CAN-ASC-2.3 - 5. Paths of travel

5.1 General

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
   1. to a building entrance, or
   2. within interior parking areas and passenger drop-off zones, or
2. Clause 5.6 for stairs.

5.1.3 Curb ramp

5.1.3.1 General

A curb ramp is permitted to overcome a maximum change of 200 mm.

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

Where obstructions cannot be avoided along a path of travel, they shall comply with Clause 4.5.

5.1.6 Handrails

5.1.6.1 General

Handrails shall:

1. be easy to grasp and maintain grip 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 1,070 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 pursuant to the applicable Building Code.

5.1.7.4 Differentiation

A guard shall have a medium luminance contrast with the surrounding surface.

5.3 Access aisle

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 in accordance with Clause 5.3.3,
2. be parallel to a passenger loading zone, and
3. have overhead protection for users from the elements.

5.3.2 Clear 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.

5.3.4 Passenger loading zone identification

A passenger loading zone shall have diagonal pavement markings that:

1. are visible, and
2. have a high luminance contrast to the surrounding surface.

5.5 Doorways, doors and gates

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.

Note: Off-set hinges should not be used.

5.5.3 Projections into clear width

The clear width of doorways 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, the visible glazing of 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 its side edge 200 mm maximum from the latch edge, 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 luminance contrast strip that is 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

Where a door has glazing of such size and location that it could be mistaken for an open door, the ‎glazing in the door shall be marked with two continuous opaque strips, where:

1. the strips have a high luminance 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 wall 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 luminance 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 a swinging 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

Unless opening up against a wall or is recessed, a cane-detectable guard shall be installed on the hinged side of a door that swings into a path of travel.

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. be located 600 mm minimum and 1,500 mm maximum beyond the door swing where the door opens towards the control,
5. are operable from a height above the finished floor surface between:
6. 150 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum, and
7. 900 mm minimum and 1,100 mm maximum, and
8. 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

Where provided, 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 doorway,
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 doorway, 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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 doorway,
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 Ramps

Note: Curved ramps should be avoided.

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

Where ramps are constructed with a change in direction, the angle of approach shall 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  of each ramp section 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.

5.7.9 End of ramp indicator

The end of each section of ramp shall be provided with a slip-resistant strip that:

1. is located on the end of the ramp slope,
2. has a high luminance contrast with adjacent surfaces,
3. is the full width of the ramp, and
4. is 40 mm minimum to 60 mm deep.