Part D3 Access for people with a disability

See comments under D1.0. They apply here.

The extent of access required depends on the classification of the building. Buildings and parts of buildings must be accessible as set out in Table D3.1 unless exempted by D3.4.

While access requirements do not apply to Class 1a buildings (typically a detached house, town house or terrace house), they do apply to certain Class 1b buildings used for short-term holiday accommodation such as cabins in caravan parks, tourist parks, farm stay, holiday resorts and similar tourist accommodation. This accommodation itself is typically rented out on a commercial basis for short periods and generally does not require the signing of a lease agreement. Short-term accommodation can also be provided in a boarding house, guest-house, hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation or the like.

Where four or more dwellings used for short-term holiday accommodation on the same allotment are constructed or upgraded, a ratio of accessible dwellings is required. Where there is a newly constructed single Class 1b building, Table D3.1 requires that access be provided to and within at least one bedroom, at least one of each type of room or space for use in common by residents, and to and within all rooms or spaces for use in common on floors served by a lift or accessible ramp.

While the access provisions do not apply to the internal parts of sole-occupancy units, Table D3.1 does require that the common areas on one floor containing sole-occupancy units and at least one of each type of common area such as a games room or gymnasium be accessible. Where a lift or accessible ramp serves other levels, common areas on the levels served must also be accessible. There is no requirement to make private areas provided for the exclusive use of a limited number of residents accessible. For example, a roof top tennis court or spa that is only available to the penthouse suite is not required to be accessible.

Table D3.1 requires that the common areas on one floor containing sole-occupancy units be accessible. Where a lift or accessible ramp serves other levels, common areas on the levels served must also be accessible. Table D3.1 also requires access to be provided to at least one of each type of room or space used in common by the residents, such as TV lounges and dining rooms. For example, a two storey Class 3 building need not have the upper storey accessible so long as there is no unique room or space available to all residents on the upper storey and that upper storey is not served by a lift or accessible ramp.

A ratio of accessible sole-occupancy units is required. Where more than 2 accessible sole-occupancy units are required in a Class 3 building, they are to be representative of the range of rooms available, taking into account amenity and pricing. For example, in a large hotel required to have 10 accessible rooms, the rooms must be distributed to provide a variety of views, proximity to features and price ranges. No more than 2 accessible sole-occupancy units can be located adjacent to each other. When there is more than one accessible sole-occupancy unit, alternate left and right-handed sanitary facilities must be provided in the accessible sole-occupancy units. This ensures the availability of choice for people who, for example, need to transfer from a wheelchair from one side or the other.

Table D3.1 requires that access be provided to all areas within the building normally used by the occupants, with the exception of those areas that are exempted by D3.4. The term “occupants” refers to any person using the building including visitors, employees, employers and owners.

Access must be provided to any level containing accessible carparking spaces.

Access must be provided to all areas normally used by the occupants with the exception of those areas that are exempted by D3.4. In an assembly building other than a school or an early childhood centre, access need not be provided to tiers or platforms containing seating areas if no wheelchair seating spaces are provided on those levels.

Wheelchair seating spaces must be provided in locations that are representative of the fixed seating locations provided. Wheelchair seating spaces must be located to take into account amenity, proximity to facilities, available sightlines and pricing. It would not be acceptable in a Class 9b building in which fixed seating is provided to have all wheelchair seating spaces provided in a single location. In the case of assembly buildings such as theatres and concert halls, areas used by the occupants include change rooms, offices, orchestra pits, stages or the like.

Some Class 9b buildings may be public transport buildings. The passenger use areas of these buildings may be subject to Part H2 in addition to the general access provisions.

The BCA access provisions and AS 1428.1 are focussed on the needs of people with a disability and not specifically aged persons. For this reason, the access provisions of AS 1428.1 have not been applied to all sole-occupancy units in Class 9c buildings but only to those specific rooms that are required to be provided for people with a disability. The extent of access to be provided in Class 9c buildings is similar to that for Class 3 buildings.

Certain Class 10a buildings such as a toilet block in a park, a public structure for the purpose of providing shelter, or change rooms associated with a sports field are required to be accessible if they are located in an accessible area. Generally, these facilities would be close to a carpark or at the beginning of a walkway. However, in some circumstances, a Class 10a building may be a considerable way into a nature walk where it may not be possible to provide an accessible path of travel. In such cases the Class 10a buildings need not be accessible.

