Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2019

The aim of this Code is to set out the fundamental design and construction requirements and guidelines for making those buildings specified in Table 1 of Chapter 2 accessible to persons with disabilities and families with young children.

Where buildings are required to be designed for family-friendly environments where families with infants and young children are likely to congregate, the “Design Guidelines for Family-Friendly Facilities” in Appendix A are recommended for adoption.

Where buildings are required to be designed or retrofitted to provide accessibility and safety to future older and infirm populations, it is recommended that the “Design Guidelines for Older Persons” in Appendix B be adopted.

The requirements and guidelines in this Code are intended to apply to adult persons with disabilities. Where a building is required to be designed or retrofitted to accommodate children with disabilities, it is recommended that the "Design Guidelines for Children with Disabilities" in Appendix C be adopted.

Where a physical environment is needed to meet the needs of persons with visual impairment, it is recommended that the "Design Guidelines for Persons with Visual Impairment" in Appendix D be adopted.

In addition to the requirements specified in the Code, landscape designers are encouraged to adopt the “Design Guidelines for Parks and Open Spaces” as indicated in Appendix E for Parks and Open Spaces.

The requirements specified in the Code, relevant to the use of wheelchairs, are based on the dimensions of commonly used wheelchair sizes and users. For larger wheelchairs and motorised scooters, additional space allowances will have to be considered according to the needs of the intended users.

Persons with severe physical disabilities may have requirements beyond the standards provided in this Code.

The information and guidelines in the Appendices are not mandatory requirements.

For the purpose of this Code, the definitions below must apply:

“accessible” describes a site, building, facility, pedestrian path and interconnection that complies with this Code and that can be approached, entered and used by persons with disabilities, older persons and other intended users as specified in this Code;

“accessible changing room” is a facility that combines an individual washroom and a changing room for use by older children or adults with disabilities who require the help of caregivers to clean up and change diapers;

“accessible route” is a continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces in a building or facility that can be negotiated safely by persons with disabilities. This accessible path must not incorporate any step, drop, stairway, turnstile, revolving door, escalator or other impediment which would prevent it from being safely negotiated. Interior accessible routes must include doorways, corridors, floors, ramps, lifts and clear floor spaces at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes must include parking access aisles, kerb ramps, walkways and ramps;

“access route plan” is a plan showing the barrier-free access to the building from adjacent buildings and nearest public facilities as well as barrier-free access within the building;

“ambulant disabled” is a person who is able, either with or without personal assistance, and who may depend on prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (callipers), sticks, crutches or walking aids to walk or negotiate suitably graded steps with convenient handrails;

“building” must include part of a building;

“circulation path” is an exterior or interior way of passage from one place to another for pedestrians including walkways, hallways, courtyards, doorways, stairways and stair landings;

“detectable warning surface” is a surface feature of contrasting colour, tone and texture, built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to alert persons with visual impairment of hazards on a circulation path;

“family washroom” is a public, unisex washroom that is available for use by an individual and an accompanying child, family member or caregiver of the same or opposite sex;

“grab bar” is a bar used to maintain balance and to give steadying, stabilising assistance or support in locations such as bathrooms, toilets and lifts;

“guide dog” is a specially bred and extensively trained service animal that guides a blind or visually impaired person;

“handrail” is a rail used to give stability and support in circulation areas such as corridors, passageways, ramps and stairways to assist in continuous movement;

“individual washroom” is a compartment having the basic requirements of a water closet compartment, wash basin and other essential washroom accessories as required by persons with disabilities;

“kerb” is a side barrier to a road or pavement;

“kerb ramp” is a short ramp cutting through a kerb or built up to it;

“operable part” is part of a piece of equipment or appliance used to insert or withdraw objects or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the equipment or appliance (for example, coin slot, push-button, handle);

“persons with disabilities” are persons whose mobility and use of a building are affected as a consequence of one or more of the following physical or sensory disabilities or impairments:

1. mobility impairment;

2. mobility impairment which requires the use of wheelchair;

3. hearing impairment or deafness; or

4. visual impairment or blindness;

“place of public resort” means a building or a defined or enclosed place used either as a church, chapel, mosque, temple or other place where public worship is or religious ceremonies are performed, or as a community club, country club, cinema, theatre, public exhibition/concert/lecture hall, public ballroom, museum, stadium or a public place of assembly for persons admitted thereto by tickets;

“primary access route” is the main access route used by the occupants or visitors from the road to the main entrance and the key functional or activity areas of the place or building;

“ramp” is an inclined way connecting one level to another;

“secondary access route” is an access route provided in addition to the primary access route and caters to a lower volume of human traffic;

“symbol” means the International Symbol of Access for persons with disabilities;

“tactile” describes an object that can be perceived using the sense of touch;

“tactile ground surface indicator” consists of warning indicators and directional indicators. It provides cues, which, when combined with other environmental information, assist people who are blind or vision-impaired with their orientation. Orientation is a person’s awareness of where they are, where they are going, and where they have been;

“water closet compartment” is a compartment having a water closet with grab bars installed to assist persons with disabilities;

“wheelchair user” is a person who depends on a wheelchair for mobility;

“width” is the clear distance from one finished surface to another;

“white cane” is a mobility aid to guide persons who are visually impaired and to detect obstructions as they move in the environment.

Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions shown in the figures in this Code are in millimetres (mm).

Where “must” is used in this Code, it refers to mandatory design requirements and where “should” is used, it refers to recommended design requirements.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

1. words importing the singular must include the plural and vice versa; and

2. words importing the masculine gender must include the feminine gender and vice versa.

The areas or levels in the types of buildings specified in Table 1 must be made accessible for persons with disabilities and other intended users in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Where a site, building, facility, room, or space contains more than one use, each portion must comply with the applicable requirements for that use.

TABLE 1

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and Families with Young Children

All communal areas and facilities within a residential development must be made accessible for persons with disabilities in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

For residential development of 4-storey buildings and below without lift access, all communal areas and facilities at 1st storey level must be accessible.

In the residential unit,

1. difference in levels between the floor of the entrance to the unit and the abutting common area must not be more than 50 mm with manoeuvring space complying with clause 7.2;

2. there must be at least one bathroom with toilet and shower/bathing facilities in every residential unit that can be retrofitted for older persons and wheelchair users complying with clause 7.3; and

3. switches and socket outlets must be provided at a height of between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level, complying with clause 7.4.

1. Clause 2.2.3 must not apply to non-strata landed housing and serviced apartments.

2. Height of socket outlets in residential units’ kitchen must not be required to comply with clause 7.4.1.

At least one service counter must be provided in banks and ticketing offices for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counter and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

Where kiosks and/or dispensers such as automatic teller machines (ATMs), cash dispensers, cash deposit machines, electronic service stations (eg. AXS, SAM, multimedia kiosks), library book-drops are provided, at least one kiosk and/or dispenser must be made accessible.

In hotels, boarding houses, chalets and backpacker hotels, at least one in every 100 guestrooms or part thereof must be accessible.

In addition to clause 2.3.3.1, at least one in every 50 guestrooms or part thereof must be provided with elder-friendly features such as grab bars in bathrooms and toilets.

At least one service and information counter must be provided for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counters and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

For hotels, boarding houses, chalets or backpacker hotels that are expected to cater to a larger number of persons with disabilities, the owners are encouraged to provide over and above the required minimum number of guestrooms.

In serviced apartments, one in every 100 apartments or part thereof must be accessible.

In cinemas, theatres, concert halls, stadia and other places of public resort where permanent fixed seating arrangements are provided, a minimum of two wheelchair spaces must be provided where there are 200 seats or less. Additionally, one wheelchair space must be provided for every subsequent 200 seats or part thereof.

The wheelchair spaces, each measuring 900 mm wide by 1200 mm deep, must be located alongside the fixed seats to enable wheelchair users to sit together with their able-bodied or ambulant companion.

At least one service and information counter must be provided for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counters and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

1. Wheelchair spaces should be an integral part of any seating plan. Efforts must be made to disperse the seating spaces throughout the seating area and in each pricing tier.

2. Persons in wheelchairs usually sit higher and their viewing positions should be arranged so as not to obstruct the view of persons who may be seated behind.

In hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, at least one in every 100 rooms or part thereof must be accessible.

Hearing enhancement systems must be provided in accordance with clause 6.8.

In sports complexes and public swimming pools, at least one individual shower stall must be accessible.

At least one service and information counter must be provided for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counters and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

In departmental stores, supermarkets, foyers of places of public resort and public concourses, seats must be provided for persons who are unable to stand for long periods.

At least one accessible checkout lane and counter must be provided.

At least one service and information counter must be provided for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counters and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

1. It is recommended that seats be provided with armrests or grab bars to assist older persons or persons with disabilities to get up from the seats.

2. Where changing rooms are provided in departmental stores or supermarkets, it is recommended that at least one changing room should be provided with a foldable door, swing out doors or a curtain for wheelchair users. The size of the room should have a minimum dimension of 1000 mm by 1200 mm.

In halls and auditoriums where permanent fixed seating arrangement is provided, a minimum of two wheelchair spaces must be provided where there are 200 seats or less. Additionally, one wheelchair space must be provided for every subsequent 200 seats or part thereof.

The wheelchair spaces, each measuring 900 mm wide by 1200 mm deep, must be located alongside the fixed seats to enable wheelchair users to sit together with their able-bodied or ambulant companion.

Hearing enhancement systems must be provided in accordance with clause 6.8.

Where entrances are located across roads, at least one entrance on each side of the road must be made accessible.

At least one service and information counter must be provided for wheelchair users and persons with hearing impairment in accordance with the requirements of service and information counters and hearing enhancement systems in clauses 6.4 and 6.8 respectively.

Except the following areas, all areas in the industrial buildings intended for access by employees or the public must be accessible:

1. Process plants and structures which deals with the oil and gas industry, the refinery industry, the chemical industry and premises which handle chemicals, toxic materials and potential explosive compounds. This includes ancillary office areas located within the same development;

2. Areas with activities that require a “gowning regime” (e.g. clean or sterile rooms, etc.);

3. Production areas with heavy machinery, etc.;

4. Areas used for warehousing and storage.

For flatted factories or industrial buildings for multiple users, at least one accessible washroom must be provided at one of the toilet cluster common areas of every level.

The provisions of this Code apply to building works within the development and it must be read in conjunction with LTA’s and NParks’ guidelines where street work/public footpaths and public open spaces/parks are involved respectively. Where interfaces between buildings and from building to infrastructures are involved, the developer/owner of the building works must ensure that accessibility right up to the interface is considered.

An access route plan showing the primary access route connecting from the infrastructure to the entrance of the building and primary access route within the building must be provided for building plan approval.

Footpaths in road reserve abutting development under construction must be kept barrier-free, unobstructed and free of construction activities and equipment. The footpath must be adequately protected from the debris of construction work.

In the event that the existing accessible public footpath has to be temporarily removed or altered, an alternative accessible footpath with a minimum width of 1200 mm has to be provided in addition to signage to direct users.

The provisions of this Code must not apply to the areas which would pose a health or safety risk for persons with disabilities. These areas include the following:

1. Construction sites and structures which are directly associated with the process of construction;

2. Areas which are raised primarily for purposes of security, lifesaving, or fire safety, including but not limited to, observation or lookout galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers or life guard stands;

3. Plants, equipment rooms and machinery spaces;

4. Loading docks.

The provision of this Code must apply to all new areas and existing areas with extensive alteration works which require plan submission and approval from the Commissioner of Building Control.

Objective : Accessible Approach and Entry

All users must be able to arrive on the site, approach the building as well as enter safely and independently. At least one route of travel must be safe and accessible for everyone, including persons with disabilities.

The buildings specified in Table 1 of Chapter 2 must be provided with at least one accessible entrance door served by an approach complying with clause 3.2.

The access must be through the main entrance of the building.

If there are other main entrances, such entrances should also be made accessible.

Directional signs bearing the Symbol of Access must be displayed at all other non-accessible entrances to direct persons with disabilities to the accessible entrance.

At least one accessible route leading to an accessible entrance of the building must be provided from the alighting and boarding point of taxi shelters, bus shelters (if any) and vehicle parking lots for persons with disabilities.

The width of the accessible entrance door must not be less than 850 mm as described in clause 4.4 and the width of corridors or passageways leading to and from such access doors must be in accordance with clause 4.2.

A permanent floor diagram of durable material indicating the accessible routes and facilities must be displayed at an appropriate place in every storey of a non-residential building. In the case of residential buildings, it must be displayed at an appropriate place where common facilities are provided.

A passenger alighting and boarding point complying with clause 3.3 should, where possible, be provided at the level of approach for persons with disabilities to alight from and board a vehicle.

Where transfers have to be made from vehicular surfaces to pedestrian surfaces, the driveways and pavements or footway surfaces must be ramped or blended to a common level.

Differences in levels between driveways and pavements or footways must be avoided. Where the difference is unavoidable, such drops must comply with clause 4.5 and Table 4.

At least one alighting and boarding point, if provided, must be sheltered.

Where there is a level difference, a passenger alighting and boarding point, as illustrated in Figure 1 (a), must:

1. provide an access aisle of at least 1200 mm wide by 4500 mm long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space;

2. have a kerb ramp complying with clause 3.6 if there is a kerb between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space.

Where there is no level difference, a tactile warning indicator with contrasting colour must be provided as illustrated in Figure 1 (b).

1. Where bollards are used, it must comply with clause 4.2.4.5.

2. Bollards should be identifiable by using contrasting colours and should not be linked with ropes or chains to minimize hazards for people with visual impairment.

At least one accessible route must be provided from the alighting and boarding point of a taxi shelter to the walkway that leads to the accessible building entrance.

The Symbol of Access, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8, must be installed to direct persons with disabilities to an accessible entrance.

Taxi shelters should be located as near as possible to an accessible entrance.

A taxi bay should, where possible, be provided at the level of approach for persons with disabilities to alight and to board the vehicle.

Where transfers have to be made from a vehicular surface to a pedestrian surface, the driveways, pathways or walkways must be blended to a common level or ramped in accordance with Table 4 of Chapter 4.

A clear passageway with a minimum width of 1200 mm as shown in Figure 2 must be provided.

Where handrails are provided, it must:

1. comply with clause 4.7; and

2. be placed at a height of between 800 mm and 900 mm from the floor level.

Where a taxi shelter is not on the same level with the access aisle, it must have two separate ramps, conforming to Table 4 of Chapter 4, for boarding and alighting as shown in Figure 2.

Where there is a kerb between the access aisle and the vehicle pick-up space, it must have a kerb ramp complying with clause 3.6.

Seats must be provided at the taxi shelter for the ambulant disabled and these must not impede the movement of the wheelchair user.

Suitable armrests should be provided at the ends of the seats to assist the ambulant disabled or older persons to get up.

Bum rests should be avoided as they are not suitable for the ambulant disabled or older persons.

Where vehicle parks are required to be provided, the number of accessible parking lots for vehicles driven by persons with disabilities must be in accordance with Table 2 except in hospitals:

TABLE 2

Accessible Parking Lots

For hospitals, the number of accessible parking lots must be provided in accordance with Table 2A:

TABLE 2A

Accessible Parking Lots for Hospitals

1. The number of accessible parking lots provided must be over and above the LTA’s parking requirements.

2. However, for small developments where the minimum requirement for car parking lots is 10 or less, no additional accessible parking lot is required provided one of the lots is designed and constructed in accordance with the specification in the Code but without displaying the Symbol of Access. Should the need arise; the car parking lot can be converted into an accessible lot.

