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Are Sliding Glass Partitions ADA-Compliant? Accessibility Considerations for Modern Offices

With the emergence of a new age of modern office design, companies are focusing on open plans, natural light, and a refined environment. Achieving this modern office design partly comes from the use of glass sliding partitions. The glass wall partitions allow for flexible use of a space, convenience, and sleekness. 

However, in the pursuit of good design, businesses also need to ensure that their office spaces are inclusive. And accessible by access regulations, and in particular, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Understanding ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that requires public spaces (including the workplace) to be accessible to people with disabilities. This means that all structural elements (including doors and partitions) must be physically accessible to people who have mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.). 

Key areas of consideration include:

  • Clear width of passageway
  • Use of door hardware
  • Manoeuvring clearance
  • Threshold height and transitions to floors
  • Visibility and safety

When planned appropriately, a glass wall that can be considered a physical barrier can meet the standards for ADA compliance. However, there are numerous considerations to take into account.

Key Accessibility Guidelines for Sliding Glass Partitions 

1. Doorway Width and Clear Width 

  • ADA Standard: 

Openings shall provide a minimum clear width of 32 inches. 

  • Application: 

Sliding glass doors must slide fully out of the opening for full accessibility. Any amount of a partial slide system or narrow frame limits access for people using wheelchairs. 

2. Ease of Operation 

  • ADA Standard: 

Door hardware must be operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to operate the door must not be greater than 5 pounds. 

  • Application: 

Sliding doors should have handles that are easy to grip and are located at an accessible height (34–48 inches above the floor) and are easy to open or close with minimal force.

3. Floor Transitions and Tracks

  • ADA Standard: 

Thresholds should be no higher than ½ inch, and any change in flooring must be bevelled.

  • Application: 

Sliding glass systems usually run solely on tracks on the floor. To comply with the ADA, the tracks must be low, smooth, and flush for a wheelchair to easily navigate the transition.

4. Visual Markings and Safety

  • ADA Recommendation: 

Transparent glass should have visual markings to help people with low vision avoid collisions unintentionally.

  • Application: 

Frosted bands, decals, or contrast strips can be visually marked at eye level to provide a visual indication of a glass door.

5. Room for Mobility 

  • ADA Standard: 

Adequate floor space must be provided to enable a wheelchair to turn (usually a 60-inch diameter circle). 

  • Application: 

Sliding glass partitions should leave adequate interior circulation space, provided they are not placed in a way that obstructs circulation, especially in meeting rooms or private offices. 

Conclusions 

Sliding glass partitions can certainly be ADA-compliant – but only when accessibility is factored in during the design process. A truly modern office is not only aesthetically pleasing but accessible and barrier-free, ensuring all employees and visitors have equitable access to the space. 

By considering ADA standards when planning the layout of your office and selecting products, you will find that beauty can coexist with accessibility.