CODE:

1997 State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities

SECTION:

Section 1105.4.9, Exception 3

QUESTION:

1. What is the definition of "employee assigned work area?"

2. Is it the intent that visible alarms are not required in any area where employees work but which is not generally open to the public to enter except for the occasional visitor, such as in an open office area with numerous cubicles occupied by employees?

3. Is it the intent to require visible alarms in areas where both employees and the public have access? For example, are visible alarms required in a customer service area?

ANSWER:

1. EMPLOYEE ASSIGNED WORK AREA means an area used primarily by an employee or employees to perform the work for which they are employed, not including common use areas or areas intended for customer or general public use.

2. Yes. If the definition above fits the open office area in the example given, visible alarms would not be required by the State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities. Providing visible alarms in the work area of an employee who is deaf or hard-of-hearing is an employment issue addressed by title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3. Yes. The State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities does not mandate an alarm system. However, where building facilities are required to be accessible and alarms are provided, visible alarms are required in areas where both employees and the public have access, for example, in a customer service area.

SUPERSEDES:

None

REQUESTED BY:

City of Kirkland