An accessible vehicle parking lot must:

1. have a firm, level surface without aeration slabs;

2. have the minimum dimensions of 4800 mm by 3600 mm for angled parking as illustrated in Figure 3; and

3. have the minimum dimensions of 5400 mm by 3600 mm for parallel parking as illustrated in Figure 4. For parallel parking, where vehicles cannot be parked by reversing or where there are obstructions at the ends of the parking spaces, the minimum stall length must be 7200 mm.

Clear directional signs must be displayed at appropriate places to direct drivers with disabilities to the location of accessible parking lots before approaching the vehicle park entrance.

Vehicle park entrances must have a height clearance of at least 2000 mm.

Accessible parking lots that serve a particular building must be located as close as possible to an accessible entrance and/or lift lobby.

For a vehicle park that does not serve a particular building, accessible parking lots must be linked to an accessible walkway which must not be part of the driveway.

The accessible route should not require wheelchair users to pass behind vehicles that may be backing out.

It is recommended that the minimum lighting for accessible parking lots should be in accordance with the current edition of SS 531.

An accessible path leading to the entrance of the building, as shown in Figure 5, must be level or have a kerb ramp complying with clause 3.6.

Vehicle park auto-pay machines must:

1. be located on the same level as the accessible vehicle parking lots; and

2. have the operable parts complying with clause 6.2.

The Symbol of Access, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8, must be clearly marked on the accessible parking lots for vehicles driven by persons with disabilities only.

The Symbol of Access painted or marked on the designated lot must comply with clause 8.2.2 and the following:

1. a white stylized figure with dimensions of at least 1000 mm but not more than 1500 mm in length on a blue background; and

2. be located in the centre of the lot.

The Symbol of Access in accordance with clause 8.2.2 must be displayed at entrances to car parks to indicate the provision of accessible vehicle parking lots for persons with disabilities within the parking vicinity.

Directional signs as shown in Figure 6 must be displayed at points where there is a change of direction to direct persons with disabilities to the accessible parking lots.

Where the location of the accessible parking lots is not obvious or is distant from the approach viewpoints, directional signs should be placed along the route leading to the accessible parking lots.

Accessible parking lots must be identified by the Symbol of Access in accordance with clause 8.2.2. A vehicle parked in the designated lot must not obscure such signs.

Vertical signs must be provided immediately adjacent to the parking lots to make them readily visible. Examples of signage at accessible parking lots are shown in Figure 7.

Vertical signs must:

1. have a dimension of at least 450 mm by 450 mm;

2. be installed at a height of at least 1500 mm from the floor surface to the centre of the sign; and

3. have the telephone number of the building management, Town Council or the relevant authority clearly printed on them for the purpose of reporting unauthorised parking.

Kerb ramps:

1. do not require handrails;

2. must not project onto a road surface;

3. must be located or protected to prevent obstruction by parked vehicles; and

4. must be free from any obstruction, such as signposts, traffic lights, bollards and the like.

The gradient of a kerb ramp must not be steeper than 1:10.

The width of a kerb ramp must be at least 900 mm.

Where the vertical rise is greater than 175 mm, the kerb ramp must also conform to the requirements of clause 4.6.

Surfaces of kerb ramps must:

1. be slip-resistant;

2. have a detectable warning surface of 600 mm depth where the colour and texture are contrasted with the adjacent surfaces; and

3. where kerb ramps are located at road crossings or other identified paths intended for pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular way, have a detectable warning surface in the form of tactile warning indicators.

A textured surface will assist in giving a secure foothold to the ambulant disabled. The use of detectable warning surfaces at change in levels will assist persons with visual impairment. Tactile warning indicators must be used at areas where pedestrian ways meet vehicular ways at the same level.

Kerb ramps must have flared sides where pedestrians are likely to walk across them as shown in Figure 8.

The gradient of the flared sides must not be steeper than 1:10.

Kerb ramps with returned/continuous kerbs as shown in Figure 9 are an alternative approach that can be used where pedestrians are not expected to walk across the ramps.

Kerb ramps with built-up or extended kerbs as shown in Figure 10 are not recommended if they project into roadways as they are dangerous to users and obstructive to vehicles.

Parallel kerb ramps as shown in Figure 11 are recommended for narrow walkways.

Kerb ramps at pedestrian crossings must be wholly contained within the area designated for pedestrians’ use as shown in Figure 12.

Detectable warning surfaces in the form of tactile surface ground indicators used at pedestrian crossings and kerb ramps must be in accordance with clause D4 in Appendix D, Design Guidelines for Persons with Visual Impairment.

Raised islands in crossings must:

1. be cut through and level with the street; or

2. have kerb ramps at both sides and have a level area of 1200 mm long or more in the middle as shown in Figure 13.

Objective : Access Around and Within the Building

The layout of the building must allow persons with disabilities to travel around and within the building without assistance.

Floor surfaces must:

1. be stable, firm, level and slip-resistant;

2. not have any drop or unexpected variations in levels;

3. contrast with the walls in tone and colour, otherwise the skirting must provide a clear distinction between the floor and wall; and

4. where there is a change in level, have contrasting colour bands and detectable warning surfaces provided to alert users of the change in level, complying with clause 4.5.

1. Where carpets or carpet tiles are used in general circulation areas, they should:

   1. be securely fixed;

   2. have a firm cushion, pad or backing; and

   3. have their exposed edges fastened to the floor surfaces with trim complying with Table 4.

2. Information on slip resistance of floor finishes is given in Appendix F.

3. All floor finishes exposed to the elements under wet conditions should be in accordance with the current edition of SS 485.

4. Highly polished or reflective surfaces should be avoided as they can cause glare. This will cause discomfort for persons with visual impairment.

If gratings are located on accessible routes, gratings as illustrated in Figure 14 must:

1. be set flush with the surrounding surface;

2. have spaces/gaps/openings not greater than 12 mm wide; and

3. be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

Where possible, gratings should be located outside the accessible route.

The minimum width of the accessible routes, corridors and paths must be:

1. as prescribed in Table 3 for the primary access routes of the building types; and

2. at least 1200 mm for:

   1. secondary access routes; and

   2. all other building types that are not listed in Table 3.

TABLE 3

Accessible Route Widths

In addition to Table 3, where the width of accessible routes, corridors or paths is less than 1800 mm, at least one passing space with a minimum width of 1800 mm and a length of 1800 mm as shown in Figure 15 must be provided as follows:

1. for accessible routes of parks and open spaces at intervals of not more than 50 m;

2. for all other accessible routes and corridors, at intervals of not more than 25 m.

For existing buildings undergoing additions and alterations with exceptional circumstances and particular constraints, a corridor width of 1200 mm may be considered with the provision of passing spaces.

Within office work areas, the minimum width for accessible routes must be at least 900 mm.

An accessible checkout lane must be at least 900 mm as shown in Figure 16.

Manoeuvring space as described in clause 4.4.6 must be provided at doorways.

A turning space of at least 2000 mm in the direction of travel and not less than 1500 mm wide must be provided at a dead-end corridor as shown in Figure 15 to allow wheelchair users to turn 180° and return in the other direction.

An accessible gate with a width of 850 mm or more must be provided beside a turnstile as shown in Figure 17.

The corners of walls should not have sharp edges.

The wall finish must be smooth or, in the case of rough walls, have trailing bars or handrails placed at a height of 840 mm from the floor level as illustrated in Figure 18 so that persons with visual impairment can trail along them without hurting their hands.

Obstacles, projections or other protrusions must be avoided in pedestrian areas such as walkways, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles.

Protruding objects, if any, must not reduce the clear width required for an accessible route or manoeuvring space.

Objects or obstructions, with their leading edges at any height above 580 mm from the floor level must not protrude more than 100 mm into pedestrian areas as illustrated in Figure 19 (a).

Where a person with visual impairment is walking alongside protruding objects, they cannot detect overhangs. Where the person is using the wall or an edge as a guide, a protrusion of not more than 100 mm is acceptable.

Objects or obstructions, with their leading edges up to a maximum height of 580 mm from the floor level, may protrude more than 100 mm into pedestrian areas as illustrated in Figure 19 (b).

Potentially hazardous objects or obstructions are noticed only if they are within the detection range of white canes. Persons with visual impairments, walking towards an object or obstruction can detect an overhang if its lowest surface (leading edge) is 580 mm or less from the floor level.

Free standing objects placed between the height of 580 mm and 2000 mm from the floor level must have an overhang of 300 mm or less as illustrated in Figure 20 (a).

The maximum height of the bottom edge of freestanding objects with a space of more than 300 mm between supports must be 580 mm or less from the floor level as illustrated in Figure 20 (b).

Where bollards are erected at entrances to walkways or pathways, they must:

1. have a minimum clear distance of 900 mm between the bollards;

2. not be linked with a chain or rope;

3. have a minimum height of 800 mm;

4. have a colour which contrasts with the background or be provided with a coloured or reflective band around the neck of the bollard to further aid visibility;

5. not have ornamental features protruding horizontally; and

6. be well lit and the light fitting should be positioned in such a manner that will not cause glare.

Resting areas with seats must be provided along long paths of travel. The maximum intervals for the resting areas:

1. must be 50 m around and within the buildings;

2. should be 50 m for footpaths and park connectors; and

3. should be 30 m in parks and open spaces;

Where seats are provided, they should have armrests to assist older persons or persons with disabilities to get up from the seats. The height of seats should be between 430 mm and 470 mm.

1. Resting areas should be recessed from the long paths of travel which can also act as a passing space for two wheelchair users to pass each other as illustrated in Figure 21.

2. Resting areas do not apply to the passageway linking transport stations within the interchange and the passageway of underpasses/linkways from the entrance to the concourse of transport stations.

Wherever possible, exterior walkways should be protected from the elements.

The minimum clear headroom in pedestrian areas such as walkways, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles must be 2000 mm.

A detectable guardrail or other barrier having its leading edge of between 400mm and 580 mm from the floor level must be provided where the headroom of an area adjoining an accessible route is reduced to less than 2000 mm as illustrated in Figure 22.

The requirement to have an area free from obstruction is primarily to aid persons with visual impairments as shown in Figures 19, 20 and 22. Examples of such obstructions are directional signs, firefighting equipment and the underside of staircases or escalators.

Doorways must be level.

At least one power-operated or automatic door should be provided at the main entrance to a building.

Wherever possible and practicable, automatic doors (sliding or swing type) should be provided instead of doors that are manually opened.

Automatic doors, if provided, should have a return delay mechanism to give adequate time for safe passage and for detecting the presence of a person lying on the floor within the door closing area. The door should also be capable of manual operation should there be a power failure.

Where power-operated doors are provided, it must be in accordance with the requirements of clauses 4.4 and 6.2.

Where revolving doors are installed, there must be an auxiliary side-hung door with a minimum clear opening of 850 mm.

The colour of the door must contrast with the door frame or the wall.

Where doors are numbered, the digits should be in accordance with the requirements of clause 8.5.1.2 and Table 7.

The minimum clear opening of doorways must be 850 mm measured between the face of the door and the face of the doorstop with the door open at 90° as illustrated in Figure 23.

Automatic doors should be capable of manual operation and should be able to remain totally open without support in the event of emergency.

If doorways have two independently operated door leaves, at least one active leaf must comply with clauses 4.4.2 and 4.4.6.

Where manually operated sliding/folding doors are used, operating hardware must be exposed and have a sufficient gripping surface area from both sides when sliding/folding doors are fully open.

Accessible handles on the exposed edge of manually operated sliding doors must be in accordance with clause 4.4.9.2 as shown in Figure 29 (d).

Where power-operated sliding/folding doors are used, it must be in accordance with clauses 4.4 and 6.2.

Wherever possible and practicable for accessible toilets, power-operated sliding doors with button control should be provided instead of manually operated sliding doors.

Unframed full-height glass doors must be prominently marked or highlighted with motifs to make them visible.

The markings or motifs must consist of two horizontal bands, each at least 100 mm high and of contrasting colours to assist visibility.

The upper band must be affixed at a height of between 1400 mm and 1600 mm and the lower band affixed at a height of between 850 mm and 1000 mm above the floor level. Where each band zone consists of more than one band, the aggregate width of the bands in each zone must be 100 mm or more as shown in Figure 24.

Except for power-operated doors, the doorway of a one-way swing door must have manoeuvering spaces on both sides for wheelchairs and the following clear spaces must be provided, adjacent to the leading edge of the door as illustrated in Figure 25:

1. on the pull side, a minimum space of 600 mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door with a minimum clear floor space of 1500 mm wide by 1500 mm deep; and

2. on the push side, a minimum space of 300 mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door with a minimum clear floor space of 1200 mm wide by 1200 mm deep.

Where two-way swing doors or sliding doors are used as illustrated in Figure 26, a minimum space of 300 mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door with a minimum clear floor space of 1200 mm wide by 1200 mm deep must be provided on each side of the door.

The leading edge of the door leaf must not be set more than 150 mm away from the wall surface as shown in Figure 27.

The minimum space between two hinged doors or pivoted doors in a series must be 1200 mm plus the width of the door swinging into that space as illustrated in Figure 28.

Operating devices such as handles, pulls, latches and locks must:

1. be operable by one hand;

2. not require fine finger control, tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate; and

3. be mounted at a height of 900 mm to 1100 mm from the floor.

Door hardware and doorbells should have colours that contrast with the background.

Door handles, as illustrated in Figure 29, with the following characteristics are recommended:

1. push-pull mechanisms that do not require grasping;

2. lever handles that should be used on latched doors;

3. door handles that reduce the risk of injury from the exposed lever’s end as well as the risk of catching on clothing; and

   1. Hand grip zones should be at least 100 mm in length;

   2. Lever handles should be a minimum of 19 mm in diameter;

   3. Hand grip zones should be at least 45 mm from the faces of the doors;

4. should contrast with the colour of the door.

Door handles for sliding doors as shown in Figure 29 (d) must comply with clause 4.4.9.1 (c) and the following:

1. be a vertical bar handle;

2. have a handle length of at least 140 mm; and'

3. be installed between 60 mm and 130 mm from the door jamb or doorstop when in open or closed positions.

1. Door knobs are not recommended as they do not provide adequate grip for persons with impaired hand functions.

2. Door handles should be at a consistent height throughout the building.

The force, measured at the leading edge of the door to operate hinged doors, as illustrated in Figure 30, must not be more than:

1. 30N at 0°; and

2. 20N at 30°

The maximum force required to operate sliding or folding doors should be 22N.

This clause does not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that may hold the door in a closed position.

The sweep period of the door should be adjusted so that from an open position of 90°, the door will take 3 seconds or more to move into a semi closed position of approximately 12°.

Door closers with adjustable tension are recommended for this purpose so that the tension can be adjusted to comply with clause 4.4.10.

All two-way swing doors or doors across circulation routes must be provided with vision panels as shown in Figure 31, giving a minimum zone of visibility from a height of 900 mm to 1500 mm. Wherever possible, the vision panel should be enlarged to allow for both the ambulant disabled and the wheelchair user to be seen or observed by a person on the opposite side in order to prevent him from being accidentally struck by the opening door.

The width of the vision panel must be not less than 100 mm.

Kickplates of at least 250 mm high as shown in Figure 31 are recommended for doors in high-use areas to protect the push side of doors from damage caused by wheelchair foot-rests.

Where doors swing automatically into the path of travel, it is desirable to have guardrails, as shown in Figure 32:

1. extending at right angles to the wall containing the door; and

2. provided at a white cane detectable height of 580 mm or less.

   

For any change in the level of the floor surface, the gradient of the slope must conform to the requirements in Table 4.

