Reference number
ISO 21542:2011(E)
© ISO 2011
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
ISO
21542
First edition
2011-12-15
Building construction — Accessibility
and usability of the built environment
Construction immobilière — Accessibilité et facilité d'utilisation de
l'environnement bâti
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Contents Page
Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................viii
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ix
1 Scope......................................................................................................................................................1
2 Normative references............................................................................................................................1
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................2
4 General design considerations............................................................................................................9
4.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................9
4.2 Design requirements according to human abilities...........................................................................9
4.3 Key accessibility issues .......................................................................................................................9
5 Approach to the building....................................................................................................................12
5.1 Arrival by motor vehicle......................................................................................................................12
5.2 Principal entrance ...............................................................................................................................12
6 Designated accessible parking space...............................................................................................13
6.1 Location................................................................................................................................................13
6.2 Number of designated accessible parking spaces..........................................................................13
6.3 Car parking...........................................................................................................................................13
6.4 Van parking with auxiliary movable ramps.......................................................................................14
6.5 Signage.................................................................................................................................................15
6.6 Surface..................................................................................................................................................15
6.7 Kerb ramp from parking space to an adjacent higher pedestrian path.........................................15
6.8 Indoor parking .....................................................................................................................................16
6.9 Parking control ....................................................................................................................................16
7 Paths to the building...........................................................................................................................16
7.1 General .................................................................................................................................................16
7.2 Wayfinding, guided path and other physical support of information............................................17
7.3 Path.......................................................................................................................................................18
7.4 Width of the path .................................................................................................................................19
7.5 Passing space for wheelchair users .................................................................................................19
7.6 Turning space for wheelchair users on landings ............................................................................20
7.7 Path construction................................................................................................................................20
7.8 Stepped path and stair........................................................................................................................20
7.9 Width of stepped path and stair.........................................................................................................21
7.10 Landing of stepped path and stair.....................................................................................................21
7.11 Landings of sloped paths...................................................................................................................21
7.12 Support and guidance by a handrail on paths .................................................................................21
7.13 Drainage of access routes..................................................................................................................21
7.14 Solitary obstacles in a path................................................................................................................21
7.15 Guards against falling within a path..................................................................................................22
8 Ramps...................................................................................................................................................22
8.1 General .................................................................................................................................................22
8.2 Slope and length..................................................................................................................................24
8.3 Width of ramps ....................................................................................................................................25
8.4 Landings of ramps ..............................................................................................................................25
8.5 Support and guidance by handrail on ramps...................................................................................25
8.6 Drainage of ramp.................................................................................................................................25
8.7 Surface materials.................................................................................................................................25
9 Guarding along paths and ramps......................................................................................................25
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10 Building entrances and final fire exits...............................................................................................26
10.1 General..................................................................................................................................................26
10.2 Identification.........................................................................................................................................27
10.3 Floor level at the entrance ..................................................................................................................27
10.4 Principal entrance doorway................................................................................................................27
10.5 Doorway width .....................................................................................................................................27
10.6 Clear height of a doorway...................................................................................................................28
10.7 Circulation space.................................................................................................................................28
10.8 Lobbies .................................................................................................................................................28
10.9 Visibility through an entrance door ...................................................................................................29
11 Horizontal circulation ..........................................................................................................................29
11.1 General..................................................................................................................................................29
11.2 Internal passages.................................................................................................................................30
11.3 Turning space for 90° turn of a wheelchair in corridors..................................................................31
11.4 Circulation space for 180° wheelchair turn.......................................................................................31
12 Vertical circulation...............................................................................................................................32
12.1 General..................................................................................................................................................32
12.2 Ramps in buildings..............................................................................................................................32
13 Stairs.....................................................................................................................................................32
13.1 Rise and going of steps ......................................................................................................................32
13.2 Minimum width of stair flights............................................................................................................33
13.3 Staircase landings ...............................................................................................................................34
13.4 Head clearance.....................................................................................................................................34
13.5 Visual and tactile warnings.................................................................................................................35
13.6 Guards along stairs .............................................................................................................................35
14 Handrails...............................................................................................................................................36
14.1 General..................................................................................................................................................36
14.2 Provision of handrails .........................................................................................................................36
14.3 Profile of a handrail .............................................................................................................................37
14.4 Continuity of a handrail.......................................................................................................................37
14.5 Height of a handrail .............................................................................................................................37
14.6 Horizontal extension of a handrail.....................................................................................................38
14.7 Visual and tactile information.............................................................................................................38
14.8 Mechanical resistance.........................................................................................................................38
15 Lifts (Elevators)....................................................................................................................................38
15.1 General comments ..............................................................................................................................38
15.2 Inner dimensions of cars ....................................................................................................................39
15.3 Lift car entrance — Door opening......................................................................................................40
15.4 Equipment in the car ...........................................................................................................................41
15.5 Control devices and signals...............................................................................................................43
15.6 Use of lifts (elevators) for fire evacuation.........................................................................................45
16 Vertical and inclined lifting platforms................................................................................................46
16.1 General application .............................................................................................................................46
16.2 Platform dimensions ...........................................................................................................................46
16.3 Vertical lifting platforms......................................................................................................................46
17 Escalators and moving walks.............................................................................................................46
18 Doors and windows.............................................................................................................................47
18.1 Doors and door furniture ....................................................................................................................47
18.2 Fire resisting doorsets........................................................................................................................53
18.3 Windows and window hardware ........................................................................................................54
19 Reception areas, counters, desks and ticket offices.......................................................................55
19.1 Hearing and lip-reading.......................................................................................................................55
19.2 Location................................................................................................................................................55
19.3 Space to manoeuvre............................................................................................................................55
19.4 Height....................................................................................................................................................55
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19.5 Lighting.................................................................................................................................................56
19.6 Ticket systems.....................................................................................................................................56
20 Cloakroom............................................................................................................................................56
21 Auditoriums, concert halls, sports arenas and similar seating .....................................................57
21.1 Hearing enhancement systems .........................................................................................................57
21.2 Lighting for sign language interpretation.........................................................................................57
21.3 Designated seating areas for wheelchair users...............................................................................57
21.4 Access to stage and backstage.........................................................................................................57
