Draft: A Model Standard for the Built Environment – Accessibility

This standard aims to remove and prevent barriers in the built environment for everyone, including persons with disabilities. It contains technical requirements to be applied to the design of buildings and building sites to promote an inclusive environment.

Like all of Accessibility Standards Canada’s standards, this standard is designed to contribute to the realization of a Canada without barriers by 2040. It supports the goals of the Accessible Canada Act and Accessibility Standards Canada's mandate and is based on the disability community’s philosophy of “Nothing without us.” 

This is the first version of the standard, which was developed by a technical committee that included experts with disabilities. It was developed to support a memorandum of understanding between Accessibility Standards Canada and British Columbia’s Attorney General and the Ministry Responsible for Housing. It will be shared for reference in whole or in part in the British Columbia Building Code.

In this first version of the standard, the technical committee aimed to update existing practices in the built environment. Key requirements of this standard include:

The following definitions shall apply in this Standard:

Access aisle – refers to an accessible and safe pedestrian space or route used for loading and unloading from vehicle, as well as safe travel to and from designated accessible parking spaces to nearest accessible route / entrance. Access aisles include pavement markings for easy identification and are often shared between accessible parking spaces.

Access to exit – that part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area.

Accessible – any space, feature, element, site, environment or facility that can be used (e.g., located, approached, entered, exited or operated) by people with varying disabilities, with or without the use of mobility aids or assistive devices. Can also refer to services, practices and programs.

Alteration – a change or extension to any matter or thing or to any occupancy regulated by this Standard.

Automatic door – A door equipped with electronic sensors allowing it to be opened and triggered when pedestrians approach (e.g., typically sliding doors or swing doors equipped with guardrails for safety). See Power-Assisted Door.

Braille – a system of touch reading where raised dots are used to represent numbers and letters. Unified English Braille (UEB) is the braille standard for Canada.

Building – any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Building height (in storeys) – the number of storeys contained between the roof and the floor of the first storey.

Cane‑detectable – any object or a change in surface texture that falls within the detection range of a long white cane.

Candela – Definition will be added by 2022-10-20 

Clear floor space – The amount of unobstructed floor or ground space required to accommodate a single stationary user, or a mobility device / aid, such as wheelchairs, scooters, canes and crutches.

Communication – includes languages, display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible multimedia as well as written, audio, plain-language, human-reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication, including accessible information and communication technology.

Curb ramp – a sloped surface that allows people to move safely and efficiently between vehicular and pedestrian routes.

Dwelling unit – means a building or suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used by one or more persons and usually contains cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.

Emergency – an incident or set of incidents, natural or human-caused, that requires responsive actions to protect life, property, the environment, and/or critical systems.

Evacuation – an emergency response procedure for the movement of people, animals, and/or materials from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to a safe place.

Exit – that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare.

Fire-resistance rating – the time in minutes or hours that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as determined by extension or interpretation of information derived therefrom as prescribed in the applicable Building Code.

Fire separation – a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire.

First storey – the uppermost storey having its floor level not more than 2 m above grade.

Flight – a series of steps between landings. 

Floor area – exterior amenity spaces serving a building and the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required firewalls, including the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but not including exits, vertical service spaces, and their enclosing assemblies.

Forward approach – where a person will make use of a service counter, drinking fountain, or any other usable element of the built environment, by positioning their body or mobility aid directly in front of and facing the element.

Grab bars – any type of grab bar that is fixed in place with no moving parts (straight, curved, angled, L-Shaped etc.).

Glare – often refers to uncomfortably bright light reflected from a surface, floor, window or screen. Glare occurs when one part of the environment is much brighter than the general surrounding area, causing annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance.

Grade – the lowest of the average levels of finished ground adjoining each exterior wall of a building, except that localized depressions need not be considered in the determination of average levels of finished ground.

Guard – a protective barrier around openings in floors or at the open sides of stairs, landings, balconies, mezzanines, galleries, raised walkways or other locations to prevent accidental falls from one level to another. Such a barrier may or may not have openings through it.

Hazard – A potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon, or human activity that could cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social or economic disruption, or environmental degradation.

High-hazard industrial occupancy (Group F, Division 1) —an industrial occupancy containing sufficient quantities of highly combustible and flammable or explosive materials which, because of their inherent characteristics, constitute a special fire hazard. 

Illumination – the combined amount and intensity of lighting provided, as measured in lux (lx).

Incident – A situation that might be or could lead to, a disruption, loss, emergency, or crisis. 

Language – includes spoken and signed languages and other forms of non spoken language.

Luminance – the intensity of light emitted or reflected in a given direction from the surface element divided by the area of the element in the same direction. 

Luminance (colour) contrast – the difference in light reflectance value between adjacent surfaces, calculated using the Michelson Contrast (CM) formula in conformance with CSA B651, “Accessible design for the built environment,” and expressed as a percentage difference.

High luminance contrast – a luminance contrast (CM) that is greater than 60%.

Medium luminance contrast – a luminance contrast (CM) that is between 30% and 60%.

Lux – The metric measurement for light intensity or illumination.

Major occupancy —the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used, and shall be deemed to include the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy. The major occupancy classifications used in this Code are as follows:

• A1 – Assembly occupancies intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts
• A2 – Assembly occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group A
• A3 – Assembly occupancies of the arena type
• A4 – Assembly occupancies in which the occupants are gathered in the open air
• B1 –Detention occupancies in which persons are under restraint or are incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not under their control
• B2 –Treatment occupancies
• B3 – Care occupancies
• B4 – Home-type care occupancies
• C – Residential occupancies
• D – Business and personal services occupancies
• E – Mercantile occupancies
• F1 – High-hazard industrial occupancies
• F2 – Medium-hazard industrial occupancies
• F3 – Low-hazard industrial occupancies
• G1 – High-hazard agricultural occupancies
• G2 – Agricultural occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group G
• G3 – Greenhouse agricultural occupancies
• G4 – Agricultural occupancies with no human occupants

Means of egress – a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits.

Mobility Aids (or Devices) – A term used to encompass the variety of assistive devices used by people with mobility / physical types of disabilities, including manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, canes and crutches.

Occupancy – the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.

Passenger loading zone – designated and signed area used for loading and unloading of passengers into or out of a waiting vehicle.

Pictogram – a pictorial symbol or image that represents activities, facilities, spaces or concepts.

Power-operated door – A door with a mechanism that opens the door automatically, upon the activation of a switch, button or a control. The door also remains in the “open” position for a set period of time to allow safe passage. See Automatic Door.

Public way – a sidewalk, street, highway, town/city square or other open space to which the public has access, as of right or by invitation, expressed or implied.

Ramp – a sloping walkway leading from one level to another, which has a running slope with a ratio steeper than or equal to 1:20 (5%).  A sloped surface that elevates the path of travel above the surrounding terrain.

Reach Range – the limit of which a person can grasp and/or use an item or surface.

Side approach – Where a person will make use of a service counter, drinking fountain, or any other usable element of the built environment, by positioning their body or mobility aid perpendicular to the element.

Signage – A sign is a means of conveying information about direction, location, safety or form of action and in general should be designed to be clear, concise and consistent. Signage displays text, symbols, tactile or pictorial information.

Slip resistant – A surface that provides sufficient frictional counterforce to the forces exerted in walking to permit safe ambulation.

Slope – the ratio of rise to run on an inclined surface.

Cross-slope – the slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel, expressed as a ratio of rise to run.

Running slope – the slope that is parallel to the direction of travel, expressed as a ratio of rise to run.

Service space – space provided in a building to facilitate or conceal the installation of building service facilities such as chutes, ducts, pipes, shafts or wires.

Sprinklered – that the building is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.

Storey - that portion of a building that is situated between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next above it, and if there is no floor above it, that portion between the top of such floor and the ceiling above it.

Suite – a single room or series of rooms of complementary use, operated under a single tenancy, and includes dwelling units, individual guest rooms in motels, hotels, boarding houses, rooming houses and dormitories as well as individual stores and individual or complementary rooms for business and personal services occupancies.