TABLE 4

Changes in Levels

Where the change in vertical rise is from 15 mm to 200 mm:

1. the ramp and landings must be of contrasting colour; or

2. a band with colour that contrasts against the surrounding flooring material must be provided across the top and bottom levels of the ramp or slope as shown in Figure 33 (a) so that the ramp or slope can be seen and clearly identified.

Where the rise is more than 200 mm, detectable warning surfaces at the top and bottom levels of the ramp or slope must be provided. Detectable warning surfaces are not required at enclosed intermediate landings where handrails are continuous and which do not lead to another path of travel.

Detectable warning surfaces for ramps or slopes provided in accordance with clause 4.5.3 as shown in Figure 33 (b), must:

1. extend across the full width of the ramp or slope for a depth of at least 300 mm;

2. be set back 300 mm from the edge of the ramp or slope;'

3. consist of flooring material that is:

   1. contrasting in colour with the surrounding flooring material; and

   2. of a different texture from the surrounding flooring material.

Ramps allow wheelchair users to move from one level to another.

Where the horizontal run of an approach ramp exceeds 9.0 m in length, an alternative stepped approach as shown in Figure 34 (b), complying with the requirements in clause 4.11, in addition to the ramp approach, may be provided for the ambulant disabled. The total rise of any flight of steps must not exceed 1200 mm.

1. Ambulant disabled persons negotiate steps more easily and safely; thus, accessibility by both steps and ramps is preferred.

2. Where the change in level results in having a combination of multiple ramps and landings, other solutions should be considered.

The approach must be designed so that water will not accumulate on the walking surfaces.

Where ramps in the building or those that form parts of the building connecting one storey to another storey are provided, tactile and Braille signs complying with clause 8.5.5 must be installed on adjacent walls or handrail extensions to indicate the floor level. This must apply to office buildings, shopping complexes, multi-purpose complexes, sports complexes, hotels, boarding houses, chalets, backpacker hotels, serviced apartments, places of public resort, public swimming pools, markets, hawker or food centres, transport stations, interchanges, passenger terminals, colleges, universities, institutions of learning, hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, hospitals and clinics.

The gradient of a ramp must:

1. comply with the requirements in Table 4 under clause 4.5.1; and

2. be consistent between landings.

Cross fall gradients of a ramp should be equal or gentler than 1:40.

Curve ramps should be avoided. If used, the recommended gradient should be equal or gentler than 1:16.

Ramps that are part of accessible routes, corridors and paths must comply with clause 4.2.1. Otherwise, the minimum clear width of a ramp must be 1200 mm.

Ramps and landing surfaces must be slip-resistant.

Ramps must have a level landing at the top and bottom of each run and also where the run changes direction as shown in Figure 35.

Landings:

1. must have a level platform of 1500 mm or more;

2. must be provided at regular intervals for different gradients and the number of intervals must not be more than what is shown in Table 5. Figure 36 illustrates a typical plan of ramps and landings;

3. need not be provided if the gradient of a ramp is equal or gentler than 1 : 25; and

4. must conform to clause 4.4.6 if served by a doorway.

TABLE 5

Gradient and Length of Ramps

1. For ramp gradients between those specified in Table 5, the intervals may be obtained by linear interpolation.

2. The number of horizontal runs of ramp should be limited to 4, i.e. with 3 intermediate landings.

Except for the provision in clause 4.6.6.3, a ramp run with a rise greater than 175 mm must have handrails that:

1. are on both sides;

2. comply with clause 4.7.3;

3. are placed at a height of between 800 mm and 900 mm above the floor level; and

4. are continuous along the entire length of the ramp.

Handrail extensions as shown in Figure 37:

1. must extend horizontally for a distance of 300 mm or more beyond the top and bottom of the ramp to provide support for persons who may need help to negotiate the ramp;

2. must not project into another path of travel; and

3. must return to the wall, floor or post.

Handrails need not be provided if the gradient of a ramp is equal or gentler than 1:25.

Ramps and landings not adjacent to a wall must have an edge protection such as:

1. a kerb with a minimum height of 75 mm as shown in Figure 38 (a);

2. a raised barrier with its lower edge at 75 mm or less from the ramp or landing surface as shown in Figure 38 (b); or

3. a rail with the bottom edge at 75 mm or less from the ramp or landing surface as shown in Figure 38 (c).

3. The ends of the rail as shown in Figure 38 (c) should be safely returned to the floor.

4. Clause 4.6 does not apply to the footpath within the road reserve that is generally parallel and adjacent to the road.

Handrails/grab bars are extremely important features and must be designed to be easy to grasp and to provide a firm and comfortable grip so that the hand can slide along the rail without obstruction.

Wide handrails/grab bars which allow only pinching grips are undesirable unless a proper hand-size grasping area is provided.

1. Many older persons and persons with disabilities rely on handrails/grab bars to maintain balance or prevent serious falls.

2. Handrails and grab bars should contrast with the colour of its background to aid visibility.

Grab bars and handrails must be installed to resist a force of at least 1.3 kN applied vertically or horizontally.

Handrails must:

1. be slip-resistant;

2. have a circular section of 32 mm to 50 mm in diameter or an equivalent gripping surface as shown in Figure 39 (a);

3. be free of any sharp or abrasive elements;

4. have continuous gripping surfaces, without interruptions or obstructions that can break a hand hold; and

5. have a clear space between the handrail and all wall surfaces as shown in Figure 39(b) of:

   1. a minimum of 40 mm; or

   2. a minimum of 60 mm where the wall has a rough surface.

It is recommended that a second handrail be provided to cater to people with short statures. It should be between 600 and 750 mm in height.

A recess containing a handrail must extend at least 450 mm above the top of the rail as shown in Figure 39 (c).

Grab bars must:

1. be slip-resistant;

2. have a diameter of between 32 mm and 45 mm or a shape that provides an equivalent gripping surface; and

3. have a clear space between the grab bar and all wall surfaces of:

   1. a minimum of 40 mm; or

   2. a minimum of 60 mm where the wall has a rough surface.

The grab bars and adjacent surfaces must be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.

All lifts provided in a building must include suitable provisions for the ambulant disabled and persons with sensory impairments as a means of access from one level to another.

The emergency bell in the lift must be connected to a blinking light in the lift car to signal to persons with hearing impairments that the emergency bell has been activated.

It is recommended that lift doors have a vision panel to enable persons with hearing impairment to signal for help or assistance in the event of an emergency.

Braille and tactile markings must be provided on the lift control buttons and such buttons must not be touch-sensitive. The minimum activation force must be 3.5 N or 350 g. The Braille markings:

1. must be placed below the tactile markings, as illustrated in Figure 40 (a);

2. can be provided to the left of the tactile markings only if it is not possible to be placed as described in clause 4.8.2.1 (a), as illustrated in Figure 40 (b); and

3. must be placed at a minimum distance of 3 mm from tactile markings.

Braille and tactile markings must be provided to the left of lift control buttons if the buttons are touch-sensitive, as illustrated in Figure 40 (c).

The use of paste-on Braille on the control panel is not recommended.

Tactile markings must:

1. be in Arabic numerals or symbols;

2. have a dimension of between 15 mm and 20 mm high;

3. be raised at a minimum of 1 mm; and

4. be in a high contrasting colour to the background.

The lift landing call button must be mounted adjacent to the lift.

Lift landing call and car control buttons must not be touch-sensitive but must require a light positive pressure to activate them. These buttons must have a colour that contrasts with the background of either the lift control panel or wall finish.

A momentary audible announcement must be provided to signal each call registered and the storey reached.

A visual information display system must be provided and suitably colour contrasted.

It is recommended that visual information display be provided above the lift car door.

Grab bars must comply with clause 4.7 and:

1. be placed at a height of between 800 mm and 900 mm from the floor level;

2. be fixed on both sides and at the rear of the lift car; and

3. be allowed to have a gap of 150 mm or less if it is not continuous as illustrated in Figure 41.

1. Grab bars should be constructed such that there are no open ends to cause hooking when used by passengers.

2. The height of grab bars is measured from the floor level to the top of the bars.

The closing of lift doors must be controlled by a door protective device to ensure that doors do not make physical contact with people standing in their path. In addition, an audible signal must be provided to signal the closing of doors to alert the lift passengers.

Where lifts are provided in a building, at least one lift must be made accessible for wheelchair users from the entrance level for vertical circulation.

The lift must serve all levels intended for access by wheelchair users.

Lift lobby space with lifts designed for wheelchair users must have a clear manoeuvring space of 1200 mm wide by 1500 mm deep as illustrated in Figure 42.

The minimum internal lift car dimension must be 1200 mm wide by 1400 mm deep.

Non-breakable mirrors or mirror-like finish surfaces must be provided at the rear of lift car interiors to allow visual feedback for wheelchair users when reversing backwards into the lift lobby. The bottom edge of the mirror must be at a maximum height of 1000 mm from finished floor level.

The minimum width of the rear mirror must be the width of the lift door opening.

The lift car must have a clear door opening of at least 900 mm.

The lift landing call button located outside the lift must:

1. have a clear floor space of at least 900 mm by 1200 mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from reaching the call button;

2. be placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level as shown in Figure 42;

3. be located at least 350 mm away from a wall or obstruction; and

4. be dedicated to call the lift designated for wheelchair users.

The lift car control buttons located inside the lift:

1. must be placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level;

2. may be placed vertically or horizontally or both vertically and horizontally; and

3. must have at least one panel placed to the side of the lift car.

1. It is recommended that all lifts should be made accessible to persons with disabilities. Where different lifts are programmed to serve certain floors during ordinary or peak periods, the lift that is designated for wheelchair users should be programmed to serve all the floors.

2. If there are two control panels inside the lift car, that is, one for the wheelchair user and the other which is mounted at eye level, the control buttons at eye level must be provided with Braille and tactile markings.

3. If a horizontal control panel is provided, it is recommended that it be placed to the right side of the lift car wall (when entering the lift).

Where there are difficulties in providing two control panels inside the lift car in high-rise buildings, keypad control panels for wheelchair users can be considered; the other control panel must be mounted at eye level.

The keypad must:

1. be arranged in the same way as a telephone keypad. The ‘ * ’ button must be replaced by ‘ – ’ while the ‘ # ’ button must be replaced by ‘ E ’;

2. be placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level;

3. have letters or numbers on the buttons of at least 15 mm high and in a contrasting colour; and

4. have button to button spacing of 60 mm or less;

5. have a single raised dot on the number ‘5’ key.

The recommended keypad design requirements are indicated in Appendix G. Touch sensitive keypad control panels can also be considered for wheelchair users.

The symbol identifying the location of such lifts must be provided and must be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.

For all buildings, a passenger lift is the most suitable form of access for people moving from one storey to another.

For existing buildings in exceptional circumstances where a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, a platform lift, although not equivalent to a passenger lift, may be considered as an alternative option to provide access for persons with limited mobility.

Platform lift provision must comply with clause 4.10.1.1.

A platform lift, as illustrated in Figure 43, must have a minimum clear door opening of 900 mm and a clear manoeuvring space of a minimum of 1500 mm wide by 1500 mm deep measured from the face of the door.

The minimum internal size of a platform lift must be 1100 mm wide by 1400 mm deep.

If full height enclosure is not required, the minimum height of the partition must be 1000 mm.

The platform lift must be provided with a barrier or flip-up ramp, if a door is not provided, to act as a safety barrier for the wheelchair and serve as an access ramp.

Lift control buttons must comply with clauses 4.8.2, 4.9.4 and 4.9.5.

At least one grab bar complying with clause 4.8.3 must be placed on one side of the lift.

Where it is impracticable to provide a passenger lift, a ramp or platform lift in an existing building, a wheelchair stairlift can be considered as a reasonable alternative for vertical circulation within the building.

A wheelchair stairlift is illustrated in Figure 44.

Staircases should provide a viable means of access between different levels. Exit staircases for evacuation and staircases within the public circulation areas in the building must be designed to comply with the following requirements:

1. step profile in accordance with clause 4.11.2;

2. detectable warning surfaces in accordance with clause 4.11.3; and

3. stair handrails in accordance with clause 4.11.4.

In addition to clause 4.11.1.1, where staircases in the building, or which form part of the building, connect one storey to another storey, tactile and Braille signs as shown in Figures 45 (c) and 46 complying with clause 8.5.5 must be installed on adjacent walls or handrail extensions to indicate the floor level. This must apply to office buildings, shopping complexes, multi-purpose complexes, sport complexes, hotels, boarding houses, chalets, backpacker hotels, serviced apartments, places of public resort, public swimming pools, markets, hawker or food centres, transport stations, interchanges, passenger terminals, colleges, universities, institutions of learning, hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, hospitals and clinics.

Stair nosings must not project beyond the face of the riser and the riser may be vertical or have a splay backwards up to a maximum 25 mm, as shown in Figure 45 (a).

All steps must be fitted with non-slip nosing strips between 50 mm and 65 mm in width with permanent contrasting colours.

The treads and walls of the staircase must have contrasting colours to alert persons with visual impairments of the presence of steps.

The contrasting colour of the nosing is meant to ensure that the tread edge is clearly visible in descent.

Detectable warning surfaces must:

1. be provided at the top, bottom and intermediate landings leading to another path of travel;

2. extend the full width of the stairs for a depth of 600 mm commencing 300 mm back from the stairs as shown in Figure 45 (a); and

3. consist of flooring material that is:

   1. contrasting in colour with the surrounding flooring material; and

   2. of a different texture from the surrounding flooring material.

Detectable warning surfaces are not required at enclosed intermediate landings where handrails are continuous and do not lead to another path of travel.

1. Strongly patterned carpets must not be used for stairs as they obscure the definition of the tread edges and can cause danger to users.

2. Bright stainless steel or polished brass should not be used for nosing strips as glare reflection can cause disorientation to persons with visual impairments.

3. The detectable warning surface is to alert persons with visual impairments that they are approaching steps and to be extra careful.

4. Clause 4.11.3 must not apply to stairs that lead to areas specified under clauses 2.3.11.1, 2.5.1 and worker dormitories.

5. Where there is a staircase storey shelter blast door, the detectable warning surface can be set back more than 300mm away from the step.

Handrails for stairs must:

1. comply with clauses 4.7.2 and 4.7.3;

2. be positioned between 800 mm and 1000 mm measured from the pitch line vertically to the top of the handrails;

3. be continuous throughout the entire length of stairs and enclosed intermediate landings where it does not lead to another path of travel;

4. extend not less than 300mm beyond the top and bottom steps; and

5. return to the wall, floor or post.

Where there is a staircase storey shelter blast door, a non-continuous handrail is acceptable.

Staircases for the ambulant disabled are intended as an optional means of vertical travel for older persons and persons with ambulatory disabilities.

If provided, it must be designed to comply with the requirements of clause 4.11.1.1 and the following:

1. handrail installed on both sides as shown in Figure 45 (b) and (c);

2. continuous handrail throughout the entire length of stairs and extend not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom step as shown in Figure 46;

3. have tactile and Braille signs installed on adjacent walls or handrail extensions complying with clause 8.5.5 as shown in Figure 45 (c);

4. uniform risers of a maximum of 150 mm and treads of a minimum of 300 mm; and

5. no open risers as shown in Figure 47.

Objective : Use of Sanitary Facilities

Where washrooms are open to the public, employees, staff, students, patients or intended users, they must be equally accessible to persons with disabilities.

At every level of a non-residential building where toilets are provided, at least one accessible individual washroom must be provided as described in clause 5.2.

In non-residential buildings, other than factory, workshop, office/showroom areas in warehouses or industrial buildings, where two or more clusters of toilets are provided at the same level but at different locations, the corresponding number of accessible individual washrooms must be provided. Each accessible individual washroom may be replaced with one accessible water closet compartment in the male and female toilets as described in clause 5.3, provided that there is at least one accessible individual washroom on the same level.