21.5 Row and seat numbers .......................................................................................................................57
21.6 Accessible changing rooms...............................................................................................................57
22 Conference rooms and meeting rooms ............................................................................................58
23 Viewing spaces in assembly areas....................................................................................................58
23.1 Floor area .............................................................................................................................................58
23.2 Sight lines ............................................................................................................................................59
24 Bars, pubs, restaurants, etc...............................................................................................................59
25 Terraces, verandas and balconies.....................................................................................................59
26 Toilet rooms and sanitary rooms.......................................................................................................60
26.1 General .................................................................................................................................................60
26.2 WC compartments for ambulant disabled people ...........................................................................60
26.3 Wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms..........................................................................................61
26.4 Dimensions for wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms...............................................................61
26.5 Toilet room doors................................................................................................................................66
26.6 Toilet seat.............................................................................................................................................66
26.7 Grab rails..............................................................................................................................................67
26.8 Toilet paper ..........................................................................................................................................68
26.9 Washbasin............................................................................................................................................69
26.10 Water supply........................................................................................................................................70
26.11 Taps ......................................................................................................................................................71
26.12 Urinals...................................................................................................................................................71
26.13 Other fittings........................................................................................................................................71
26.14 Alarm.....................................................................................................................................................71
26.15 Emergency warning alarm..................................................................................................................72
26.16 Shower..................................................................................................................................................72
26.17 Individual shower room ......................................................................................................................73
26.18 Bathrooms............................................................................................................................................74
27 Accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings ...........................................................................77
28 Kitchen areas.......................................................................................................................................79
29 Storage areas.......................................................................................................................................79
30 Facilities for guide dogs and other assistance dogs ......................................................................79
30.1 General .................................................................................................................................................79
30.2 Relief facilities for guide dogs and assistance dogs.......................................................................79
31 Floor and wall surfaces.......................................................................................................................80
32 Acoustic environment.........................................................................................................................80
32.1 General .................................................................................................................................................80
32.2 Acoustic requirements........................................................................................................................80
32.3 Hearing enhancement systems .........................................................................................................81
33 Lighting.................................................................................................................................................82
33.1 General .................................................................................................................................................82
33.2 External lighting ..................................................................................................................................82
33.3 Natural lighting ....................................................................................................................................82
33.4 Artificial lighting ..................................................................................................................................82
33.5 Lighting to facilitate wayfinding ........................................................................................................82
33.6 Controllable and adjustable lighting .................................................................................................83
33.7 Light levels in different areas.............................................................................................................83
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33.8 Lighting in auditoriums.......................................................................................................................83
33.9 Glare and shadows..............................................................................................................................83
34 Fire emergency warning systems, signals and information...........................................................84
34.1 General..................................................................................................................................................84
34.2 Light warning signals..........................................................................................................................84
34.3 Acoustic warning systems .................................................................................................................84
35 Visual contrast .....................................................................................................................................84
35.1 General..................................................................................................................................................84
35.2 Choice of colours and patterns..........................................................................................................85
36 Equipment, controls and switches ....................................................................................................86
36.1 General..................................................................................................................................................86
36.2 Location, heights and distances........................................................................................................86
36.3 Location of controls from walls, corners and opening doors ........................................................88
36.4 Operation..............................................................................................................................................89
36.5 Identification.........................................................................................................................................90
36.6 Usability................................................................................................................................................90
36.7 Telephones...........................................................................................................................................90
36.8 Card access, dispensing machines and automatic teller machines (ATMs), etc. ........................91
36.9 Security access systems ....................................................................................................................93
36.10 Drinking fountains ...............................................................................................................................93
36.11 Refuse bins...........................................................................................................................................93
37 Furnishing ............................................................................................................................................93
37.1 General..................................................................................................................................................93
37.2 Seating in waiting areas......................................................................................................................93
37.3 Seating at desks, tables, etc...............................................................................................................94
38 Fire safety, protection and evacuation for all...................................................................................95
38.1 Fire engineering design objectives....................................................................................................95
38.2 Principles of fire evacuation for all....................................................................................................95
38.3 Assisted fire evacuation .....................................................................................................................96
38.4 Evacuation chairs ................................................................................................................................97
38.5 Emerging fire evacuation technologies ............................................................................................97
38.6 Fire defence plans ...............................................................................................................................97
39 Orientation and information ...............................................................................................................98
39.1 General..................................................................................................................................................98
39.2 Principle of two senses.......................................................................................................................99
39.3 Audible information.............................................................................................................................99
39.4 Levels of information ..........................................................................................................................99
40 Signage.................................................................................................................................................99
40.1 General..................................................................................................................................................99
40.2 Main types of signs........................................................................................................................... 100
40.3 Placement of signs ........................................................................................................................... 100
40.4 Height and location of signs............................................................................................................ 101
40.5 Font and size of lettering ................................................................................................................. 102
40.6 Differences in LRVs.......................................................................................................................... 102
40.7 Glare free ........................................................................................................................................... 103
40.8 Illumination........................................................................................................................................ 103
40.9 Understandable................................................................................................................................. 103
40.10 Provision of raised tactile and Braille signs.................................................................................. 103
40.11 Tactile letters, figures, signs and graphical symbols................................................................... 103
40.12 Braille................................................................................................................................................. 104
40.13 Tactile symbols................................................................................................................................. 104
40.14 Tactile maps and floor plans ........................................................................................................... 104
40.15 Information displays......................................................................................................................... 105
41 Graphical symbols............................................................................................................................ 105
42 Management and maintenance issues ........................................................................................... 109
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Annex A (informative) Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) ...........................................................110
Annex B (informative) Human abilities and associated design considerations.......................................118
Annex C (informative) Circulation spaces at doorways..............................................................................132
Annex D (informative) Fire safety and assisted evacuation for all in buildings.......................................144
Annex E (informative) Management and maintenance issues ...................................................................146
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................149
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 21542 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 16, Accessibility and usability of the built environment.
This first edition cancels and replaces ISO/TR 9527:1994.
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Introduction
This International Standard provides building users, architects, designers, engineers, builders, building owners
and managers, manufacturers, policy makers and legislators with requirements and recommendations to
create a sustainable built environment which is accessible.