Tactile – Describes an object that can be perceived using the sense of touch, and typically provided for users with vision loss.

Tactile walking surface indicator (TWSI) – a standardized surface, detectable underfoot or by a long white cane, to assist persons with low vision or blindness by alerting or guiding them.

Transfer space – an unobstructed area adjacent to a fixture or furniture allowing the positioning of a mobility aid to enable a person to transfer to the fixture or furniture.

Visual contrast – visual perception between one element of a building and another.

Note: Visual contrast can be achieved through a difference in luminance (also referred to as luminance (colour) contrast). It can also be achieved through luminance (colour) contrast if there is adequate lighting for users to perceive the difference in colour.

Wayfinding – a term used to describe a variety of means for spatial orientation and finding your way to a destination. Wayfinding design describes a variety of means for helping people find their way, through touch, print, signage, architecture and landscaping, for example.

Return to top of page

Except as permitted by Clause 3.2, the requirements of this Standard shall apply to any one or more of the following:

1. the design, construction and occupancy of all new buildings, 
2. the alteration, major renovation, reconstruction, relocation and occupancy of all existing buildings, and
3. both site-built and factory-constructed buildings.

3.3.1 Areas required to be accessible

Except as permitted by Clauses 3.3.2 and 3.3.3, and notwithstanding Clause 3.3.4, all elements in a path of travel shall be in conformance with Clauses 3.3.4 to 3.3.12:

1. from the outdoors at sidewalk, roadway, street level or exterior parking facility to all building entrances,
2. from all building entrances, and interior parking facilities to all floor areas of a building,
3. from all exits to exterior exit doors, and
4. from all exterior exit doors to a public thoroughfare.
   Note: floor areas include exterior amenity space such as patios.

3.3.2 Areas not required to be accessible

The requirements of this standard do not apply to the following areas and dedicated paths of travel to these areas:

1. elevator machine rooms,
2. service spaces,
3. crawl spaces,
4. attic or unoccupied roof spaces, and
5. floor areas of high hazard industrial occupancy (Group F, Division 1).
   Note: The exemption for high hazard industrial occupancies does not apply to the floor areas of other occupancies in the same building.

3.3.3 Dwelling units

The requirements of this standard do not apply to the interior of individual dwelling units.

3.3.4 Access to entrances

A change in level in a path of travel to an entrance required by Clause 3.3.1 a) shall be in conformance with any one or a combination of Clauses 4.2, 5.1.3, 5.7 or 5.8.

Note: A stair, escalator or inclined moving walk may be provided as part of a secondary path of travel to an entrance, provided it is in addition to the primary path of travel to an entrance required by this Clause.

3.3.5 Access to floor levels

Access to a floor level within a building shall be provided in conformance with Clauses 5.7 or 5.8.

Notes:

1. A stair, escalator or inclined moving walk may be provided as part of a secondary path of travel to a floor level.
2. The location of a path of travel in conformance with this Clause should be considered relative to the size of the floor level served. To limit the distance an occupant would have to travel to reach such points of access, additional paths of travel in conformance with this Clause should be provided where those distances are considered excessive.

3.3.6 Passenger loading zones

Where provided, a passenger loading zone shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.2.

3.3.7 Access aisles

An access aisle shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.3.

3.3.8 Horizontal paths of travel

Horizontal paths of travel shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.4.

3.3.9 Doorways, doors and gates

3.3.9.1 General

All doorways and the active leaf or leaves of swinging, sliding and folding doors or gates in a path of travel shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.5.

3.3.9.2 Power door operators

All doors in a path of travel shall have power door operators in conformance with Clause 5.5.7.2, provided with power back up for a duration in conformance with the applicable Building Code for emergency lighting, with the exception of:

1. doors without a self-closing device,
2. the inactive leaf of a multiple-leaf door, and
3. the secondary doorways where more than one doorway is provided at an entrance.

Note: In selecting which doorway to equip with a power door operator where more than one doorway is provided at an entrance, consideration should be given to the location to the ease of access, and to minimize congestion.

3.3.10 Stairways

Stairways shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.6.

3.3.11 Ramps

A ramp shall be provided where floors, walks or ground surfaces have a slope steeper than 1:25 and shall be in conformance with Clauses 5.1 and 5.7.

3.3.12 Elevators

A minimum of two elevators in conformance with Clause 5.8 shall provide access from an entrance storey to all other storeys and mezzanines of a building.

3.5.1 Required accessible washroom facilities

3.5.1.1 Water closets and water closet enclosures

3.5.1.1.1 General water closet enclosures

Except as required by Clause 3.5.1.1.2, water closet enclosures shall be in conformance with Clause 7.2.3.

3.5.1.1.2 Accessible water closet enclosures

The minimum number of accessible water closets and water closet enclosures in a washroom shall conform to Table 1 and be in conformance with Clause 7.2.2.

Table 1 - Minimum number of water closet enclosures required to be accessible (See Clause 3.5.1.1.2)

3.5.1.2 Urinals

3.5.1.2.1 General urinals

Except as required by Clause 3.5.1.2.2, urinals shall be in conformance with Clause 7.2.5.

3.5.1.2.2 Accessible urinals

Where urinals are provided, the minimum number of accessible urinals in a washroom shall conform to Table 2 and be in conformance with Clause 7.2.4.

Table 2 - Minimum number of urinals required to be accessible (See Clause 3.5.1.2.2)

3.5.1.3 Lavatories, mirrors and accessories

A washroom shall have a minimum of:

1. one accessible lavatory in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.1,
2. one accessible mirror in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.2,
3. one accessible soap dispenser in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.3,
4. two towel dispensers or hand dryers in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.4, and
5. one shelf in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.5.

3.5.1.4 Wayfinding

A washroom shall include wayfinding in conformance with Clause 7.2.7.

3.5.2 Universal washrooms

A minimum of one universal washroom in conformance with clause 7.3 shall be provided:

1. on each storey, and
2. within 10 metres of general-use washroom clusters.

3.5.3 Showers

An accessible shower in conformance with Clause 7.4 shall be provided in:

1. conformance with Table 3 for suites of a hotel, motel and temporary accommodation,
2. buildings of care or treatment occupancy (Group B, Division 2 or 3), and
3. conformance with Table 4 where showers are provided in a building.

Table 3 - Minimum number of showers required to be accessible (See Clause 3.5.3 a))

Table 4 - Minimum number of showers required to be accessible (See Clause 3.5.3 c))

3.5.4 Bathtubs

An accessible bathtub in conformance with Clause 7.5 shall be provided in:

1. conformance with Table 5 for suites of a hotel, motel and temporary accommodation, and
2. buildings of Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy where individual bathtubs are provided for patients or residents.

Table 5 - Minimum number of bathtubs required to be accessible (See Clause 3.5.4 a))

3.5.5 Drinking fountains and bottle filling stations

In each location where drinking fountains and bottle filling stations are provided,

1. at least one of each type provided shall be in compliance with Clause 7.6, or
2. be combined into a single unit in compliance with Clause 7.6.

3.7.1 Assembly occupancies

3.7.1.1 Number

In an assembly occupancy with fixed seats, the minimum number of accessible spaces and the minimum number of fixed seats designated for adaptable seating shall conform to Table 6 and be in conformance with Clause 9.1.

Table 6 - Designated spaces for accessible and adaptable seating (See Clause 3.7.1.1)

3.7.1.2 Location

Designated accessible spaces and adaptable seating shall be:

1. dispersed at a variety of distances from the event to provide viewing options, except for assembly areas with 300 seats or less where all accessible space locations are within the front 50% of the total rows,
2. dispersed amongst distinct seating areas with amenities and price range of seating that differ from other distinct seating areas, accessible space locations shall be provided within each distinct seating area,
3. horizontally dispersed where seating encircles a stage or field, in whole or in part, except in assembly areas with 300 or fewer seats if the accessible spaces are located within the 2nd and 3rd quartile of the row length, including intermediate aisles in determining the total row length, and if the row length in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of the row is insufficient to accommodate the required number of companion seats and accessible spaces, the additional companion seats and accessible spaces shall be permitted to extend into in the 1st and 4th quartile of the row,
4. dispersed in theatres in the:
   1. tiered seating area on a riser or a cross-aisle for spaces with seating on risers,
   2. rear 60% of the seats provided, and
   3. area of a theatre in which the vertical viewing angles, as measured to the top of the screen, are from the 40th to the 100th percentile of vertical viewing angles for all seats as ranked from the seats in the first row (1st percentile) to seats in the back row (100th percentile).