At least one larger accessible individual washroom complying with clause 5.2 [excluding clause 5.2.1 (a)] must be provided at every floor of the following buildings where clusters of toilets are provided. This is to cater to persons with disabilities and the elderly using motorised wheelchairs and scooters:

1. Shopping complexes, multi-purpose complexes, sports complexes, places of public resort, public swimming pools, markets, hawker or food centres, transport stations, interchanges, passenger terminals, hospitals, health-care centres, polyclinics, colleges, universities and institutions of learning;

2. The minimum clear dimensions of the larger accessible individual washroom must be 1800 mm wide by 2100 mm deep as illustrated in Figure 51;

3. Where there are 2 or more clusters of toilets provided at the same level but at different locations, the remaining accessible toilets can be provided in accordance with clause 5.1.2.

For pre-schools, schools, colleges, universities, institutions of learning, hostels, dormitories and halls of residence, the provision of accessible toilet to every cluster of toilets at each level need not be in accordance with clause 5.1.2 if the following conditions are met:

1. the accessible toilet provided serves every function area at that level; (Example as illustrated in Figure 48)

2. the accessible toilet is 50 m or less from each function area; and

3. directional signs from each function area to the accessible toilet are provided.

In addition to clauses 5.1.1 and 5.1.2, where toilets are provided:

1. one water closet compartment for the ambulant disabled as described in clause 5.4 must be provided for the first five numbers of water closet compartments or part thereof with an addition of similar water closet compartments for every subsequent five water closet compartments or part thereof. (For example, for a provision of six water closet compartments, at least two must cater to the ambulant disabled);

2. where urinals are provided, at least one must comply with clause 5.5 to cater to the ambulant disabled.

Clause 5.1.5 must not apply to pre-schools, primary and secondary schools and their hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, common facilities in a residential development, factory, workshop, office/showroom areas in warehouses or industrial buildings and worker dormitories.

At least one wash basin complying with clause 5.6.5 must be provided in the accessible individual washroom or toilet cluster with accessible water closet compartments.

A group of rooms or spaces that serve similar functions will constitute a ‘function area’.

Signs at washroom entrances must comply with symbols as described in clause 8.2.2 and should be clearly visible complying with clause 8.5.

In addition to clause 5.1.7, signs at public toilets must provide tactile and Braille signs complying with clause 8.5.5. This must apply to office buildings, shopping complexes, multi-purpose complexes, sports complexes, hotels, boarding houses, chalets, backpacker hotels, serviced apartments, places of public resort, public swimming pools, markets, hawker or food centres, transport stations, interchanges, passenger terminals, colleges, universities, institutions of learning, hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, hospitals and clinics.

Where a building is required to provide family-friendly facilities in compliance with clause 6.9.1, there must be child-friendly sanitary facilities provided in accordance with clause 6.9.4.

Where a building is required to provide an accessible changing room, it must be provided in accordance with clause 5.8.

In every residential unit, there must be at least one bathroom with toilet and shower/bathing facilities that can be readily retrofitted for older persons and wheelchair users complying with clause 7.3.

Accessible individual washrooms must:

1. have a minimum clear dimension between opposite walls of 1750 mm or more;

2. have a clear space of 900 mm by 1500 mm or more adjacent to the water closet;

3. be equipped with a door complying with clause 5.6.1;

4. have grab bars complying with clause 5.6.2;

5. have essential washroom accessories complying with clause 5.6.3;

6. be equipped with an emergency call bell in accordance with clause 5.6.4;

7. have a wash basin complying with clause 5.6.5;

8. have a water closet complying with clause 5.6.6;

9. be equipped with two coat hooks mounted on a side wall at two different heights of about 1500 mm and 1100 mm from the floor. The hooks must not project more than 40 mm from the wall;

10. be equipped with a self-closing water spray head connected by a flexible hose beside the water closet seat for cleaning purposes;

11. have a toilet roll dispenser that is reachable and does not interfere with the use of grab bars that must:

    1. be mounted below the horizontal grab bar at 300 mm or less from the front edge of the seat and at a height of between 50 mm and 250 mm from the top of the water closet seat; or

    2. where a jumbo toilet roll dispenser is provided, be mounted at a height of between 150 mm and 200 mm above the horizontal grab bar and approximately 50 mm from the front edge of the seat to the centre line of the toilet roll dispenser as illustrated in Figure 50; and

12. where possible, be equipped with a shelf or counter measuring 400 mm by 200 mm and fixed at a height of between 900 mm and 1100 mm from the floor.

The minimum clear dimension between opposite walls specified in clause 5.2.1 (a) should be used as a guide to ensure all critical dimensions are met. Additional space should be allowed for construction tolerances, non-alignment and protrusions in implementation.

An accessible individual washroom for the wheelchair user is illustrated in Figure 49 and a larger accessible individual washroom is illustrated in Figure 51.

If obstructions such as pipe works are present, adjustment in the compartment size must be made to meet the overall dimensions required for the manoeuvring of wheelchairs.

1. An accessible individual washroom is a unisex washroom containing a wash basin and a water closet.

2. An accessible individual washroom is used by persons with different disabilities. It is suitable when persons or children with disabilities and their respective caregivers or parents are of the opposite sex.

3. For public buildings such as shopping complexes, office buildings and hotels, an accessible individual washroom is preferred over a water closet compartment for the reason given in Note (2) above.

An accessible water closet compartment must:

1. have clear internal dimensions of 1500 mm by 1750 mm or more;

2. be equipped with a door complying with clause 5.6.1;

3. have grab bars complying with clause 5.6.2;

4. be equipped with an emergency call bell in accordance with clause 5.6.4;

5. have a water closet complying with clause 5.6.6;

6. be equipped with two coat hooks mounted on a side wall at two different heights of about 1500 mm and 1100 mm from the floor. The hooks must not project more than 40 mm from the wall;

7. be equipped with a self-closing water spray head connected by a flexible hose beside the water closet seat for cleaning purposes; and

8. have a toilet roll dispenser that is reachable and does not interfere with the use of grab bars as specified in clause 5.2.1 (k).

An accessible water closet compartment is illustrated in Figures 52 and 53.

If obstructions such as pipe works are present, adjustment in the compartment size must be made to meet the overall dimensions required.

Water closet compartments for the ambulant disabled must:

1. have internal dimensions of a standard compartment with a minimum width of 900 mm;

2. have grab bars on both sides of the compartment to act as handholds for the ambulant disabled user to stand as illustrated in Figure 54.

Water closet compartments for the ambulant disabled must be equipped with a door that provides a clear opening of at least 800 mm.

The door must:

1. be designed to:

   1. be a sliding/folding door in accordance with clause 4.4.4; or

   2. swing outwards and be in accordance with clauses 5.6.1.1 (c) and (d); or

   3. swing inwards with a minimum clear space of 500 mm diameter from the edge of the water closet;

2. be capable of being locked from the inside by a device that is operable with one hand and which does not require:

   1. fine finger control;

   2. tight grasping; and

   3. pinching or twisting of the wrist;

3. have an ambulant disabled sign placed on the outside of the door indicating that the compartment is suitable for use by persons who require grab bars.

If obstruction such as pipe works is present, adjustment in the compartment size must be made to meet the overall dimensions required.

1. Water closet compartments for the ambulant disabled must not be taken as alternatives to accessible individual washrooms or accessible water closet compartments.

2. Toilet roll holders should be located at a reachable range and not interfere with the use of grab bars.

3. The wall construction and the fixings used to support the grab bars must be capable of resisting the loads exerted by users.

Urinals for the ambulant disabled as illustrated in Figure 55 must:

1. be of the wall-hung type with a rim of 500 mm or less from the floor;

2. have a minimum clear floor space of 750 mm wide by 1200 mm deep from the edge of the urinal and without steps in front of the urinals;

3. have a depth of between 350 mm and 450 mm; and

4. privacy shields, if provided, that do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim.

Grab bars, complying with clause 4.7, must be provided on both sides of the urinals as illustrated in Figure 55 and must:

1. have a minimum length of 600 mm with the lower point of the grab bar located at the maximum height of 800 mm from floor level;

2. have a clear space of 150 mm from an internal corner or obstruction;

3. have a clear space of 120 mm between the grab bar and wall surface or privacy shields; and

4. be mounted at the same height and have a distance of between 500 mm and 650 mm.

Where urinals for the ambulant disabled are provided in a compartment with door provision, the compartment door must comply with clauses 5.4.2 and 5.4.3.

Flush controls must:

1. comply with clause 6.2; and

2. be located at 1200 mm or less from the floor.

Doors to accessible individual washrooms, accessible changing room and accessible water closet compartments must:

1. swing outwards or be designed as a sliding/folding door;

2. have a minimum clear opening of 850 mm or more in the fully open position in accordance with clause 4.4.2;

3. be provided with a horizontal pull-bar with a diameter of between 19 mm and 45 mm that is:

   1. at least 600 mm long on the inside of an out-swinging door;

   2. located so that it is 130 mm or less from the hinged-side of the door; and

   3. fixed at a height of between 900 mm and 1100 mm.

4. be provided with a vertical/horizontal pull-handle/bar with a diameter of between 19 mm and 45 mm that is:

   1. at least 140 mm long on the outside near the latch side of the door;

   2. located so that the pull-handle is 130 mm or less from the latch side of the door; and

   3. placed at a height of between 900 mm and 1100 mm.

5. be capable of being locked from the inside by a device that is operable with one hand and activated by a force not more than 22N and which does not require:

   1. fine finger control;

   2. tight grasping; and

   3. pinching or twisting of the wrist.

1. Accessible toilet doors must be designed to open outwards so that it would be easier for a rescuer to enter a compartment if a person has fallen and is lying behind the door. To allow for assistance in case of emergency, locks and latches should allow the door to be opened from the outside with a coin or any simple device.

2. Wherever possible and practicable, a power-operated sliding door with button control should be considered as it is easier to operate and manoeuvre through the doorway.

Grab bars must be provided in accessible individual washrooms, accessible changing room or water closet compartments as illustrated in Figures 49, 51 and 53 and must comply with the following requirements:

1. be in accordance with clause 4.7;

2. be mounted at a height of between 280 mm and 300 mm from the top of the water closet seat;

3. one horizontal grab bar to be mounted on the side wall closest to the water closet extending from the rear wall to at least 450 mm in front of the water closet seat;

4. one flip-up grab bar to be mounted on the wide side of the compartment adjacent to the water closet;

5. one vertical bar to be provided on the side wall closest to the water closet and located between 350 mm and 450 mm from the front edge; and

6. one horizontal grab bar of at least 700 mm long to be mounted on the wall behind the water closet.

The flip-up grab bar specified in clause 5.6.2.1 (d) must be able to remain in a vertical position when not in use. When lowered from the wall, it must:

1. be at a height of between 280 mm and 300 mm from the top of the water closet seat and at the same height as the grab bar mounted at the side;

2. extend not more than 100 mm from the front of the water closet seat; and

3. be between 380 mm and 400 mm to the centre line of the water closet.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, all measurements must be taken from the centre line of the bar.

Washroom accessories must comprise the following:

1. a mirror, with the bottom edge positioned at a height of 1000 mm or less from the floor as shown in Figure 56; and

2. paper towel dispensers or hand dryers, soap dispensers, litter bins and other washroom accessories must contrast in colour and tone and be positioned such that the operable parts and controls are between 900 mm and 1200 mm from the floor.

1. Accessories should be placed in close proximity to the accessible basin to avoid having a person wheeling a chair with wet hands.

2. The lighting should be fixed in such a position that it does not shine directly onto the mirror.

An emergency call bell must be provided in:

1. an accessible individual washroom; or

2. an accessible changing room; or

3. an accessible water closet compartment; or

4. bath facilities within the accessible room.

The emergency call bell must be equipped with a waterproof push-button or pull-chord for activating the bell.

The push-button or pull-chord must:

1. be located at a height of between 400 mm and 600 mm above the floor level and located between 150 mm and 300 mm from either the front or side edges of the water closet as illustrated in Figures 49 (c), 51 (c) and 53 (c);

2. be located at a height of between 400 mm and 600 mm above the floor level adjacent to the bathtub as illustrated in Figures 59 (a) and 60 (a); and

3. have a colour that contrasts with the background.

Emergency call bells must be provided to alert caregivers or responsible persons in a management office. The call annunciation must, where appropriate, be provided by:

1. a call bell located outside the accessible toilet; or

2. a buzzer in the caregiver’s office; or

3. an emergency call bell located outside the accessible room or a buzzer to the management office.

A notice stating “Emergency Call” must be prominently affixed next to the push-button or pull-chord.

Wash basins, as illustrated in Figure 57, must:

1. not interfere with the manoeuvring space of wheelchair users while transferring to the water closet;

2. be mounted such that the minimum distance between the centre line of the fixture and the side wall is 460 mm;

3. be mounted such that the top edge is between 800 mm and 840 mm from the floor;

4. have a knee space of at least 750 mm wide by 200 mm deep by 680 mm high with an additional toe space of at least 750 mm wide by 230 mm deep by 230 mm high;

5. have a minimum clear floor space of 750 mm wide by 1200 mm deep of which a maximum of 480 mm in depth may be under the wash basin; and

6. have a dimension of between 300 mm and 400 mm from the front edge of the basin to centre of the tap.

The hot water and drain pipes located within the knee or toe space must be properly insulated.

Taps and other controls provided must comply with clause 6.2.

Where vanity counters are provided, all dimensions relating to height, circulation, knee and toe spaces must comply with clauses 5.6.5.1 to 5.6.5.3 as specified for basins.

Water closets as shown in Figure 58 must comply with the following requirements:

1. be located between 460 mm and 480 mm from the centre line of the water closet to the adjacent wall and have a clear dimension of 750 mm from the front edge of the water closet to the rear wall to facilitate side transfer;

2. the top of the water closet seat must be between 450 mm and 480 mm from the floor as shown in Figures 49 (b), 51 (b) and 53 (b);

3. have no spring-activated seats;

4. have a back support where there is no seat lid or water cistern as shown in Figure 58 (b). A back support reduces the chance of imbalance or injury caused by leaning against exposed valves or pipes;\

5. have adequate space for the footrest of the wheelchair, needed while the user transfers from the wheelchair to the water closet;

6. have flush control:

   1. complying with clause 6.2;

   2. that, if hand-operated, must be located on the transfer side of the water closet; and

   3. that is located at a height of between 800 mm and 1100 mm from the floor.

Existing pedestal-type water closets with cisterns as shown in Figure 58 (c) may be considered as an alternative approach to providing an accessible toilet for existing buildings in exceptional circumstances.

1. Preferences for toilet seat heights vary considerably. Higher seats may be an advantage to some ambulant disabled persons but a disadvantage to wheelchair users. Toilet seats at a height of 450 mm offer a reasonable compromise. Thick seats and filler rings are available to adapt standard fixtures to these requirements.

2. Major problems are encountered by wheelchair users entering and leaving a washroom. Within the washroom, sufficient space is required to allow wheelchair users to move freely to and from the various fixtures as shown in Figures 49 (a) and 51 (a).

Where motion sensor-type lighting switches are used within the accessible individual washroom, accessible changing room or toilet compartment, they must comply with the following:

1. switch controllers are equipped for fail-safe operation;

2. illumination timers are set for a minimum duration of 30 minutes; and

3. the sensor must be appropriately located and easily activated by any occupant movement in the toilet.

