ADA & Standards
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
(e) Path of travel. (1) A "path of travel" includes a continuous, unobstructed way of pedestrian passage by means of which the altered area may be approached, entered, and exited, and which connects the altered area with an exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets, and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other parts of the facility.
TRIP HAZARDS
Trip hazards in sidewalks are gaps greater than ¼ inch. Hazards can be grinded down to avoid potential for trips and meet accessibility requirements.
Trip hazards are broken into several categories as follows:
Least Severe - 1/4" to 1/2"
Severe - 1/2" to 1"
Most Severe - 1" to 2"
Typically locations with greater than 2" will need to be replaced.
AVOID LIABILITY
Since the ADA demands strict compliance, trip hazards represent a legal liability to our clients.
Homeowners, cities, school districts, hospitals, churches, shopping malls, universities, apartment complexes, and other large buildings are all extremely concerned with this liability.
Having trip hazards professional removed is a fraction of the cost of potential law suits.