Based on AS1428.1-2009, lift buttons are required to have a minimum 500mm clearance to a corner wall or other obstruction to ensure that a person with a mobility aid is able to approach the lift buttons without obstructing the lift opening and press the buttons to call the lift.
Read MoreIf the number of people who will occupy a building is known, it should be used. However, in the absence of more accurate information, Clause D1.13 must be used. D1.13 is used in several Parts of the BCA, such as in calculating minimum exit widths, as well as the number of sanitary and other facilities. D1.13 does not restrict the number of occupants using a building, or enforce any building use or licensing requirements.
Read MorePart F3 of the BCA details the requirements for rooms or spaces within a building that must provide a height suitable for the intended use. ‘Intended use’ recognises that the height required in rooms and spaces is directly related to the room’s function.
Read MoreThe BCA classifies buildings by their use. A building may be made up of a number of classes if it has a mixed use.
Read MoreThis provision provides details on buildings or parts of buildings not required to be accessible under the BCA. Clause D3.4 details exemptions to the requirements for access to certain areas within buildings where providing access would be inappropriate because of the nature of the area or the tasks undertaken
Read MoreAn accessible adult change facility is a type of sanitary compartment that includes a hoist and adult size change table in addition to a peninsula-type toilet pan and other fixtures and fittings. Its purpose is to provide a suitable toilet for people with more complex or profound disability who may be unable to use standard accessible toilets.
Read MoreHearing augmentation systems assist people with a hearing impairment to be made aware of communications associated with a building’s use.
Read MoreWe call these new requirements ‘livable housing design’ because they’re based on the Livable Housing Design Guidelines (silver level), first published by Livable Housing Australia. Livable housing design represents a significant step-change to how we’ve traditionally designed housing in Australia.
Read MoreFurthermore it is worth noting that a handrails primary function is to prevent a fall and most serious falls occur when descending - not ascending, therefore it is important to ensure the handrail is at the required height and has the required extensions to provide additional assistance whilst ascending or descending, including terminations which prevent young children from injuring themselves if they are at the same height as the handrail.
Read MoreThe highest membership class is the an Accredited member. In order to become an Accredited Access Consultant you need to participate in the continuing professional development program, have been an associate member for a number of years, must pass an Accreditation Test and also must have industry referees including two Accredited Access Consultants which provide a reference on the capabilities, knowledge and experience of that person.
Read MoreAll in all NCC 2022 is shaping up as the largest single amendments of any past amendments both in terms of the volume of changes and the scope and impact of the proposed reforms, particularly for houses and low-rise apartments.
Read MoreAll gender toilets also known as gender neutral toilets, are sanitary facilities that can be used by everyone. They do not have gendered signage and do not require the person using them to define into a gender.
Read MoreThe current access and mobility standard AS1428.1-2009 is based on research that is more than 38 years old and may be considered significantly out of date. Therefore, it may be reasonable to assume that the access needs of many people with a variety of disabilities in 2021 will not be fully met by complying with this standard.
Read MoreIt has finally been agreed on the National Building Ministers forum that new minimum accessibility Standards, based on the Silver Performance Level of the Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Design Guidelines, will be incorporated into the new Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC).
Read MoreThe handrails must have a diameter between 30mm-50mm with a 50mm clearance to an adjacent wall and must not have any obstructions to the top 270 degree arc. It is highly recommend that builders and designers use 30mm diameter handrails for better grip as the fingers can wrap around the handrail.
Read MoreBraille and tactile signs are required within buildings to mainly assist people with vision impairments. They also provide to help assist all building occupants with locating various facilities within a building.
Read MorePassenger lifts must comply with Clause E3.6 of the BCA or AS1735.12-1999, which is the Australian Standard referenced in the BCA (Schedule 4 of the BCA). If the lift travels less than 12m the car size must be a minimum 1100mm wide x 1400mm deep and if the lift travels more than 12m, the car size must be a minimum 1400mm wide x 1600mm deep (with the exception of stretcher lifts).
Read MoreHandrail extensions are important safety features as required by AS1428.1-2009, as they ensure the safety of everyone who’s using the stair or ramp especially those with an ambulant or vision impairment.
Read MoreIn the simplest terms, Performance Solutions are used to justify not meeting the requirements/measurements outlined in the building code with regards to disability. Performance Solutions allow for flexibility in addressing these Performance Requirements and are utilised when the Deem-to-Satisfy provisions are not met.
Read MoreAustralia has become the first country in the world to regulate for adult change facilities in its building code. From 1 May 2019, the National Construction Code (NCC 2019) requires a new type of public toilet called ‘Accessible Adult Change Facilities’ to be included in certain classes of public buildings.
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