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Ron Blank & Associates, Inc.

2011

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Designing Barrier-Free Restrooms


Course Number: SCT10A
Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at RonBlank.com to receive credit Mark Tachino Scranton Products Internal Product Specialist 801 East Corey Street Scranton, PA 18505 mtachino@scrantonproducts.com 800-445-5148 ext.2325

An AIA Continuing Education Program


Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES LU/HSW Hour Course fulfills 1 Hour state accessibility/ADA/Barrier-free CE requirements

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program


Approved Promotional Statement: Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBA This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program


Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final exam. Course Credit: 1 Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) Learning Unit (LU) Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to certificate@ronblank.com Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sent to the email address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account.

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at RonBlank.com to receive credit

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Learning Objectives
By completing this course, the design professional will be able to:
Define the Characteristics of Accessibility in the Restroom Setting Discuss ADA Restroom Guidelines and their implementation

Identify Sustainable Design Options


Identify Privacy Design Options

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Table of Contents
Introduction Understanding Accessibility in the Restroom Setting Implementing ADA guidelines Sustainable Design Options Privacy Design Options 6 11 22 44 50

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

INTRODUCTION

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Introduction to ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets guidelines for accessibility to public restrooms and commercial facilities for individuals with disabilities. These guidelines are implemented during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities.

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

ADA and Universal Design


Accessibility is an important topic in design, especially considering the growing elderly population and ADA standards.
For this reason, there is an increasing emphasis on universal and adaptable design. A comprehensive approach is now being favored to ensure design sustainability in terms of accessibility.

ADA
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Tax Deductions
A great incentive to ensuring the accessibility of restrooms is that the IRS allows a deduction of up to $15,000 a year for costs associated with making a facility more accessible to those with disabilities and the elderly (barrier removal) where as general improvement costs must be capitalized. This includes toilet rooms. For more information, see Costs You Can Deduct or Capitalize of IRS Publication 535 (www.irs.gov/publications/p535/).

sxc.hu

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

ADAAG
In this course, we will review the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) as related to restroom accessibility in addition to implementation strategies and other sustainability and privacy considerations.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

UNDERSTANDING ACCESSIBILITY IN THE RESTROOM SETTING

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Understanding Accessibility in the Restroom Setting


A public accommodation shall remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in nature, where such removal is readily achievable, i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.
When designing a public restroom facility, the designer should walk through the restroom, making themselves aware of which items in the design they need to be sensitive to such as: clearances, reach limits, mounting heights on accessories, door swings, lighting, location of accessible toilet compartments, etc.

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access-board.gov; Jan 2011

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Examples of Steps to Remove Barriers


Include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
Installing accessible door hardware Installing grab bars in toilet stalls Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns Installing a raised toilet seat

Installing a full-length bathroom mirror


Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Measures To Provide Access


A public accommodation should take measures to provide access to restroom facilities. These measures, for example, include:
Removal of obstructing furniture or vending machines Widening of doors Installation of ramps Providing accessible signage Widening of toilet stalls Installation of grab bars

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Circulation Path
As you move through the designed areas, carefully consider entrance to and travel about the restroom. Obstacles will need to be removed in order to create an acceptable passage width.
Wheelchair Passage Width

4.2.1 Wheelchair Passage Width. The minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 32 in (815 mm) at a point and 36 in (915 mm) continuously.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Circulation Path
Also consider multiple use of restroom by persons with disability barriers. Provide adequate space for passage

Width for Wheelchair Passing

4.2.2 Width for Wheelchair Passing. The minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is 60 in (1525 mm).

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Maneuverability and Turning


The restroom you are designing will likely require the need to incorporate the 60 Wheelchair Turning Space. This can be accomplished by laying out your toilet partitions in such a way to allow the circle to be outside the accessible toilet stall before entry.

Wheelchair Turning Space

4.2.3 Wheelchair Turning Space. The space required for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn is a clear space of 60 in (1525 mm) diameter (see Figure a) or a T-shaped space (see Figure b).