3.7.2 Detention occupancies

The minimum number of accessible cells in detention occupancies shall conform to Table 7 and be in conformance with Clause 9.2.

Table 7 - Minimum number of cells in a detention occupancy required to be accessible (See Clause 3.7.2)

3.7.3 Business and personal service occupancies

The minimum number of accessible examination or treatment rooms in physician clinics and offices shall conform to Table 8 and be in conformance with Clause 9.3.

Table 8 - Minimum number of examination and treatment rooms required to be accessible (See Clause 3.7.3)

Return to top of page

4.1.1 General

A ground or floor surface shall:

1. be stable, firm and slip-resistant,
2. have a cross slope of 1:50 maximum,
3. have no opening that will permit the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm in diameter,
4. have any elongated openings oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel, and
5. have a low-glare or matte floor surface with no heavily patterned flooring.

Note: Heavily patterned, disruptive, and confusing ground or floor surface designs should be avoided.

4.1.2 Carpet

Carpet or carpet tile shall:

1. be securely attached and shall have a firm cushion, pad, or backing or no cushion or pad,
2. have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture,
3. have pile that is 6 mm maximum in height,
4. have exposed edges of carpet fastened to the floor and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge, and
5. have a combined carpet and pad height of 13 mm maximum.

4.1.3 Floor mats

Floor mats shall:

1. be securely attached,
2. have a mat height of 13 mm maximum with beveled edges, and
3. provide a high luminance contrast with surrounding surfaces.

Note: Consider use of recessed grills instead of floor mats for entrance vestibules and other high traffic areas.

4.3.1 Clear floor or ground area

A clear floor or ground area:

1. for a forward approach shall be:
   1. 1,500 mm minimum in depth, and
   2. 900 mm minimum in width,
2. for a parallel approach shall be:
   1. 2,200 mm minimum in depth, and
   2. 900 mm minimum in width,
3. for an area that requires approach and transfer shall be 2,100 mm minimum in depth and width, or
4. for turning shall be 2,500 mm minimum in diameter.

4.3.2 Clear height

A clear floor area and clear width shall have a clear height of 2,400 mm minimum measured vertically from the:

1. ground surface,
2. finished floor surface, or
3. straight-line tangent to the tread and landing nosings of a stairway to the lowest element above.

Note: To avoid protrusions, place elements (e.g., benches, trash receptacles, planters) in an area adjacent to the path of travel with ground or floor finishes that contrast in colour and texture to the path of travel.

4.5.1 General

Except as permitted by Clauses 4.5.2 and 4.5.5, protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width or clear floor area.

4.5.2 Objects with a leading edge 685 mm minimum above the finished floor surface

Except where permitted by Clauses 4.5.4 and 4.5.5 objects with a leading edge 685 mm minimum above the finished floor surface shall not protrude more than 100 mm into the clear width or clear floor area.

4.5.3 Objects with a leading edge less than 685 mm above the finished floor surface

Objects with a leading edge less than 685 mm above the finished floor surface shall not protrude into a clear width or clear floor area.

4.5.4 Rails and barriers

4.5.4.1 Location

Where objects protrude more than 100 mm into a clear width or clear floor area, rails or barriers shall be provided 685 mm maximum above the finished floor surface and shall bound the area projected on the floor by the protruding object.

4.5.4.2 Identification

Rails or barriers shall have a medium luminance contrast with the surrounding surface.

4.5.5 Handrails

Handrails in conformance with Clause 5.1.6 are permitted to protrude 100 mm maximum into a clear width or clear floor area.

4.7.1 Location

Unless otherwise required by this Standard, the centreline of operable parts shall be:

1. located between 400 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum from the finished floor surface,
2. adjacent to and centered on the width or length of a clear floor area required by Clause 4.3.1, and
3. 600 mm minimum from any adjacent wall.

4.7.2 Operation

Operable parts shall be:

1. automatic,
2. operable with one hand in a closed fist position, without requiring tight grasping, pinching with fingers or twisting of the wrist, or
3. operable by another method that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.

4.7.3 Push-button type controls

Push-button type controls shall have a surface with a minimum diameter of 13 mm and shall not be recessed.

4.7.4 Specialized knowledge

Operable parts shall not require specialized knowledge to operate.

4.7.5 Operation force

Operable parts shall be operable with a force of:

1. 19.5 N maximum for mechanically operable parts, and
2. between 2.5 N minimum and 5 N maximum for electrically operable parts.

4.7.6 Identification

Operable parts shall:

1. have a high luminance contrast with their background, and
2. provide tactile and auditory information to indicate function, position, and confirmation of activation.

Note: Important controls including security and safety related controls, should include braille.

4.7.7 Illumination

Operable parts shall be illuminated in conformance with Clause 4.8.

4.7.8 Visual displays

Information on visual displays shall be:

1. supplemented by tactile and auditory information,
2. colour-contrasted to its background, and
3. located on a surface that minimizes glare.

5.1.1 Surface conditions

A path of travel shall have a ground, floor, tread or landing surface in conformance with Clause 4.1.

5.1.2 Change in level

A change of level of a path of travel shall be in conformance with Clause 4.2, except where permitted by:

1. Clause 5.1.3 for a change in level between elements of a path of travel to a building entrance, or
2. Clause 5.6 for stairs.

5.1.3 Curb ramp

5.1.3.1 General

A curb ramp aligned perpendicular to the path of travel, is permitted where the change in level is 200 mm maximum.

5.1.3.2 Slope

A curb ramp shall have a running slope of 1:20 maximum.

5.1.3.3 Flared sides

A curb ramp shall have flared sides with a slope of 1:15 maximum where pedestrians are likely to walk across them.

5.1.3.4 Width

A curb ramp shall be 1,500 mm minimum in width, not including flared sides.

5.1.3.5 Identification

The change in level between a curb ramp and the adjacent surface shall be:

1. indicated with a high luminance contrast, and
2. texture contrasted on the leading edge of the curb ramp in conformance with Clause 6.3.10.

5.1.4 Clear height

Except where permitted by Clauses 5.1.5 and 5.5.1, the clear height of a path of travel shall be:

1. 3,600 mm minimum for passenger loading zones and access aisles, and
2. in conformance with Clause 4.3.2 for other path elements.

5.1.5 Obstructions

Obstructions in a path of travel shall comply with Clause 4.5.

5.1.6 Handrails

5.1.6.1 General

Handrails shall:

1. be continuously graspable along their length,
2. be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard,
3. not rotate within their fittings,
4. not protrude into transverse paths, and
5. where located adjacent to a wall, have a high luminance contrast with the wall surface.

5.1.6.2 Location

A stair, ramp and intermediate landing shall have upper and lower handrails on each side.

5.1.6.3 Intermediate handrails

Intermediate upper and lower handrails shall be provided so that:

1. there is 1,650 mm maximum in width between handrails,
2. a handrail is reachable within 750 mm of all portions of the required pathway width, and
3. at least one portion of the pathway shall have the minimum required pathway width.

5.1.6.4 Height and measurement

5.1.6.4.1 Measurement

The height of a handrail shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to:

1. a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of a stair, or
2. surface of a landing or ramp.

5.1.6.4.2 Height

The height of a handrail above the finished floor surface or ground surface shall be between:

1. 850 mm minimum and 1,000 mm maximum in height for the upper handrail, and
2. 600 mm minimum and 750 mm maximum in height for the lower handrail.

5.1.6.5 Cross-section

A handrail shall be circular in cross-section and have an outside diameter between:

1. 32 mm minimum and 43 mm maximum for the upper handrail, and
2. 25 mm minimum and 32 mm maximum for the lower handrail.