Hotels or boarding houses, serviced apartments and hostels, halls of residence or dormitories, which are required to have accessible provisions for persons with disabilities as stipulated in Chapter 2, must be provided with bathtubs complying with clause 5.7.2 or shower stalls complying with clause 5.7.3.

Sports complexes and public swimming pools, which are required to have accessible provisions for persons with disabilities as stipulated in Chapter 2, must be provided with at least one accessible individual shower facility complying with clause 5.7.3 at each level of the shower facilities provided. Where two or more clusters of shower facilities are provided at the same level but at different locations, the accessible individual shower facility may be replaced with an accessible shower within the male and female shower areas provided that there is at least one accessible individual shower facility on the same level.

There must be a clear floor space of at least 900 mm by 1500 mm in front of the bathtub. The wash basin may encroach to a maximum of 300 mm into this space, provided there is a clear knee and toe space under the wash basin.

The bathtub must be provided with a seat of at least 250 mm wide along its entire length and at a height of between 450 mm and 480 mm.

The base of the bathtub must be slip-resistant and, where it is not possible, a slip-resistant rubber mat must be provided.

The layout of a bathtub is illustrated in Figure 59.

Grab bars for bathtubs must:

1. comply with clause 4.7;

2. be at least 1200 mm long, located horizontally along the length of the bathtub and 180 mm to 280 mm above the bathtub rim; and

3. be at least 1200 mm long, located vertically at the control end of the bathtub adjacent to the clear floor space with the lower end 180 mm to 280 mm above the bathtub rim as shown in Figure 59 (c).

The bathtub must be equipped with an emergency call bell in accordance with clause 5.6.4.

As an alternative to clause 5.7.2.2, a seat of at least 400 mm deep, across its width must be provided. The seat must be located at the opposite end of the controls to allow for easier access as illustrated in Figure 60 (a).

1. Tap controls should be located close to the outside of the bathtub for ease of access by persons in wheelchairs.

2. Bathtub provision is not encouraged as older persons and persons with disabilities prefer to use a roll-in shower stall for bathing.

A roll-in shower stall must have internal dimensions of at least 1500 mm by 1500 mm as shown in Figure 61.

The minimum clear floor space in front of the shower entrance must be 900 mm by 1500 mm parallel to the shower entrance.

Where an accessible individual washroom is designed to include shower facilities, the minimum internal dimensions must be 2000 mm by 1750 mm as shown in Figure 62.

The floor of the roll-in shower stall must be slip-resistant.

Additional information and guidance on slip-resistant finishes are given in Appendix F.

Enclosures for shower stalls must comply with clause 5.7.4.3.

Grab bars for roll-in shower stalls as shown in Figure 61 must:

1. comply with clause 4.7;

2. comprise of an L-shaped bar or 2 bars arranged in an L-shaped configuration of at least 750 mm by 800 mm, mounted between 700 mm and 800 mm from the shower floor and not more than 450 mm from the edge of shower seat; and

3. have a vertical bar of at least 750 mm mounted between 100 mm and 150 mm from the shower seat.

Kerbs for roll-in shower stalls must:

1. not be more than 10 mm high, bevelled at a slope of 1:2; and

2. have colours that contrast with the flooring colour to reduce the possibility of dangerous tripping.

The shower seat must:

1. have a rounded edge, be self-draining and be slip-resistant;

2. be installed on the wall nearest to the controls;

3. have a minimum dimension of 500 mm wide. The minimum dimension from wall to front edge of shower seat must be between 400 mm and 500 mm of which a minimum of 350 mm must be the depth of the seat if it is a flip-up type. The flip-up seat in either a roll-in shower or an accessible individual washroom with shower facility is illustrated in Figures 61 and 62;

4. have its top between 450 mm and 480 mm from the floor;

5. have grab bars that comply with the requirements of clause 5.7.3.2; and

6. have fastenings for the grab bars and the flip-up seat that must be able to withstand a force of 1.3kN applied at any position and in any direction.

If a roll-in shower stall is attached to a room, it is possible for a wheelchair user to use the bed to help him to dress. However, the length of the seat in an accessible individual washroom with shower facilities needs to be longer as the wheelchair user needs the additional space to facilitate his dressing.

Taps and other controls must:

1. comply with clause 6.2 for both bathtub and shower stalls;

2. be located at the control end of the bathtub between the centre line and the outer edge;

3. be 450 mm or less above the bathtub rim as shown in Figure 59 (c); and

4. have clearly visible colour contrast and embossed signs indicating hot and cold water supply.

Shower heads used in bathtubs and shower stalls must:

1. be of the hand-held type;

2. be provided with a hose 1500 mm long or more; and

3. allow for use in a fixed position.

Where shower heads are mounted on a vertical bar, the bar must:

1. have a minimum length of 500 mm with the lower end located between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the floor level; and

2. be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars.

Enclosures for bathtubs and roll-in showers must not:

1. obstruct controls;

2. interfere with a person transferring from a wheelchair; and

3. have tracks mounted on the bathtub rim or edges of shower pans or the shower area.

The provision of accessible changing room is to allow the cleaning up and changing of diapers for persons with disabilities and must apply to the following buildings:

1. Hospitals, health-care centres, polyclinics;

2. Major transport terminals/interchanges, e.g. airport, bus and MRT interchanges/railway stations, cruise centres;

3. Sports complexes;

4. Theme parks and purpose-built family amusement centres, community clubs and country clubs;

5. Shopping complexes of 20,000 sqm or more in gross floor area.

At least one accessible changing room must be provided at an appropriate location. It can be provided in-lieu of an accessible individual washroom if there are 2 or more individual washrooms at the same level but at different locations.

The accessible changing room as illustrated in Figure 64 must have:

1. a minimum of clear internal dimensions of 2600 mm wide by 2300 mm deep;

2. accessible individual washroom facilities complying with clause 5.2;

3. a height-adjustable bench or bed of a minimum size of 1800 mm long by 750 mm wide.

It is recommended that a hoist system be provided in the accessible changing room for caregivers to assist persons with disabilities.

Where accessible changing room is provided, the accompanying symbol shown in Figure 63 must be conspicuously displayed in accordance with clause 8.5.2.1.

The diagonal approach for wheelchair transfer is as illustrated in Figure 65.

The side approach for wheelchair transfer is as illustrated in Figure 66.

The frontal approach for a wheelchair transfer is as illustrated in Figure 67.

Objective : Usage of Space, Facilities and Elements

Building services and facilities such as electrical controls, socket outlets and switches, information counters, public telephones, seats and tables must be accessible and usable by all people. For buildings that are frequently accessed by families, appropriate facilities must be provided to serve the needs of nursing women, young children and their caregivers.

Lighting must be uniform. Extreme differences in the level of brightness should be avoided.

Lights must be acceptably bright but should not cause glare or shadows that would give rise to optical illusions.

Ceiling-mounted light fittings with diffusers must be positioned longitudinally at the centre of the accessible route.

Controls and operating mechanisms should be capable of being illuminated to at least a level of 100 lux.

A clear and level floor space of at least 900 mm by 1200 mm should be provided at controls and operating mechanisms such as dispensers and receptacles designated for use by persons with disabilities.

The design and construction of the operating controls and devices should aim to ensure the independent and safe operation of controls and devices by intended users.

The operating controls and devices include but are not limited to:

1. door handles and locks;

2. levers or mixer taps;

3. activation devices, vending machines and vehicle park auto-pay machines;

4. window openers and locks; and

5. electrical socket outlets and switches.

The operable parts of controls should be:

1. located adjacent to a clear floor space that has a minimum width of 900 mm;

2. located at a height of between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level as shown in Figure 68;

3. operable by one hand;

4. of a type that does not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist; and

5. operable with a force of 22N or less.

If light switches are provided for accessible individual washrooms, accessible changing room or accessible water closet compartments, they should be located at a height of between 800 mm and 1200 mm.

Key pads, card readers and intercom buttons should be provided at a height of between 800 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level.

The operable part of controls, electrical sockets and switches must be located at 350 mm or more from the internal corner of a room or an obstruction as shown in Figure 68 (c).

Power-operated doors must be either automatically controlled, for example, by a motion sensor, or manually activated by a control such as a push pad. The push pad should, preferably, not be mounted on a glass door. If unavoidable, the height should be between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the finished floor level.

Manual controls for power-operated doors should be distinguishable against the background and should not be located such that a person, having used the control, needs to move to avoid contact with the door as it opens.

Controls for power-operated swing doors as shown in Figure 68 (d) must:

1. be located at least 600 mm from the internal corner of a room or an obstruction;

2. have a clear 1000 mm minimum distance from the swing of the arc of the door; and

3. allow sufficient opening time for persons with mobility aids to pass through the door safely before it closes.

The colours of controls and operating mechanisms should contrast with their backgrounds.

Taps and other controls designated for use by persons with disabilities must have levers or be sensor-operated.

Where wheelchair accessible wash hand basins are placed together with other basins for general use, the taps used must be sensor-operated in accordance with NEA’s Code of Practice for Environment Health.

Hand-operated controls, including taps, must:

1. be operable with one hand;

2. require no tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist;

3. require a force of 22N or less to activate; and

4. have handles with levers (not self-closing) operable with a closed fist as shown in Figure 69.

The temperature of hot water supplied to the shower must be controlled by a pressure-equalizing valve or by an automatic, thermostatically controlled valve.

Seating spaces, such as those provided at counters, tables or work surfaces and for wheelchair users, must have a clear floor space of not less than 900 mm by 1200 mm.

Seating spaces for cinemas, theatres, concert halls, stadia or other places of public resort must have clearly identified wheelchair spaces, each measuring at least 900 mm wide by 1200 mm deep as shown in Figure 70. Access to spaces for wheelchair users must be direct and unobstructed.

1. Wheelchair spaces must be connected to accessible routes and should be located at different tiered seating similar to the regular seating provision.

2. There should be good sight lines from all seating positions so that viewers are able to see the speaker, a person assisting with sign language, the projection screen, and the presentation, performance or sports event.

3. Where two or more wheelchair spaces are provided, at least two wheelchair spaces should be located side by side to allow two wheelchair users to sit together and also alongside fixed seats.

Where a forward approach is used, a clear knee space of at least 900 mm wide, 480 mm deep and 700 mm high must be provided which may overlap the clear floor space by a maximum of 480 mm as shown in Figure 71.

Where service counters are provided, part of the counter must not be more than 800 mm from the floor as shown in Figure 72 (a).

Where information displayed counters are provided, the bottom edge of the counter must be at a height of between 700mm and 800mm from the floor and tilt at an angle which varies from 30° to 45° as shown in Figure 72 (c).

Where the service counters do not serve as writing surfaces, the height of the counter may be raised to not more than 860 mm.

Where drinking fountains are provided, the fountain spout should:

1. have an opening located between 750 mm and 800mm from the floor or ground surface as shown in Figure 73;

2. be located at the front of the unit;

3. direct the water flow in a trajectory that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front of the unit; and

4. provide a flow of water at least 100mm high.

Controls should comply with clauses 6.2.3.1 and 6.2.3.2 and be at or near the front of the fountain.

Cantilevered drinking fountains as shown in Figure 73 should:

1. have a clear floor space of at least 750 mm by 1200 mm;

2. have a clear knee space between the bottom of the apron and floor or ground of at least 750 mm wide, 1200 mm deep and 680 mm high; and

3. have a toe space not less than 750 mm wide, 230 mm deep and 230 mm high.

Freestanding or built-in drinking fountains not having a knee space should have a clear floor space of at least 1200 mm wide by 750 mm in front of the unit as shown in Figure 73 (b).

1. A wall-mounted drinking fountain in an alcove is preferred because it does not create a hazard for persons with visual impairments. Drinking fountains that extend into corridors and have an open space underneath the fountain 680 mm in height should be protected by a wall guard.

2. The provision of two drinking fountains at different heights is very convenient for standing adults, wheelchair users and children.

3. The 100 mm high water flow is to allow for the insertion of a cup or a glass.

Where payphones are provided, at least one payphone must be made accessible.

A seat adjacent to the payphone is recommended for the ambulant disabled but must not impede the approach by a wheelchair user to the telephone.

A clear floor space of 900 mm wide by 1200 mm deep or more must be provided in front of the telephone booth or counter.

Counter tops, where provided, must be between 700 mm and 800 mm from the floor level and have a minimum clear knee space of 680 mm as shown in Figure 74 (a).

The depth of the counter top must be at least 480 mm.

The opening of the telephone booth must have a clear width of at least 900 mm.

The enclosed space must have dimensions of 900 mm by 1000 mm or more as shown in Figure 74 and must not be restricted by fixed seats.

The height of all operable parts of the telephone must be between 800 mm and 1200 mm.

The minimum length of the telephone cord must be 900 mm.

Telephone books, if provided, must be located within reach of a wheelchair user.

The symbol must be displayed to identify the location of such telephones.

Provisions of access must be made available to persons with disabilities in accordance with clause 6.7.4 at all eating outlets and establishments, such as hawker centres, food courts or centres, fast food outlets and restaurants.

Directional signs must be clearly displayed to direct persons with disabilities to the reserved table intended for their use.

The Symbol of Access in accordance with Chapter 8 must be placed on the table intended for persons with disabilities as shown in Figure 75.

A circulation path with a minimum clearance of 1200 mm wide must be provided in front of the stalls.

An accessible route with a minimum clear width of 900 mm must be provided from the circulation path to the tables intended for persons with disabilities.

Where fixed seating is provided in eating outlets and establishments, at least one table for every 10 tables or part thereof must be provided for use by persons with disabilities or at least two tables, whichever is the greater.

The height of the table provided for persons with disabilities must not be higher than 800 mm with a minimum clear knee space of 680 mm high and 480 mm deep as shown in Figure 76.

Where the eating outlet or establishment is provided with fixed seats, the minimum clear space between the seats must be 750 mm measured along the edge of the table as shown in Figure 75.

1. Where fixed seats are provided, it is advisable to provide empty spaces between the seats to accommodate wheelchair users.

2. It is recommended that about 40% of the total table capacity be provided with fixed seats.

3. The fixed seats will cater to the ambulant disabled as well as family/friends who may accompany them.

A hearing enhancement system must be provided in:

1. halls and auditoriums used for conferences, lectures, performances or films; and

2. at least one of the public information/service counters for cinemas, theatres, concert halls, stadiums, shopping complexes, museums, theme parks, purpose-built family amusement centres, sports complexes, public swimming pools, hospitals, clinics, transport stations, interchanges and passenger terminals.

1. A hearing enhancement system enables sound signals to be transmitted to a hearing impaired person without interference of background noise or excessive reverberation.

2. Hearing enhancement systems that operate with induction loop, infrared and radio frequency are commonly used to provide an enhanced level of sound. Other systems that provide a similar performance outcome can also be considered.

3. Expert advice should be sought when selecting a hearing enhancement system appropriate for the situation and purpose.

4. The area of coverage for a loop system is recommended to be not less than 75% of the total area.

Where a hearing enhancement system is provided for persons with hearing impairment, the International Symbol of Access for hearing loss as shown in Figure 77 must be conspicuously displayed and in accordance with clause 8.5.2.1.

The provision of family-friendly facilities for nursing women, young children and their caregivers must apply to the following buildings:

1. Transport stations, interchanges and passenger terminals;

2. Sports complexes and public swimming pools;

3. Community clubs, theme parks and purpose-built family amusement centres;

4. Large-scale shopping and multi-purpose complexes of 10,000 sqm or more in gross floor area.

Where a building is required to provide family-friendly facilities in compliance with clause 6.9.1.1, the following facilities must be provided:

1. at least one lactation room for nursing women at an appropriate location;

2. at every level where toilets are provided:

   1. at least one diaper changing station in accordance with clause 6.9.2;

   2. at least one child protection seat in accordance with clause 6.9.3;

   3. child-friendly sanitary facilities in accordance with clause 6.9.4;

3. seating areas at appropriate locations along frequently accessed routes and spaces; and

4. at least one designated family car parking lot for motorists accompanied by a child in a baby carriage or passenger who uses mobility aids in accordance with clause 6.9.5.

