Supplement to BP344

7/24/2019 Supplement to BP344

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National Commission Persons withDisability

December 2000ISBN 99909-71-08-0

These guidelines are to be reviewed within a year from

publication.Comments, suggestions and modifications are to be

addressed to the:

National Commission

Persons with DisabilityTel: 487789; 448521

Centru Hidma Socjali Textelefon: 446536

Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp Fax: 484609

Sta. Venera HMR 18Email:

[email protected]

Malta Webpage: www.knpd.org

Drawings adapted by Adrian Fenech

Produced by Outlook Coop - MaltaWeb Version - IT Soltuions - Malta

The information on this site is subject to a disclaimer

and a copyrightnotice.


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List of Figures

1. Kerb details. 11

2. Alignment of kerb ramps. 12

3. Kerb ramp arrangement at street corners. 12

4. Kerb ramp arrangement at street corners. 12

5 . Grate orientation to path of travel. 13

6. Parking provisions for wheelchair users parallel to kerb. 14

7. Parking provision perpendicular to kerb. 14

8. Permissible minimum ramp and landing dimensions for straight run

ramps.15

9. Layout showing dimensions for ramps with 90 degree turns. 16

10. Layout showing dimensions for ramps with 180 degree turns. 16

11. Unacceptable stairs. 18

12. Acceptable stairs. 18

13. Max widths of stairs between handrails. 19

14. Acceptable handrail profiles. 20

15. Handrail dimensions. 21

16. Dimensions for staircases with enclosed well. 21

17. Dimensions for open well staircase. 22

18. Door widths. 24

19. Doors to have glazed panel. 24

20. Door ironmongery. 24

21. Lobby Minimum Dimensions. 24

22. Permissable Threshold Level. 2623. Hazards of Inadequately Anchored Mats. 26

24. Minimum widths of corridors. 29

25. Turning Space in Corridors. 30

26. Corridor widths for 90 degree turns. 30

27. Corridor widths for turns around obstructions. 30

28. Passing Alcoves in lieu of 1.5m width corridors. 31

29. Lift dimensions. 32

30. Toilet room (sectional elevation). 35

31. Toilet room (plan). 35

32. Layout showing shower cubicle for use by disabled persons. 37

33. Control height for window opening / closing controls. 38

34. Height of power sockets and lighting switches. 38

35. The international symbol of access. 40

36. Provision for wheelchair users in areas of assembly. 43


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IMPORTANT

Most of the dimensions which appear in these guidelines should be regarded as MINIM UM

requirements.

Therefore, where circumstances permit, more generous dimensions should be used.

Contents

Preface 5

1.0 Introduction 7

2.0 Layout Of This Document 8

3.0 Main Goal 8

4.0 Overall Objectives 9

4.1 External Environment 9

4.2 Entrances to Buildings 10

4.3 Internal Environment 105.0 The External Environment Of Buildings 11

5.1 Access 11

5.2 Kerbs And Pavements 11

5.3 Car Parking 13

5.4 Approaches to the Entrance of a Building 15

5.5 Ramps 15

5.6 Stairs 17

5.7 Handrails 20

5.8 Guards and Barriers 216.0 Entrances To Buildings 23

6.1 Entrance Doorways 23

6.2 Entrance Lobbies 25

6.3 Thresholds 26

7.0 Internal Environment Of Buildings 27

7.1 Building Surface Finishes 27

7.2 Internal Lobbies 28

7.3 Internal Doors 28

7.4 Corridors and Passageways 29

7.5 Passenger Lifts 31

7.6 Sanitary Facilities 33

7.7 Sanitary Accommodation 34

7.8 Lighting 37

7.9 Counters and Checkouts 39

7.10 Seating and Tables 39

8.0 Communication 40


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8.1 Signs 40

8.2 Other Aids to Communication 41

9.0 Miscellaneous Building Types Requirements 42

9.1 Restaurants and Bars 42

9.2 Facilities Providing Accommodation for the Public (e.g. hotel

bedrooms, etc.)42

9.3 Assembly Facilities (e.g. auditoria, theatres, stadia, etc.) 43

References 44


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PREFACE

REMOVING DISABLING BARRIERS

Disabling barriers are often the single most important cause of social isolation and

discrimination which many people, especially people with impairments, have to confront in

their daily lives. Very often, disabling barriers are also the root cause preventing individualswith disability from enjoying an acceptable quality of life. Such barriers may easily be

identified. They include inaccessible:

design of buildings;

modes of transport and communication discriminatory attitudes.

A widespread misconception is that architectural barriers only effect people who are

disabled: this is not so.

Such barriers seriously disable a wide spectrum of users. Elderly people, pregnant women,

families with young children and workers carrying heavy objects, are amongst the groups

which spring to mind. In respect of the elderly, it is important to bear in mind that ours isan ageing population, an inescapable fact which makes it imperative for the building

industry in general to comply with the principles of Design for All.

Another misconception is that disabling barriers are part of the immutable laws of nature

and, as such, they can never be changed. This is clearly not true. Disabling barriers are

man-made, and, as such,they can be removed. What is required is a willingness to take

positive and timely action.

Timely action consists of tackling disabling barriers at the design stage. The majority of

developers only confront the issue of Access for All, after a development project has been

completed. Unfortunately, this approach usually involves them in extra costs, costs which

they often find prohibitive and which they are therefore reluctant to incur. However, when

the issue of Access for All is tackled at the design stage, the vast majority of problems

associated with alternative access are solved efficiently and with a minimum overall outlay.

That is why we believe that if the concept of Design for All is given priority right at theinception stage of any development project, compliance with the provisions of the Equal

Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act and other Access for All regulations, will be

trouble- free and cost effective.

Finally, this document was produced by a team of people made up of Mr. F. Bezzina, Mr. F.