5.1.6.6 Clearance

A handrail shall have a clearance of 60 mm minimum on the top 270 ° arc along its entire length.

5.1.6.7 Extension

A handrail shall,

1. in the case of a stair,
   1. extend horizontally at the required height, 300 mm minimum beyond the top riser, and
   2. continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser followed by a 300 mm horizontal extension, and
2. in the case of a ramp, extend horizontally at the required height, 300 mm minimum beyond the top and bottom edges of the incline.

5.1.6.8 Load

Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following loads, which need not be considered to act simultaneously:

1. a concentrated load 1.7 kN minimum applied at any point and in any direction, and
2. a uniform load 0.7 kN/m minimum applied in any direction.

5.1.7 Guards

5.1.7.1 Location

Every stair, ramp and landing shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side, where:

1. there is a difference in elevation of more than 100 mm between the stair, ramp or landing surface and the adjacent surface, or
2. the adjacent surface within 1.2 m of the stair, ramp or landing surface has a slope of more than 1:2.

5.1.7.2 Height

5.1.7.2.1 Interior

The height of a guard for interior stairs, ramps and landings shall be 1,070 mm minimum, measured vertically to the top of the guard from:

1. from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
2. the surface of the ramp or landing.

5.1.7.2.2 Exterior

The height of a guard shall be 1,500 mm minimum for exterior stairs, ramps and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level, measured vertically to the top of the guard from:

1. from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
2. the surface of the ramp or landing.

5.1.7.3 Windows

A window for which the distance measured vertically between the bottom of the window and a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings is less than 900 mm, or a window that extends to less than 1,070 mm above the surface of the ramp or landing, shall be:

1. protected by a guard that is:
   1. 900 mm minimum in height above a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
   2. 1,070 mm minimum in height measured to the top of the guard from the surface of the ramp or landing, or
2. fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads specified for guards and walls in the applicable Building Code.

Note: Access aisles should be regularly maintained and kept clear of debris and snow.

5.3.1 General

An access aisle shall:

1. be marked, and
2. be parallel to a passenger loading zone,
3. have overhead protection for users from the elements.

5.3.2 Clear floor area

An access aisle shall:

1. have a clear width of 2,440 mm minimum, and
2. have a clear length of 7,400 mm minimum.

5.3.3 Access aisle identification

An access aisle shall have diagonal pavement markings that:

1. are visible,
2. have a high luminance contrast to the surrounding surface, and
3. extend the full length of the passenger loading zone.

5.5.1 Clear height of doorway

The clear height of a doorway shall be 2,030 mm minimum.

5.5.2 Clear width

Except as permitted by Clause 5.5.3, every doorway or gate in a path of travel shall have a clear width of 950 mm minimum:

1. for swinging doors and gates, when measured from the face of the active door, in the open position of 90 ° to the doorway, to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame.
2. for sliding doors, when measured from the edge of the door, in the open position, to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame.

5.5.3 Projections into clear width

The clear width of doors shall:

1. have no projections within 865 mm minimum above the finished floor surface, and
2. be permitted to have door closers and stops, located 2,030 mm minimum above the finished floor surface.

5.5.4 Vision panels

Where provided, vision panels in a door shall:

1. have a width of 150 mm minimum,
2. have a lower edge 600 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
3. have an upper edge 1,600 mm minimum above the finished floor surface,
4. have the edge of the vision panel closest to the latch 200 mm maximum from the latch edge of the door, and
5. be permitted to have subdivided cross-sections that are 200 mm maximum in width.

5.5.5 Door differentiation

5.5.5.1 General

A doorway or door shall have a medium luminous contrast 50 mm minimum in width between:

1. door leaf and door jamb,
2. door leaf and adjacent wall,
3. architrave and wall,
4. door leaf and architrave, or
5. door jamb and adjacent wall.

5.5.5.2 Glazed doors

A sheet of glass in a door shall be marked with two continuous opaque strips, where:

1. the strips have a high luminous contrast to the door,
2. the strips are 75 mm minimum in width and extend the width of the door,
3. the centreline of the first opaque strip is located between 900 mm minimum and 920 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
4. the centreline of the second opaque strip is located between 1,350 mm minimum and 1,500 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
5. the opaque strips are permitted to incorporate a logo or symbol and high-contrast patterns, and
6. mirrored or highly reflective glass is not permitted.

5.5.6 Door hardware

5.5.6.1 Door handle

A door handle shall:

1. be between 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
2. have a clearance between 35 mm minimum and 45 mm maximum from the back plate or the door face,
3. be 80 mm minimum in length,
4. be located 500 mm minimum from an internal corner,
5. be located 60 mm minimum from the door jamb or doorstop when in the open or closed position for sliding doors, and
6. have a high luminous contrast to the door surface.

5.5.6.2 Panic hardware

Panic hardware shall be mounted between 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum above the finished floor surface.

5.5.6.3 Outward swinging doors

5.5.6.3.1 Hardware

Where an outward opening door is not self-closing, a horizontal D-shaped handle shall be fixed on the closing face side of the door mounted at no less than 900 mm and no more than 1,100 mm.

5.5.6.3.2 Guard

A cane-detectable guard shall be installed on the hinged side of an outward opening door.

5.5.7 Power door operators

5.5.7.1 Power door activation

A power door operator shall activate automatically or by controls that:

1. are located in the path of travel,
2. are marked with the International Symbol of Access,
3. are located adjacent to and centered on a clear floor area in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 and allows for a parallel or forward approach,
4. are mounted on the latch side and 1,500 mm maximum from the door,
5. are operable from a height above the finished floor surface between:
   1. 150 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum, and
   2. 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum, and
6. are operable in conformance with Clause 4.7.

Note: A sliding power-operated door does not swing into a path of travel and is therefore preferred over a swinging power-operated door.

5.5.7.2 Power door operation

A power door operator shall:

1. be equipped with safety sensors at a height of 500 mm and 1000 mm, designed to prevent contact with any user or service animal,
2. have an opening time:
   1. of 3 seconds minimum for sliding doors, and
   2. between 3 seconds minimum and 6 seconds maximum for swinging doors,
3. have a door hold open time between 5 seconds minimum and 10 seconds maximum for swinging and sliding doors, and
4. require a force of 65 N maximum to stop movement of the door.

5.5.7.3 Marking

The swing path of a power-operated door shall be marked on the ground or floor surface with a high luminance contrast to the ground or floor surface.

5.5.8 Door opening

5.5.8.1 Door closers

Door closers shall:

1. have adjustable delayed action or hold open function, other than door closers located within a fire separation.
2. have a closing period of 3 seconds minimum measured from when the door is in an open position of 70 ° to the doorway, to when the door reaches a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.

5.5.8.2 Door opening force

Except for a door with a power door operator, when unlatched, a door shall open when the force applied to the handle, push plate or latch-releasing device is 15 N maximum for an exterior swinging door, interior swinging door, or sliding door.

5.5.9 Threshold

A threshold for a doorway shall:

1. be in conformance with Clause 4.2, and
2. have a medium luminance contrast with the adjacent floor surface.

5.5.10 Doorway clear floor area

5.5.10.1 Swinging doors

5.5.10.1.1 Door swinging towards forward approach

Where a door swings towards the forward approach, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 660 mm minimum beside the latching jamb of the door, and
3. 110 mm minimum beside the hinge jamb of the door.

5.5.10.1.2 Door swinging away from forward approach

Where a door swings away from the forward approach, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door, and
2. the width of the door assembly plus 510 mm minimum beside the latching jamb of the door.

5.5.10.1.3 Door swinging towards hinge side approach

Where a door swings towards the hinge side approach, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 915 mm minimum beside the latching jamb of the door, and
3. 660 mm minimum beside the hinge jamb of the door.

5.5.10.1.4 Door swinging away from hinge side approach

Where a door swings away from the hinge side approach, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 340 mm minimum beside the latching jamb of the door, and
3. 560 mm minimum beside the hinge jamb of the door.

