2004 ADA Checklist for Polling Places

Taking Measurements

Sloped Surfaces

One way to measure slope is to use a 24-inch level with leveling bubble and a tape measure. Place the level on the incline in the direction you wish to measure. Rest one end of the level at the highest point of the sloped surface and lift the other end (as shown in the illustration) until the bubble is in the middle of the tube. This is the “level” position. While the level is in this position, measure the distance between the end of the level and the sloped surface below. If the distance is 2 inches or less, then the slope is 1:12 or less. When the distance is greater than 2 inches, record the distance on the checklist so the exact slope may be calculated later if needed.

Slopes may also be measured using a digital level. The digital display replaces the bubble and typically gives a reading that may be shown as a digital bubble, degrees, or a percent. Before using a digital level make sure to familiarize yourself with the directions. Many digital levels need to be calibrated each time they are used. If you can set the digital display to percent or degrees, the maximum slope generally allowed is 8.33% or 4.76 degrees (for a 1:12 slope).

Measuring slope using a 24-inch level and tape measure

Using the Tape Measure

When measuring the width of a parking space or access aisle, the width of an accessible route or the height of an object above the floor, for example, try to keep the tape from sagging or bending. If the tape is not straight, try to support the tape in the middle or pull it tight and take the measurement again.

Using a tape measure to measure the width of a parking space

Measuring Door Openings

Measuring the clear opening of an accessible door requires special care. To measure the opening of a standard hinged door, open the door to 90 degrees. Place the end of the tape measure on the side of the door frame next to the clear opening (as shown in the drawing). Stretch the tape across the door opening to the face of the door. This measurement equals the clear open width of the door, which is typically less than the width of the door.

Measuring the clear opening from the face of the doorstop on the frame to the face of the open door