Accessible entry

Design of accessible entries should consider the following:

Stairs, ramps and accessible gradients

Eradicating steps assists in the provision of equal access and step-free design serves all users, not just those with a disability. Requirements for gradients, landings etc should be integrated at the design stage to avoid the need for expensive retrofit solutions later.

It can be challenging to provide step-free access to a site on sloping terrain. The public domain adjoining a building allotment is often not flat. The footpath may slope across the frontage or may have excessive crossfall. The planning and design of access points to a building should be made with clear understanding of the adjoining grades and levels. Where doorways adjoin sloping footpaths within the public domain, changes to provide level entry points should be made within the confines of the property envelope and not extended out into the public domain.

In these circumstances, connecting the entry level and the footpath requires some transition in the planes between them. This is conventionally achieved by use of a threshold ramp at the doorway, a step ramp or a common ramp.

Some design considerations for stairs and ramps at entries include:

Threshold ramp

• Do not assume the footpath can be considered a complying landing.
• Establish if the footpath can be considered a complying circulation space. If not, provide the door circulation space within the property and a transition area to link the footpath and the circulation space. Note the ramped threshold may be located within the circulation space.
• The edges of the ramped thresholds should be tapered or splayed adequately, to avoid creating a stability hazard for people using wheelchairs and a potential trip hazard for others, particularly those who are blind or who have a vision impairment.
• If recessed into the building, the width of the ramped threshold should accommodate complying circulation space width.

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Step ramps

• A complying landing should be provided at the base and top of a ramp.
• Establish if the footpath can be considered a landing. If not, provide a complying landing at the foot of the step ramp, and a transition area to link the footpath and the landing. Locate the step ramp clear of the landing and locate a compliant landing at the head of the step ramp.

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Common ramps

• A complying landing should be provided at the base and top of the ramp.
• Establish if the footpath can be considered a landing. If not, provide a complying landing at the foot of the common ramp, and a transition area to link the footpath and the landing, ensuring that handrail projections finish fully within the property boundary. In any case, locate the end of a common ramp transverse to the boundary at least 900mm clear of it. Locate the common ramp clear of the landing.
• Handrails must project past the base of the ramp and must not project past the boundary or protrude onto the footpath. Handrails, kerbs and kerb rails should comply with AS1428.1-2009 sections 10 and 12.

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Stairways

• If possible, avoid stair risers that taper to zero where a footpath slopes. This is regarded as hazardous, particularly for users who are blind or vision impaired or who are simply distracted.
• Where a stair is required adjoining a sloping surface, consider a landing at the base of the stair with a tapered riser so that the stair itself can have consistent complying risers.
• Where risers tapering to zero are unavoidable, consider installing a handrail at each termination point and provide warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs). Other options include installation of a barrier or separation such as a planter box. It is prudent that the handrail meets AS 1428.1-2009 sections 11.2 and 12.

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Landings

• In all cases, gradients and crossfalls at landings must not exceed 1:40.

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Other design considerations for accessible entries include:

Glazing on an accessway

Fully glazed entry doors and surrounding glazing must be clearly marked in accordance with AS 1428.1-2009 section 6.6.

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Floor and ground surfaces

Design of floor and ground surfaces at entries should comply with AS 1428.1-2009 section 7, including:

• provision of slip resistant surfaces
• tolerances at abutment of different surfaces
• fixed or recessed floor coverings such as entrance matting
• grate openings
• timber decking and boardwalks.

Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) should comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 1428.4.1-2009.

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Doors and door circulation

Design of doors and doorways at accessible entries should comply with AS 1428.1-2009 section 13, including:

• luminance contrast between the door, frame and its surrounds so the door location can be clearly identified by a person with a vision impairment
• provision of complying clear opening width
• provision of complying circulation spaces, including latch side clearance
• location and design of door controls.

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Conclusion

Understand the relationship between levels inside and outside a site and building, and the obligations to provide step-free pathways between these levels.

In commercial/retail premises in particular, ensure that your client has an understanding of code requirements and that the design provides the required circulation space while maximising net lettable area.

Understand that for sloping footpaths, the longer the boundary crossing chosen, the more complex the access solution will be.

As required in AS 1428.1-2009, locate the end of any ramp or stair transverse to the boundary at least 900mm from the boundary to ensure that handrail projections and TGSIs remain inside the boundary allotment.

Confirm with your client at the outset of the project the extent to which compliance with those parts of AS 1428.1-2009 not referenced by the NCC may be applicable, as the requirements of these parts vary. Seek guidance from an access consultant or other relevant consultant, for example, where site conditions create ambiguity in how legislation may be applied.

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References

• Standards Australia (2021), Australian Standard AS 1428.1:2021 Design for access and mobility: General requirements for access – New building work, Standards Australia.
• Standards Australia (2009), Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2009 Design for access and mobility Part 1: General requirements for access – New building work, Standards Australia.
• Standards Australia (2009), Australian/NewZealand Standard AS/NZS 1428.4.1-2009 (incorporating Amendment No.1) Design for access and mobility Part 4.1:Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment – Tactile ground surface indicators, Standards Australia.

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This note was kindly reviewed by the National Enabling Architecture Committee (NEAC). 

Related courses - Available via Online CPD

• Design: Access as standard practice