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 to complaint under the DDAct.
Accessible fitting cubicle
1. APPLICATION
Provide accessible fitting cubicles in retail facilities, such as clothing and other stores, where customers test the fit and look of products for sale.
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 fitting cubicle near the entry to the fitting area to enable access by the customer 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.
Armrests and grab rails
Provide armrests to AS1428.2, and 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. See drawings.
Mirrors
Provide at least two full-height mirrors which enable the person to see his/her front and back while standing by the grab rails 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 Fitting Cubicle
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