CAN-ASC-2.3 - 9. Occupancy requirements

9.1 Assembly occupancies

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)

Riser Height (mm) Rows less than 840 mm Rows 840 mm to 1,120 mm Rows over 1,120 mm
0 405 405 405
100 560 535 535
205 785 760 710
305 1,015 940 890
405 1,245 1,145 1,065
510 1,475 1,345 1,245
610 NA 1,550 1,420
710 NA 1,750 1,600
815 NA NA 1,780
915 and higher NA NA 1,955

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.

9.2 Detention occupancies

Cells in detention occupancies required to have accessible features shall:

  1. have a clear floor area within the cell in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 d),
  2. where beds are provided, have a clear floor area in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 b) for a parallel approach to the side of the bed,
  3. where sanitary facilities are provided as part of a cell, be in conformance with Clause 7, and
  4. where audible emergency alarm systems are provided to serve the occupants of cells who are permitted to have independent means of egress, provide visible alarms in conformance with Clause 8.1.

9.3 Business and personal service occupancies

Accessible examination rooms and treatment rooms shall be provided with:

  1. a lavatory designed in conformance with Clause 7.2.7,
  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.