry. The chart at the bottom shows the various methods of manufacturing ADA signs and their features. Durable non-glare modified a crylic. Impact and mar r esistant. UV stable (Modified Acrylics only.) Distinct contrast between background colors and graphic colors. Integral subsurface colors with superior resistance to fading and scratching. t front painted. 1/2 raised graphics are bonded to the surface under extreme pressure with M VHB. Clear, domed shaped Raster Braille (Grade II) is embedded into the surface material. A /8 minimum margin around all raised elements, including Braille, for easy reading. Sans serif font, between 5/8 and 2 in height. All uppercase. Signs are 100% compliant with both Federal ADA and State of California regulations. ADA Method Correct Braille Size and Spacing Choice of Materials Integral Colors t Front Painted UV Stable Exterior Use Integral Window Slot Subsurface Graphic Option 100% ADA Compliant Signs of Our Times YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Photopolymer???? Sandblasted Yes? Etched Metal Yes Yes signsofourtimes.com 24
Standard Colors Below are standard colors for background, lettering and backer panels. ADA laws require distinct contrast between the background color and the lettering color. Custom colors are available. Actual colors may vary slightly from the presented colors. Background Color Lettering Color Backer Panel Color (optional) Metallics White Cement Driftwood Charcoal Dark Brown Black Vintage Silver Ash Sandalwood Parchment Ivory Beige Taupe Graphite Cinder Celadon Forest Green Sea Grey Hunter Green Bright Green Vintage Gold Teal Green Ocean Blue China Blue Medium Blue ADA Blue Blueberry Red Canyon Dusty Rose Ruby Orange Clear n-glare signsofourtimes.com 25
Premium Materials Premium materials are shown below. They can be used for sign backgrounds and backer panels, but not as lettering. See previous page for lettering colors. Subsurface graphics are not available with these materials. Other finishes and materials are available. Background Color Backer Panel Color (optional) Photoluminescent Kensington Maple Satin Silver Aluminum Green Edge - Matte Evening Tigris Wild Cherry Satin Gold Aluminum Green Edge - Gloss Pearl Soapstone Fonthill Pear Frosted P95 - Clear Rustic Slate Biltmore Cherry Frosted P95 - Backpainted signsofourtimes.com 26
Fonts and Pictograms Standard ADA fonts and pictograms are shown below. Many other sans serif fonts and pictograms are available. Refer to the ADA Regulations section of this booklet for proper use and sizing of fonts and pictograms. signsofourtimes.com 27
Graphic Options Below are the various methods we use to manufacture our signs. Signs that identify a room or space must have raised letters and Braille. Other signs, such as informational or directional, don t required Braille or raised characters. Front Surface The main graphic elements are on the front side of non-glare material. ADA / Braille ADA Inlay / Braille Raised Graphics Only Vinyl Graphics Precision cut raised letters and Letters are chemically welded Precision cut raised letters and High performance M vinyl is graphics are bonded to the surface into a recessed pocket making the graphics are bonded to the cut to exact specifications and with M VHB. Braille is sign more vandal resistant. Braille surface with M VHB. Braille then applied to the embedded into the surface. is embedded into the surface. is not included. front surface on the material. Subsurface The main graphic elements are produced on the backside of non-glare material. Reverse Engraved Screen Printing Digital Image Vinyl Graphics Letters and graphics are routed An image is screen printed with A full color, high resolution High performance M vinyl is out from the backside of a special special inks to the backside of image is digitally printed on the applied to the backside of non- two ply material and then non-glare acrylic and then backside of non-glare acrylic. glare acrylic then backpainted backpainted a contrasting color. backpainted a contrasting color. a contrasting color. signsofourtimes.com 28
Mounting Options Shown are a few mounting options available. Always test the appropriate mounting technique before actual installation. We recommend using a high quality silicone adhesive in conjunction with most of the mounting methods below. Double Faced Tape Pressure sensitive foam tape. Good in conjunction with silicone adhesive Screw Holes - Torxs /16 screw hole with optional 1.5 vandal resistant button torx. Countersunk Holes - Torxs /16 screw hole with optional 1.5 vandal resistant flathead torx. Magnetic Tape (Foil) 1/2 Magnetic tape for steel surfaces. Sign not to exceed three pounds. Velcro Hook (Loop) For fabric surfaces such as office work stations. Always test first. Stand-Offs We offer both premium and economy styles in various sizes and finishes. Partition Hook Both stock and custom hangers available for any size partition. Counter or Partition Bracket Available in 8, 10 or 12 lengths. Sign should be no taller than 10 in height. Pedestal Stand A piece of 1/8 Acrylic is bent and attached to the sign to form a easel like stand. Wall or Ceiling Bracket A bracket is mounted perpendicular to the wall or ceiling. Hanging Clips and Cables A number of hanging options are available from simple chain to architectural cables and hardware. signsofourtimes.com 29
Signs of Our Times 1-800-795-9475 Fax 916-77-190 www.signsofourtimes.com sales@signsofourtimes.com Order Form Please include detailed drawings with your order Indicate if job is New or Repeat Include all information below Company: Purchase Order #: Project: Address: Buyer: New Job Repeat Job - Previous Order # Buyer s Email: Payment Method: VISA AmEx Debit Email for Invoices: Phone: Discover MasterCard Shipping Address: QTY SIZE SIGN TYPE SHAPE BACKGRD COLOR LETTER COLOR TEXT OR MESSAGE MOUNTING 5 6 x 6 A 770 6x6 B ADA Blue White EXIT ROUTE D F Tape SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: CUSTOM OPTIONS: Custom Logo - Custom Color - Custom Material - PROVIDE DRAWING OR SKETCH: 4.5 9 Custom Mounting -
C O R P O R A T E E D U C A T I O N H E A L T H C A R E G O V E R N M E N T Jones Lang LaSalle Stanford University Sutter Hospital Placer Justice Center Google USC Kaiser Permanente Dept of Defense LA Metro Rail San Francisco High WNJ Texas Health Fort Benning Halekulani Hotel UCLA Chicago Advocate City of Anaheim US Bank Epic Bible College Methodist Health National Guard Intel Corporation Chabot College Queen s Medical Hawaii DHSS - Alaska Sacramento Kings Savannah University Pochontas Medical Presidio, San Francisco Adobe Systems CSU, Fullerton Tucson Care Center Dept of General Services Walmart - Sam s Club CSU, Sacramento Carmichael Senior Apts. LA Metro Rail Turner Construction UC, Davis Dignity Health Dept of Motor Vehicles Starbucks 00 + Elementary and St. Francis Medical California State Library Tower Records (RIP) Secondary Schools Veterans Administration Reno Airport Very Impressed. I have been shopping around for ADA signs for a while and yours are very nice. I could not have imagined a better result. Thanks for doing a fantastic job on the SF Foundation ADA signs. Signs of Our Times was fast and efficient on both the phone and email. Signs were produced to specs and delivered quickly. I really think your signs look sharp. I will recommend you as a preferred vendor on our support site. sales@signsofourtimes.com 800-795-9475 Fax 916-77-190 www.signsofourtimes.com