At least one lactation room for nursing women at an appropriate location must be provided in the following buildings:

1. Hospitals, health-care centres, polyclinics;

2. Offices and Business Parks of 10,000 sqm or more in gross floor area, and

3. Mixed developments where the non-residential component is 10,000 sqm or more in gross floor area. Each non-residential component must be provided with at least one lactation room.

1. Total gross floor area of non-residential component for mixed development is to exclude building types specified under clause 2.3.11.1.

2. For buildings required to provide family-friendly facilities in accordance with clause 6.9.1, the relevant requirements in Appendix A “Design Guidelines for Family Friendly Facilities” should be adopted.

Diaper changing stations must be located either in:

1. both male and female toilet clusters; or

2. individual family washrooms.

Child protection seats must be located either in:

1. one of the water closet compartments in both the male and female toilet clusters; or

2. individual family washrooms.

Child-friendly sanitary facilities must comply with the following requirements:

1. consist of at least one water closet and one wash basin that are provided in:

   1. one of the water closet compartments in both the male and female toilet clusters; or

   2. individual family washrooms; or

   3. the stand-alone children’s toilet at a toilet cluster;

2. provide at least one urinal that is suitable for young children in the male toilet or stand-alone children’s toilet at a toilet cluster.

Placement of child-friendly facilities in accessible individual washrooms should be avoided so as not to unnecessarily tie-up the washroom’s use for persons with disabilities.

Family car parking lots must have the minimum dimensions of 4800 mm long by 3600 mm wide as shown in Figure 78.

1. The number of family car parking lots provided must be included as part of the provision to meet LTA’s parking requirements.

2. The family car parking lot should be located close to entrances and lobbies for families’ ease of access.

Appropriate directional and service identification signs in accordance with Chapter 8 must be displayed to identify the location of family-friendly facilities.

The manoeuvring space at entrances to accessible rooms, guestrooms and serviced apartments provided under clauses 2.3.3, 2.3.4 or 2.3.6 must comply with the requirements of clauses 7.2.1 and 7.2.2.

Doorways to entrances of accessible rooms, guestrooms and serviced apartments must be level.

Sanitary and bath facilities serving accessible rooms, guestrooms and serviced apartments must comply with clauses 5.2 and 5.7.

Accessible rooms, guestrooms or serviced apartments should be designed to provide a choice of locations and have standard facilities equivalent to that of other rooms or units.

An unobstructed clear floor space of 1500 mm by 1500 mm or more as shown in Figure 79 must be provided for wheelchairs to manoeuvre within the room.

Objective : Accessibility for residential developments.

All common areas of the residential developments must be accessible for person with disabilities. Residential units must be designed so that they can be easily retrofitted without the necessity for substantial alterations to support aging-in-place.

There must be at least one accessible and sheltered passenger alighting and boarding point with direct access to every block of the residential development.

The minimum width for accessible routes must be in accordance with clause 4.2.1.

Where toilets for common facilities are provided, they must comply with clause 5.1.

The doorway of the entrance must be 850 mm minimum for a single leaf door. If the doorway has two independently operated door leaves, at least one active leaf must be a minimum of 850 mm. The clear width of the entrance for single-leaf and double-leaf doorways is shown in Figure 80.

The manoeuvring space at the entrance must:

1. within the unit, have a minimum space of 450 mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door with a minimum clear floor space of 1250 mm wide by 1500 mm deep as shown in Figures 80 and 81; and

2. on the push side, have a minimum space of 300 mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door as shown in Figures 80 and 81.

Doorways should be level. However, if required for functional reasons, the differences in levels between the floor of the entrance to the residential unit and the abutting common area must not be more than 50 mm.

In addition to clause 7.2.3, where there is a level difference of more than 25 mm between the floor of the entrance to the residential unit and the abutting common area as shown in Figure 82 (a), the adjacent space fronting the entrance must be of non-structural elements that can be easily removed for ramp installation when required.

Where a ramp is installed at the entrance to the unit as shown in Figure 82 (b) to mitigate differences in levels, the ramp must be located within a distance of 250 mm measured from the face of the door and have a gradient in accordance with Table 4.

There must be at least one bathroom with a water closet, wash basin and shower facility in every residential unit that can be easily retrofitted for older persons and wheelchair users.

The bathroom must be located at the same level as the entrance of the unit.

The width of the access route leading to the bathroom, or the room where the bathroom is, must be a minimum of 1000 mm, subject to the provisions in Table 6.

The doorway of the bathroom and the clear space in front of the doorway must comply with the dimensions in Table 6; and a typical layout illustrating the width of the doorway at a right angle to an access route is shown in Figures 83 (a) and 83 (b).

If a swing door is used, adequate space should be provided to ensure there is no obstruction to the user while opening and closing the door.

TABLE 6

Minimum Clear Width of Door Openings for Residential Units

The bathroom must have:

1. an unobstructed passageway with a minimum width of 1000 mm leading from the doorway to the water closet and wash basin as shown in Figure 83; and

2. a clear floor space of at least 1000 mm by 1000 mm at the front edge of the water closet.

The clear floor space of at least 1000 mm by 1000 mm at front edge of water closet may have a maximum of 50mm deviation from the centre of the water closet.

There must, preferably, be no change in the level of the floor surface at the doorway of the bathroom. If there is a change in level, it must not be more than 25 mm.

Provisions must be made in the bathroom walls so as to allow the installation and safe use of grab bars complying with clause 4.7.2.

If the bathroom for future retrofitting is accessed through another room as shown in Figure 83 (b), the clear opening of the doorway of the room must be in accordance with clauses 7.3.3 and 7.3.4.

The switches and socket outlets must be provided at a height of between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the floor level as shown in Figure 68 (b).

1. The height of switches and socket outlets in the kitchen of residential units are not required to comply with clause 7.4.1.

2. All measurements must be taken from the centre line of the switches and socket outlets.

Objective : Space Allowances and Signage

Facilities and equipment must have adequate space allowances for safe and easy use by persons with disabilities. Signage must be provided to give clear directions and information on the facilities in a building.

The minimum clear floor space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant must be 900 mm by 1200 mm as illustrated in Figures 84 (a) and 84 (b).

A minimum clear floor space of 1200 mm by 1200 mm, as illustrated in Figure 84 (c), would allow access for both forward and parallel approaches.

The minimum clear floor space for a wheelchair to turn must be 1800 mm by 1800 mm as illustrated in Figure 85.

Figure 86 describes some of the typical dimensions of a standard wheelchair. Other types of wheelchairs such as motorised wheelchairs may have different dimensions, weight and manoeuvrability. In determining the circulation space requirements of wheelchair users, the overall dimensions of the type of wheelchair used and the ability of the occupant to manoeuvre the wheelchair should be taken into consideration.

The maximum forward reach, without obstruction, is 1200 mm from the floor and the minimum forward reach is 400 mm from the floor as shown in Figure 87.

The maximum forward reach over an obstruction 500 mm deep is 1100 mm from the floor as shown in Figure 88.

The maximum side reach, without obstruction, is 1300 mm from the floor and the minimum side reach is 250 mm from the floor as shown in Figure 89.

The maximum side reach over an obstruction 860 mm high by 500 mm deep is 1200 mm from the floor as shown in Figure 90.

When designing for a specific individual, the actual reach limitations should be taken into account.

The position taken by a wheelchair user when negotiating a door in a passageway is illustrated in Figure 91.

From position 1, the wheelchair must move to position 2 so that the user can reach the door latch and swing the door open. Since a lateral shift of the rear drive wheels of a wheelchair cannot be achieved in straight travel other than by turning, the chair must follow the track of position 1 to 2 to 3.

After swinging the door open, the chair needs to be backed and turned to the open doorway, and then follow the path of travel to position 3.

Adequate space allowances should be provided for different users passing on an access route as shown in Figure 92. Although people who use walking aids can manoeuvre through minimum door openings of 850 mm clear width, they need wider passageways or walkways for comfortable gaits. Crutch tips, often extending down at a wide angle, are a hazard in narrow passageways where they might not be seen by other pedestrians.

Where a building is required to be made accessible in compliance with clause 2.1 of Chapter 2, the attention of all users must be drawn to the facilities available so that persons with disabilities are made aware of the existence of suitable provisions for them.

The International Symbol of Access must be permanently and conspicuously displayed to direct or indicate the location of the various facilities in the building. The signs provided must be of durable material.

Persons with disabilities may have limitations in the movement of their heads or a reduction in their peripheral vision. Signs that are positioned perpendicular to the path of travel are the easiest for them to notice. Persons can generally distinguish signs within an angle of 30° to either side of the centre line of their faces without moving their heads.

The Symbol of Access must be used to identify accessible features and facilities used by persons with disabilities.

The form of the Symbol of Access must comply with the following:

1. it must consist of two elements, namely, a symbolised figure in a wheelchair and a plain square background;

2. the proportional layout of the symbolised figure must be in accordance with Figure 93 and Table 8;

3. the colour of the symbolised figure must be white on a blue background; and

4. the symbolized figure must face to the right.

The Symbol of Access must be displayed:

1. outside the building to identify buildings with accessible facilities; and

2. at areas where facilities are provided for persons with disabilities.

Other appropriate symbols for persons with different needs are shown in Figures 94 (a), 94 (b) and 94 (c) respectively.

The colour scheme for Figures 94 (a), 94 (b) and 94 (c) may follow the examples given in clause 8.5.3.

Directional signs incorporating the Symbol of Access, as shown in Figure 95, must be displayed at main lobbies or passageways and at points where there is a change of direction in order to direct persons with disabilities to the various facilities such as lifts, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, vehicle parks and the like.

Where the location of the designated facility is not obvious or is distant from the approach viewpoints, directional signs incorporating the Symbol of Access, as shown in Figure 96, must be placed along the route leading to the facility.

The content of signs must be simple, short and easy to understand. The text and use of symbols must be consistent throughout the building.

Service identification signs incorporating the Symbol of Access, as shown in Figure 97, must be displayed at various facilities and destinations for persons with disabilities such as lifts, entrances, telephone booths, toilets, vehicle parks, staircases and the like.

Letters and numbers on signs should:

1. use sans serif font (Helvetica, Arial, etc.); and

2. have Arabic numbers.

Characters include letters and numbers.

The height of characters in signs for varying viewing distances should be determined in accordance with Table 7:

TABLE 7

Height of Letters

The text height is based on the lower case of the words.

All text, consisting of single words or groups of words, should begin with an upper case letter and continue with lower case letters (sentence case).

All text must be arranged with left alignment. Signs with a single word may be centre justified.

The size of graphical symbols or pictographs should be based on the intended viewing distance and determined in accordance with Table 8.

TABLE 8

Sizes of Symbols

The dimensions in Table 8 refers to the minimum size of the Symbol of Access.

Arrows must be located on the side of the sign to which they are pointing, that is, arrows pointing left must be on the left and arrows pointing right must be on the right.

Symbols or pictographs should be tactile in accordance with clause 8.5.5.1.

All characters and graphical symbols must:

1. be glare free; and

2. have colours and tones that contrast with the following background:

   1. within the sign; and

   2. with the surrounding or substrate.

Examples of colour contrasts are illustrated in Table 9.

TABLE 9

Colour Contrast

1. To enable a sign to be located on both light and dark backgrounds or for corporate signage where the colours cannot be changed, a contrasting border should be placed around the sign.

2. The sign must not have any sharp edges and if fitted into a frame, the frame must not have any sharp edges.

3. Illuminated clear glass or acrylic signs with coloured etched legends are not acceptable for legibility reasons.

4. Signs indicating washrooms for different sexes should have clear and simple symbols or words, preferably with colour distinctions between male and female e.g. blue for male and pink for female.

Signs should be located where they are clearly visible to people who are walking, standing or seated.

Signs to toilets must be mounted on the wall next to the latch-side of the door at a distance of 50 mm to 100 mm from the door jamb to the side of the sign as shown in Figure 98. They must not be mounted on the door as the sign might not be visible when the door is open. Where there is no wall space to the latch-side of the door including double-leaf doors, signs must be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.

The centre line of the sign must be at a height of 1500 mm above the floor level where they can be read equally by a standing person, or a person with visual impairment who needs to touch and read the tactile information on the sign.

Where signs would not be visible in a crowded situation, they should be suspended from the ceiling or projected from walls at a height of at least 2000 mm above the floor level. Suspended signs should be avoided as they are not within the field of vision for some persons with visual impairments.

Characters, graphical symbols or pictographs on tactile signs must:

1. have a raised relief contour of at least 1 mm;

2. be between 16 mm and 50 mm high; and

3. have raised tactile characters that comply with the specifications in clause 8.5.1.1 and must be duplicated in Braille complying with clause 8.5.5.5.

Tactile signs must be mounted at a height in accordance with clause 8.5.4.3.

Signs with tactile and Braille information must be used at the following areas:

1. Staircases complying with clause 4.11.1.2, installed on the adjacent wall or the handrail extensions to indicate floor level or other appropriate information for wayfinding at each floor level landing;

2. Ramps complying with clause 4.6.14, installed on the adjacent wall or the handrail extensions to indicate the floor level or other appropriate information for wayfinding at the floor level landing; and

3. Public toilets complying with clause 5.1.8.

Placement of tactile warning indicators with the minimum size of 600 mm wide by 300 mm deep commencing 300 mm away from the edge of the wall surface should be provided on the floor to inform persons with visual impairment of signs with tactile and Braille information.

Braille must be located directly below the text and arranged with left alignment. Where an arrow is used in the sign, a small arrow must be provided for Braille readers.

The Braille dot must be raised, dome shaped and comfortable to touch. The sign must not have any sharp edges.

The recommended specification for Braille on signs is shown in Figure 99 and Table 10.

All dimensions shown are in millimetres (mm).

TABLE 10

Recommended Specifications for Braille on Signage

Where Braille forms a part of a sign, a marker (eg. semi-circular notch or tactile shape) must be located at the left-hand edge of the sign to help locate the Braille message as shown in Figure 100.

The minimum level of illumination on signs must be 200 lux.

Signs may be illuminated by the use of back illumination but not located where the glare of lights reduces legibility.

Public address systems for performances and announcements should be clearly audible and equipped with a hearing enhancement system.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY

FACILITIES

This Appendix contains guidelines for the design of family-friendly facilities or features in buildings. It is recommended for adoption so as to build a family-friendly environment.

The design guidelines are intended to apply to the following buildings which are places where families are likely to congregate:

1. Shopping complexes;

2. Supermarkets;

3. Places of public resort;

4. Sports complexes and public swimming pools;

5. Restaurants and eating establishments;

6. Markets and hawker or food centres; and

7. Transport stations, interchanges and passenger terminals.

The following are facilities or features that will satisfactorily serve the needs of families with infants or young children:

1. Child-friendly sanitary facilities;

2. Family washrooms;

3. Lactation rooms;

4. Seating or resting areas;

5. Children's activity corners or playrooms;

6. Locker provisions for baby carriages and other heavy belongings;

7. Baby carriage and wheelchair rental facilities; and

8. Flexible arrangement of tables and chairs.

Sanitary facilities for children should be provided according to the age group that they serve and take into account the size, stature and reach in the range of children. The specifications described in this appendix are suitable for young children aged 3 to 6 years with a height range of 900 mm to 1200 mm. The following sanitary facilities should be provided in the toilets for use by young children:

1. at least one water-closet complying with clause A.3.1.2;

2. at least one urinal complying with clause A.3.1.3; and

3. at least one wash basin complying with clause A.3.1.4.

