The U.S. Department of Justice's new regulations related to side reach regulations, which affect vending machines, become effective on March 15, 2012, according to Ned Monroe, National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) vice president of government affairs.
The rules apply to fixed equipment, meaning it is permanently affixed in some way. A machine is considered fixed if it is bolted to the facility or connected to the plumbing.
The rules apply to vending machines in public facilities such as hospitals, schools and hotels and in locations that have been renovated, Monroe said. The location must be both public and renovated.
The regulations can be accessed at: www.ada.gov/regs2010/ADAregs2010.htm.
The reach range requirements have been changed to provide that the side reach range must now be no higher than 48 inches, instead of 54 inches, and no lower than 15 inches, instead of 9 inches. The side reach requirements apply to operable parts on accessible elements, to elements located on accessible routes, and to elements in accessible rooms and spaces.
Monroe said an official from the Department of Justice will attend the NAMA OneShow in April to answer questions about compliance.
For additional information contact Ned Monroe, NAMA vice president of government affairs at [email protected].
