ANSI Contrast Code Mandate Defeated
At a recent meeting of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a proposed mandate that would have had a significant effect on the sign industry has been defeated. The mandate would have created tremendous difficulties in enforcement without any proof that it would benefit those it was designed to assist.
A proposed new standard that American with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage will be required to have a visual contrast of 70 percent between foreground and background, a minimum LRV measurement of 45, a minimum of 5/8 inch character height for raised letters and a 1/8 inch minimum spacing between raised characters, has been defeated.
ISA and the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) worked together to keep the contrast issues as a recommendation – at least until additional research is conducted on the issues. ISA participated in the process for developing ANSI’s 2014 Edition of the Model Code for Accessible and Usable Buildings Facilities. The ANSI Standards are used in the International Building Code, which serves as the basis for the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility guidelines. Therefore, ANSI codes carry significant impact.
ISA is a voting member of ANSI and has worked on the color contrast issue for many years. In 2007-2008 ISA presented a detailed argument explaining why the 70 percent requirement could not be enforced at the local level.
“We are in favor of developing a standard that manufacturers and code officials understand support and comply with willingly,” said Teresa Cox, president of APCO Sign Systems and an ISA member. Cox represented ISA in the ANSI process. “Site conditions, particularly the type and intensity of lighting, have great impact on perceived contrast. Following that formula without considering site conditions would allow combinations that do not have enough contrast, and prohibit others that are perfectly legibly when appropriate lighting is provided.”
For more information on the ANSI ruling, contact [email protected].