Where a Class 10b swimming pool is a public pool such as a health centre pool, Council pool or a common use pool associated with a Class 3 building, and has a perimeter measured at the water’s edge of more than 40 metres, Table D3.1 requires at least one form of entry for people with a disability. Methods for accessing a swimming pool can be found in D3.10.

Some Class 10 buildings may be public transport buildings (for example an open railway platform). The passenger use areas of these buildings may be subject to Part H2 in addition to the general provisions.

D3.2(a) requires accessways to be provided to accessible buildings from the main points of a pedestrian entry at the allotment boundary and from any accessible car parking space or accessible associated buildings connected by a pedestrian link.

In D3.2(b) the principal pedestrian entrance is to be accessible in all cases and not less than 50% of all pedestrian entrances, including the principal pedestrian entrance, are to be accessible. In buildings with a total floor area more than 500 m², an inaccessible entrance cannot be more than 50 m from an accessible entrance. This ensures that situations where people have to travel an unreasonable distance between entrances are avoided. An entrance that serves only an area exempted by D3.4 need not be accessible.

The principal pedestrian entrance is required to be accessible in all cases because it would be the most commonly used entrance by all building users. This is particularly important in public buildings where the principal entrance is often used as a focus for events or as a ceremonial entrance, particularly in hotels and theatres.

Designers should consider the proximity of ramps or lifting devices to stairs or steps at an entrance. People who require a ramp or lifting device at an entrance should not have to travel significantly greater distances to use the entrance than people without a disability.

Similarly, for convenience, the ramp or lifting device should be located as close as possible to any vehicular drop off point or taxi rank servicing a building entrance.

Where an entrance has multiple doorways, the BCA does not require all of them to be accessible:

• If an entrance doorway is manually operated, the minimum dimensions required to provide access must be provided by the opening of a single leaf, so that a person with a disability only has to negotiate their entry through one door leaf.
• If the doorway is automatically operated, the minimum dimension can be provided using two leaves.

In most buildings, access is to be provided to all parts of the building normally used by the occupants with the exception of areas exempted by D3.4. However, it is not intended that access for people who use wheelchairs be provided within non-accessible sanitary facilities or non accessible sole-occupancy units.

Similarly, although stairways are not allowed on an accessway, they are allowed on other paths of travel. The specified provisions of AS 1428.1 provide technical information on how stairways and ramps are to be made safe and accessible for people with an ambulant disability or vision impairment. It is important to note that different requirements are specified for fire-isolated stairways and ramps and other stairways and ramps.

D3.3(c)(i) covers passing spaces on accessways to ensure that a person does not have to retrace their journey for an unreasonable distance to pass another person if the accessway is not sufficiently wide for passing to occur at any point. The minimum dimensions for a passing space are contained in AS 1428.1. Space for passing to occur need only be provided where there is not a direct line of sight to the end of the accessway.

D3.3(c)(ii) covers turning spaces on accessways to ensure that a person does not have to reverse for an unreasonable distance if they encounter a dead-end or need to retrace their journey. The minimum dimensions for a turning space are contained in AS 1428.1. Turning spaces are required within 2 metres of the end of an accessway if it is not possible to continue to travel along the accessway, and at least every 20 metres along an accessway whether or not there is a direct line of sight.

In D3.3(d) and (e) a passing space may also serve as a turning space and the circulation space required at an intersection of accessways is sufficient for passing or turning to occur. In this situation a dedicated passing or turning space would not be required at those locations.

Some storeys or levels, other than the entrance storey, in certain small buildings are not required by D3.3(f) to be provided with access via a passenger lift or a ramp complying with AS 1428.1. This exemption applies only to Class 5, 6, 7b and 8 buildings with 2 or 3 storeys (that is a building with 1 or 2 storeys in addition to the entrance level). This could be a building with 1 or 2 storeys above the entrance level or below it. The exemption states that if the size of each storey (other than the entrance level) is less than 200 m² access via a passenger lift or ramp complying with AS 1428.1 is not required to the other levels. However, if the entrance level to a 3 storey building was 600 m², the 1st storey was also 600 m² and the 2nd storey was only 150 m², access would be required via a passenger lift or ramp complying with AS 1428.1 to all levels. Even though access via a ramp or lift is not required to certain storeys or levels, all other accessible features required by the BCA, except accessible unisex sanitary compartments and accessible unisex showers (see F2.4(i)), are required on the non-entrance levels.