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Clear Width Doorways

4.13.5 Clear Width Doorways. Doorways shall have a minimum clear opening of 32 in (815 mm) with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door 18 and the opposite stop .

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Clear Width Doorways


Beginning with the very entrance into the restroom as well as entry into an accessible toilet compartment, minimum clearances are both critical and mandatory

Maximum Doorway Depth

4.13.5 Clear Width. Openings more than 24 in (610 mm) in depth shall comply with 4.2.1 and 4.3.3.

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Accessible Handles
Consider the use of accessibly designed hardware for entry doors on restroom entrances, toilet compartment entries, door pulls, and automatic door openers.

4.13.9 Door Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices on accessible doors shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Height and Reach Restrictions

Both mounting height and reach restrictions need to be considered when vanities are incorporated into the design. Vanities can be mounted at various heights to achieve a vanity that is accessible.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

IMPLEMENTING ADA GUIDELINES

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Accessible Toilet Stall Location

4.17.1 Location. Accessible toilet stalls shall be on an accessible route and shall meet the requirements of 4.17.2 through 4.17.6 (Location, Water Closets, Size & 23 Arrangement, Toe Clearances, Doors, Grab Bars). Information on following slides

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Configuration Water Closet


4.16 Water Closets Clear space for toilet and sink 36 x 36 clear use area 30 x 48 clear use area
Maneuvering space 30 x 48 turning area 60 diameter turning area Note: Door swing cannot overlap the 5' turning radius by more than 1 foot
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Configuration Water Closet (non-stall application)


See figure below for design options that meet ADA Code.
Water Closet Clear Floor Space for Toilets

4.16.2 Clear Floor Space. Clear floor space for water closets not in stalls shall comply with the above figure. Clear floor space may be arranged to allow either a left-handed or right-handed approach.

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Configuration - Stalls
4.17 Toilet Stalls Toilet Compartments - A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory. A lavatory is a sink provided for hand washing. Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

4.17.2 Water Closets. Water closets in accessible stalls shall comply with 4.16. Refer to Water Closet Slides 28-32

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Toilet Stalls, Size & Arrangement

Standard Stall

The size and arrangement of the standard toilet stall shall comply with above figure, Standard Stall. Standard toilet stalls with a minimum depth of 56 in (1420 mm) shall have wall-mounted water closets.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Toilet Stalls, Size & Arrangement

Standard Stall

If the depth of a standard toilet stall is increased at least 3 in to 59 in (75 mm), then a floor-mounted water closet may be used.
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Toilet Stalls, Size & Arrangement


Alternate Stalls

EXCEPTION: In instances of alteration work where provision of a standard stall is technically infeasible or where plumbing code requirements prevent combining existing stalls to provide space, either alternate stall pictured above may be provided 29 in lieu of the standard stall.

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Toilet Stalls, Size & Arrangement

Arrangements shown for standard toilet stalls may be reversed to allow either a left or right-hand approach.

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Toilet Stall Toe Clearances & Doors

4.17.4 Toe Clearances. In standard stalls, the front partition and at least one side partition shall provide a toe clearance of at least 9 in (230 mm) above the floor. If the depth of the stall is greater than 60 in (1525 mm), then the toe clearance is not required. 4.17.5 Doors. Toilet stall doors, including door hardware, shall comply with 4.13. If toilet stall approach is from the latch side of the stall door, clearance between the door side of the stall and any obstruction may be reduced to a minimum of 42 in (1065 mm).

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Grab Bars (non-stall applications)


When selecting grab bars, consider longer and textured grab bars that give more options for grabbing hold and also provide a non-slip surface.

4.16.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars for water closets not located in stalls shall comply with 4.26 and above figures. The grab bar behind the water closet shall be 36 in (915 mm) 32 minimum.

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Grab Bars (stall applications)

4.17.6 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with the length and positioning shown in the above figures shall be provided. Grab bars may be mounted with any desired method as long as they have a gripping surface at the locations shown and do not obstruct the required clear floor area. Grab bars shall comply with 4.26.

