The access provisions of Premises Standards 2010 have been incorporated into NCC Volume 1 BCA, effective from 1 May 2011.
In all public buildings, access is required to and within all areas normally used by the occupants. Fit-out criteria for these spaces are not included in the BCA. Uninformed design of fit-out can render a space inaccessible, despite its compliance with the BCA access provisions. Inaccessible buildings and spaces are at risk of complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Accessible change cubicle
1. APPLICATION
Provide accessible change cubicles in medical and other facilities, where change facilities are required for patients and clients.
2. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
This Design Guide contains criteria for elements which are beyond the scope of the NCC and the Premises Standards. As far as possible it does not repeat the mandatory requirements of the NCC.
Placement within change area
Locate an accessible change cubicle near the entry to the change area to enable access by the patient or client and the assisting person, who may not be of the same gender.
Circulation
Provide space to enter, turn around, transfer to the seat, and leave. AS1428.1 Fig 5 requires a clear space of 2070mm x 1540mm in direction of travel, but if there is clear space under the seat the depth may reduce to 1870mm. The width cannot be effectively reduced as door circulation must be maintained.
Door
Meet AS1428.1 including a minimum clear opening of 850mm and circulation clear of all fittings. If the door opens out, locate it to open clear of transverse traffic, for example by ensuring that the door opens out against a side wall.
Seat
Provide a seat suitable for transfer from a wheelchair deep and wide enough for an adult to sit sideways safely to get changed and dressed.
- Width - 600mm
- Height - 460-480mm-high to top (including cushion, if provided)
The preferred seat profile has a heel space minimum 300mm high and 200mm wide. If provided, the clear room circulation space depth may be reduced by 200mm.
Grab rails
Provide grab rails to AS1428.1 at both ends of the seat to assist a person in using the seat or to provide stability using either left or right hand only.
Mirrors
Provide at least two full-height mirrors which enable the person to see his/her front and back while standing by the grabrails or sitting in the wheelchair.
- Width - 450mm min
- Height to top - 1850mm min
- Height to bottom - 300mm max
Clothes hooks
- Height - 1200-1350mm
- Clearance to room corner - 500mm min
Lighting
Glare-free lighting of not less than 200 lux.
3. REFERENCE
AS1428.1 – 2009 (Incorporating amendment No. 1 - 2010)
Design for Access and Mobility Part 1: General Requirements for Access—New Building Work.
4. DRAWINGS
Accessible Change Room – 11/08/2014
Note - Click on image to download.
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