This provision provides details on buildings or parts of buildings not required to be accessible under the BCA. D3.4 details exemptions to the requirements for access to certain areas within buildings where providing access would be inappropriate because of the nature of the area or the tasks undertaken. These areas could include rigging lofts, waste containment areas, foundry floors, loading docks, fire lookouts, Class 8 electricity network substations, plant and equipment rooms and other similar areas. Assessment of these areas is on a case-by-case basis.

While these areas may be assessed as not required to be accessible, nothing in the BCA prevents a designer from providing greater access than the required provisions, should they desire to do so.

Table D3.5 provides details of the number of accessible carparking spaces required in a carpark depending on the classification of the building and based on the ratio of the total number of carparking spaces provided. If the carpark serves a multi-classified building, the number of accessible carparking spaces required should be calculated by determining the number of spaces serving each of the classifications. The specifications for accessible carparking spaces, contained in AS/NZS 2890.6, aim to maximise the area available to people with a disability to get into and out of their vehicles. However:

• while at least one carparking space complying with AS/NZS 2890.6 is required in any carpark covered by D3.5, signage and markings designating an accessible carparking space are only required in a carpark with more than a total of 5 spaces; and

• accessible carparking spaces are not required in a carpark where carpark users do not park their own vehicles, such as a carpark that has a valet parking service.

The most appropriate location for the accessible car parking spaces will be, to some extent, determined by the use and function of the building. For example, a carpark associated with a cinema might have the accessible carparking spaces as close as possible to the main pedestrian entrance and ticketing area.

It may be more appropriate in a building with multiple pedestrian entrances, such as a shopping centre, to distribute accessible carparking spaces to ensure that the distance between the accessible car parking spaces and the entrances to the buildings are minimised.

D3.6 provides requirements for signage in buildings required to be accessible by Part D3. Signage is only required by Part D3 in particular situations.

D3.6(a)(i) provides that all sanitary facilities, except those within a bedroom of a Class 1b building or a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 3 building, and any space with a hearing augmentation system, must have braille and tactile signage compliant with Specification D3.6 that incorporates the international symbol for access or deafness, as appropriate, in accordance with AS 1428.1. Signage in accordance with AS 1428.1 must also identify any ambulant accessible sanitary facilities and must be located on the door of the ambulant accessible compartments.

D3.6(a)(ii) provides that each door required by E4.5 to be provided with an exit sign, must have braille and tactile signage compliant with Specification D3.6 that states "Exit", "Level" and either:

• the floor level number;

• a floor level descriptor; or

• a combination of the above.

All signage required by D3.6(a)(ii) must state "Exit" and "Level", however there is some flexibility about how to describe the "Level". For example, "Ground Level", "Level 1" and "Basement Level 1" are all appropriate descriptions.

D3.6(b) provides that signage including the international symbol for deafness in accordance with AS 1428.1 must be provided in a room with a hearing augmentation system. The signage must indicate the type of hearing augmentation, and the area of the room covered. Signage must also indicate if receivers are used in the room, and where they may be obtained if this is the case.

D3.6(c) applies in addition to D3.6(a)(i).

D3.6(c) requires each standard unisex accessible sanitary facility that is required by Table F2.4(a), to have signage indicating whether the facility allows for left or right handed transfer.

D3.6(e) and D3.6(f) provide that directional information including the international symbol of access must be provided at any pedestrian entrance that is not accessible or a bank of sanitary facilities that does not include a unisex accessible sanitary facility. The directional information must identify where the nearest accessible entrance or accessible sanitary facility can be found.

D3.6(g) applies to any building in which an accessible adult change facility is installed. It requires that directional signage be provided at each standard accessible sanitary compartment to indicate the way to the nearest one that includes an accessible adult change facility.

D3.7 provides requirements for provision of hearing augmentation systems in accessible buildings. There are a number of hearing augmentation systems available. A decision on which system to use will depend on a number of factors, such as the size and use of the space, external interferences and building materials used.

Hearing augmentation coverage is not required to 100% of the floor area of rooms because such coverage could spill over into adjoining rooms and affect the operation of the system installed in those rooms, and because design considerations such as interference and building design mean that it is difficult to ensure complete coverage in any room.

D3.7(a) provides that hearing augmentation systems must be provided where an inbuilt amplification system is provided (other than one only used for emergency warning) in a room in a Class 9b building, in certain types of rooms such as auditoriums, conference rooms, and at ticket offices, teller’s booths, reception areas and similar areas where the public is screened from the service provider.