Cachia and myself on behalf of the Secretariat of the Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni

b'Dizabilita and the following group of architects whom I would like to take the opportunity

to thank for the sterling contribution they have made and are making in this, and other,

accessibility-related issues:

P.E.Camilleri BE&A (Hons.), A&CE

Ph. Grech BE&A (Hons), MSc(Bir), MCIWEM, A&CE

V. Schembri BE&A (Hons.), A&CE J. H. Spiteri BE&A (Hons), MSc(Edin), PhD(Leeds), MCIOB, A&CE (Team Co-

ordinator)

H. Zammit BE&A., Dip C Eng (Glas), PG Dip (Env Mgt), A&CE.

Joseph M. Camilleri

CHAIR

KUMMISSJONI NAZZJONALI PERSUNI B'DIZABILITA


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Architecture should involve the creation of spaces for use by people. In the organisation of

such spaces, shortcomings in design may create 'architectural barriers'. Architectural

barriers are everywhere in existing buildings: in schools, shopping areas, workplaces and a

large number of buildings that are intended for and are in fact used by the general public.

The environment continues to hamper and frustrate the functioning of disabled persons,while most 'able-bodied' persons are unaware of the problem. Within the existing building

stock, providing access for all may require a number of alterations, including structural

alterations.

The question of providing access for all in new buildings has deeper significance than merely

providing means to negotiate physical barriers (e.g., ramps in changes of levels, etc.). New

buildings should be designed in such a way that physical barriers would not exist as a

matter of course. This requires a new mentality towards the design of buildings and building

services.

A number of publications containing architectural design guidelines for Accessibility for All

exist. However, these criteria are not uniform; they vary in standards and may give rise to

some degree of ambiguity. This publication has been designed to incorporate the standards

that will be adopted by the National Commission Persons with Disability in executing its

responsibility and authority under the Equal Opportunities Act, 2000. It includes graphicalillustration of the standards contained in the text, for further ease of reference.

2.0 LAYOUT OF THIS DOCUMENT

This document is laid out in a manner to assist designers and all those concerned in

determining the spatial layout and fitting of buildings. It is important that all the features

relating to building development are designed in a manner that conforms to Access for All

requirements.

The applicability of this document is primarily to all those forms of development scheduled

in the circular PA 3/99 issued on 14 December 1999. However, the objective of Access forAll should not be perceived solely as a legal requirement, but one that enhances the usage

of any development

Sections 3 and 4 of this document indicate the basic overall objectives of Access for All.

These sections outline in a general way the objectives that are considered vital to achieving

the aspirations expressed in the Equal Opportunities Act 2000. These general objectives are

articulated in greater detail in the subsequent sections.

For ease of reference the features required to provide Access for All have been sub-divided

into three building

zones. The first (Section 5) relates to the 'outside' areas of buildings, including car parks

and approaches to the building. The standards concerning ramps, staircases and handrails

included in this section refer to both outdoor

and indoor areas. Therefore they are not repeated in section 7 concerning internal areas.

This is followed by section 6 which describes the desirable features at the interface of

buildings with the external environment, namely the entrances (and exits) to buildings.

Finally, section 7 provides guidance to Access for All features within the internal areas of

buildings. This section includes sub sections that are likely to be relevant to all buildings,

such as WC facilities and lobby and corridor dimensions.

The final section of this document refer to features that are likely to be relevant to particular

types of buildings, such as restaurants, hotels etc.


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3.0 MAIN GOAL

In designing buildings it is important that everybody including persons with disability are

able to reach and use the internal and external facilities associated with the building or

facility.

4.0 OVERALL OBJECTIVES

4.1 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

A suitable means of access to the building is to be provided for persons with

disability in outside areas, from the point of entrance to the building, and from car

parking provided within the building site.

Suitable recognition shall be made of the difficulties encountered by wheelchair users

and ambulant persons with disability in negotiating changes of levels.

The risks to persons with disability, particularly those with sight disabilities, must be

taken into consideration when designing routes passing close to buildings. Persons with disability should be able to use the principal access to a building and

not be relegated to a secondary entrance whether they are a customer, visitor or a

member of staff. Where this is not possible, an additional entrance is to be provided,

giving suitable internal access to the principal access/ entrance area.

Consideration should be given to providing alternative means of access as the needs

of all persons with disability vary.

All approaches should be level. In exceptional cases, where a level approach cannot

be provided, gradients should be kept as low as possible.

Where possible, easy going steps should complement a ramped approach.

Consideration should be given to the space requirements of persons with disability inapproaching buildings from the point of view of the:

1. the characteristics of their impairment and the mechanical assistance they employ,

2. those who accompany persons with disability, and

3. the need to provide access to persons overtaking or coming in the opposite direction.

Routes to entrances to buildings should be clearly signed and appropriately lit.

Single steps and obstructions near entrances should be avoided.

The use of colour, details, materials and position to distinguish the entrance from the

facade should becarefully considered.


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4.2 ENTRANCES TO BUILDINGS

A suitable means of entry into the building is to be provided for persons with

disability from outside areas, to the point of entrance to the building, to entrance

lobbies and to the interior of the building.

Entrances to buildings should be placed in a logical relationship with routes that

serve them and be easily distinguishable from the facade.

Clear signs indicating the entrance should be provided. These should be visible fromall approaches to the building. Signs hanging perpendicular to the building facade are

useful.

Door closers should be adjusted to the minimum force necessary, be slow in

operation and regularly maintained.

Thresholds should be flush wherever possible.

Lobbies should be sized to allow wheelchair users to move clear of the first door

before negotiating the second.

Signs should be obvious and clear indicating where visitors should go to find

reception, information point, lifts stairs or WCs.

Exit doors, particularly those intended for emergency egress are as important asentrances. Hence, similar conditions apply to emergency exits.