The purpose of this International Standard is to define how the built environment should be designed,
constructed and managed to enable people to approach, enter, use, egress from and evacuate a building
independently, in an equitable and dignified manner and to the greatest extent possible.
The intention of this International Standard is to meet the needs of the majority of people. This goal is
achieved by agreement on minimum standards of provision which are generally accepted to accommodate the
diversities of age and of human condition. This agreement has been reached by consensus between different
countries all over the world.
In some countries a higher level of technical specifications has been achieved due to their long history in
developing accessible building standards and regulations. The requirements of this International Standard are
not intended to replace more demanding requirements defined in those national standards or national
regulations.
These principles are supported by Preamble (g) and Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
NOTE 1 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with its Optional Protocol, was adopted by the
General Assembly of the United Nations on 13 December 2006. It came into force, i.e. became an international legal
instrument, on 3 May 2008. Furthermore, information about the Convention and its text can be found on the United
Nations website: http://www.un.org/disabilities/. The Convention is serviced by a joint secretariat, consisting of staff from
both the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York, and the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
This International Standard sets out the objectives, design considerations, requirements and
recommendations that ISO expects to result in accessible and usable buildings when fully implemented.
This International Standard should be applied to new and existing buildings.
If these design requirements are taken into consideration in the early stages of building design, the costs of
providing accessibility and usability measures are minimal and raise the value of the property in terms of
sustainability. Where alterations and refurbishment occur, the additional cost depends on the size and
complexity of the particular building and its adaptations.
NOTE 2 For further information on costs of accessible buildings see ETH-Study from
Switzerland: http://www.hindernisfrei-bauen.ch/kosten_f.php.
This International Standard contains a combination of essential requirements, i.e. provisions which are
essential for accessibility and usability of the built environment, and recommendations for an improved
environment. The essential requirements are preceded by the word “shall”. For recommendations which are
desirable, the provisions are preceded by the word “should”.
This International Standard may be applied in accordance with the National Regulations of the Member
Bodies who have adopted this International Standard and stated in their National Foreword the terms under
which it is to be applied.
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This International Standard may be used by
a) national authorities to determine a specific programme of implementation, and
b) building owners to fulfil their responsibilities according to anti-discrimination and equity legislation, or on a
voluntary basis.
As most buildings are subject to refurbishment, upgrade or change of use at some stage during their life cycle,
national regulations can require all or part of this International Standard to be applied.
National building regulations may include considerations of legislation on equality, particular building and site
constraints, different types of buildings, and the costs and benefits to society generally. It is also important to
ensure that existing buildings of historical, architectural and cultural importance are accessible. In such cases
it might be necessary for national authorities to allow some exceptions to this International Standard, as well
as recommending appropriate alternative accessibility measures.
This International Standard should lead to continuous improvement in the built environment. Whilst the
objectives always remain unchanged, the means of achieving them is part of a continuing process of change,
i.e. as human knowledge and building technology improve and as the relationship between generally accepted
building practice and technology alters.
ISO/IEC Guide 71 and its guidance document ISO/TR 22411 should be used to augment and assist in
understanding the requirements of this International Standard.
Within the figures all dimensions are given in millimetres and measured from finished surfaces, unless
otherwise stated. All figures are provided as examples.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Building construction — Accessibility and usability of the built
environment
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a range of requirements and recommendations for many of the elements
of construction, assemblies, components and fittings which comprise the built environment. These
requirements relate to the constructional aspects of access to buildings, to circulation within buildings, to
egress from buildings in the normal course of events and evacuation in the event of an emergency. An
informative annex is also included which deals with aspects of accessibility management in buildings.
This International Standard contains provisions with respect to features in the external environment directly
concerned with access to a building or group of buildings from the edge of the relevant site boundary or
between such groups of buildings within a common site. This International Standard does not deal with those
elements of the external environment, such as public open spaces, whose function is self-contained and
unrelated to the use of one specific building, nor does it deal with single family dwellings, other than those
circulation spaces and fittings that are common to two or more such dwellings.
At present, consideration is being given to the development and publication of additional parts to this
International Standard to deal with the types of external environments described above and single family
dwellings.
For existing buildings there are options included in some paragraphs which appear as ‘‘exceptional
considerations for existing buildings in developing countries’’ (see “Guidance on the Implications of the ISO
Global Relevance Policy for CEN Standardization”, 2005) and as ‘‘exceptional considerations for existing
buildings’’ where a lesser standard than expected in new developments is accepted on the grounds of
technical and economic circumstances only.
The dimensions stated in this International Standard, relevant to the use of wheelchairs, are related to the
footprint of commonly used wheelchair sizes and users. The footprint for a wheelchair within this International
Standard is based on ISO 7176-5 and ISO/TR 13570-21) and is 800 mm wide and 1 300 mm long. For larger
wheelchairs and scooters, dimensions will have to be considered accordingly.
NOTE This International Standard is primarily written for adults with disabilities but it includes some specifications
regarding the specific accessibility requirements that would suit children with disabilities. However, it is envisaged that
more detailed requirements will be included in future revisions of this International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4190-1:2010, Lift (Elevator) installation — Part 1: Class I, II, III and VI lifts
ISO 4190-5:2006, Lift (Elevator) installation — Part 5: Control devices, signals and additional fittings
1) Under preparation.
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ISO 7176-5, Wheelchairs — Part 5: Determination of dimensions, mass and manoeuvring space
ISO 9386-1, Power-operated lifting platforms for persons with impaired mobility — Rules for safety,
dimensions and functional operation — Part 1: Vertical lifting platforms
ISO 9386-2, Power-operated lifting platforms for persons with impaired mobility — Rules for safety,
dimensions and functional operation — Part 2: Powered stairlifts for seated, standing and wheelchair users
moving in an inclined plane
ISO/TR 13570-21), Wheelchairs — Part 2: Typical values and recommended limits or dimensions, mass and
manoeuvring space as determined in ISO 7176-5
ISO/IEC Guide 71, Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older persons and persons
with disabilities
International Commission on Illumination, CIE, Publication 15:2004, 3rd Edition, Colorimetry
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC Guide 71 and the following apply.