At least one child-sized water closet, as illustrated in Figure A1, should be provided in each of the male and female toilets for young children. The recommended height of the water closet seat to the finished floor level is between 250 mm and 350 mm.

For existing buildings in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to install a child-sized water closet, a seat adaptor with a small seat cover should be provided on a standard-sized water closet for use by young children. The hanger holding the seat cover should be mounted at a level that is easily accessible to young children. A portable and stable stool should also be provided as a stepper for young children who may not be able to reach the water closet.

The water closet compartment should be provided with a bath liquid dispenser and a flexible hose with a water spray head as some parents or guardians may need to clean their child.

At least one urinal mounted at a height of not more than 400 mm from the finished floor level, as illustrated in Figure A2, should be provided in the male toilets for young children.

A child-sized wash basin should be provided to enable young children to wash their hands without assistance. The wash basin should be equipped with sensor-operated taps. The height of the wash basin should be about 550 mm as illustrated in Figure A3.

Toilets or washrooms should be provided with non-slip flooring to ensure the safety of children.

Information on Slip Resistance of Floor Finishes is given in Appendix F.

A child protection seat, as illustrated in Figure A4, should:

1. be equipped with straps that can be extended over the shoulders and between the legs to ensure the safety of a baby;

2. preferably be mounted on a solid wall for stability; and

3. take the weight of a seated child weighing up to about 20 kg.

A child protection seat should be provided in one of the water closet compartments in both the male and female toilets, as shown in Figure A5, to allow parents to seat their baby safely in the washroom with them.

There should be adequate space to manoeuvre around the seated child. The bottom of the seat should be at least 400 mm above the floor for easy reach.

Where a child protection seat is installed in an accessible individual washroom, a fold-up type seat is recommended to avoid causing obstruction to wheelchair users as illustrated in Figure A6.

A diaper-changing station should be provided in every cluster of toilets within both the male and female toilets, family washrooms or accessible individual washrooms so that both fathers and mothers can use the facility.

The diaper changing station must be stable with safety straps and barriers length-wise to ensure the safety of the infants. If it is to be located in accessible individual washrooms, a fold-up type station is recommended to save space and to avoid causing obstruction to wheelchair users.

A fold-up type diaper changing station as illustrated in Figure A7 should:

1. have a concaved changing surface to ensure comfort and protection for the child;

2. withstand a static weight of between 90 kg and 130 kg; and

3. be mounted so that the highest edge or the lip of the pull down deck when open, is between 700 mm and 850 mm above the floor finish.

The diaper-changing station should be provided with clear instructions to facilitate safe use. Dispensers for bed linens and/or wet wipes should be provided for hygienic purposes.

The family washroom with diaper changing facilities as shown in Figure A8 should be equipped with the following:

1. a wash basin with liquid detergent and paper towels;

2. mirrors;

3. a vending machine for sanitary napkins and diapers; and

4. space for baby carriage parking.

An accessible family washroom will benefit a wide range of users including persons with disabilities, older persons, caregivers attending to their children, and individuals who need assistance with their toilet activities.

A lactation room is a dedicated place where mothers can express milk or breastfeed their babies in a private and comfortable environment.

The number of lactation rooms to be provided should be based on the scale of the building and the needs of the building users.

A lactation room should be:

1. located near public amenities and easily accessible;

2. separated from toilets for hygiene reasons;

3. equipped with supporting facilities as listed in clause A.3.5.5;

4. well-illuminated and ventilated; and

5. safe for infants and young children.

A separate cubicle as shown in Figure A9 with a door lock is preferred and should be made available to breastfeeding mothers only.

A lactation room should be equipped with the following:

1. comfortable seating, preferably of the armchair-type;

2. diaper changing stations in accordance with clause A.3.3;

3. waste bins for disposing used diapers;

4. wash basins with liquid detergent and paper towels;

5. dispensers for hot and cold water;

6. vending machines for beverages and diapers;

7. socket outlets for breast pumps;

8. mirrors; and

9. refrigerators with freezers for milk storage.

Lactation rooms in workplaces should be minimally equipped with supporting facilities as described in clauses A.3.5.5 (a), (g) and (i). An example of a lactation room in a workplace is shown in Figure A10.

Where a lactation room is provided in a workplace, it should:

1. be located in a calm and restful environment;

2. offer privacy and protect the user from being seen by co-workers;

3. give consideration to comfort and provide sound privacy surrounding the lactation room as breast pumps can be noisy.

Ample seating or resting areas should be provided in shopping centres and other recreational or entertainment areas for parents and their young children.

Outdoor or indoor play equipment for children of various ages should be provided. The floor surface of the children's play area should be cushioned or shock-proofed to ensure the safety of the children.

Ample seats should also be provided near the play equipment for parents supervising their children.

Baby carriage depository services or lockers big enough to accommodate baby carriages should be provided at the main entrance of shopping centres and other recreational or entertainment areas to allow families to deposit their baby carriages and other heavy belongings. Baby carriage lockers should not be less than 1000 mm in height, 500 mm in width and 500 mm in depth as illustrated in Figure A12.

Renting of baby carriages and wheelchairs in shopping centres, supermarkets or other recreational or entertainment areas should be considered where applicable.

Provision of baby carriages in these areas would help to make it easier for families with infants and young children to move around the premises and provision of wheelchairs would help the elderly and the ambulant disabled.

A variety of table and chair arrangements or flexible arrangements of tables and chairs should be provided in eating outlets or establishments to cater to groups of different sizes.

Where fixed seating is provided, adequate space should be provided between the seats to accommodate a baby-chair, similar to the provisions made for wheelchair users as illustrated in Figure 75 of Chapter 6.

Adequate baby chairs with sides and backrests, and a safety belt or T-bar should be provided in eating places.

The baby-chairs should be stable and preferably portable.

Family-friendly facilities should be well maintained to ensure that they are clean, hygienic and safe for young children's use.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR OLDER PERSONS

As a person ages, his ability levels would decrease progressively and sometimes this can be dramatic and unexpected in the case of a stroke or a fall. Ageing does not necessarily bring disability, but various impairments will reduce abilities in sight, hearing, mobility, stamina and balance as well as an increased difficulty in gripping and manipulating controls, keys and other everyday tasks. All these can affect an older person in differing combinations and degrees of severity with implications on personal safety, mobility and convenience.

Ageing is a gradual process and these physical changes often occur almost imperceptibly so that an individual may not be aware of the potential risks of some of his habitual actions. For instance, many older persons will unthinkingly put themselves at risk by walking on shiny and slippery floor surfaces with wet feet, even though this could lead to a serious fall. Similarly, a combination of low vision and slow reaction time could lead to tripping over a step or threshold to a room, particularly in low lighting conditions.

A fall can be a very serious occurrence for an older person. When a younger person trips, he is usually able to recover his balance, whereas an older person will have a poorer sense of balance and slower reaction times. He may fall awkwardly, also causing injury. Most significantly, injuries may take much longer to heal in older persons. An accident to a frail older person can cause permanent disability or even fatality from secondary causes.

Fear of falling or of being embarrassed about their reduced ability to perform everyday activities may cause people to become inhibited from going out, unaccompanied, in public. At worst this may lead to withdrawal from social contact, frustration, loss of a sense of purpose, and reduced quality of life.

Considerate design for safety and accessibility, making the home environment more suitable for older persons, can bring the following benefits:

1. increase convenience and ease of everyday tasks, both for the elderly and their caregivers;

2. reduce accidents in and around the home, thus saving on medical and social costs, and prolonging the well-being of the individual;

3. promote personal independence in daily living, without fear of accidents;

4. encourage older persons to “age-in-place” without having to move out to nursing homes or other special housing until absolutely necessary;

5. allow individuals to continue living in their own homes, even if they become disabled and have to use an assistive device such as a wheelchair, a walking frame, crutches and the like; and

6. allow for “visitability”. Although the residents of a dwelling may not need wheelchair accessibility, this is worth providing because it allows for their friends and relatives to visit, whatever their disabilities or needs. The concept of visitability can also enhance the future value of the property, because it will be attractive to a wider market of potential purchasers once the concept of "ageing-in-place" becomes a norm.

Moving about by walking is one of the most common and natural activities that people enjoy every day. But for older persons, it must not be taken for granted that this will be easy. Older persons may be unstable in their gait, or be unable to see their path clearly, or be unable to recognise changes in the level of floor surfaces.

Decreased stamina from medical conditions and frailty in old age will restrict the distances that a person can comfortably walk, particularly if there are ramps and stairs. Provision of resting places on stair landings for instance, may be desirable features.

Many people use “assistive devices” or “mobility aids” to help them move about more safely. These may take the form of walking sticks, walking frames, rollators or wheelchairs, and motorised scooters for those who are unable, or find it difficult to walk unaided.

Space for parking a wheelchair, rollator or other devices should be provided close to the entrance. Many older persons may use powered mobility devices, in which case, suitable socket outlets should be provided for battery charging. A rollator or motorised scooter is illustrated in Figure B1.

Falls account for many serious accidents in homes. Most of these accidents can be avoided if designers or owners observe simple rules for safety in the built environment by reducing potential obstacles or barriers and providing adequate handrails and grab bars.

When older persons trip even over a small obstacle or slip on a wet or smooth floor, they may not be able to recover their balance. If there is no handrail or grab bar to provide support, they might fall and seriously injure themselves.

Wherever possible, the design should avoid changes in floor level, such as door thresholds, steps and stairways or kerbs and small ramps, which could cause tripping. In practice, most changes in floor level are unnecessary and may be eliminated by intelligent design in the form of scupper drains covered with grating and floor surfaces graded to a gentle fall away from door openings.

Where changes in level are unavoidable, handrails or grab bars should always be provided, no matter how slight the level change may seem. If possible, the slope should have a colour that contrasts with the surrounding floor finishes.

Stairs should be designed in accordance with the provisions of this Code, providing correctly-dimensioned handrails and contrasting colours or tones for stair nosings, both in public buildings and in private developments.

Floor surfaces should comply with the provisions of clause 4.1. Shiny and reflective floors using granite, marble, glazed tiles and the like are not recommended as they could be hazardous especially when they are wet or greasy, or if they have been highly polished. Floor surfaces of kitchens, bathrooms and toilets are particularly hazardous, as these may be slippery when wet with soap solution. Non-slip floor surfaces are safer for use and should be specified. Information on slip-resistant surfaces is given in Appendix F.

Open-jointed pavers or aeration concrete blocks should be avoided at external open spaces or vehicle parks where pedestrians are expected to walk. The voids in aeration concrete blocks can catch the foot or walking aids and cause injury or a fall especially when an older person who is ambulant may already be unstable.

Bending, stretching and stooping may cause an older person to fall. These risks can be minimised or avoided by having controls and operating mechanisms mounted at heights as recommended in clause 6.2 of this Code or at the same level as door handles.

Cupboards at high or low levels may be hazardous for older persons to reach with safety. Any shelf at a height that would require a person to stand on a stool or chair must be avoided.

Leaning out of windows to open or close them or to hang out laundry poles can also be dangerous. Alternative methods should be considered when designing and specifying components, including alternative methods for cleaning windows.

An older person will normally require about 2 to 3 times more illumination than a younger person and other aspects of eyesight may also become less reliable in older age.

Lighting levels of access routes, especially steps and stairways, should allow for persons with visual impairment to carry out everyday tasks and to identify edges of steps, changes in level, and other barriers as described in this Code.

Alternative light sources should be provided to illuminate any space so that if one lamp fails, there is adequate light until a proper replacement can be carried out.

The installation of a two-way switch will mean that an occupant does not have to cross a room in the dark to turn the light on or off. Bedside switches are also recommended as a high proportion of older persons will need to use the toilet during the night.

Motion-sensor lights that will light up upon detection of body motion to reduce the hassle for the elderly to walk all the way to one end to turn on the light can be considered as an alternative lighting option.

Adequate illumination levels at different parts of the home, including its surroundings, should be in accordance with the recommendations specified in the current edition of SS 531.

For some older persons, gripping, turning and manipulating taps, switches, door handles and other controls can be painful or difficult. Rocker switches, lever-type controls and handles should always be used. Where these are placed in awkward positions requiring reaching, such as at low or high levels or across worktops, they may be hard to operate and should be avoided.

Controls may also be difficult for older persons to see and understand how to operate. Contrasting colours and larger numerals or letters are recommended.

Even with the best-designed home environment, accidents may happen. If they do, sensitive design may prevent an accident from turning into a tragedy. Once older persons have fallen, they may find it difficult to get up by themselves. If they are alone, this situation can be serious as they may need assistance and possibly medical treatment.

Outward opening of doors to bathrooms and toilets can make it easier for a rescuer to enter if a person has fallen and is lying behind the door. Specifying locks and latches to bathrooms and toilets which can be opened from the outside with a coin will allow for assistance in case of emergency.

By providing emergency alarm systems in the bathroom and by the bedside, operated by a floor-length pull-chord and connected to a bell or other signal in a warden’s room and/or in the corridor outside the front door, a resident can summon help in an emergency.

A well-designed home of the future will provide adequate space for potential wheelchair use should any of the occupants become disabled. This should include doorways wide enough to allow a wheelchair to pass through and space for turning in bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms, and to move around the bedroom.

For bathrooms and toilets, consideration should be given to allowing space at the side of the water closet for older persons to transfer from a wheelchair or to be assisted by their caregiver. Grab bars should be installed to facilitate transfer.

Adequate legroom should be provided under tables, worktops, wash basins and sinks for wheelchair users, giving consideration as to how they may be able to use the kitchen.

The following are minimum provisions recommended in designing for older persons:

1. Barrier-free access without steps, thresholds or kerbs, wherever possible.

2. Non-slip floor finishes throughout, especially where water may accumulate.

3. Grab bars mounted especially in showers, toilets and walking areas such as corridors, or provision made for these to be mounted in future.

4. Switches, handles and controls mounted at reachable heights, preferably at the same level with door handles.

5. Lever handles to doors and cupboards, door keys, lever taps and controls that can be used by older persons with limited grip are preferred.

6. Circulation space and door widths should be adequate to allow a manual/motorised wheelchair to be used.

7. Staircases should be adequately designed, including the profile of treads and the provision of handrails at both sides of the stairways. There should be a clear definition of nosings using colour contrast and adequate lighting should be provided at a recommended level of 200 lux in corridors or on stairways.

8. Toilets should be fitted with pedestal-type water closet seats rather than the squat-type, outward opening toilet doors, and adequate space to accommodate a wheelchair and a helper.

9. Potentially dangerous activities, such as the hanging of laundry out of windows and standing on furniture to reach shelves or to carry out home maintenance, should be eliminated or reduced in the design.

10. Emergency alarm systems with a pull-cord extending to the floor should be provided in bathrooms and bedrooms.

The layout of a house suitably designed for older persons is illustrated in Figure B2.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

These guidelines are intended to apply to buildings or premises, such as kindergartens, pre-schools or primary schools, where children are the principal or predominant users.

Where such buildings or premises are required to be made accessible to children with disabilities, it is recommended that the provisions and facilities should be designed in accordance with the details and specifications in these design guidelines.

The term “children with disabilities” in the context of these guidelines should be taken to mean children between the ages of 3 and 12 who are:

1. wheelchair bound; or

2. ambulant disabled.