4.3 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

A suitable means of access is to be provided for persons with disability in all areas.

The layout of spaces and minimum dimensions of all circulation spaces and other

facilities should be designed to allow, inter alia, easy and safe access by wheelchair

users and ambulant disabled persons.

Clear signs indicating facilities should be provided.

Door closers should be adjusted to the minimum force necessary, be slow in

operation and regularly maintained.

Changes in level should be avoided wherever possible in the internal layout of

buildings.

Internal lobbies should be sized to allow wheelchair users to move clear of the first

door before negotiating a second set of doors. Sanitary facilities suitable for use by persons with disability should be provided both

in terms of location within the building as well as in terms of the dimensions of the

facilities intended for use by disabled persons and the sanitary fittings incorporatedin these facilities.


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5.0 THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUILDINGS

5.1 ACCESS

5.1.1 Access shall be provided through the principal entrance. Where separate entrances

are provided for visitors or customers and staff, the respective entrances shall each be

accessible by persons with disability.

5.1.2 In exceptional cases, where the space outside a principal entrance is restricted, or

likely to be congested, or the site is on sloping ground, access through an alternative

entrance may be accepted, if this is also intended for

general use.

5.1.3 Hanging signs, lights, awnings and similar objects shall have a minimum clearance of

2.00 metres above the ground or finished floor level of the access route or usable area.

5.2 KERBS AND PAVEMENTS

At entrances to public buildings and road crossings, ramped kerbs should be provided. The

following principles apply:

5.2.1 Where a new pavement is being constructed or an existing pavement is being

renewed ramps should have a gradient as defiend in the table in section 5.5.1. The

pavement should have a tactile surface extending 1.5m or the full width of the pavement,

whichever the greater (Figure 1).

5.2.2 A textured surface or painted edge is desirable to assist the partially sighted.

5.2.3 Sudden changes in level should be avoided. (Figure 1)

5.2.4 Figures 2 to 4 show recommended kerb ramp locations at intersections.


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5.2.5 Where gratings are necessary, these should to oriented with the long dimension

perpendicular to pedestrian route. The maximum width between ribs is not to exceed 10mm

in the direction of traffic flow.

5.2.6 Figure 5 Grate orientation to path of travel


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5.3 CAR PARKING

5.3.1 Car parking bays for use by persons with disability shall have a minimum width of

3600mm and a minimum

length of 4800mm (perpendicular parking) or 6600mm (parallel parking). (Figures 6 and 7).

5.3.2 Suitable, adequate car parking space provision shall be made for persons with

disability. The following table indicates the number of parking spaces suitable for disabledpersons required in terms of accessible spaces per total number of parking spaces.

Total number of

parking spacesNumber of accessible of spaces required

3 - 10 1 space*

11 - 25 1 van accessible space**

26 - 50 2 including 1 van accessible space

51 - 75 3 including 1 van accessible space

76-100 4 including 1 van accessible space





401-500 9 including 2 van accessible spaces

501-1000 2% including 3 van accessible spaces

More than 1000

20 + 1 per 100 or fraction, including minimum 1

van accessible space per 8 accessible spaces or

fraction thereof

* A space refers to the dimensions indicated in paragraph 5.3.1.

** A van accessible space should be minimum 7300mm long and 2900mm wide with

2300mm headroom.

5.3.3 A sign incorporating the symbol of access shall identify car parking spaces for persons

with disability. The sign shall be readily visible from a vehicle at the access to the parking

area, or guide signs shall be provided to indicate the direction of the space. Bays should be

identified as provision for disabled drivers or passengers only.

5.3.4 Parking bays should be close to entrances to the facilities the car park serves - within

50m if uncovered, 100m if covered.


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5.3.5 Kerbs between the parking area and routes to buildings should be dropped to give

access to wheelchair users.5.3.5 The car park surface should be smooth and even and free from loose stones.

5.4 APPROACHES TO THE ENTRANCE OF A BUILDING

5.4.1 The approach shall preferably be level. Where it is not possible to have a level

approach the slope should not

be steeper than the gradients indicated in table 5.5.1, below.

5.4.2 The approach shall have a clear width of at least 1200mm.

5.4.3 Where a pedestrian route to the building is intended for use by persons with different

needs, and where provision is made for bollards, rails or the like to limit vehicular access

the following criteria shall be observed:

i) The bollards, rails or other devices shall be located to give 1000mm clear width access.ii) A textured surface to warn those with limited sight should be provided.

5.4.4 Polished floors are not acceptable for external areas.

5.5 RAMPS

The following conditions are to be adhered to in all instances where ramps are provided to

negotiate difference in levels, both in external as well as in internal areas.

5.5.1 Gradients

Gradients shall be no steeper than the values indicated below:

Vertical height of Ramp Maximum permissible gradient

Less than 100mm 1:10



Greater than 500mm 1:20


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5.5.2 Markings of change of level Where there is any change of level along a pedestrian

access route the position of the change shall be visibly and permanently marked.

5.5.3 Top and bottom landings shall have a textured surface.

5.5.4 Length of Ramp

The maximum horizontal length of a ramp should be limited to twelve (12) metres. Longer

ramps are to have

intermediate landings. (Figures 9 and 10)

5.5.5 Landings

Flights shall have landings at the top and bottom, each of whose length shall not be less

than 1200mm and, if necessary, intermediate landings, each of whose lengths is not less

than 1500mm, in all cases clear of any door swing. (See Figures 8 to 10 for dimensions of

ramps and landings)


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5.5.6 Widths of Ramps

Ramps shall have flights whose surface widths are at least 1200mm and unobstructed

widths at least 1000mm.

5.5.7 Surface Finishes

Ramps shall have a surface which reduces the risk of slipping.

5.5.8 Where any material is likely to alter the character of a surface with which pedestrians

and vehicles are likely or intended to come in contact then appropriate consideration must

be given to ensuring that any risk of slipping is reduced to an appropriate degree.