3.1
ability
faculty
identifiable human attribute, including but not exclusively, to walk, to speak, to hear, to see, to feel by touch, to
taste, to understand, and recognize
3.2
accessibility
buildings or parts of buildings provision of buildings or parts of buildings for people, regardless of disability,
age or gender, to be able to gain access to them, into them, to use them and exit from them
NOTE Accessibility includes ease of independent approach, entry, evacuation and/or use of a building and its
services and facilities, by all of the building's potential users with an assurance of individual health, safety and welfare
during the course of those activities.
3.3
area of rescue assistance
building space directly adjoining, and visible from, a main vertical evacuation route, robustly and reliably
protected from heat, smoke and flame during and after a fire, where people can temporarily wait with
confidence for further information, instructions, and/or rescue assistance, without obstructing or interfering
with the evacuation travel of other building users
NOTE “Robust” means structurally hardened and resistant to mechanical damage during the fire and for a period of
time afterwards, i.e. the cooling phase.
3.4
assisted evacuation
strategy that exists during which a designated person or persons provide assistance, during an emergency, to
another person to leave a building or a specific part of the built environment and to reach a final place of
safety
1) Under preparation.
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3.5
assistive product
product especially produced or generally available, for preventing, compensating for, monitoring, relieving or
neutralizing impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions
EXAMPLE Devices, equipment, instruments, technology and software.
[ISO 9999:2007, definition 3.3]
3.6
attention pattern
tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) that call attention to particular decision points
3.7
audio description
verbal narration that conveys the visual aspects of a presentation or performance
3.8
building related ill-health
adverse impact on the health of building users while living, working, generally occupying or visiting a specific
building caused by the planning, design, construction, management, operation or maintenance of that building
3.9
buffer zone
compartments and/or spaces immediately adjoining the fire compartment in a building
3.10
built environment
external and internal environments and any element, component or fitting that is commissioned, designed,
constructed and managed for use by people
NOTE Loose items are excluded because decisions with respect to their location within the built environment are more
likely to be under the day-to-day control of facilities managers and not of those who commission, design or construct the
built environment.
3.11
circulation space
unobstructed space necessary for access to, into and within and egress from any part of the built environment
3.12
colour deficiency
inability to perceive certain colours and to clearly distinguish between combinations of these colours
3.13
common
serving more than one single-family dwelling or more than one building or more than one tenancy
3.14
contraflow
fire emergency access by fire fighters or rescue teams into a building and towards a fire, while people are
still moving away from the fire and evacuating the building
3.15
disorientation
permanent or temporary inability of a person to orient himself or herself with regard to space, time and context
in either the built environment or virtual environment
NOTE Acute disorientation brought on by the use of alcohol, “social” drugs and some medicines, or dramatic
alterations in a person's circumstances, e.g. involvement in a fire incident, is not uncommon or abnormal. Long term
progressive disorientation is a symptom of a variety of psychological and/or neurological disorders.
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3.16
doorset
building component consisting of a fixed part (the door frame), one or more movable parts (the door leaves),
and their hardware, the function of which is to allow, or to prevent, access and egress
NOTE A doorset can also include a door sill or threshold.
3.17
evacuation from a building on fire
to withdraw, or cause to withdraw, all users from a fire building in planned and orderly phased movements to a
place of safety remote from the building
3.18
evacuation lift
lift that can be used, during an emergency, for self or assisted egress
3.19
fire compartment
enclosed space, which may be subdivided, separated from adjoining spaces by fire barriers
[ISO 13943:2008, definition 4.102]
3.20
fire compartmentation
division of a building into fire-tight compartments, by fire and smoke resisting elements of construction, in
order to:
 contain an outbreak of fire;
 prevent damage, within the building, to other adjoining compartments and/or spaces;
 protect a compartment interior from external fire attack, e.g. fire spread across the building's facade or
from an adjacent building;
 minimize adverse, or harmful, environmental impacts outside the building
NOTE In a fire situation, fire-induced progressive collapse may commence before any breach of “integrity” occurs in
the boundary of a fire compartment.
3.21
fire defence plan
operational guide for a specific building comprising fire engineering drawings, descriptive text, fire safety
related product/system information, with supporting calculations and fire test data developed from the fire
engineering strategy
3.22
fire engineering strategy
coherent and purposeful arrangement of fire prevention, fire protection and fire management measures which
is developed in order to attain specified fire engineering design objectives
NOTE Some “fire safety objectives” may be required by legislation.
3.23
fire prevention
all measures necessary to prevent an outbreak of fire in a building, including such secondary activities as fire
research and education of the public concerning fire hazard
3.24
fire protection
use of spatial planning, building design, construction, services, systems, personnel and equipment in order to
control and extinguish fire, and minimize any adverse or harmful environmental impacts caused
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3.25
fire resistance
ability of an element of construction to withstand heat, smoke and flame or give protection from them for a
period of time
NOTE Adapted from ISO 13943:2008.
3.26
fire resisting doorset
doorset, properly installed or mounted on site, the function of which is to resist the passage of heat, smoke
and flame for a specified time during a fire
3.27
going
tread
stair horizontal distance between two consecutive nosings, measured on the centre line
3.28
going
ramp horizontal distance between the start and finish of a flight of a ramp
3.29
guiding pattern
tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) to indicate a direction of travel
3.30
habitable room
room, intended for dwelling purposes, including a kitchen, a bathroom and a utility room
3.31
handrail
component of a stair or of a ramp or other building components that provides guidance, balance and support
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1:2004, 5.2.73.
3.32
hearing enhancement system
piece of equipment, product system, hardware, software or service that is used to increase, maintain or
improve listening capabilities of individuals with hearing impairments
3.33
impairment
limitation in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss which can be temporary due, for
example, to injury, or permanent, slight or severe and can fluctuate over time, in particular, deterioration due
to ageing
NOTE 1 Body function can be a physiological or psychological function of a body system; body structure refers to an
anatomic part of the body such as organs, limbs and their components (as defined in ICIDH-2 of July 1999).
NOTE 2 This definition differs from that in ISO 9999:2007, taken from ICF 2001, WHO: “problems in body function or
structure, such as a significant deviation or loss”.
NOTE 3 Adapted from ISO/TR 22411:2008.