5.5.10.1.5 Door swinging towards latch-side approach

Where a door swings towards the latch side, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 900 mm minimum beside the latching jamb of the door, and
3. 110 mm minimum beside the hinge jamb of the door.

5.5.10.1.6 Door swinging away from latch-side approach

Where a door swings away from the latch side, a clear floor area in front of the door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 660 minimum beside the latching jamb of the door, and
3. 240 mm minimum beside the hinge jamb of the door.

5.5.10.2 Sliding and folding doors

5.5.10.2.1 Forward approach

A clear floor area in front of a sliding or folding door for a forward approach shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 300 mm minimum beside the latching jamb, and
3. 300 mm minimum beside the slider jamb of the door.

5.5.10.2.2 Slider side approach

A clear floor area for a sliding or folding door for a slider side approach shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 540 mm minimum beside the latching jamb, and
3. 660 mm minimum beside the slider jamb of the door.

5.5.10.2.3 Latch side approach

A clear floor area for a sliding or folding door latch side approach shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the door,
2. the width of the door assembly plus 660 mm minimum beside the latching jamb, and
3. 185 mm minimum beside the slider jamb of the door.

5.5.10.3 A doorway not equipped with a door

5.5.10.3.1 Forward approach

A clear floor area for a forward approach to a doorway not equipped with a door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the doorway, and
2. the width of the clear opening of the doorway.

5.5.10.3.2 Side approach

A clear floor area for a side approach to a doorway not equipped with a door shall be:

1. 1,700 mm minimum measured perpendicular to the doorway, and
2. the width of the clear opening of the doorway.

5.5.10.4 Door in series

A clear floor area between doors in series shall be provided in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 d), and any door swing shall not encroach on the clear floor area.

5.5.10.5 Guard at power-assisted doors

A power-assisted door that swings into the path of travel shall be provided with a cane-detectable guard on the hinged side of the door.

5.7.1 Floor surface

Ramp and landing floor surfaces shall be:

1. designed to be free of ice and snow accumulations for exterior ramps, and
2. be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.

5.7.2 Clear width

A ramp shall have a clear width of 1,000 mm minimum.

5.7.3 Slope

A ramp shall have a slope of 1:20 maximum.

5.7.4 Landings

5.7.4.1 Location

A ramp shall have a landing at the top, bottom, changes in direction, door and stairway access points and at intervals of 9 m maximum.

5.7.4.2 Transition

The transition from a ramp to a landing shall be sharp and form a 90 ° angle to the line of transition between the ramp surface and the landing surface.

5.7.4.3 Area

A landing shall be:

1. in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 d) at the top, bottom and at door and stairway access points, or
2. the full width of the ramp and along its length for 1,670 mm minimum at changes in direction and at intervals of 9 m maximum.

5.7.5 Handrails

Handrails for ramps and intermediate landings shall be in conformance with Clause 5.1.6.

5.7.6 Guards

Guards for ramps and intermediate landing shall be in conformance with Clause 5.1.7.

5.7.7 Edge protection

A ramp shall have a curb 100 mm minimum in height on any side where no solid enclosure or solid guard is provided, and where a raised barrier or rail is provided, it shall be located 100 mm maximum horizontally from the ramp or landing surface.

5.7.8 Tactile walking surface indicator

5.7.8.1 Location

A ramp shall have a tactile walking surface indicator at the top and bottom in conformance with Clause 6.3.10.

5.7.8.2 Dimensions

A tactile walking surface indicator shall be:

1. located between 150 mm minimum and 200 mm maximum:
   1. back from the top of the ramp, and
   2. forward from the bottom of the ramp, and
2. between 600 mm minimum and 650 mm maximum by the full width of the ramp, but not including flared sides of the ramp.

6.1.1 Public counters

The public portion of public counters shall:

1. have a clear floor area for a parallel approach along the entire length of the counter in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 b) ii),
2. provide a clear floor area for a forward approach at a minimum of one point along the length of the counter in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 a) and provide knee and toe clearance at that location in conformance with Clause 4.4,
3. have a counter surface height between 660 mm minimum and 865 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
4. have no obstructions within 305 mm above the counter surface,
5. have no vertical barriers between the public and any non-public portion of the counter that is more than 1,090 mm above the finished floor surface unless the barrier is transparent security glazing, and
6. have a non-glare finish.

6.1.2 Work surfaces

Work surfaces shall:

1. provide a clear width below the work surface of 900 mm minimum,
2. have a clear floor area centered on the clear width for a forward approach in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 a),
3. have a knee and toe clearance centered on the clear width in conformance with Clause 4.4,
4. have a surface height between 660 mm minimum and 865 mm maximum above the finished floor surface, and
5. have a low-glare finish.

6.3.1 Locations

Signs shall be provided:

1. so as to avoid shadow areas and surface glare,
2. directional signage shall be located between 1,200 mm minimum and 1,600 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
3. at changes in direction,
4. at sites where directional decisions are made, to enable the appropriate decisions to be made before a change of direction occurs, and
5. 2,100 mm minimum above the finished floor surface where a sign can be obstructed.

6.3.2 Illumination

Signs shall be illuminated in conformance with Clause 4.8.

6.3.3 Tactile sign height

Tactile signs shall have a height of 60 mm minimum.

6.3.4 Tactile maps

Tactile maps shall:

1. be angled between 20 ° minimum and 30 ° maximum from the horizontal,
2. have the bottom edge 900 mm minimum above the finished floor surface,
3. have the key located at the bottom of the map and left justified, and
4. have a recessed braille locator provided on the left-hand side to assist in locating the legend.

6.3.5 Visual characters

6.3.5.1 Case

Visual characters shall be uppercase, lowercase, or a combination of both.

6.3.5.2 Type

Visual characters shall be conventional in form, not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

Note: Examples of acceptable visual character types are those of sans serif type including Helvetica, Arial, or Open sans.

6.3.5.3 Character height

6.3.5.3.1 General

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a font in conformance with Table 9.

Table 9 - Visual character height (See Clause 6.3.5.3)

6.3.5.3.2 Viewing distance

Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and:

1. an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign.
2. where someone is expected to view the sign.

6.3.5.4 Character width

The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of a font and shall be between 55% minimum and 110% maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font determined in conformance with Clause 6.3.5.3.1.

6.3.5.5 Stroke width

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all characters of a font and shall be between 10% minimum and 30% maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font determined in conformance with Clause 6.3.5.3.1 of the font.

6.3.5.6 Character spacing

Spacing between individual characters shall be 10% minimum and 35% maximum of the character height and shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters within a message, excluding word spaces.

6.3.5.7 Line Spacing

Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of characters within a message shall be 135% minimum and 170% maximum of the character height.

6.3.5.8 Height above floor

Visual characters shall be 1015 mm minimum above the finished floor surface of the viewing position, measured to the baseline of the character.

6.3.5.9 Finish and contrast

Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish and shall have a high luminance contrast with their background.

6.3.5.10 Glare

The glare from coverings, the finish of characters and their background shall be 19 gloss units (gu) maximum as measured on a 60 ° gloss meter.

6.3.6 Raised characters

6.3.6.1 General

Raised characters shall be duplicated in braille.

6.3.6.2 Case

Raised characters shall be uppercase.

6.3.6.3 Depth

Raised characters shall be raised 0.8 mm minimum above the surface.

6.3.6.4 Style

Raised characters shall be sans serif, not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative or of other unusual forms.

6.3.6.5 Character height

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a font and the height of the uppercase letter “I” of the font, measured vertically from the baseline of the character, shall be between 16 mm minimum and 51 mm maximum.

6.3.6.6 Character height exception

Where separate raised and visual characters with the same information are provided, the height of the raised uppercase letter “I” shall be permitted to be 13 mm minimum.

6.3.6.7 Character width

The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of a font and shall be between 55% minimum and 110% maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font determined in conformance with Clause 6.3.5.3.1 of the font.

6.3.6.8 Stroke width

The uppercase letter “I” of the font shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all characters of a font and shall be:

1. 15% maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I” measured at the top surface of the character,
2. 30% maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I” measured at the base of the character, and
3. 10% minimum of the height of the uppercase letter “I”, when characters are both visual and raised.