5.5.9 Headroom All ramps and landings shall have a clear headroom throughout of at least

two metres.

Handrails for ramps

5.5.10 All ramps shall have at least one handrail that should be continuous along the length

of the ramp.

5.5.11 Ramps shall have a handrail on both sides of the ramp where the length of the ramp

exceeds 2.0 metres.

5.5.12 Ramps shall have a handrail on both sides of the ramp where the ramp is greater

than 1.5 metres in width.

5.5.13 The handrails should have a suitable profile (normally round) and manufactured with

appropriate materials to provide a good grip and should have a maximum outside diameterof 50mm (Figure 14).

5.5.14 Ramps where crowding or heavy volumes of traffic can be anticipated shall

additionally have a central handrail where the flight is wider than 2400mm.

5.5.15 Handrails should give firm support.

5.5.16 Handrails shall extend at least 300mm beyond the beginning of the ramp and at

least 300mm beyond the end of the ramp.

5.5.17 Handrails should be fixed at a height of 900mm above the ground level of ramps and

1000mm above landings

(Figure 8).

Guarding for ramps

5.5.18 Ramps shall have a raised kerb at least 100mm high on any open side of a flight or a

landing, if no other equivalent protection is provided (Figure 8).

Adjacent steps to ramps

5.5.19 A ramp should always have an adjacent flight of steps to negotiate the difference in

levels connected by the ramp.


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5.6 STAIRS

N.B. The conditions for stairs apply both to external as well as internal stairs.

Steepness of stairs

5.6.1

The angle of pitch of staircases shall be limited to 42 degrees in private stairs and 38degrees in common/public stairs

Rise and going dimensions

5.6.2

In any flight of stairs all steps shall have the same rise height and the same going width

throughout the entire flight.

5.6.3 If the landing of an outside stair is formed by the ground and slopes across the width

of the flight, then

the rise of the step shall be measured at the mid-point of the width of the flight. However,

the variation at each end should not exceed 15mm from the normal rise adopted.

5.6.4 The normal relationship between the dimensions of the rise and going is that twice theriser plus the going shall be between 550mm and 700mm. However, the rise of each step

shall not be greater than the figures

given in the Table below.

Stairs Riser Maximum

Private Stair 200mm

Stairway in external public and common areas 150mm

Internal stairway in public buildings 170mm

Construction of steps

5.6.5 Steps shall have level treads.

5.6.6 Open risers staircases will only be permitted in public areas where an alternative

staircase that has closed risers is provided in reasonable close vicinity to the open-riser

staircase.

5.6.7 Steps may have open risers but the treads shall then overlap each other by at least

16mm. Where open risers are constructed, the gap left should reject a 100mm sphere.

5.6.8 Recessed risers are not acceptable as they may cause persons with disability to trip.

(Figure 11)

5.6.9 To facilitate stair use by persons with disability, tread/riser/nosing profiles as

indicated in Figure 12 are recommended.


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Width of flights

5.6.10 The minimum width of stairs in outdoor areas should be 1800mm provided that any

stairs in outside areas or places of assembly shall have no flight wider than 1800mm unless

it is divided by handrails into widths no greater than 1800mm. (Figure 13)5.6.11 The minimum width of stairs in indoor areas should be 1200mm provided that any

stairs inside a public building shall have no flight wider than 1200mm unless it is divided by

handrails into widths no greater than

1200mm.

The width of flights, landings and ramps is to be measured as the unobstructed width

between walls or handrails, whichever is the narrower. Minor intrusions such as posts or

strings and skirting may be ignored.

Length of flights

5.6.12 The number of risers in between landings in a flight shall be limited to a maximum of

11 if a stairway is in a public building or serves an area used for assembly purposes.


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Headroom

5.6.13 All stairs shall have a clear headroom over the length and width of the stairway and

its associated landings of at least two metres measured vertically from the line of pitch.

Staircase landings

5.6.14 Landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of every flight. The width anddepth of landing shall be large enough to provide at least 400mm clear space from any door

swing.

5.6.15 Part of the floor of the building may be considered as a landing.

5.6.16 To afford safe passage, landings shall be clear of any permanent obstruction.

5.6.17 A landing need not be provided between a flight and a door if the rise of the flight is

not more than 600mm and the door slides or opens away from the steps.

5.6.18 A door may swing across a landing at the bottom or top of a flight provided that it

will leave at least a clear space equivalent to the width of the flight.

5.6.19 Landings shall be level unless they are formed by the ground at the top or bottom of

a flight. They may then slope up to 1 in 20 provided that the ground is paved or otherwise

made firm.

5.7 Handrails

5.7.1 Handrails should be continuous to flights and across landings, with the rails

distinguishable from the background by colour and brightness.

5.7.2 Handrails should give firm support and should have a suitable profile (normally round)

with a maximum outside diameter of 50mm. See Figure 14 for guidance of acceptable

handrail profiles.

5.7.3 Indoor flights shall have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than 1200mm

wide. A handrail on each side should be provided for flights that are between 1200mm and

2400mm wide. Central handrails providing bays of 1200mm should be provided for flights

exceeding 2400mm in width.

5.7.4 Outdoor flights and those in areas of assembly shall have a handrail on both sides if

they are less than 1800mm wide. Flights wider than 1800mm shall be provided with central

handrails providing bays of not more than 1800mm in width.

5.7.5 Handrails shall extend at least 300mm from a point vertically above the lowest stair

nosing of a flight and at least 300mm from a point vertically above the top stair nosing of a

flight. (Figure 15)


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5.7.6 The top of the handrail is to be 900mm above the pitch line of a flight and 1000mm

above the surface of a landing.

5.7.7 It is recommended that a second handrail is provided at a height of 650mm above the

line of pitch of the stairs.