3.34
impairment, cognitive
deficiency of neuropsychological function which can be related to injury or degeneration in specific area(s) of
the brain
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3.35
impairment, mental
slower than normal rate in a person's cognitive developmental maturation, or where the cognitive processes
themselves appear to be slower than normal, with an associated implication of reduced, overall mental
potential
3.36
kerb ramp
construction, in the form of an inclined plane that makes it possible to pass from street level to a higher
pedestrian path
3.37
keypad
arrangement of buttons or touch pads with numbered keys in accordance with the standard telephone layout
3.38
landing
platform or part of a floor structure at the end of a flight of stairs or a ramp or at the entrance to a lift car
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.39
levelling accuracy
maximum vertical distance between a car sill and a landing sill during loading or unloading of the lift
3.40
lifting platform
device permanently installed to serve fixed landing levels, comprising a guided platform whose dimensions
and means of construction permit the access of disabled passenger(s), with or without wheelchair(s)
[ISO 9386-1, definition 3.2.5]
3.41
light reflectance value
LRV
proportion of visible light reflected by a surface at all wavelengths and directions when illuminated by a light
source
NOTE 1 LRV is also known as the luminance reflectance factor or CIE Y value (see International Commission on
Illumination, CIE, Publication 15:2004, 3rd Edition, Colorimetry).
NOTE 2 The LRV is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100, with a value of 0 points for pure black and a value of 100 points
for pure white.
3.42
LRV, differences in
values used to assess the degree of visual contrast between surfaces such as floors, walls, doors and ceilings
and between key fittings/fixtures and surrounding surfaces
3.43
luminance
intensity of light emitted or reflected in a given direction from the surface element divided by the area of the
element in the same direction
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.44
manoeuvring zone
minimum three dimensional space within which it is feasible to complete a manoeuvre needed to gain access
to a specific facility, component or fitting, in particular while using a wheelchair or a walking aid
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3.45
moving walkway
moving accessible path of travel, either level or with an inclination up to 6°
3.46
nosing
projecting front edge of a tread or landing that can be rounded, chamfered or otherwise shaped
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.47
place of relative safety
location beyond the buffer zone surrounding a fire compartment in a building
3.48
place of safety
location beyond a perimeter which is a safe distance from the building and where necessary medical care and
attention can be provided, or organized, within one hour of injury and where people can be identified
3.49
principal entrance
entrance or, if there is more than one with equal status, the entrances that people would normally expect to
approach and to enter in order to use the building or other facility
3.50
principal entrance storey
building storey that contains the principal entrance or principal entrances to the building
3.51
ramp
construction, in the form of an inclined plane that is steeper than or equal to 1:20 (5 %) from the horizontal,
together with any intermediate landing, that makes it possible to pass from one level to another
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.52
reflectance
measure of light reflected in a given direction by a surface (in its installed environment) and which is
expressed in a unit term from 0 to 100 on a scale, respectively, that represents a greyscale progression from
the notional extremes of total light absorption (black) to total light reflection (white)
3.53
rise
vertical distance between the upper horizontal surfaces of two consecutive treads, or of a landing and the next
treads above or below it, or of a flight between consecutive landings
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.54
riser
vertical component of a step between a tread or a landing and the tread or landing above or below it
NOTE Adapted from ISO 6707-1.
3.55
stair lift
appliance for transporting a person (either seated or standing) or a person in a wheelchair between two or
more landings by means of a seat or platform moving in an inclined plane
NOTE Adapted from EN 81-40.
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3.56
stopping accuracy
maximum vertical distance between the car sill and landing sill at a moment when a car is stopped by the
control system at its destination floor and the doors reach their fully open position
3.57
suitable
built environment appropriate design, construction, installation or location meeting the needs of the intended
user
3.58
tactile walking surface indicator
TWSI
profiled paving surface with visual contrast criteria to enable a person with impaired sight using a long cane,
underfoot or visual identification to detect a specific route (guiding pattern) or the presence of a hazard
(attention pattern)
NOTE See Annex A.
3.59
unobstructed width
general free unobstructed space necessary for passage through a doorway, along a passageway, or other
route element (e.g. stairway)
3.60
unobstructed width
door available width for passage through a door opening, clear of all obstructions below 900 mm, measured
when the door is opened 90°, or when a sliding or folding door is opened to its fullest extent
NOTE The definition of clear opening width in ISO 1804 defines another concept, the smallest distance between
rebates, which is different from unobstructed width.
3.61
usability
characteristic of the built environment which can be used by everybody in convenience and safety
3.62
user
person who interacts with the product, service or environment
[ISO/TR 22411:2008, definition 3.3]
3.63
visual contrast
visual perception between one element of a building and another
NOTE This can be produced by a difference in LRV or luminance, also called luminance contrast.
3.64
wayfinding
descriptive of a system whereby appropriate information is provided to assist a person to pass through the
built environment towards a specific destination
NOTE Wayfinding includes orienting oneself, knowing one's destination, following the best route, recognizing one's
destination and finding one's way back out. People who are blind or who have a vision impairment benefit from tactile
information to facilitate wayfinding.
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4 General design considerations
4.1 General
The requirements in this International Standard relate to the principal human abilities that should be
considered when designing, constructing and managing the built environment. These abilities are described in
Annex B which gives an overview of design considerations that should be taken into account for each of the
different abilities.
4.2 Design requirements according to human abilities
When fully implemented, this International Standard is expected to be of benefit to all people, including:
 people with hearing impairments,
 people with vision impairments,
 people with mobility impairments,
 people with cognitive impairments,
 people with hidden (such as strength, stamina, dexterity and allergy) impairments, and
 people with diversities in age and stature (including frail persons).
4.3 Key accessibility issues
Entering, using and evacuating buildings should be safe and easy for individuals, families and groups which
include persons with disabilities.
The main considerations are:
 pedestrian access into site,
 designated cycle and motor vehicle parking near the main entrance,
 accessible path to the entrance,
 appropriate external lighting,
 accessible external furniture (seats, bins, etc.),
 accessible information at the entrance to the site,
 suitable drop-off point near main entrance,
 reduced travelling distances,
 level entrances and exits,
 simple and logical layouts,
 unobstructed level circulation,
 easy access to information desks, lifts and toilet compartments for disabled persons,
 intuitive, obvious and accessible fire evacuation routes,
 spacious lifts,
 safe stairs that are easy to use, and facilitate safe assisted evacuation/rescue in emergencies,
 slip-resistant walking surfaces,
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 wide door openings and easy door operation, sufficient space around doors that makes it possible to
open and close them when seated in a wheelchair,
 adequate manoeuvring space,
 adequate height, location and easy operation of controls and switches,
 good lighting,
 good visual contrast of walls, floors, doors and signage,
 good signage,
 important information communicated via two senses or more (tactile, audible and visual),
 good acoustics,
 hearing enhancement systems,
 management and maintenance of the built environment.
