Selecting the Right Bathroom Signs

There are many federal, state, and local codes or regulations that require appropriate signage to accommodate patrons of all backgrounds and abilities. Finding the restroom in your restaurant, hotel, office building, or establishment should not be a daunting task. Our mission is to go beyond our products and provide professional guidance to business owners so they can stay compliant. Join us as we explore compliance and methods for selecting the right bathroom signs so your facilities are up to code and remain accessible.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all commercial buildings make their bathrooms accessible to individuals with visual or physical disabilities. One of the most important responsibilities of any business owner is ensuring that their commercial bathrooms meet ADA standards for accessibility and selecting the right bathroom signs for a wide range of restroom patrons. Many regulations apply to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for interior rooms where the sign is not likely to change over time. According to ADA’s Section 703, commercial washrooms must provide both visual and tactile characters, either one sign with both visual and tactile characters or two separate signs denoting both requirements. Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. Furthermore, signs that are designed to be read by touch should not have sharp or abrasive edges (Advisory 703.2).

Establishments or public facilities with permanent restrooms must have at least one accessible restroom for each sex or a single unisex restroom and signs to match. International blue and black bathroom signs are designed to clearly indicate symbols for sex, disability, and accessibility for customers of all backgrounds and languages to fully comprehend. Most signs include copy Braille and an adhesive back for trouble-free application. Before making your final decision, it is essential to confirm all local regulations and ordinances where your establishment is located.

Employee handwashing notices are also a necessity in any restaurant, food distribution center, or public restrooms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adequate hygiene and handwashing can reduce the following:

• Diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Respiratory illnesses in the general population by 21%

Keep your employees and customers safe by preventing the transfer of bacteria and contamination by educating your staff and reminding them how important it is for them to wash their hands. If you have any questions about this buying guide or would like help selecting the right bathroom signs for your facility, contact a member of the PandaProducts.com team today for further assistance.