6.3.6.9 Character spacing

6.3.6.9.1 Character to character spacing

Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters within a message, excluding word spaces and shall be

1. 3.2 mm minimum measured at the top surface of the characters,
2. 1.6 mm minimum measured at the base of the characters, and
3. a maximum of four times the raised character stroke width.

6.3.6.9.2 Character to other elements spacing

Characters shall be separated from raised borders and decorative elements 9.5 mm minimum.

6.3.6.10 Line spacing

Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of raised characters within a message shall be between 135% maximum and 170% minimum of the raised character height.

6.3.6.11 Height above floor

The height of raised characters above the finished floor surface shall be:

1. 1200 mm minimum measured to the baseline of the lowest raised character, and
2. 1525 mm maximum measured to the baseline of the highest raised character.

6.3.6.12 Location at doors

6.3.6.12.1 Single door

Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is provided at a door, the sign shall be:

1. alongside the door at the latch side, or
2. on the nearest adjacent wall, where there is no wall space on the latch side of the door.

6.3.6.12.2 Double door – one active leaf

Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf.

6.3.6.12.3 Double door – two active leaves

Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is provided at double doors with two active leaves, the sign shall be:

1. to the right of the right-hand door.
2. on the nearest adjacent wall, where there is no wall space to the right side of double doors.

6.3.6.12.4 Clear floor area at a door

Signs containing raised characters and braille shall be located so that a clear floor area 455 mm minimum in width and 455 mm minimum in depth, centered on the raised characters is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 ° open position.

6.3.6.12.5 Doors with closers and without hold-open devices

Signs containing raised characters and braille shall be permitted on the push side of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.

6.3.6.13 Finish and contrast

Except where separate raised characters and visual characters with the same information are provided, characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish and a high luminance contrast with their background.

6.3.7 Braille

6.3.7.1 Uppercase letters

The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials or acronyms.

6.3.7.2 Dimensions

Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall be in conformance with Table 10.

Table 10 - Braille dimensions (See Clause 6.3.7.2)

6.3.7.3 Position

Braille shall be:

1. left justified,
2. below the corresponding text and if text is multilined, shall be placed 8 mm minimum below the entire text, and
3. be separated 9.5 mm minimum from:
   1. any other raised characters, and
   2. raised borders and decorative elements.

6.3.7.4 Mounting height

Braille shall be between 1,220 mm minimum and 1,525 mm maximum above the finished floor surface, measured to the baseline of the braille cells.

6.3.7.5 Clear floor area

A clear floor area shall be provided in front of and centered on tactile and braille signs in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 a) for a forward approach.

6.3.7.6 Arrows

Where an arrow is used in the tactile sign, a small arrow shall be provided for braille readers.

6.3.7.7 Braille numerals

Braille numerals shall be preceded by a braille numerical sign.

6.3.7.8 Multiple lines of text and characters

On signs with multiple lines of text and characters, a semi-circular braille locator on the left margin shall be horizontally aligned with the first line of braille text.

6.3.8 Pictograms

6.3.8.1 Pictogram field

Pictograms shall have a field that is 150 mm minimum in height and characters or braille shall not be located in the pictogram field.

6.3.8.2 Finish and contrast

6.3.8.2.1 General

Pictograms and their fields shall have a nonglare finish and shall have a high luminance contrast with their fields.

6.3.8.2.2 Nonglare finish

The glare from coverings and the finish of pictograms and their fields shall be 19 gloss units (gu) maximum as measured on a 60 ° gloss meter.

6.3.8.2.3 Character contrast

Characters shall have a high luminance contrast with their background.

6.3.9 Symbols of accessibility

6.3.9.1 Finish and contrast

Symbols of accessibility and their backgrounds shall have a nonglare finish and shall have a high luminance contrast with their backgrounds.

6.3.9.2 Nonglare finish

The glare from coverings and the finish of symbols of accessibility and their backgrounds shall be 19 gloss units (gu) maximum as measured on a 60 ° gloss meter.

6.3.9.3 Symbols

6.3.9.3.1 International symbol of accessibility

The International Symbol of Accessibility shall consist of two elements: a stylized figure in a wheelchair pointing to the right on a plain square background:

1. the proportional layout of the symbol of access shall be in accordance with ISO 7001:2007 “Graphical symbols—Public information symbols,”
2. the colour of the figure shall be white on a blue background and the blue shall be B21 ultramarine, or similar, and
3. for signs indicating the direction to a facility, an arrow shall be used in combination with the international symbol of access.

6.3.9.3.2 International symbol of access for hearing loss

The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss shall include the following:

1. symbol for deafness shall consist of two elements - a stylized ear and a diagonal slash on a plain square background,
2. proportional layout of the symbol for deafness shall be in accordance with ISO 7001:2007 “Graphical symbols—Public information symbols,” and
3. the colour of the symbol shall be white on a blue background and the blue shall be B21, ultramarine, or similar.

6.3.10 Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI)

6.3.10.1 General

Tactile walking surface indicators shall be:

1. composed of truncated domes in conformance with Clause 6.3.10.2, and
2. slip-resistant and durable and shall have a high luminance contrast with adjacent surfaces.

6.3.10.2 Truncated domes

6.3.10.2.1 Size

Truncated domes shall have

1. a base diameter between 23 mm minimum and 36 mm maximum, and
2. a top diameter between 50% minimum and 65% maximum of the base diameter.

6.3.10.2.2 Height

Truncated domes shall have a height between 4 mm minimum and 5 mm maximum, and shall be detectable when walked upon as being different from the surrounding surface.

6.3.10.2.3 Spacing

Truncated domes shall have a:

1. center-to-center spacing between 41 mm minimum and 61 mm maximum, and
2. a base-to-base spacing of 16.5 mm minimum, measured between the most adjacent domes on the grid.

6.3.10.2.4 Alignment

Truncated domes shall be aligned in a square grid pattern.

7.1.1 General

A grab bar shall:

1. be slip-resistant,
2. be free of any sharp or abrasive elements,
3. be mounted on surfaces that are free of any sharp or abrasive elements,
4. not rotate within their fittings, and
5. be able to resist a load of 1.3 kN minimum applied vertically or horizontally.

7.1.2 Cross-section

A grab bar shall have a circular diameter between 30 mm minimum and 50 mm maximum.

7.1.3 Mounting location

A grab bar shall be located:

1. 50 mm minimum and 60 mm maximum from the wall on which it is mounted,
2. 380 mm minimum from projecting objects below,
3. 305 mm minimum from projecting objects above, and
4. 38 mm minimum from shower controls, shower fittings, and other grab bars above.

7.1.4 Identification

Grab bars shall have a high luminance contrast with the surrounding surface.

Note: Entrances to universal washrooms should be provided independent of entrances to multi-stall washrooms and should be in closer proximity to a building entrance than a general use washroom.

7.3.1 Use

A universal washroom shall not be used for any other purpose other than a sanitary facility.

7.3.2 Surface conditions

A universal washroom shall have a floor surface:

1. in conformance with Clause 4.1, and
2. designed to limit water pooling on the floor surface.

7.3.3 Clear floor area

7.3.3.1 General

A universal washroom shall have a clear floor area:

1. 3.7 m² minimum with no dimension less than 1,700 mm when the door swings out, or
2. 4.0 m² minimum with no dimension less than 1,800 mm when the door swings in.

7.3.3.2 Clear floor area overlap

The clear floor area required by Clauses 7.3.3, 7.3.5, 7.3.6 a) and 7.3.11 are permitted to overlap.

7.3.3.3 Obstructions

The following are permitted to encroach into clear floor area below 900 mm:

1. toilet paper dispenser,
2. grab bars, and
3. lavatory and vanity with an encroachment not more than 100 mm.

7.3.4 Door

7.3.4.1 Clear width

The clear width of a door providing access to a universal washroom shall be 950 mm minimum when in the open position.