The specifications contained in this Appendix are based on anthropometrics for children with disabilities.

A second set of handrails should be provided at approach ramps and staircases at an appropriate height to assist children with disabilities and help prevent accidents.

The handrails should be fixed at a maximum height of 700 mm measured vertically from the ramp surface or pitch line of the stairs to the top of the handrails.

Where grab bars are required, the height should meet the need of specific age groups as recommended in Table C1.

TABLE C1

Grab Bar Height

The grab bars should have a diameter of between 30 mm and 35 mm or any shape that provides an equivalent gripping surface.

Seating space, such as those provided at counters, tables, or work surfaces for children in wheelchairs should have a clear floor space 900 mm wide by 1200 mm deep.

Where a forward approach is used, a clear knee space of at least 700 mm wide by 400 mm deep by 680 mm high should be provided.

Writing surfaces or service counters should be at a height of between 700 mm and 780 mm from the floor.

The spout opening of a drinking fountain should be located at the front of the unit between 740 mm and 780 mm from the floor or ground surface.

Water closets should comply with the requirements of clause 5.6.6. The distance between the centre line of the water closet and the adjacent wall must comply with the specifications in Table C2.

TABLE C2

Water Closet Centre Lines

The height of a water closet seat for the ambulant disabled should comply with the specifications in Table C3.

TABLE C3

Toilet Seat Heights

The height of a water closet seat of 450 mm to 480 mm is recommended for wheelchair users to facilitate transfer.

The specifications of one age group should be applied consistently in the installation of a water closet and related elements.

The specifications for water closets suitable for children with disabilities should reflect the differences in size, stature and reach of children aged 3 to 12.

Water closets should be provided with grab bars that comply with the following requirements:

1. one horizontal grab bar to be mounted at a height of between 260 mm and 280 mm from the top of the water closet seat or at a height of between 680 mm and 740 mm above the floor level on the side wall closest to the water closet and extending from the rear wall to at least 450 mm in front of the water closet seat;

2. one flip-up grab bar to be mounted on the side of the compartment adjacent to the water closet at a height of between 680 mm and 740mm above the floor level when lowered from the wall and between 360 mm and 400 mm to the centre line of the water closet;

3. a vertical or oblique bar of 400 mm to 500 mm long should be provided on the side wall closest to the water closet and the lower end should be at a height of 650 mm from the floor and 450 mm in front of the water closet seat; and

4. another horizontal grab bar to be mounted on the wall behind the water closet at a height of between 680 mm and 740 mm and be at least 750 mm long.

At least one urinal mounted at a height of not more than 400 mm from the finished floor level, as illustrated in Figure A2, should be provided for young children.

The wash basin for wheelchair users should have a knee clearance of at least 700 mm wide, 400 mm deep and 680 mm high and the rim or counter surface of the wash basin should not be higher than 780 mm.

The height of the wash basin for the ambulant disabled should not be higher than 550 mm.

A wash basin with adjustable height is more appropriate to serve the needs of different age groups.

If a mirror is to be provided for both the ambulant disabled and wheelchair users, the height from the floor level to the topmost edge should be at least 1900 mm high with the bottom edge positioned at a height of not more than 800 mm from the floor.

A clear floor space of 900 mm by 1200 mm for a forward approach should be provided in front of the full-length mirror. No door should swing into this clear floor space.

A single full-length mirror should be able to accommodate all people, including children and adults.

Where building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or controls and operating mechanisms are designed for use by children with disabilities, the dimensions in Tables C4 and C5 should provide guidance on reach ranges for children according to their age groups. These dimensions apply to either forward or side reaches.

TABLE C4

Forward Reach

TABLE C5

Side Reach

The lift control panel for children with disabilities should be placed at a height of between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the floor level.

The height of the operable parts of a telephone should be between the height of 800 mm and 1000 mm.

The top of accessible tables and counters should be positioned from 700 mm to 780 mm above the finished floor level or ground.

If seating spaces for wheelchair users are provided at fixed tables or counters, a clear floor space of 900 mm by 1200 mm should be provided.

A clear knee space of at least 700 mm wide by 400 mm deep by 680 mm high should be provided.

A clear knee space of at least 700 mm wide, 400 mm deep and 680 mm high should be provided.

A table with adjustable height is recommended. The computer's central processing unit, the monitor and the printer should be within the reach of the user in accordance with Tables C4 and C5.

Where revolving doors or turnstiles are provided at an accessible entrance or along an accessible route, an auxiliary side-hung door or accessible gate should be provided respectively adjacent to the revolving doors or turnstiles, complying with clauses 4.4.1.4 and 4.2.2.1.

An accessible table and counter with a clear knee space of at least 700 mm wide by 400 mm deep by 680 mm high should be provided.

The top of accessible tables and counters should be from 700 mm to 780 mm above the finish floor level or ground.

A table with adjustable height is recommended.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Where buildings are required under clause 2.1 of Chapter 2 to be made accessible, qualified persons and designers are encouraged to adopt the recommendations in these guidelines to help create an inclusive environment to meet the needs of persons with visual impairments. It will enable them to move about independently with safety and dignity.

Adequate space allowances should be provided for access routes intended for a guide dog handler and his guide dog as shown in Figure 92 (e). Effort should also be made to consider a clear opening with a minimum of 1200 mm in width for external doorways.

Where permanent fixed seating arrangements are provided in accordance with clauses 2.3.5 and 2.3.9, a minimum of one seat should also be provided for a guide dog handler and his guide dog by the aisle. This would facilitate a clear path for the ushers to escort the guide dog handler and his guide dog.

The orientation and mobility of persons with visual impairments will be greatly enhanced by introducing the concept of :

1. Visual contrast in building interiors; and

2. Detectable warning surfaces.

Partial loss of vision can make it very difficult to navigate in and around the built environment, especially in unfamiliar settings. While excessive contrast can create problems of glare, inadequate contrast can make it difficult for persons with low vision to discern objects or details in the environment.

Safe and independent use of internal spaces can be greatly enhanced by incorporating effective contrast between building elements, particularly emphasising those elements that need to be identified, operated or interpreted.

Walls and ceilings should be finished in plain colours (not complex patterns, which can be confusing) of light tones (to help diffuse light around the room) and matt finishes (to avoid unwanted glare or reflection).

Floors should also be relatively plain (both to avoid confusion and to allow easy location of dropped objects), not glossy and of a mid-tone to contrast with the walls (for example, when viewed through an open doorway).

Doors should also be of a mid-tone to contrast with walls, whereas skirtings, architraves and door-frames should be of a dark tone to help define surface junctions and openings while contrasting with floors, walls and doors.

Door handles, light-switches, lift buttons, coat hooks and similar elements should all contrast strongly with their backgrounds. This can be achieved either by having a dark element against a light background or by mounting a light-toned operating element on a dark panel, which itself contrasts with a light background.

Soft furnishings (for curtains, chairs, etc.) should contrast with both walls and floors. Introduction of a simple pattern can add life and homeliness to a room but strong patterns can make it difficult to locate spectacles, keys or similar objects placed on the patterned surface.

Contrast refers to perceptible differences between different regions of an image or scene. There are two fundamental types of contrast:

1. Luminance or brightness contrast; and

2. Colour contrast.

Luminance contrast is a measure of the relative amounts of light that are reflected from surfaces. Two quite differently coloured surfaces may have a similar luminance.

A 30% difference in luminance is generally the minimum discernible by a person with partial sight. Black and white have a 100% luminance contrast. Grey and black or grey and white have a 50% luminance contrast as shown in Figure D1.

Ageing and sight loss diminish the sensitivity of colour perception. Colours that contrast sharply to someone with normal vision may be less distinguishable to a person with low vision.

Colours can contrast on the basis of their lightness, saturation or hue. Designers can help to compensate for vision deficits by making colours differ more dramatically in all three attributes. In this context:

1. lightness measures the relative amount of light reflected from a colour;

2. saturation relates to its intensity; and

3. hue refers to elementary colour names, that is, red, green, blue, etc.

Effective design will maximise lightness differences between foreground and background objects, and avoid using colours of similar lightness adjacent to one another, even if they differ in saturation or hue.

Dark colours from the bottom half of the hue circle contrasts best against light colours from the top half. Avoid viewing light colours from the bottom half against dark colours from the top half as shown in Figure D2. Lightness is the most important attribute in making contrast more effective.

Avoid contrasting hues from adjacent parts of the hue circle, especially if the colours do not contrast sharply in lightness as shown in Figure D3.

Congenital and acquired colour deficits also make it difficult to discriminate between colours on the basis of saturation. Slate blue, for example, is a desaturated colour because it is similar to grey. A deep blue, even if it has the same lightness as slate blue, has greater saturation as shown in Figure D4.

To someone with partial sight, the left-hand panel may appear like the right hand panel appears to a person with normal colour vision.

Excessive luminance contrast between interior elements can create glare. Windows, light fittings and reflective surfaces can all impact negatively on vision if not designed appropriately.

Direct glare can be minimised by ensuring that strong light sources such as windows and light fittings are effectively screened.

Reflected glare can be reduced by eliminating reflective surfaces, especially on floors and walls, and by attention to the location of light sources relative to mirrors, glazing and the like.

Contrast will only be of assistance to people with sight deficits if there is an appropriate quantity and quality of illumination with which to view the contrasting elements. At low light levels, the perception of contrast diminishes.

Lighting levels should generally be relatively uniform and about 25% higher for people with low vision. Strong directional lighting casts shadows that can mask contrasting surfaces. Significant fluctuations in illumination level can reduce visibility due to the slower adaptive response of the eye in someone with low vision.

People who are blind or visually impaired strive to maintain the highest possible level of independence. Many people who are blind have a small amount of residual vision and all people with visual impairments will use whatever vision they have, together with other techniques, to find their way around.

Some individuals will choose to travel with a sighted guide while others will choose to travel independently. For those who choose to travel independently, continual and extensive use is made of physical or other sensory cues, landmarks and mind maps.

Physical structures such as buildings, walls, fences and kerbs can act as cues to assist independent travel. A person using a white cane may be able to follow a fence line from one point to another, assuming there is an appropriate clear way immediately adjacent to the fence. Intermittent contact between the fence and the white cane helps to keep the person on the correct line.

Physical cues can be identified by use of a white cane, underfoot, or sometimes by eco-location.

People with low vision are well-experienced at gathering and interpreting information from sources other than by sight. In the light of restricted access to visual cues, people with low vision place a much greater emphasis on information obtained via other avenues, including touch, sound and smell. Detectable warning surfaces and audible information can be gathered to substitute or enhance visual information. Such information may be provided deliberately or may already occur in a given environment. Where the presence of such information is insufficient to provide adequate assistance, the deliberate provision of additional tactile or audible information may have to be considered.

The concept of landmarks is a very important one. By definition, landmarks are unique features in a given location. As such, they can be used to assist with orientation. Knowing the location of a landmark and the layout of its immediate surroundings will help those with low vision to orientate to the location and assist their mobility to and through the area.

People with low vision make extensive use of mind maps. Even where high quality access features have been provided, it will still be necessary for someone who is blind to be familiar with the location before they would be able to access it independently. Having been to the location with a sighted guide, or having had it described to them, the person can build a mind map for future reference. This is a very common form of orientation and an effective mobility technique.

In essence, a clear continuous accessible path of travel is one that provides a dedicated pedestrian space which is free from barriers, hazards or obstructions.

This is one form of tactile indicators which, in essence, provides the blind or visually impaired a physical cue. It is detectable either underfoot or by the use of a white cane. Tactile ground surface indicators are only one source, amongst many, of orientation information. Unlike some other tactile indicators which are basically generic in nature, tactile ground surface indicators have a specific function and impart specific information about the immediate surroundings.

Tactile ground surface indicators act as, and are interpreted as, landmarks. There are two types of tactile ground surface indicators:

1. warning indicators; and

2. directional indicators.

Warning indicators, as the name suggests, warn of either a hazard or a destination. For example, a warning indicator near the edge of a staircase landing warns of the edge of the landing which, otherwise, would pose a significant hazard to a pedestrian with low vision. As the person approaches the edge, the tactile warning treatment will be identified either by the white cane or underfoot, thus warning of an impending drop to the staircase.

The dimensions of a warning indicator are shown in Figure D5.

Directional indicators are used to direct the user from one point to another along a safe path of travel. They are only required when there are insufficient cues from other sources to achieve the same result. For example, a directional indicator may be used in an open pedestrian plaza to indicate a clear path of travel in the absence of any other cues.

The dimensions of a directional indicator are shown in Figure D6.

The decision to apply tactile ground surface indicators will always have to be made in light of the particular circumstances applicable at any given site. In making such decisions, consideration should be given to the orientation and mobility strategies and techniques adopted by people with low vision (such as those discussed above) and the potential hazards and barriers existing at a given location. However, there are some obvious situations where tactile ground surface indicators must be applied.

Warning treatment may be required at:

1. hazardous locations, such as steps, stairs, railway platforms, pedestrian crossings and wharves; and

2. destinations to provide information about the location of amenities such as ticketing machines, phone booths and the like.

Directional treatment may be required to assist with:

1. direction, that is, to indicate a clear continuous accessible path of travel; and

2. location, that is, to provide assistance to locate a target such as a pedestrian crossing, entrance to a public building, ticketing machine or phone booth.

When considering the application of tactile ground surface indicators, four major principles must be taken into consideration.

Tactile ground surface indicators act as landmarks. As such, its application must be targeted and minimised as far as possible. Widespread ad hoc application of tactile ground surface indicators will confuse rather than inform, and will compromise the effectiveness of the specific cue being provided.

The dimensions of the treatment are critical. Remembering that tactile ground surface indicators will be identified underfoot, it is important to ensure that a minimum depth of treatment is applied. To be detectable underfoot, the treatment must make contact with the ball of the foot. To ensure this will always occur, treatments must have a minimum depth of 600 mm in the direction of travel. This dimension applies to both warning and directional treatments at their initial point of identification.

Tactile ground surface indicators should be coloured and contrast in luminance with their surrounding surfaces. This will greatly assist those using their residual vision to move around.

Many people with low vision also have difficulty distinguishing between different colours, particularly if they appear next to each other. For example, the "tomato effect", that is, red on green, does not provide adequate luminance contrast and, as such, will be extremely difficult to identify. For this reason, a minimum luminance contrast of 30% is required to fulfill this principle. However, a luminance contrast of 50% is recommended.

There are different ways in which tactile ground surface indicators can be installed and with different luminance contrasts. Tactile ground surface indicators can be installed as:

1. integrated units : tile-like units where the background and raised domes are made of the same material;

2. discrete units : separate domes installed to provide the effect of a tile on an existing surface. The raised domes are inserted into the background surface; and

3. composite discrete units : similar to discrete units, with the exception that the truncated sides of the domes or the directional markers are of a different colour to the upper surface. The composite discrete tactile ground surface indicator is generally manufactured this way to incorporate a superior slip-resistant surface.

The luminance contrast requirements of each type of tactile ground surface indicators is as follows:

TABLE D1

Luminance Contrast

In general, a warning treatment should be applied in a perpendicular direction, which is at 90 degrees, to the line of approach or to the target object. In addition, a warning treatment should be set back 300 mm from the hazard or target object.

A directional treatment is usually applied along the centre line of the indicated path of travel and must provide a minimum dimension of 450 mm from the edge of the accessible route, corridor or path.

Tactile ground surface indicators should be applied at pedestrian crossings as illustrated in Figure D7 (a).

Tactile ground surface indicators should be applied at kerb ramps as illustrated in Figure D7 (b).