[ST] concern about access, was Re: Stairwells

[Kestrell]

To those considering creating and posting signs on and near stairways,

There have been lots of great ideas posted recently regarding increasing awareness for using the stairs as opposed to crowding elevators, but I wanted to express a concern that some of the ideas may impact clear and easy access to the stairs themselves. 

1. In planning any meeting to occur near stairs, there should be an awareness that a gathering crowd can block the ability of many people with vision and/or mobility impairments from easily locating the stairs at all. Please make sure when planning these events that people don't end up blocking the doors or the stairs. In my experience, people tend to just stop when they get to a meeting place, and that often includes lingering in front of doors or on stairs when they meet up with friends, which in turn prevents others from even seeing the stairs are there.

2. Re signs on stairways: maybe this was mentioned previously and I missed it, but how are these signs to be erected? Will they be attached to the walls? Will they be on easels? Either way, please be aware that any signage that sticks out from the wall, as opposed to staying flush against the wall, can be a hazard, especially when the stairways get crowded and there is little room for maneuvering. Also, be aware that the head clearance for young people and short adults is approx. 4-5 feet from the ground, so objects that stick out at that height can be dangerous.

Apologies for the nagging, but I've taken out enough signs in the Infinite Corridor and been clubbed in the head and tripped up enough times that I feel there needs to be increased awareness of the safety issues of signage beyond just flammability.

Kes
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