One Service Window Size Fits All

For years, VA standards have called for two security windows for each space serviced by one person; one standard window, mounted at 42" above the finished floor for walk-up customers, and one window, mounted at 30" above the finished floor for wheelchair customers. These products come complete with bullet-resistant glazing material, frames, counters with deal trays and other specified features.

During a tour of several Ambulatory care facilities, it was noticed that usually only one of the two security windows was utilized. This was inconvenient for whoever's counter was closed, because 30" is too low of a counter height for a standing person and 42" is too high for a person in a wheelchair.

In the design of the new Mayaguez, PR, Satellite Outpatient Clinic, a new approach was tried. Instead of two windows for the Agent Cashier, MCCR Clerk, and each Pharmacy Dispensing Station, we designed one window mounted 34" above the finished floor. This was done because UFAS and ADA requirements for wheelchair writing surfaces allowed a range of 30" high to 34" high, and the former VA Barrier Free Design Manual, H-08-13, referred back to the same UFAS/ADA requirement. The new FM manual, PG-08-13 does not mention this at all. Ergonomic studies also showed that the 34" counter height was usable by both wheelchair and standing customers.

Now that these windows have been installed in the new Mayaquez Clinic and several other projects, curther tests have shown the 34" counter height to be very usable.

Besides being more convenient for all patients, each security service window that was eliminated saved approximately $4,500 for material and approximately $750 for installation. The five windows saved on the Mayaquez project equate to about $26,250. VA Standard Details have been modified to reflect this change.

If your next project involves security windows or similar service counters, consider this in your design.