State of Illinois Elevators – Elevator Braille mandate

We have another mandate in the State of Illinois for elevators, this time it is Braille.  Please read below.  Our two largest inspection agencies are writing up buildings.  To date most inspectors are writing "by next visit".  Here are what the expectations are.

a.    New elevators for which building permits are issue after the effective date of this Act or October 1, 1977, whichever date is later – immediately

b.    Existing elevators undergoing renovations of the control panel for which building permits are issued after the effective date of this Act or October 1, 1977.  Whichever date is later – Immediately;

c.    Existing elevators no undergoing renovation, the ealier of:

1.    90 days after the effective date of the Federal standards governing elevator control markings applicable to privately owned buildings, or

2.    June 30, 1980

 Braille requirements

Hoistway entrances – 4.10.5 – All elevator hoistway entrances shall have raised and Braille floor designations provided on both jambs.  The centerline of the characters shall be 60 in above finish floor.  Such characters shall be 2” high and shall comply with 4.30.4.  Permanently applied plates are acceptable if they are permanently fixed to the jambs.

Car controls – Tactile, Braille, and visual control indicators.  All control buttons shall be designate by Braille and by raised standard alphabet characters for letters, Arabic characters for numerals, or standard symbols as shown by Fig 23a, and as required by ASME A17.1.  Raised and Braille characters and symbols shall comply with 4.30.  The call button for the main entry floor shall be designated by a raised star at the left of the floor designation.  All raised designations for control buttons shall be placed immediately to the left of the button to which they apply.  Applied plates, permanently attached, are an acceptable means to provided raised control designations.  Car control Braille shall be 16mm on the symbol with with a 4.8mm space then Braille below.

Take away – Put your Braille up.  The Braille isn’t expensive and it is a good idea in general to make a building more accessible per ADA rules.  There are certain requirements for size and composition of elevator Braille.  For more information on this contact your elevator contractor.

References – A117.1, A17.1, ADA code book, State of Illinois ACT 410 ILCS 30/0.01

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

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