Accessible Design in Public Housing: NYCHA Staff Training Program

Version 4.0 July, 2001

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© Edward Steinfeld and Danise Levine, 2001

Additional information

Elevators

Elevator Control Panels

Section 4.10.12

Figure 1

Are the control buttons at least 3/4 inch in their smallest dimensions?

Are the controls designated by raised characters or symbols at least 1/32 of an inch high placed immediately to the left of the buttons? (see Figure 1)

Section 4.10.12(crf.4.30)

Typical problems of noncompliant numbers and letters

Stroke width to height ratio is not within
the required range.

The number lacks contrast with the background, which makes it difficult to
read.

This number is a serif font, and therefore does not comply. Additionally, the number does not contrast with the background.

This number is an example of san serif
font, although the number does not contrast with the color of the background.

Figure 2

Do the raised characters have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1?

Figure 3

Do they have a stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10?

Does the color of the numbers contrast with the color of the background? (see Figure 3)

Figure 4

Are the raised numbers between 5/8 inch and 2 inches tall?

Are the numbers in sans serif font? (see Figure 4)

Figure 5

Is the button for the main entry floor designated by a raised star?

Section 4.10.12

Figure 6

Do the floor buttons have visual indications to show when each call is registered?
: Note: The VCA allows an equivalent approach for existing NYCHA elevators called the "Usability Standard" which doesn't require indicator lights. According to the Usability Standard, the doors in cars and hoistway must have a vision panel and lights at the top and bottom of the cab so that people waiting in the hall lobbies can see the cab arrive and those in the elevator can see the floor at arrival.

Are the floor buttons no higher than 48 inches above the floor (Fig. 6)?

Figure 7

Are the emergency buttons grouped at the bottom of the panel with centerlines no less than 35 inches above the floor (Fig. 7)?

Figure 8

If the cars have central opening doors, are the controls located on a front wall?

Example from NYCHA building

The side opening elevator door showing controls on side wall adjacent to door.

Figure 9

If the cars have side-opening doors are the controls located on the side or front wall adjacent to the doors?

Section 4.10.13

Figure 10

Is there a visual car position indicator above the car control panel or over the door to indicate the floor level.

Note: The VCA allows an equivalent approach for existing NYCHA elevators called the "Usability Standard" which doesn't require indicator lights. According to the Usability Standard, the doors in cars and hoistway must have a vision panel and lights at the top and bottom of the cab so that people waiting in the hall lobbies can see the cab arrive and those in the elevator can see the floor at arrival.

Do the numerals illuminate as the car passes or stops at a floor? (see Figure 10)

Are the numerals [on the indicator panel] at least 1/2 inch high? (see Figure 10)

NYCHA uses two distinctly different sounds. A gong is used for the up direction and a buzzer is used for the down direction.

Are gongs provided that chime when elevator arrives at landing?

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