STATE BUILDING CODE INTERPRETATION NO. 95-01
 
CODE: 1992 State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities (as Revised 1993)
SECTION:  Section 51-20-3106 (d) 8
QUESTION:  Are detectable warnings to be used simply as a warning system, e.g., to inform them that their level of safety is changing, or are they to be used as a way-finding system for the vision impaired?
 
Please give an example of proper use.
ANSWER:  The intent behind detectable warnings is to give a person with vision impairments notification that their level of safety is changing.  Detectable warnings were not intended to be used as a method of way-finding.
 
Where the pedestrian way is perpendicular to the flow of traffic, detectable warnings should be applied only to the "ends" of the walk-way, where the walk-way enters the flow of traffic (See Diagram A).
 
Where the pedestrian way is parallel to the flow of traffic and there is not a distinctive edge, e.g., two inch curb or guardrail, detectable warnings should be applied at the edge of the desired walk area (See Diagram B).
SUPERSEDES: None 
REQUESTED BY:  Spokane County
 
THIS INTERPRETATION HAS NOT BEEN CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AS MEETING THE INTENT OF THE ADA