5.7.8 For compliance with Access for All provisions, each building shall have at least one

staircase complying to the minimum dimensions shown in Figures 16 and 17 for staircaseswith enclosed wells and open well staircases, serving all floors, apart from any necessary

mechanised vertical lift device suitable for wheelchair user.

5.8 GUARDS AND BARRIERS

5.8.1 Guarding shall be provided where it is reasonably necessary for safety to guard the

edges of any part of a raised floor, gallery, balcony, roof (including roof-lights and other

openings), and other places to which people have access, (unless it is only for the purpose

of maintenance or repair) and any light well, basement or similar sunken area next to a

building. Guarding shall also be provided where there is a difference in level between vehicle

parks, but not on ramps used only for vehicle access.

5.8.2 Any glazing panels used in guards or barriers shall be constructed of glass blocks orlaminated glass.


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6.0 ENTRANCES TO BUILDINGS

6.1 ENTRANCE DOORWAYS

6.1.1 To be suitable as a means of access, an entrance door should provide:

i) sufficient space for manoeuvres.

ii) space outside the leading edge of the door to reduce the risk of wheelchairs striking awall.

iii) the opportunity to be warned of the approach of people from the other side of a door.

6.1.2 The principle entrance door should a have a minimum clear opening width of not less

than 900mm. (See Figure 18).

6.1.3 The principle entrance door should permit an unobstructed space on the side next to

the leading edge of the door of at least 300mm unless the door is controlled by a suitable

automatic control.6.1.4 The principle entrance door should be provided with a glazed panel giving a zone of

visibility from a height of 900mm to 1500mm from the finished floor level wherever the

opening action of the door could constitute a hazard. (See Figure 19).

6.1.5 The principle entrance door should be designed, marked or signed in such a way so

that persons of different

needs can readily identify the glass.

6.1.6 The principle entrance door should be clearly marked to indicate whether the door is

to be pushed or pulled to open.


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6.1.7 Where doors are fitted with self closing mechanisms, the pressure to open such doors

should not exceed

the following values:i) external doors 2.50 kgf

ii) internal doors 2.25 kgf

iii) fire doors 6.75 kgf

6.1.8 An entrance fitted with a revolving door shall also have an adjacent door conforming

to paras. 6.1.1 to 6.1.7 above.

6.1.9 Exit doors, particularly those for emergency egress, are as important as entrances. A

minimum 900mm clear opening, level thresholds and external ramps where necessary also

apply to exits that are not combined with entrances.

6.1.10 Door furniture should be clearly distinguishable from the door using tonal contrast

and be designed and positioned to be easily reached and gripped. Door handles should

preferably be fixed at 1000mm above ground level. Figure 20 illustrates acceptable door

ironmongery.


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6.3 THRESHOLDS

6.3.1 The tolerated change in level at thresholds is 6mm. (See Figure 22).

6.3.2 Where provided, firm, flush mounted mats are preferable to mats which may be

inadequately anchored and

interfere with wheelchair traffic. (Figure 23).


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7.0 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUILDINGS

7.1 BUILDING SURFACE FINISHES

Protection against slipping

7.1.1 All building flooring surfaces, pavements and roads upon which pedestrians are likely

to come into contact with shall be designed, specified and constructed so as to reduce the

risk of slipping.

7.1.2 Polished floors are only acceptable in areas where water or materials giving a similar

effect are not likely to be spilled or splashed.

7.1.3 Polished floors are not acceptable for external areas, bathrooms, toilets, indoor pool

areas, industrial plants and other spaces where water or other similar materials are likely to

give rise to danger.

Protection against falling

7.1.4 All floors, ramps and stairways in or associated with buildings are to be designed,

specified and constructed to protect pedestrians from significant drops in level.

7.1.5 All windows shall be designed to protect against users, particularly visually impaired

persons, falling through an opened window.

Floors

7.1.6 All flooring surfaces are to be firm, regular, functional and provide an indication of

significant hazards or changes in levels.

7.1.7 Floor surfaces should be flush at intersections with particular attention paid to the

installation of grates and mats.7.1.8 The use of deep pile, open texture, soft mats or unsecured carpets that impede

wheelchair movement are to be avoided.

Walls

7.1.9 Features on walls and floors should be recessed wherever possible.

7.1.10 Sharp angles or junctions in finishes should be avoided.

7.1.11 Where wall finishes are accessible to touch, rough textures should be avoided.

Work surfaces

7.1.12 Sharp edges on work surfaces should be avoided. Due consideration should be taken

to provide for persons

with restricted reach.


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7.2 INTERNAL LOBBIES

7.2.1 Internal lobbies should cater for similar requirements as entrance lobbies.

7.2.2 Internal lobbies shall have at least the minimum dimensions set out in the Table

below:

Conditions within lobbies Internal Internal width length

Single door ope+ning into the lobby on the same line as the outward opening exit door

1200mm* 2000mm or 1500mm** 1700mmSingle door opening into the lobby on the same line as the inward opening exit door

1200mm* 2400mm or 1500mm** 2100mm

Single door opening into the lobby, the access line being at right angles to the outward

opening exit door. 1200mm 2000mm

One pair of double doors opening into the lobby one the same line of access as an outward

double leaf opening exit pair 1800mm 2000m

Two pairs of double swing double doors both opening into the lobby and on the same line of

access 1800mm

2400m

* A 600mm minimum unobstructed space should be provided next to the leading edge of

the door.

** A 300mm minimum unobstructed space should be provided next to the leading edge of

both doors.

7.3 INTERNAL DOORS

Door openings

7.3.1 Doors should have ironmongery that is suitable for use by persons with disability.

7.3.2 Any door fitted with a self-closing device should be suitable for operation by a person

with disability.