See Table 1 for examples of how these issues can be combined when planning a built environment.
Table 1 — Examples of key accessibility issues in the early stages of planning
No. Key accessibility issues Example
1 Equitable approach to a building, e.g.
designated parking, clear pedestrian routes
separate from vehicles and cyclists, no steps or
obstacles, short distances from parking and
public transport, good signage, good lighting
and good contrast.
See Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 33, 35 and 40.
2 Equitable entry via the same entrances, e.g.
easy to locate main entrances, no steps or
obstacles, wide openings, adequate
manoeuvring space in front of the door, low
operating forces, good signage, good lighting
and good visual contrast.
See Clauses 10, 18, 33, 35, 36 and 40.
3 Equitable use of the same paths in horizontal
circulation, e.g. no steps or obstacles, adequate
manoeuvring space, wide door openings, easy
to operate doors, resting places, clear layout,
good signage, good lighting and good visual
contrast.
See Clauses 11, 18, 33, 35, 37 and 40.
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Table 1 (continued)
No. Key accessibility issues Example
4 Equitable access to the same paths in vertical
circulation, e.g. safe stairs, spacious lifts with
easy operation, good signage, good lighting and
good visual contrast.
See Clauses 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 33, 35 and 40.
5 Equitable use of the same rooms, e.g. ample
circulation space and different seating
possibilities, good acoustics and hearing
enhancement systems, good lighting and good
visual contrast.
See Clauses 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 32, 33 and 35.
6 Equitable use of the same equipment and
facilities, e.g. easy to understand and operate,
adequate manoeuvring space and operating
height, information via two senses.
See Clauses 11, 19 and 36.
7 Equitable use of toilet and sanitary facilities, e.g.
good signage, adequate manoeuvring space,
good transfer options, well-placed equipment,
easy operation.
See Clauses 26, 39 and 41.
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Table 1 (continued)
No. Key accessibility issues Example
8 Equitable exit and evacuation routes, concepts
for emergency planning, e.g. no steps or
obstacles, fire protected lifts/elevators, good
signage, good lighting, good visual contrast,
good fire safety, protection and evacuation,
accessible evacuation routes.
See Clauses 15, 33, 34, 35, 38 and 40.
9 Important information via two senses or more,
e.g. visual, audible and tactile.
See Clauses 39 and 40.
5 Approach to the building
5.1 Arrival by motor vehicle
Space should be provided for passenger drop-off points for taxis, public transport and also for large vehicles
such as vans, etc., as near as possible to the main accessible entrance. Vehicle drop-off areas should be a
minimum of 9 000 mm in length, have a minimum width of 3 600 mm and be served by a kerb ramp.
See designated accessible parking space in Clause 6.
5.2 Principal entrance
If there is a difference in level between the carriageway and the footpath, a kerb ramp (see 8.2) shall be
provided to facilitate the setting-down of people close to the principal entrance of a building. This benefits
people who need to transfer to and from a wheelchair and others.
An appropriate tactile walking surface indicator (TWSI) should be provided to lead vision impaired persons to
the main entrance where no other clues indicate the path to the building. See example in Figure 4.
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6 Designated accessible parking space
6.1 Location
The designated parking spaces shall be located as near as possible to the principal entrance, and the route
from the accessible parking space to the main entrance should be less than 50 m.
6.2 Number of designated accessible parking spaces
If no national requirements or regulations are available, the following minimum requirements concerning the
number of parking places shall apply:
 a minimum of one accessible designated parking space should be provided in every parking area,
 up to 10 parking spaces: one designated accessible parking space,
 up to 50 parking spaces: two designated accessible parking spaces,
 up to 100 parking spaces: four designated accessible parking spaces,
 up to 200 parking spaces: six designated accessible parking spaces,
 over 200 parking spaces: six designated accessible parking spaces  one for each additional 100.
In specialized facilities such as health care facilities, shopping areas and recreational facilities, a greater
number of designated accessible parking spaces should be considered.
Additionally, some designated accessible parking spaces should be provided for motorists accompanied by a
child in a perambulator or pushchair and shall be designated with a perambulator sign.
6.3 Car parking
The minimum width of the parking space for a car shall be 3 900 mm and the minimum length shall be
5 400 mm. This minimum width includes the transfer area beside the car with a minimum of 1 500 mm.
Figure 1 shows one single parking bay and aisle.
Two accessible parking spaces with one shared transfer area are widely used and shall have a minimum
width of 6 300 mm (see Figure 1).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 minimum unobstructed height for vans 2 600 mm
2 symbol of access
3 kerb ramp
4 signage, including symbol of access
5 firm ground
Figure 1 — Examples of designated parking spaces
6.4 Van parking with auxiliary movable ramps
The size and design of accessible vehicles varies from country to country. Some are fitted with ramps or
hoists at the side or at the rear. National standards should be used where they exist.
The minimum width of the accessible parking space for a van shall have at least the same dimensions as for
car parking spaces (see 6.3). Transfer areas between spaces can be shared.
For multi-purpose vehicles with hoists or lifts, more space is needed; at least an additional 2 400 mm area
beside the van and/or at the rear of the van. The dedicated parking space in this case shall be 4 800 mm wide
and 9 000 mm long (see different types of designated parking spaces in Figures 1 and 2).
As an alternative, a parking space of 2 400 mm wide  9 000 mm in length along a sidewalk can be used,
provided the sidewalk is at least 2 400 mm wide as shown in Figure 2.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 minimum unobstructed height 2 600 mm
2 signage, including symbol of access
3 kerb ramp
Figure 2 — Example of parking space along a sidewalk
6.5 Signage
It is important that the locations of the designated parking spaces are clearly signposted at the entrance to the
building site or car park with information providing direction to designated parking spaces and to other
accessible facilities. Therefore, directional arrows combined with the international symbol of access (see
Figure 66) shall be used.