7.3.4.2 Operation

A door providing access to a universal washroom shall be equipped with a power door operator in conformance with Clause 5.5.7.

7.3.4.3 Locking mechanism

7.3.4.3.1 Operation

A door providing access to a universal washroom shall be equipped with a locking mechanism that is operable:

1. by interior buttons in conformance with Clause 4.7, from a height above the finished floor surface between:
   1. 150 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum, and
   2. 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum,
2. manually from the interior in conformance with Clause 4.7,
3. from the exterior by a key, or
4. automatically to disengage the lock:
   1. upon loss of power to the locking mechanism,
   2. upon activation of the emergency notification system required in conformance with Clause 7.3.14, or
   3. where a building is equipped with a fire alarm system, by actuation of the alarm signal.

7.3.4.3.2 Indication

The operation of the door locking mechanism shall be indicated by:

1. the operation of a red light incorporated in the buttons required in conformance with Clause 7.3.4.3.1 a), and
2. audible indication.

7.3.4.3.3 Sign

Instructions for the operation of the door locking mechanism shall be indicated by a sign with raised characters in conformance with Clause 6.3.6, located adjacent to the door and in proximity to the door operation mechanisms.

7.3.5 Lavatory, mirror and accessories

A universal washroom shall be provided with a lavatory, mirror, soap dispenser, towel dispenser/hand dryer, and shelf in conformance with Clause 7.2.6.

7.3.6 Water closet and grab bars

A universal washroom shall be provided with:

1. a water closet in conformance with Clause 7.2.2.4, and
2. grab bars in conformance with Clause 7.2.2.5.

7.3.7 Toilet paper dispenser

A universal washroom shall be provided with a toilet paper dispenser in conformance with Clause 7.2.3.6.

7.3.8 Coat hook

A universal washroom shall be provided with a coat hook in conformance with Clause 7.2.2.6.

7.3.9 Shelf

A universal washroom shall be provided with a shelf:

1. mounted between 1,015 mm minimum and 1,220 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
2. having a usable surface with a width of 400 mm minimum, and
3. project 100 mm maximum from the wall.

7.3.10 Lighting

A universal washroom shall have lighting controlled by a motion sensor.

7.3.11 Height-adjustable adult change table

A universal washroom shall be provided with a height-adjustable adult change table that:

1. has a surface height above the finished floor surface that can be adjusted between 450 mm minimum and 900 mm maximum,
2. has a width of 1,000 mm minimum and depth of 2,000 mm minimum,
3. is designed to carry a load of 227 kg minimum,
4. has a clear floor area parallel to the long side of the change table with a width of 1500 mm minimum and depth of 2,100 mm minimum,
5. does not encroach into the water closet clear transfer space required by Clause 7.3.6,
6. has operating mechanisms located in conformance with Clause 4.6, and
7. is located within 1,000 mm of an electrical outlet.

7.3.12 Baby change table

Where installed, a baby change table in a universal washroom shall:

1. have a surface height 820 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
2. have a clearance underneath 720 mm minimum when in the open position, and
3. not encroach into the clear floor area of the universal washroom when in the folded-up position.

7.3.13 Ceiling lift system

A universal washroom shall be provided with a lift system that is designed to:

1. carry a load of 227 kg minimum, and
2. transport an adult to the water closet, lavatory or change table.

7.3.14 Emergency notification system

7.3.14.1 Operation

A universal washroom shall include an emergency notification system that is operable by interior buttons in conformance with Clause 4.7, from a height above the finished floor surface between:

1. 150 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum, and
2. 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum.

7.3.14.2 Location

The buttons required in conformance with Clause 7.3.14.1 shall be located so as not to be confused with the:

1. buttons required in conformance with Clause 7.3.4.3.1 a) for the operation and release of the door locking mechanism, and
2. controls required in conformance with Clauses 7.3.4.2 and 5.5.7.1 e) for the operation of the power door operator.

7.3.14.3 Notification

Note: Where the universal washroom is located in a building equipped with a monitored system, the emergency notification system should be connected to that system to notify onsite personnel when the system is activated.

A universal washroom shall include a combination flashing light and audible alarm, on the exterior wall and adjacent to the door, that will operate upon operation of the buttons required in conformance with Clause 7.3.14.1.

7.3.14.4 Signs

Instructions for the operation of the emergency notification system shall be indicated by a sign with raised characters in conformance with Clause 6.3.6, located adjacent to the buttons required to operate the emergency notification system.

7.5.1 Clear floor area

7.5.1.1 General

The room in which an accessible bathtub is located shall be provided with a clear floor area:

1. for turning in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 d), and
2. at the entrance to the accessible bathtub for a parallel approach that is:
   1. the width in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 b) ii), and
   2. the greater of the length of the accessible bathtub or the depth in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 b) i).

7.5.1.2 Clear floor area overlap

The clear floor area required by Clause 7.5.1.1 a) for turning can overlap with the clear floor area required by Clause 7.5.1.1 b) adjacent to the accessible bathtub.

7.5.1.3 Obstructions

Obstructions are permitted to project into the clear floor area provided they do not restrict access to the accessible bathtub.

7.5.2 Length and height

An accessible bathtub shall be 1500 mm minimum in length and have a rim height between 400 mm minimum and 460 mm maximum above the finished floor surface.

7.5.3 Access

An accessible bathtub shall be accessible along its entire length with no tracks mounted on the rim.

7.5.4 Doors and enclosure walls

Accessible bathtub doors and enclosure walls are permitted where they do not obstruct:

1. controls, faucets, shower and spray units, or
2. transfer from a wheelchair onto bathtub seats or into bathtubs.

7.5.5 Surface condition

The bottom surface of an accessible bathtub shall be slip-resistant.

7.5.6 Seat

7.5.6.1 General

A seat shall be provided in an accessible bathtub.

7.5.6.2 Type

An accessible bathtub seat shall be permanent or movable.

7.5.6.3 Size

An accessible bathtub seat shall have:

1. a width of 380 mm minimum for a permanent seat,
2. a width of 450 mm minimum and minimum depth of 400 mm for a moveable seat, and

7.5.6.4 Support

An accessible bathtub seat shall have:

1. a fastener mounting device or supporting structure, and
2. support a load of 1.3 kN minimum.

7.5.6.5 Surface

The surface of an accessible bathtub seat shall:

1. be padded,
2. be smooth,
3. be slip-resistant,
4. have no rough edges,
5. have front corners that are rounded to a radius of between 10 mm minimum and 15 mm maximum,
6. have top edges that are rounded to a radius of between 2 mm minimum and 3 mm maximum,
7. be designed to be easily cleaned, and
8. be impervious to water and self-drain, where holes or slots in single unit seats or by gaps between slats in compound seats, the diameter of the holes, the width of the slots and the gaps between slats shall be between 4 mm minimum and 6 mm maximum.

7.5.7 Faucets and controls

7.5.7.1 General

Accessible bathtub faucets and controls shall be in conformance with Clause 4.7.

7.5.7.2 Type

An accessible bathtub shall have a pressure-equalizing or thermostatic-mixing valve.

7.5.7.3 Location

Accessible bathtub controls shall be:

1. located on the centre line or between the centre line of the bathtub and the exterior edge of the accessible bathtub rim,
2. located 450 mm maximum above the rim, and
3. within reach of the seat in conformance with Clause 4.6.

7.5.7.4 Water temperature

Accessible bathtub water temperature shall be 49 °C maximum.

7.5.8 Grab bars

7.5.8.1 General

An accessible bathtub shall have four grab bars in conformance with Clauses 7.1, 7.5.8.2 and 7.5.8.3.

7.5.8.2 Back wall

Two horizontal grab bars shall be mounted on the back wall 380 mm minimum from the head end of the wall and extend 305 mm minimum from the control end wall, such that:

1. one grab bar is located between 840 mm minimum and 915 mm maximum above the floor of the accessible bathtub, and
2. one grab bar is located between 205 mm minimum and 255 mm maximum above the rim of the accessible bathtub.

