What Decision Makers Need to Know

Understanding ADA Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed by the US Congress and signed into law in 1990, sets accessibility standards for U.S. properties. While these requirements apply specifically to the United States, recent data from the World Health Organization shows that 16% of the global population experiences significant disability. In the United States alone, the CDC reports 12.2% of adults have mobility disabilities. Facility managers and healthcare administrators must ensure that refrigeration and secure storage solutions in patient and resident rooms meet accessibility guidelines. This includes food-grade in-room fridges and medical refrigeration units, which must be installed and designed in a way that allows all individuals to use them without difficulty.

Installation: Where Compliance Meets Practicality

• Clearance for wheelchair users to maneuver without obstruction
• Control panel positioning to allow independent operation
• Height adjustments during installation to prevent later modifications
• Integration with existing room layouts to avoid restricting access

Planning in advance with contractors and facility designers can help avoid costly changes after installation.

The Role of Property Owners

ADA compliance requires specific construction features within patient rooms where fridges and safes are located. While manufacturers ensure their products can meet ADA requirements, the building owner holds responsibility for proper implementation. This includes ensuring appropriate installation within cabinets or mounting systems and maintaining sufficient clearance for accessibility.

 

"While manufacturers ensure their products can meet ADA requirements, the building owner holds responsibility for proper implementation."

 

To accomplish proper compliance, care fridges must be elevated - for example, by installing them within suitable cabinets - and sufficient clearance must be ensured in front of the units. This practical approach ensures both ADA compliance and optimal user experience.

Product Selection and Implementation

When selecting care fridges and safes for your property, verification of ADA compliance should guide the decision-making process.

The implementation process requires attention to:

• Room layout planning that accommodates clear space requirements
• Cabinet design that enables proper mounting heights
• Control panel positioning for universal access
• Maintenance access considerations
• Integration with existing room design elements

 

Secure Peace of Mind with Dometic ADA Compliant Food-grade fridges, Medical fridges and Safes

Dometic's healthcare products are designed to meet these requirements when properly installed, offering solutions that combine accessibility with professional quality.