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 tea point
1. APPLICATION
Tea points are included in most businesses and should be accessible to all.
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
Ensure all tea facilities are accessible. If there are two sinks within one tea point area only one needs to be made accessible.
Circulation
Provide 1500mm minimum depth circulation space in front of the accessible bench. Additional circulation space may be required for access to a GPO (see below). If turning around within a room, provide a space of 2070mm x 1540mm in the direction of travel (see AS1428.1 Figure 5).
Bench
- Height - 850mm + 20mm
- Depth - 440mm minimum, 650mm maximum
Knee/toe space
- Width - 850mm minimum, centred on the centre of the sink
- Height/depth/configuration - as for a basin as in AS1428.1 Figure 45
- Sink depth - 150mm maximum
The sink waste must not impinge on the minimum space required.
Enclosure of knee/toe space
The area under the sink can be left open, have plumbing enclosed with the remainder open, have doors that open and slide away or have doors that fold back 180º. See drawings. Door handles to meet AS1428.1 where provided.
Taps
Distance from front to sink to furthest operating part - maximum 300mm from front of bench. This includes the arc of tap swing horizontally and vertically. This requires taps with extended lever handles and careful sink positioning (close to front of bench is best) and tap position to ensure the tap is not an obstruction.
Boiling water units
If these are over the sink, then the operating points also need to be a maximum 300mm from front of bench. This needs careful layout with sink tap so sink will operate without obstruction. An option is to have the BWU as a self-draining model which gives greater flexibility.
Microwave
Install at bench height.
- Controls height - 900mm –1100mm
GPO
Provide at least one GPO 900-1100mm high, 300mm maximum from the front of the bench and 500mm minimum from an internal corner. Ensure clear circulation floor space for users. Observe reach parameters at AS1428.2-1992 Figures 20 and 21.
Paper-towel dispensers
Locate any fitting provided at the tea point such as paper towel dispenser, soap dispenser, and the like with its operating part 900mm – 1100mm above floor level, maximum 300mm from the front of the bench and minimum 500mm from any internal corner.
3. REFERENCES
AS1428.1 – 2009 (Incorporating amendment No. 1 - 2010)
Design for Access and Mobility Part 1: General Requirements for Access—New Building Work.
AS1428.2 – 1992
Design for Access and Mobility Part 2: Enhanced and Additional Requirements—Buildings and Facilities.
4. DRAWINGS
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
Sheet 3
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