7.3.3 The door and its opening should contain a leaf which provides a minimum clear

opening width of not less than 850mm.

7.3.4 The door and its opening should permit an unobstructed space on the side next to the

leading edge of the door of at least 300mm unless the door is controlled by a suitable

automatic control.

7.3.5 Each door across an accessible corridor or passageway should be provided with a

glazed panel giving a zone of visibility from a height of 900mm to 1500mm from the

finished floor level.

Ironmongery

7.3.6 Door handles or door pulls should be located at a height of 1000mm from the finished

floor level. Ironmongery

should conform to the styles and dimensions shown in Figure 20.

7.3.7 Handles are to be of the lever type.

7.3.8 Where a lever door handle is used it should have a diameter of at least 20mm.7.3.9 Where a pull handle is used it should have a maximum diameter of 35mm.

7.3.10 Both a lever and pull door handle should have a clear distance to the door face of

45mm.

Glazed doors

7.3.11 Where full glazed doors are installed, a minimum 300mm high kick plate should be

provided to protect the bottom of the door.


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7.4 CORRIDORS AND PASSAGEWAYS

7.4.1 Corridors and passageways shall have a clear width of at least 1100mm for corridors

of length up to 15m and a minimum width of 1500mm for lengths over 15 m (see Figure

25).

7.4.2 Corridors must have sufficient space at corners to accommodate the turning

movement of a wheelchair as set out in Figures 25 to 28.


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7.5 PASSENGER LIFTS

7.5.1 Passenger lifts shall be designed to cater for persons using wheelchairs. (See Figure

29).

7.5.2 Persons with disability should be able to summon and control the lift as well as reach

any emergency communications device.

7.5.3 All lifts serving more than two floors shall have an auditory and visual signal to

indicate the floor level

the lift has reached.

7.5.4 Measures should be adopted to ensure that no one, particularly persons with disability

will come in contact with the closing doors of the lift.

7.5.5 Access by a suitable lift shall be provided to serve any storey above or below the

principle entrance storey, if that storey contains function or use that falls within the uses as

defined from time to time by the competent authorities.

7.5.6 A suitable means of access from the lift to the remainder of the storey shall be

provided in all cases.

7.5.7 A passenger lift meeting the requirements of Access for All shall have:

i) a clear landing at least 1500mm wide and at least 1500mm deep in front of the lift doors.

ii) a door or doors with a clear opening width of at least 900mm.

iii) a car whose width is at least 1100mm and whose depth is at least 1400mm. (See Figure

29).

iv) a landing and car controls which are between 900mm and 1200mm above the landing

and the car floor, and at least 400mm from the front wall of the car.


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v) a suitable tactile indication on the landing and adjacent to the lift call button to identify

the relevant storey.

7.5.8 Lifts shall incorporate a drop down seat, designed to support a load of not less than

130 kg.7.5.9 Lifts shall incorporate a suitable tactile indication on, or adjacent to, the lift buttons

within the car to confirm the floor selected.

7.5.10 The distance between lifts and the extremity of the floor it serves shall be no greater

than forty metres.

7.5.11 Lifts shall incorporate a signalling system that gives 5 seconds notification that the

lift is answering a call, and a dwell time of 5 seconds before its doors begin to close after

they are fully open. The system may be overridden by a door reactivating device which

relies on photo-electric or infra red sensor, but not a pressure sensitive device, provided

that the minimum time for a lift door to remain fully open is 5 seconds.

Wheelchair stairlifts

7.5.12 Where it may be impractical to provide a passenger lift, a wheelchair stairs lift may

constitute a reasonable alternative.

Platform lifts

7.5.13 The provision of a ramp within a building to effect a change of level within a storey

may be impractical for planning reasons. Under these circumstances it is reasonable to

install a platform lift.

7.5.14 Where a platform lift is installed, a stair access shall be provided to complement the

platform lift, such that:

a) the stairs shall be designed to satisfy the needs of ambulant persons with different

needs, and,

b) the stairs shall be designed to satisfy the needs of people with impaired vision.

7.5.15 The minimum dimensions of a platform lift are 850mm by 1200mm.


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7.6 SANITARY FACILITIES

7.6.1 Sanitary accommodation should be readily available for persons with disability.

7.6.2 Travel distances to accessible sanitary accommodation from any point in the building

is to be no greater than 40m.

7.6.3 A wheelchair user should not have to travel more than one storey to have access tosanitary accommodation.

7.6.4 Sanitary accommodation for wheelchair users may be provided in unisex or integral

basis. Unisex provision should be made separately from any provision made for male and

female sanitary accommodation. Preferably, integral provision should be made within the

male and female areas of sanitary accommodation.

7.6.5 Sanitary accommodation for both unisex and integral facilities must conform to the

standard as indicated below. The facilities should:

i) permit manoeuvrability of a wheelchair.

ii) permit frontal, lateral, diagonal and backward transfer onto the WC with the provision for

hand washing and drying within reach from the WC prior to transfer back to the wheelchair.

iii) have space for a helper to assist in the transfer.

7.6.6 Consideration should be given to the need for different characteristics of sanitary

provision to be made for those who work in a building and those who visit.

7.6.7 If a building contains more than one WC compartment for wheelchair users, the

opportunity should be taken to provide both left-and right-handed transfer layouts.

Staff facilities

7.6.8 Provision of sanitary accommodation for staff may be within integral or unisex

compartments.

7.6.9 Access for different sexes should be, at least, on alternate floors if unisex toilets are

not provided.

7.6.10 Cumulative horizontal travel distance should be no more than forty metres from any

point in the building to sanitary accommodation accessible to persons with disability.

7.6.11 In a building that has stair access only, sanitary accommodation should be located inthe principal access

storey unless that storey contains only the principal entrance and vertical circulation areas.