D3.7(b) sets out requirements for hearing augmentation systems where they are required under D3.7(a). Requirements for hearing augmentation can be met by use of either an induction loop, or the use of receivers or similar systems. Where an induction loop is provided, it must cover at least 80% of the floor area of the room or space that is served by the inbuilt amplification system.

For hearing augmentation systems using audio receivers, the system must cover at least 95% of the floor area of the room or space served by the inbuilt system, and a minimum number of receivers must be provided in a ratio depending on the number of people who may be accommodated in the room (calculated by reference to D1.13).

D3.7(d) provides that screens or scoreboards associated with a Class 9b building that are capable of displaying public announcements must be capable of supplementing any public address system (other than a public address system used for emergency warning purposes only).

Warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) are intended only to be used for specific hazard identification in those areas identified within D3.8. This includes:

• at the top and bottom of stairways, escalators and ramps except those only leading to areas exempted under D3.4; and
• where there is an overhead obstruction less than 2 m above the floor along the pathway, in the absence of a suitable barrier that would prevent a person from hitting the overhead obstruction.

D3.8(c) permits raised dome buttons on handrails as an alternative in some aged care buildings. The reason for the alternatives in aged care buildings is that ground surface indicators may hinder people using walking frames or the like.

Note that TGSIs are not required on enclosed landings between flights of stairs where no other entrance/exit leads onto/off the landing.

The specifications for TGSIs are contained in sections 1 and 2 of AS 1428.4.1.

D3.9 provides requirements for the provision of wheelchair seating spaces in Class 9b assembly buildings. This includes the number of wheelchair seating spaces to be provided in theatres, cinemas and the like, their positioning within the general seating area and how they are to be grouped with other seats or wheelchair spaces. The dimensions of wheelchair seating spaces must comply with AS 1428.1.

Table D3.9 provides requirements relating to the number and permissible grouping of wheelchair seating spaces, depending on the number of fixed seats in the room or space. Grouping all wheelchair spaces together potentially limits the seating options for family or friends accompanying a person using a wheelchair, so requirements are included that spaces be provided both singly and in groups. Wheelchair seating spaces may be provided by having removable seats so that, if the wheelchair spaces are not required, seats for other patrons can be installed in those locations. However, building managers would need to ensure that management practices in relation to removable seating do not discriminate.

D3.9(b) imposes additional requirements on wheelchair seating spaces in cinemas. In cinemas of less than 300 seats, wheelchair seating spaces must not be provided in the front row of seats. In cinemas with more than 300 seats, not less than 75% of required wheelchair seating spaces must be located in rows other than the front row. The location of wheelchair seating spaces must be representative of the range of seating provided.

D3.10 provides the requirements for making swimming pools accessible to people with a disability. Swimming pools, required by Table D3.1 to be accessible, must provide not less than one means of accessible water entry and exit in accordance with Specification D3.10.

Table D3.1 requires that swimming pools with a perimeter greater than 40 m be accessible if they are associated with a building required to be accessible. Private swimming pools are not required to be accessible.

D3.10(b) provides the means by which accessible water entry and exit may be provided. D3.10(c) provides that where a swimming pool has a perimeter of more than 70 m, entry must be provided by at least one of the following: a fixed or movable ramp and an aquatic wheelchair, a zero depth entry and an aquatic wheelchair, or a platform style swimming pool lift and an aquatic wheelchair. Accordingly, only swimming pools of less than 70 m in perimeter may provide a sling-style swimming pool lift as the sole means of water entry and exit.

Under D3.10(d) latching devices on gates and doors which form part of a swimming pool safety barrier need not comply with AS 1428.1.

Ramps may be used as part of an accessway where there is a change in level. The ramp must comply with the requirements specified in AS 1428.1 including a maximum gradient, landings, TGSIs, handrails and kerbing, as appropriate for the type of ramp.

A ramp cannot be used on an accessway to connect one level to another if the vertical rise is greater than 3.6 metres. This is to ensure that the ramp does not cause undue fatigue for a user to the point where the ramp becomes unusable.

Where a ramp is installed on a path of travel used solely for servicing an area exempted under D3.4 the requirements of AS 1428.1 are not mandatory.

This provision requires there to be a contrasting strip, chair rail, handrail or transom across all frameless or fully glazed doorways and surrounding glazing capable of being mistaken for an opening. The purpose of this requirement is to assist a person who has a vision impairment to be able to identify the presence of the glazing and avoid injury caused by contact with the glazing. A contrasting strip with a series of dots, unconnected patterns or shapes that do not provide high levels of contrast would not meet the requirements of this provision.