7.5.8.3 Control end wall

A horizontal and vertical grab bar shall be mounted on the control end wall such that:

1. the horizontal grab bar is located near the front edge of the accessible bathtub, extending toward the inside comer of the bathtub 610 mm minimum in length.
2. the vertical grab bar is:
   1. located inward from the front edge of the bathtub 100 mm maximum,
   2. 455 mm minimum in length, and
   3. between 75 mm minimum and 150 mm maximum above the horizontal grab bar.

7.5.9 Shower head

7.5.9.1 General

An accessible bathtub shall be provided with:

1. a fixed shower head that complies with Clause 7.5.9.2, and
2. a hand-held shower head that complies with Clause 7.5.9.3.

7.5.9.2 Fixed shower head

A fixed shower head shall:

1. be mounted between 1780 mm minimum and 2030 mm above the floor of the bathtub, and
2. have controls that comply with Clause 7.5.7 to allow water flow between either the fixed shower head or the hand-held shower head.

7.5.9.3 Hand-held shower head

A hand-held shower head shall:

1. be within reach from a seated position,
2. have a flexible hose length 1,800 mm minimum,
3. have an adjustable height between 400 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum above the finished floor surface,
4. have a nonpositive shutoff feature, and
5. not obstruct the use of the grab bars.

7.5.10 Soap holder

An accessible bathtub shall have a soap holder that is:

1. fully recessed, and
2. reachable from a seated position in conformance with Clause 4.6.

Note: For existing facilities where fire alarm systems cannot be upgraded, consider the provision of portable, vibrating pager systems or smart phones.

8.1.1 Visible device location

Visible signal devices shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the floor area, portion thereof, or compartment in which they are installed.

8.1.2 Where a fire alarm system is provided

Where a fire alarm system is provided, the visible warning system shall consist of strobe lights conforming to CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems, Including Accessories” that are designed to operate as part of the fire alarm system, and:

1. have a luminous intensity of 75 candela minimum.
2. produce between 1 and 3 flashes per second, with the flashes synchronized when more than one strobe light is visible from a single location,
3. have a clear or white translucent lens with the word “FIRE” clearly visible on the:
   1. lens, or
   2. attached nameplate,
4. be installed throughout all floor areas, and
5. be located in conformance with the installation requirements for visible signal devices in CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems.”

8.1.3 Where a fire alarm system is not provided

Where a fire alarm system is not provided, the visible warning system shall consist of strobe lights conforming to CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems, Including Accessories” that shall:

1. be connected to, and activated by:
   1. the smoke alarms required by the applicable Building Code, or
   2. the smoke detectors permitted by the applicable Building Code,
2. have a luminous intensity of 75 candela minimum,
3. produce between 1 and 3 flashes per second, with the flashes synchronized when more than one strobe light is visible from a single location,
4. have a clear or white translucent lens with the word “SMOKE” clearly visible on the:
   1. lens, or
   2. attached nameplate,
5. be installed throughout all floor areas, and
6. be located 2,100 mm minimum above the finished floor surface on a wall or ceiling in a location that will maximize effectiveness.

8.1.4 Smoke alarms in retirement homes

Smoke alarms required in suites in a retirement home shall upon actuation provide an audible and visual signal to staff serving those suites, so that the suite containing the actuated smoke alarm or smoke detector can be easily identified.

An exit door discharging to the exterior of a building or another building through a horizontal exit shall have a sign with raised characters and braille, in conformance with Clauses 6.3.6 and 6.3.7, displaying the word “EXIT.”

Return to top of page

9.1.1 Location

9.1.1.1 Accessible spaces

Spaces designated for accessible use shall:

1. be arranged so that at least 2 designated spaces are side by side,
2. not infringe on egress from any row of seating or any aisle requirements,
3. be part of the designated seating plan, and
4. have a clear floor area in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 c) adjoining each accessible space.

9.1.1.2 Companion seating

Companion seating shall be provided beside each group of designated spaces, if two or more designated spaces are arranged side by side in a group and shall:

1. be equivalent in size, quality, comfort and amenities to the seats in the immediate area to the accessible space location,
2. be moveable,
3. be located to provide shoulder alignment with the accessible space occupant, and
4. have a finished floor surface at the same elevation as the finished floor surface of the designated accessible space accompanied.

9.1.1.3 Adaptable seating

Adaptable seating shall:

1. not infringe on egress from any row of seating or any aisle requirements, and
2. be equipped with a movable or removable armrest on the side of the seat adjoining the aisle.

9.1.1.4 Designated aisle seating

Where provided, designated aisle seating shall:

1. be located adjacent to an aisle,
2. be identified by a sign or marker, and
3. where armrests are provided on seating in the immediate area of designated aisle seats, have folding or retractable armrests on the aisle side of the designated aisle seat.

9.1.2 Floor surface

Spaces designated for accessible and adaptable seating shall be in conformance with Clauses 4.1 and 4.2.

9.1.3 Clear floor area

Accessible spaces shall:

1. be 915 mm minimum in width,
2. be 2,450 mm minimum in depth from the back of the seating to the back of the fixed seating directly in front of the accessible space, and
3. have 1,200 mm minimum clearance from the back of the fixed seating directly in front of the accessible space.

9.1.4 Lines of sight

Note: Lines of sight should be considered in the design of guards and handrails in accessible and adaptable seating areas.

9.1.4.1 Lines of sight over seated spectators

Where spectators are expected to remain seated during events, spectators seated in an accessible space shall be provided with lines of sight to the performance area or playing field comparable to that provided to seated spectators in closest proximity to the accessible space location over:

1. the heads of seated individuals in the first row in front of the accessible space location, or
2. the shoulders and between the heads of seated individuals in the first row in front of the accessible space location.

9.1.4.2 Lines of sight over standing spectators

Accessible spaces required to provide a line of sight over standing spectators shall:

1. be 305 mm maximum from the back of the chair or bench in front, and
2. have a finished floor surface height at the accessible space location that complies with Table 12.

Table 12 - Accessible space location elevation over standing spectators (See Clause 9.1.4.2)

9.1.5 Storage spaces

9.1.5.1 Number

A storage space for mobility assistive devices shall be provided on the same level and in proximity to spaces designated for accessible use and seats designated for adaptable seating and where the number of fixed seats is not more than 200, only one storage space shall be required.

9.1.5.2 Size

A storage space for mobility assistive devices shall be 810 mm minimum in width by 1,370 mm minimum in depth.

9.1.6 Podiums and stage areas

9.1.6.1 Access

Ramped access shall be provided to form a continuous accessible path of travel to a podium or stage.

9.1.6.2 Clear floor area

A stage area shall have a clear floor area in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 d).

9.1.6.3 Controls

Controls and facilities on a podium shall be in conformance with Clauses 4.6 and 4.7.

9.1.6.4 Illumination

Lighting of a podium or stage shall be 200 lx minimum.

9.1.7 Sign language interpreter stations

9.1.7.1 Location

Where provided, a sign language interpreter station shall be located to provide a direct line of sight from the seating area it serves.

9.1.7.2 Lines of sight

The seating area within an arc from the sign language interpreter station and measured to the left and to the right 60 ° within 19.8 m horizontal distance from the station shall have sight lines providing a view of the sign language station from a height between 915 mm minimum and 1,830 mm maximum above the finished floor surface of the station.

9.1.7.3 Size

A sign language interpreter station shall be 610 mm minimum in depth and 915 mm minimum in width.

9.1.7.4 Illumination

A sign language interpreter station shall be illuminated at the level required for a reading surface while signing is underway in conformance with Clause 4.8.

9.1.7.5 Backdrop

A sign language interpreter station shall be provided with a backdrop with a flat, smooth surface with a monochromatic, low-luster finish treatment, and where the station is located with a permanent wall 3,050 mm maximum behind the station, the permanent wall to a height 2,440 mm minimum from the finish floor surface shall be considered as a backdrop.

Accessible examination rooms and treatment rooms shall be provided with:

1. a lavatory designed in conformance with Clause 7.2.6,
2. a height-adjustable adult change table in conformance with Clause 7.3.11, and
3. a ceiling lift system in conformance with Clause 7.3.13.

Return to top of page