7.6.12 If a building contains more than one WC compartment for wheelchair users, the

opportunity should be taken to provide both left-and right-handed transfer layouts.

7.7 SANITARY ACCOMMODATION

7.7.1 To be suitable for wheelchair users WC compartments shall have as a minimum, the

dimensions, equipment and fittings as set out in Figures 30 and 31.

7.7.2 The WC compartment should have minimum internal dimensions of 2000mm by

1500mm.

7.7.3 The WC compartment should have a 850mm single leaf outward opening door set

lockable from the inside fitted with a lever handle and horizontal pull rail.

7.7.4 The WC compartment should have a WC installed as follows: the front to be 750mm

from the wall behind it, the top of the WC 450mm from the finished floor, and the centre

line to be no closer to the side wall than 450mm.

7.7.5 The WC compartment should have a wash hand basin, the top to be 750mm from the

finished floor, and fitted with lever handles.

7.7.6 The WC compartment should have 35mm diameter horizontal support rails that shall

be positioned at


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no more than 500mm from the centre line of the WC, on both sides of the WC, at least, one

being a hinged support rail to permit access and support.

7.7.7 The height of the support rails in the WC compartment is to be 250mm above the

height of the WC seat.

F lever flush (to transfer side)

P paper towel dispenser

T toilet paper dispenser

M mirror

H hand drier (electric)

A alarm cord (distinguish from light pull)

C coat hooks (1200-1400mm high)

W sealed container for incontinence pads and other disposables

1 Fixed vertical rail

2 drop-down rail (easy to use from seated position)

3 fixed horizontal rail behind WC


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4 fixed horizontal rail

5 horizontal door pull (to enable door to be closed when entering)

7.7.8 The WC compartment should have a 35mm minimum diameter 600mm long vertical

support rail is to be fixed on the free side of the WC, 800mm from the floor, and a second is

to be fixed at the same height and immediately to the side of the wash hand basin.

Toilet fittings

7.7.9 Hand basin, toilet paper holder, rails and other fittings should be located close to the

toilet bowl at the heights included in Figure 31. A hot air hand drier is preferred to a towel.

7.7.10 Shallow basins are preferred and should not project into circulation space.

7.7.11 Adequate knee-room should be allowed beneath the basin to enable a wheelchair

user to reach the taps. Pedestal basins should not be used.

7.7.12 Hot water and other pipes should be lagged or boxed beneath basins in order to

protect those with paralysed limbs.

7.7.13 Lever taps are required for the purposes of controlling both flow and temperature.

Shower compartments

7.7.14 Reasonable provision is to be made in recreational facilities for the provision of

suitable areas and facilities for persons with disability.

7.7.15 Shower compartments shall be dimensioned and provided with the facilities as shown

in Figure 32 and as set out below:

i) Minimum internal width 1000mm and minimum internal length 900mm.

ii) Horizontal grab rail 700mm from the floor.

iii) Vertical grab rail from 900mm to 1400mm from the floor

iv) Centrally located controls at 900mm from the floor.

v) The showerhead variable between 1200mm and 2200mm from the floor.

Dressing cubicles

7.7.16 Dressing cubicles shall be dimensioned and provided with the facilities set out below:

i) Internal width 1800mm and internal length 1400mm.

ii) Horizontal grab rail 700mm from the floor at the side of the seat.

iii) A mirror from 550mm to 1450mm above floor level.

iv) A zone for switches etc. at between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level.

v) A minimum unobstructed internal height of 2200mm.


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7.8 LIGHTING

7.8.1 Lighting shall be appropriate and adequate for the uses to which it is employed.

Wherever communication is going to take place lighting levels should be adequate to allow

lip reading.

Natural lighting

7.8.2 Windows should be located and detailed to minimise glare.

7.8.3 Large glazed areas should incorporate a design feature to identify the window.

7.8.4 Handles and locks should be easy to use in a single action and readily distinguishable.

7.8.5 Controls should be located in a zone between 900mm and 1200mm from finished floor

level. (See Figure 33).

7.8.6 Where applicable sills should be no higher than 800mm above finished floor level in

order to permit wheelchair users to see on the other side. In all cases due regard to safety

provisions should be observed.


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Artificial lighting

7.8.7 Light fittings and luminaires should be selected and fixed in places to avoid glare.

7.8.8 Artificial lighting should be employed to balance natural lighting where there is

excessive contrast.

Controls

7.8.9 Switches and controls should be accessible and easy to operate for those with

different needs.

7.8.10 Remote controls should be provided where those with limited mobility may have

difficulty operating switches.

7.8.11 Controls should be readily identifiable by devices such as c olour coding.

7.8.12 Switches should be positioned approximately 1000mm above finished floor level.

(See Figure 34).

7.9 COUNTERS AND CHECKOUTS

7.9.1 Provision should be made for persons with different needs to be able to have easy

access to and use of counters.

7.9.2 Counter heights should be located between 600mm and 800mm above finished floor

level.

7.9.3 At least one checkout must be provided with a minimum, clear unobstructed width of

850mm.

7.9.4 Where appropriate a support rail should be provided.

7.9.5 Sufficient space should be allowed beyond a checkout for filling shopping bags.


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7.9.6 Where turnstiles are installed, provision shall be made for a bypass gate with a

minimum clear opening of 850mm for the use of those in wheelchairs or the ambulant

disabled.

7.9.7 At automatic gates a similar provision as above shall be made.

7.10 SEATING AND TABLES

Seating

7.10.1 Provision should be provided for persons with different needs to rest and wait in

comfort.

7.10.2 An optimum height for seating is 450mm above finished floor level with arm rests at

700mm. Where possible, a range of seating heights should be provided.

7.10.3 One out of every twelve seats provided should be perch seating, with the seat

projecting 300mm at a height of 600mm to 800mm above finished floor level.

