Part H2 Public Transport Buildings

Part H2 specifically relates to buildings associated with public transport services, such as railway stations, bus interchanges, airports and ferry terminals. These requirements were previously located in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards). Some versions of Australian Standards referred to in may be different to those referred to in the remainder of the BCA. The correct version of the Australian Standard to be used can be determined by reference to .

provides that the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of apply to the passenger use areas of Class 9b or Class 10 buildings used for public transport. Class 9b and Class 10 public transport buildings must also satisfy the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of , and .

provides a rule for resolving inconsistencies between these requirements imposed on public transport buildings by providing that the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of take precedence where there is a difference.

provides that, as under the Transport Standards, certain requirements in do not apply to ‘airports that do not accept regular public transport services’ as defined in the Transport Standards.

provides that does not apply to because the application of this provision to could result in a different outcome to what would have been achieved under similar provisions that existed in the Transport Standards. Under , if 10% or less of the floor area of a storey is used for a purpose which could be classified differently to the remainder of that storey, that part may be classified as being the same as the remainder.

The requirements for accessways in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

Accessways and manoeuvring areas may be for other purposes, such as standing areas, but it is expected that public transport passengers will be able to transit them and that they remain available for use by people with a disability when required.

Hazards created by poles, columns, stanchions, bollards and fixtures alongside accessways should be avoided. For example, the use of short posts to prevent delivery vehicles from driving onto parts of pedestrian areas, or commercial signs projecting from walls should be avoided.

requires passing areas to be provided in prescribed locations, with the intent that they be wide enough for 2 people, each using a mobility aid, to pass one another.

The requirements for ramps in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides requirements for accessible ramps in public transport buildings. Ramps forming part of an accessway must comply with clause 8 of AS 1428.2.

provides that , which limits the combined vertical rise of connected ramps to 3.6 m, does not apply to buildings covered by .

The requirements for handrails and grabrails in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides requirements for handrails and grabrails in public transport buildings. provides that handrails must be placed along an accessway to assist wherever passengers are likely to require additional support or guidance, such as changes of level, ramps, a narrowing or a change of direction of an accessway. provides, in particular, that a grabrail or handrail must be provided at fixed locations where passengers are required to pay fares.

The requirements for doorways and doors in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that doorways and doors must comply with clause 11 (except clause 11.5.2) of AS 1428.2. The BCA allows for doors that are automatic, power assisted or manual.

The requirements for lifts in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that lift facilities must comply with AS 1735.12.

The requirements for stairways in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides specifications for accessible stairways in public transport buildings.

The requirement for an accessway under the BCA means that stairways cannot be the sole means of access. However, stairways are acceptable as an optional route on an accessway.

The requirements for unisex accessible toilets in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that if toilets are provided, at least one unisex accessible toilet must be provided in accordance with AS 1428.1 (2001) clause 10, sanitary facilities.

The requirements for the location of accessible toilets in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that accessible toilets must be provided in the same location as other toilets.

The requirements for symbols and signs in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides requirements for symbols and signs, including where signs should be provided, and the specifications that the signs must comply with.

The requirements for TGSIs in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that TGSIs must be installed to define key areas on an accessway for people with vision impairment. TGSIs must comply with AS 1428.4 and must indicate changes in direction in accordance with clause 18.1 of AS 1428.2.

The requirements for lighting in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that any lighting provided must comply with the minimum levels of maintenance illumination specified in the notes to clause 19.1 of AS 1428.2.

The requirements for hearing augmentation in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that if a public address system is installed, it must comply with clause 21.1 of AS 1428.2.

The requirements for emergency warning systems in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides specifications for emergency warning systems. provides that, in the event of an emergency, provision must be made for people with vision impairment to locate the exit path.

The requirements for controls in were previously located in the Transport Standards.

provides that controls must comply with clause 11 of AS 1428.1 which covers door handles and hardware, switches and general purpose outlets (power points) and water taps.