If you are a commercial property manager, you know there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind when it comes to the upkeep, safety, and compliance of the property you are responsible for. Each facility requires different maintenance and safety precautions. For example, a retail space like a grocery store or clothing store will have different standards than an office space or storage facility. Keep reading to learn about new ADA compliance requirements and building codes for door locks and how they apply to different types of commercial spaces.
Door Locks for Retail Spaces – ADA Compliance and Building Codes
If you manage a retail space, such as a grocery store, mall, hardware store, auto dealer, or general merchandising space, you must think about retail customers and retail employees. Because retail spaces have heavy foot traffic daily from all kinds of people, property managers must take compliance, safety, and appearance into account.
When it comes to compliance, it is important to make sure your facility can serve all potential customers and employees. Accessible parking, fitting rooms, and elevators are all part of this, but one thing that often gets overlooked is your restroom door locks. If your restroom door locks do not meet ADA-compliance standards, you could lose customers, employees, and get a bad reputation.
Property managers can meet ADA regulations by using ADA compliant “single motion” door locks, and as a bonus, can create an excellent customer experience by using door locks with privacy indicators. If there is an occupancy indicator on the door showing outsiders whether there is someone in the bathroom, there is no need to jiggle the door handle. If someone jiggles the door handle, it raises alarm bells and can cause severe discomfort, even fear for children or people who have suffered trauma.
Not only do indicator locks create a sense of safety, but they can provide guests with a heightened sense of privacy. How often have you been in a public restroom and felt tense, rushed, and uncomfortable? Help guests avoid that feeling by using locks that have an occupancy indicator.
Door Locks for Office Spaces – ADA Compliance and Building Codes
Property managers in charge of office spaces have a lot of the same considerations as retail spaces, but some factors vary. Office spaces require lots of privacy, whether it is a private office, conference room, or restroom. Using locks with occupancy indicators on doors can help employees feel cared for, as well as safe and secure. If you have a visual indicator to let people know there’s a meeting going on in a conference room, an important call in a private office, or someone occupying the restroom, you can eliminate a lot of worry and potential conflict in the workplace. Workplaces that cultivate an environment of security and care surrounding employees can help increase employee morale and retention.
Another benefit of utilizing occupancy indicators on door locks is that there is less hand to handle contact, which saves you money by preventing excessive wear. Additionally, the easy installation of a cylindrical lock saves you valuable time. Installing a set of mortise locks can take hours, especially on more expensive doors, and sometimes requires professional installation. You can install a cylindrical lock without the help of a professional in less than 30 minutes.
Door Locks for Apartment Buildings – ADA Compliance and Building Codes
While the units within an apartment building do not have to comply with ADA standards, common areas like leasing offices, on-site gathering spaces, gyms, and other building amenities do have to comply with ADA regulations.
For property managers who are responsible for an apartment complex, using locks with occupancy indicators can help those who are hard of hearing or have a different disability know whether a restroom, business office, or locker room is vacant. If a guest has an uncomfortable experience in your leasing office when they come to check out the available apartments, it can create a bad impression and cause them to look for housing elsewhere.
Like office and retail spaces, using occupancy indicators in your apartment building or complex can help lower costs due to less contact and ease of installation.
Use locks with occupancy indicators to clear up any confusion, lower costs, and make guests feel safe and secure.
Door Locks for Manufacturing Facilities – ADA Compliance and Building Codes
Manufacturing facilities have very specific and complex construction and design requirements, but not all ADA laws apply to this type of commercial property.
Individual workstations do not have to meet ADA requirements, but shared employee spaces like restrooms, elevators, and break rooms do. No matter what industry, employee happiness is important for getting and retaining top talent. By using ADA-compliant door locks with occupancy indicators, you can show employees that you care about their safety and level of comfortability.
Make Commercial Spaces Compliant, Safe, and User-Friendly with the Right Door Locks
No matter what kind of property you manage, it is important for guests, employees, and customers to feel safe and included. Ensuring that your property’s restrooms, private offices, and meeting rooms are ADA-compliant is just one way to do this.
If you are a property manager:
- Ask for Vizilok from your door hardware supplier by name...
- Or just order Vizilok direct...
- You will save time and money...
- And you will get an amazing Privacy Indicator Lock your customers and employees will love!