Designated accessible parking spaces shall be marked both on the pavement with the international symbol of
access (see Figure 66) and with a vertical sign with the international symbol for accessible parking space to
indicate the location of the designated accessible parking. The vertical sign should be located so that it does
not create a hazard (see Figure 2).
6.6 Surface
The accessible parking space shall be on firm and level ground with no variation of surface exceeding 5 mm,
between paving, surface features and mix of different surfaces or finishes.
The designated accessible parking spaces shall be located on a gradient not greater, throughout its length
and its width, than 1:50.
6.7 Kerb ramp from parking space to an adjacent higher pedestrian path
The kerb ramp should be located in close proximity to the designated accessible parking area connecting the
accessible path of travel to the principal entrance.
The kerb ramp width should be a minimum of 1 000 mm. The gradient of the kerb ramp should consider the
requirements in Clause 8 and comply with Table 2.
The accessible path to the kerb ramp can be marked with hatching painted on the road surface to prevent
people from parking in this area (see Figures 1 and 2).
Kerb ramps shall have a slip-resistant surface.
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uirements or regulations are available, the minimum requirements outlined in 6.1 to 6.6 also
rking facilities.
ces shall be provided outside the building.
arking area indicating the location of the designated
r park, including to parking machines, passenger lifts, ramps, exits and any
aces
same level as the principal entrance or other
be installed to provide access from the parked
served by the car park. A lift should also be
ntrance to parking facilities should be a minimum of 2 400 mm.
rtation vehicles.
ar
provided it shall provide all controls at a height between 800 mm and 1 100 mm.
ered.
a hazard or barrier for people with vision impairments or people with mobility
7 Paths to the building
path or route to the building from the boundary of the site or from the parking area should be
structed to enable all people to approach, enter and exit the building (see Figure 3 and
ng surface indicator (attention pattern). See Annex A for further information.
6.8 Indoor parking
6.8.1 General
If no national req
apply for indoor pa
If an indoor parking facility is not accessible, suitable warnings shall be given at the entrance and alternative
designated accessible parking spa
6.8.2 Signage at the entrance to parking spaces
Signage should be posted at the entrance to any p
accessible parking spaces.
Suitable indication shall be provided for the route from the accessible designated parking space to the building
or buildings served by the ca
accessible devices or services (e.g. accessible toilets).
6.8.3 Location of designated accessible parking sp
Designated accessible parking spaces shall be located at the
entrance to the building or buildings served by the car park.
Designated accessible parking spaces should be signposted.
A suitable passenger lift or separated pedestrian ramp shall
vehicle to the principal entrance of the building or buildings
provided for use by people parked in non-designated spaces.
Location of accessible parking spaces (indoor parking) should be as close as possible to the entrances/lifts.
6.8.4 Height of clearance
The clearance height at the e
NOTE National building regulations can have other dimensions reflecting the height of local transpo
6.9 P king control
If a payment machine is
Clause 36 shall be consid
Access to the machine shall be level along an accessible route and easy to operate. The machine shall be
located so that it does not create
impairments.
7.1 General
The design of the
designed and con
Annex A).
Where a kerb ramp is located in the direct line of pedestrian travel, the dished area of the kerb shall be fitted
with tactile warni
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Key
1 sloping path (when the slope is steeper than 1:20 (5 %) the path shall be constructed as a ramp)
horizontal landing at both ends of sloping path, intermediate landings spaced according to Table 2
Figure 3 — Example of sloping path
Pedestrian paths or routes should clists and motor vehicles. Where
necessary, crossing points should be provided with appropriate kerbs and TWSI.
Suitable provision shall be made at the entrance to the site and from any car parking within the site and at
ing.
ain entrance, making it clearly visible.
le who are blind need a tactile route or
guiding line to follow (see Annex A).
2
3 wall as tactile clue on direction
a Width of sloping path min. 1 200 mm.
be separated from routes used by cy
Access between buildings shall also comply with this subclause.
7.2 Wayfinding, guided path and other physical support of information
decision points within the site to indicate the location and nature of the path to the build
In very complex sites, visual, audible and tactile information should be provided to assist in orientation and
wayfinding. The requirements in Clause 39 should also be considered.
Orientation can be facilitated by differences in acoustics, surface material, light and colour. The design should
indicate the use of the building elements, especially the location of the m
Additional illumination or visual contrast and tactile information, such as a change in material or tactile walking
surface indicators (see Annex A), shall be provided at key decision points to assist orientation and wayfinding.
To assist people with vision impairment who have some residual vision, routes to be followed shall have a
minimum difference in luminance to the surroundings (see Clause 35).
Tactile walking surface indicators shall be used to indicate the directional orientation especially where no other
clues indicate the path to the building. Across large or open areas, peop
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Key
1 tactile walking surface indicator as attention pattern for decision points or hazards
2 tactile walking surface indicator as guiding pattern
Figure 4 — Example of tactile walking surface indicators used in open area
Where hazards on the direct line of pedestrian travel such as stairs, escalators, moving walks and travelators
or ramps with a slope of more than 1:16 cannot be avoided, tactile warning indicators and visual markings
shall be provided.
To assist orientation and wayfinding, the requirements in Clause 39 should also be considered.
NOTE 1 Tactile floor coverings or a runner as well as tactile walking surface indicators can help in locating entrance
doors, counters, etc.
NOTE 2 Sound-producing objects (such as ticking wall clocks and fountains) can provide a good way to find aid for
people who are blind or have vision impairment and can supplement tactile information. These provisions are particularly
aimed at people with a combination of sensory impairments.
7.3 Path
The path to, around and between buildings should be level and firm.
The cross fall gradient across an access route should not exceed 1:50 (20 mm/m), except when associated
with a dropped kerb. See 7.13 for requirements on drainage of paths.
If the slope or any part of a path on an accessible route to a building exceeds 1:20, it shall be designed and
constructed as a ramp (see Clause 8).
Obstacles, such as objects or signs mounted on walls, bollards, columns or free-standing supports along the
walking path should be avoided. Unavoidable free standing posts or columns within access routes shall be
clearly marked with visual indicators. Visual indicators at least 75 mm in height with a minimum visual contrast
of 30 points difference to the background shall be placed at a height between 900 mm – 1 000 mm and
1 500 mm – 1 600 mm above floor level.
