Many signs needed in hospitals must meet ADA requirements. These signs fall under the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which calls for health facilities to maintain accessible signs that allow people, abled or disabled, to move safely and independently around an environment. ADA-compliant signs are very instrumental in guiding patients, visitors, and every other member of a hospital through its halls. Therefore, it is further imperative that such signs adhere to stringent regulatory requirements.
Types of ADA-Compliant Signs
Making sure that a hospital is convenient for patients and visitors with disabilities will call for quite a number of different kinds of ADA-compliant signs. The following are some of the most important ones:
Identification Signs
These are used for room and space identification, such as patient rooms, restrooms, and offices. The ADA dictates that they feature braille and raised characters to assist those with vision impairment. They are mounted between 48 and 60 inches off the floor and within easy reach of everyone.
Directional Signs
Many hospitals have wings, floors, and several departments. Directional signs let visitors know where to go next with clear instructions. With high contrast in the text and located in positions that allow for easy review, ADA-compliant directional signs ensure every person can read them.
Informational Signs
These signs display crucial information related to hospital policies, no-smoking areas, and visitor hours. Informational signs must have non-glare backgrounds, with a high contrast ratio between text and background.
Overhead Signs
ADA-compliant overhead signs are strategically placed above eye level, guiding patients, visitors, and staff to critical areas like exits, stairwells, and emergency routes.
Specific ADA Requirements for Hospital Signs
A variety of signs specifically used within hospitals must meet the following criteria to ensure ADA compliance:
Non-Glare Finish: All interior signs shall have a matte or non-glare finish, readable under all lighting conditions.
Character Proportion: This is perhaps the most relevant and equally important element of sign as it pertains to character size and spacing. The ADA specifies that characters must be at least 5/8 inch high and no larger than 2 inches in height, with specific spacing between them to promote readability.
Font Style: The ADA requires the use of sans serif font, like Arial or Helvetica, on signs, as these fonts are easy to read.
Braille and Raised Text: All permanent signs should include braille, supplemented by raised text to assist the blind.
Enhance Accessibility with Optimum Signs
Looking to upgrade your hospital’s signs? For custom ADA sign solutions, contact Optimum Signs today for further details on how we can help ensure that your hospital is accessible to everyone while creating a warm environment for all patients and visitors.