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Water Closet Height


The height of the toilet is very important for meeting the needs of persons with disabilities.
Toilet Height

4.16.3 Height. The height of water closet shall be 17 in. to 19 in. (430 mm to 485 mm) measured to the top of the toilet seat (see Figure b). Seats shall not be sprung to return to 34 a lifted position (see appendix note in guidelines for age specific heights).

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Water Closet Flush Controls


Design professionals cannot go wrong in specifying automatic flush valves. In addition to removing a sometimes difficult and frustrating step for persons with disabilities, automatic flush valves keep restrooms cleaner and more sanitary.

Automatic Flush Valve

Manual Flush Valve

4.16.5 Flush Controls. Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic and shall comply with 4.27.4. Controls for flush valves shall be mounted on the wide side of toilet areas no more than 44 in (1120 mm) above the floor.

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Water Closet Dispensers


Specify a toilet paper dispenser that makes toilet paper easy to reach and obtain.

4.16.6 Dispensers. Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed within reach, as shown in figure (b) above. Dispensers that control delivery, or that do not permit continuous paper flow, shall not be used.

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Urinals - Height
Keep in mind that not all persons with disabilities are using wheelchairs. In the case of urinal screens, not only width between urinal screens is critical but also the mounting height. Accessible Urinals serve not only persons with disabilities, but also youth.

4.18.2 Height. Urinals shall be stall-type or wall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximum of 17 in (430 mm) above the finish floor.

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Urinals, Clear Floor Space

4.18.3 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) shall be provided in front of urinals to allow forward approach. This clear space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route and shall comply with 4.2.4. Urinal shields that do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim may be provided with 29 in (735 mm) clearance between them.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Lavatories and Mirror Height and Clearances


Lavatory Clearances

Height and Clearances. Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above the finish floor. Provide a clearance of at least 29 in (735 mm) above the finish floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee and toe clearance shall comply with above figure.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Lavatories and Mirrors, Clear Floor Space

Design with ample space around Lavatories to allow for easy access

Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) complying with 4.2.4 shall be provided in front of a lavatory to allow forward approach. Such clear floor space shall adjoin or overlap an accessible route and shall extend a maximum of 19 in (485 mm) underneath the lavatory.

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Faucets
Faucets should extend far enough & high enough for the individual to place hands under faucet.

Automatic

Manual

4.19.5 Faucets. Faucets shall comply with 4.27.4. Lever-operated, push-type, and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. If self-closing valves are used the faucet shall remain open for at least 10 seconds. 41

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Exposed Pipes and Surfaces


The use of under Lav Protectors is key to protecting legs and knees from hot water lines or sharp plumbing attachments. They also provide a clean, more finished look.
ADA under Lav Protectors

4.19.4 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Hot water and drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories.

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Lavatories and Mirrors

Lavatory Clearances

4.19.6 Mirrors. Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface no higher than 40 in (1015 mm) above the finish floor.

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SUSTAINABLE ADA AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN SENSITIVITY

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Sustainable ADA & Environmental Design Sensitivity


Creating restrooms that will meet the needs of persons with disabilities both today and in the future is very important.
We know that needs may change over time and items within the restrooms (i.e.: water closets, accessories, sizes, locations) may change as needs change or issues arise, but one fact remains constantthe need to consider these individuals and their disabilities and act to remove the barriers that they encounter. In addition, a restroom that has ample space, lighting, ease of maneuvering, etc. will help toward creating a more sustainable restroommeeting needs both now and in the future.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Sustainable ADA & Environmental Design Sensitivity


Knowing that all restrooms over time with the amount of use they receive will be in need of a freshening up, it is very important to use products that can be recycled. Certain manufacturers of toilet partitions produce nearly 40 million pounds of product annually. Imagine 25-40 years from now when that building needs to be renovated or razed

where will those products go?

