Convenient, accessible storage areas create an environment in which people with disabilities—as well as those without—can contribute to their full potential. Making storage facilities accessible benefits not only people who are permanently disabled as well as those who are temporarily disabled because of an accident or illness. No matter what the situation, our #1 priority is making sure it’s easy for users of a particular storage system to get what they need, ensuring their time spent working and collaborating is productive.
Under the International Building Code (IBC) in the United States, storage rooms and file rooms are required to
Meeting a building’s compliance for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is easily achieved with Spacesaver’s mobile storage systems. The systems feature storage units mounted on wheeled carriages that run on tracks in or on top of the floor, depending on the system used. Rather than having to allow for an access-width aisle between each storage unit, mobile systems create an aisle wherever an operator needs access, and are compacted to create the accessible aisle by one of four methods – manual assist, mechanical assist, powered touchpad control, and an LCD touchscreen control. The powered touchpad control and the LCD touchscreen are the most accessible, and will offer programming flexibility and additional safety features.
In case of an emergency, safety devices will stop moving high-density mobile carriages. Stop buttons are easily accessible and clearly marked, and systems equipped with a Zero Force Sensor® system prevent carriage movement when someone is in an aisle and similarly, will stop carriage movement when a person enters a closing aisle.
There are ADA accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities that apply specifically to mobile storage, but state and municipal laws vary on a case-by-case basis. Our teams of storage consultants are familiar with local accessibility requirements and can assist you in finalizing your space plans. Some things to consider:
For more information about systems such as library racks, magazine displays, height and reach limits, and more, please download our Achieving ADA Compliance With Mobile Storage brochure, which talks about these considerations and options for compliance in more details.