The ADA checklist for new lodging facilities devotes a special section for hotels with food service areas. The regulations apply to a hotel with a restaurant or ”other food service establishment,” and everything is about minimum measurements required to accommodate people with disabilities.
Take the following short multiple-choice quiz on ADA requirements for hotel food service areas. We have included the answers at the end of each question, because these are somewhat difficult:
1. In each food service area in the hotel, at least what percentage of the tables must provide a 27”-high knee space at least 19” deep with table tops at least 28-34” above the floor?
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 5%
d. 20%
[Answer 1: c. The tables must also be split proportionally between smoking and nonsmoking areas, if provided.]
2. What is the required minimum width of the route between the accessible tables?
a. 36”
b. 28”
c. 42”
d. 30”
[Answer 2: a. There also must be no abrupt vertical level changes grater than 1/4-inch in the path between the tables.]
3. At hotel food service facilities that have direct counter service, what is the minimum required length and height of the counters?
a. 72” x 30” to 34”
b. 60” x 28” to 34”
c. 48” x 30” to 34”
d. 54” x 30” to 34”
[Answer 3: b. The counter must also provide a 27”-high knee space that is at least 19” deep.]
4. Above what height is considered “out of reach” to many persons in wheel chairs attempting to use condiment and knives and forks dispensers or attempt to serve themselves coffee and juice, etc. from the condiments area?
a. 48”
b. 50”
c. 52”
d. 54”
[Answer 4: d. If the condiments, etc., are set back deeper than 10” from the edge of the counter, reduce that number to 46”.]
5. In cafeteria-style food service lines, what are the maximum height for tray slides and the minimum width for cafeteria queue lines?
a. 34” and 36”
b. 32” and 34”
c. 36” and 34”
d. 38” and 40”
[Answer 5: a. If U-turns in the cafeteria are required, the queue lines must be at least 42” wide.]
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Photo courtesy of Flickr user Jeremy Brooks