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Sustainability, LEED & Environmental Design Sensitivity


Specify partitions and other fixtures that not only contain recycled content, but are also recyclable
Some manufacturers offer a program by which all unwanted solid HDPE plastic products can be returned for recycling.

MR Credit 2: Construction Waste Management By implementing a waste management plan for at least 50-75% of construction materials, a project may earn 1-2 points toward LEED Certification.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Sustainability, LEED & Environmental Design Sensitivity


Diverting plastic from the landfills into new products that can be reused again & again is one way we can make a difference in the outcome of millions of pounds of garbage annually polluting our environment. It is truly up to each of us to make an impact where we have influence.

MR Credit 4: Recycled Content Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus 1/2 of the preconsumer content constitutes at least 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total value of the materials in the project. The recycled content value of a material assembly is determined by weight. The recycled fraction of the assembly is then multiplied by the cost of assembly to determine the recycled content value.

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Sustainability, LEED & Environmental Design Sensitivity


What decision will you be responsible for???
Some manufacturers offer products of 100% Post Consumer Recycled HDPE solid plastic in a variety of colors, and standard HDPE solid plastic products of 25% 70% post industrial recycled HDPE.

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PRIVACY DESIGN OPTIONS

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Privacy Design Options


Zero Sight Line Toilet Compartment

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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Elevation


Eliminating Sight lines into the toilet compartments gives added privacy & security for persons with or without disabilities. This consideration may be a particularly sensitive one for disabled persons.
Zero Sight Line Front Elevation

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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Plan


The plan view below shows how the sight lines are removed by using a continuous hinge & a continuous strike.

Zero Sight Line Latch & Hinge Plan Detail

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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Detail

Adding a continuous aluminum strike can provide zero sight lines without having to alter or machine pilasters or doors, this allows for retrofitting and quick lead times

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Latch


When designing or retro fitting for max privacy toilet partitions, consider the use of a full height continuous aluminum strike. This eliminates the line of sight into the toilet compartment.

Zero Sight Line Latch Side Detail


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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Hinge

Zero Sight Line Hinge Side Detail


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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Height


The use of higher panels & doors as shown here with 72 high panels & doors provides max privacy options. This is also considered a European Style Toilet Partition.

Zero Sight Line Front Elevation

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Eliminating Sight Lines Continuous Strike Height

Zero Sight Line Side Elevation

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Eliminating Sight Lines Lap Joint Strike


The use of a lap joint type strike is also an option available for removing the sight lines. This option is not as widely used as the continuous strike.

Zero Sight Line Latch & Hinge Plan Detail

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Eliminating Sight Lines Lap Joint Strike Detail

Zero Sight Line Latch Side Detail with Lap Detailing


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European Style Toilet Partitions

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Summary
As we each come to realize the influence we have in changing our surroundings and the potential impact on the spaces we use, sensitivity to create restrooms that will meet the needs of each person, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is a must.
Being mindful of the obstacles within restrooms, creating sustainable restroom design, and specifying building products that can be recycled and reused will ensure our restrooms are wellequipped for today and tomorrow. Considering we spend on the average 5 years of our life in the restroom, making it clean, safe, and comfortable for everyone is worth our efforts!
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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Course Summary
By completing this course, the design professional will be able to:
Define the Characteristics of Accessibility in the Restroom Setting Discuss ADA Restroom Guidelines and their implementation

Identify Sustainable Design Options


Identify Privacy Design Options

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Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

AIA Course Evaluation


In order to maintain high-quality learning experiences, please access the evaluation for this course by logging into CES Discovery and clicking on the Course Evaluation link on the left side of the page.

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Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2011

Designing Barrier Free Restrooms

Designing Barrier-Free Restrooms


Course Number: SCT10A
Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at RonBlank.com to receive credit Mark Tachino Scranton Products Internal Product Specialist 801 East Corey Street Scranton, PA 18505 mtachino@scrantonproducts.com 800-445-5148 ext.2325

An AIA Continuing Education Program


Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES LU/HSW Hour Course fulfills 1 Hour state accessibility/ADA/Barrier-free CE requirements

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