Tables and worktops

7.10.4 Tables with moveable seats located near to an entrance with sufficient space formanoeuvrability are

preferable to tables with permanent seats.

7.10.5 Table dimensions for wheelchairs users are a height of between 750mm to 800mm, a

depth of 550mm and a

width of 800mm.

7.10.6 There should be unobstructed space below tables, desks, workbenches and other

work surfaces to allow wheelchair users full reach.


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8.0 COMMUNICATION

8.1 SIGNS

8.1.1 The location of signs should be part of the process of planning the building. They

should be placed in a logical position and be obviously identifiable.

8.1.2 Signs should be situated so that they do not cause obstruction and should be well lit.8.1.3 Symbols should be used to supplement written signs. Figure 36 indicates typical

symbols that should be

used.

8.1.4 The international symbol of access (See Figure 36) must be adopted within all signs

depicting this pictogram. The wheelchair figure must always face towards the right unless

used in a directional sign indicating to the left.

The outer dimensions of the square should be 65mm square for indoor applications with a

visibility requirement of up to 9m. The outer dimensions should be 115mm square for

indoor applications with visibility requirements greater than 9m and outdoors applications

up to 18m. For applications where the visibility requirements exceed 18m, the outer

dimensions should be 200mm square.

8.1.5 The signboard must contrast with the background against which it is seen, and the

lettering should contrast with the signboard. Yellow lettering and symbols on a black

background should be used where the background to the sign is light. Black lettering and

symbols on a yellow background should be used where the background to the sign is dark.

8.1.6 Lettering styles should be straightforward.

8.1.7 The finish of all signboards should be of the non-glare type.

8.1.8 Tactile signs (such as embossed letters, raised pictograms and direction arrows should

be used where

they can be easily reached.(e.g. lift controls, door numbers, lockers and WC doors).

8.1.9 Colour can be used to signal where certain features can be found within a building. For

example, all walls within core areas containing stairs, lifts and WCs should be painted a

particular colour to aid orientation.

8.1.10 Visual information should be provided by distinguishing floor, wall, and ceiling

planes, door surrounds and decorative features.

8.1.11 Audio guides should be considered.

8.1.12 The character proportions of signs should be within the range of 3:5 to 1:1. Theheight of overheard symbols should be a minimum of 75mm.


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8.2 OTHER AIDS TO COMMUNICATIONS

8.2.1 In order to have full benefit of attending a public performance or playing a proper part

in discussions, a

person with impaired hearing may need to receive a signal some 20db higher than that

received by a person with normal hearing. Whichever system is selected it should be

capable of suppressing reverberation and audience and other environmental noise and

provide sound without loss or distortion through bad acoustics or extraneous noise.8.2.2 Aids to communications for the benefit of those with hearing aids are to be provided

at:

i) Booking and ticket offices and the like where the customer is separated from the vendor

by a glazed screen.

ii) In large reception rooms, auditoria, and meeting rooms in excess of l00 m2 in area.

9.0 MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING TYPES REQUIREMENTS

9.1 RESTAURANTS AND BARS

9.1.1 Access shall be available to the full range of services offered.

9.1.2 Access shall be provided to all bars, self-service counters and waiter serviced areas,

and at least to half the area where seating is provided.

9.1.3

Where there are changes in floor level, reasonable provision for access should be made by

keeping them to a reasonable scale and permitting access for the ambulant disabled, and at

least half of the facility available to wheelchair users.

9.2 FACILITIES PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR THE PUBLIC(e.g. hotel bedrooms, etc.)

9.2.1 In hotels and guest houses the following provisions shall be made in respect of

bedrooms:

i) One guest bedroom out of every twenty guest bedrooms (or part thereof) shall be

suitable, in terms of dimensions and layout, for use by a person in a wheelchair.

ii) The entrance door to each guest bedroom shall comply to Access for All standards as

described in this

document.

iii) The entrance door to any other guest bedroom shall have a clear opening width of at

least 850mm but with the option to dispense with the 300mm space at the side of the door.

9.2.2 Sanitary accommodation in guest bedrooms that are suitable for use by a person in a

wheelchair shall be en suite if that is the arrangement for the remainder of the bedrooms.


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9.3 ASSEMBLY FACILITIES (e.g. auditoria, theatres, stadia, etc.)

Audience or spectator seating

9.3.1 Of the total of fixed audience or spectator seats available, the number of spaces

suitable for wheelchair users (See Figure 36) shall be no less than that shown in the table

below.

Audience seating capacityNumber of seats suitable for

wheelchair users

less than 25 1

26-250 2

251-500 3

501 and over 4+

1 per every additional 250 or part

thereof

9.3.2 A 'wheelchair space' should be provided with a clear view of the event.9.3.3 Wheelchair spaces should be designed and located in such a way that their occupants

may sit adjacent to companions with or without disability.

9.3.4 The stage as well as all other facilities such as dressing rooms should be accessible to

persons with

disability.


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REFERENCES

Access Audits,

Centre for Accessible Environments,

London (1999).

Access for All,Ohio's Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, Ohio, (1977).

Accessibility For All,

Works Division,

Government of Malta, (unpublished).

Americans with Disabilities Act

Access Guide: Survey Check list,

Department of Rehabilitation, California, (1996).

Designing for the Disabled,

Selwyn Goldsmith, Royal Instate of British

Architects, England (1994).

European Manual for an Accessible Built Environment,

Central Co-ordinating Committee for the Promotion of Accessibility, Netherlands (CCPT)

(1990).Ligi Opportunitajiet Indaqs (Persuni b'Dizabilita),

Gvern ta' Malta, (2000).

IMPORTANT

Most of the dimensions which appear in these guidelines should be regarded as MINIMUM

requirements.

Therefore, where circumstances permit, more generous dimensions should be used.

Supplement to BP344

Documents

Transcript of Supplement to BP344