Any solitary obstacles projecting into an access route shall be treated in accordance with 7.14.
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7.4 Width of the path
The unobstructed width of the path shall be (see Figure 5):
a) not less than 1 800 mm for constant two-way traffic;
b) not less than 1 500 mm for frequent two-way traffic, provided that passing places are included at intervals
of maximum 25 m;
c) not less than 1 200 mm for infrequent two-way traffic; a passing and turning space of at least
1 800 mm  2 000 mm should be provided for every 25 m (see 7.5)
d) not less than 900 mm when it is unlikely that people will have to pass one another; a turning space of at
least 1 800 mm  2 000 mm should be provided for every 25 m (see 7.6).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 constant two-way traffic
2 frequent two-way traffic
3 infrequent two-way traffic
4 no-pass traffic
5 passing and turning space every 25 m (only acceptable for wheelchair users under exceptional circumstances)
Figure 5 — Different surface widths of the path depending on frequency
7.5 Passing space for wheelchair users
A path whose surface width is less than 1 800 mm (see 7.4) and whose overall length is more than 50 m, shall
be provided with a passing place or places. Passing places should be a maximum of 25 m apart. This does
not apply to a landing forming part of a sloped path, a ramp, steps or a stair.
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Passing place for two people using wheelchairs shall be a minimum width of 1 800 mm for a minimum length
of 2 000 mm (see examples in Figure 6).
NOTE Passage widening can be associated with intersections, turns and doorways so as to appear as integrated
design features or enhancements.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 6 — Examples for passing spaces for wheelchair users
7.6 Turning space for wheelchair users on landings
For changes of direction of more than 45° on the landings of the path to the building, the unobstructed
manoeuvring space shall be at least 1 500 mm  1 500 mm. See similar requirements for ramps in Clause 8.
If larger powered wheelchairs and scooters for outdoor use are to be considered, the outer radius of a turning
space should be larger. In such cases, for changes of direction of more than 45° on the landings of the path to
the building, the radius of the outer circle of the way shall be at least 1 900 mm for powered wheelchairs and
scooters.
7.7 Path construction
The path shall be firm with an even and slip-resistant surface and should be free from drainage gratings.
Care shall be taken to ensure that adjacent surface materials do not display different slip resistance
characteristics, particularly at the edges of changes of level or gradients.
7.8 Stepped path and stair
For ambulant people, a stepped path can provide a safer and more assuring means of access than a sloped
path or a ramp.
Wherever the rise of a ramp exceeds 300 mm, an additional flight of steps should also be provided.
An isolated single step is not acceptable.
Consider detailed requirements for stairs according to Clause 13.
Where required on a continuous accessible path of travel, tactile warning indicators shall be located at both
the top and bottom of stairways.
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7.9 Width of stepped path and stair
The surface width of a stepped path and stair shall be not less than 1 200 mm. The clear unobstructed width
of the flight of a single- or multi-channelled stepped path and stair shall be not less than 1 000 mm between
handrails or any obstructions.
7.10 Landing of stepped path and stair
For requirements for landings see also 13.3.
7.11 Landings of sloped paths
For landings at the foot and the head of a sloped path, see also 8.4. If there is a door at the end of the landing
of a sloped path, the manoeuvring area, door opening area and access to the door handle should also be
considered.
7.12 Support and guidance by a handrail on paths
Where handrails and guards are used on paths, the requirements included in Clauses 9 and 14 should be
considered.
Support and guidance by a handrail should be provided on stepped paths:
 a handrail shall be provided on each side of a flight of steps that consists of two or more risers.
 a handrail shall be provided on both sides of a channel that may subdivide a flight of steps.
7.13 Drainage of access routes
The cross-fall of a level or sloped path, a stepped path, a ramp, or a landing, that is provided to permit
drainage of surface water, should not exceed 1:50 except in exceptional circumstances.
A dished channel should not be constructed within the boundaries of a path or ramp.
Dished channels shall have a maximum width of 150 mm and a maximum drop into gulley of 5 mm.
A drainage grating that is within the boundaries of a path or a ramp shall be set flush with the surface.
The top, bottom and landings of steps and ramps should be properly drained in order to avoid water flowing
down steps and ramps.
7.14 Solitary obstacles in a path
Objects with a height lower than 1 000 mm can create a hazard for blind or partially sighted people.
Permanent equipment that cannot be located outside the boundaries of a path shall be:
a) designed to be easily seen with a minimum difference in LRVs of 30 points to the background, and
b) shielded to protect against impact, and
c) accompanied by a feature that warns of the presence of a potential hazard and is detectable for a person
using a white cane or stick (see Figure 7).
The headroom along a path shall be maintained at a height of not less than 2 100 mm above the surface of
the path.
Any objects projecting more than 100 mm between 300 mm and 2 100 mm above ground level into an access
route shall be clearly visible and detectable with a cane (see Figure 7).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 base plinth detectable with cane if a projecting object is more than 100 mm above floor level
2 winged protection between 300 mm and 1 000 mm above floor level, contrasting visually with the background and
detectable with a cane
3 difference in light reflectance value to background – minimum 30 points
Figure 7 — Solitary obstacles
When a projecting obstacle exists, a protective guard shall be provided at ground level, under the projecting
object such as a kerb or fixed element at a height of 100 mm – 300 mm as cane detection. Cane detection
shall not be set back more than 100 mm from the face of the projecting object. Wing walls, side partitions,
alcoves or recesses are solutions for projecting elements where free space under the object is needed.
Winged protection shall extend continuously between 300 mm and 1 000 mm above the floor and shall
contrast visually with the background.
7.15 Guards against falling within a path
See the requirements in Clause 9.
8 Ramps
8.1 General
Ramps provide an accessible route between changes of level. A ramp with the appropriate slope can provide
accessibility without requiring reliance on a mechanical device.
Ramps may be the only practical solution for people who cannot use steps or stairs, but other people may
prefer to use stairs.
In addition to a ramp, a flight of steps should be provided if the change in level is more than 300 mm (see
Figure 8).
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Key
1 ramp surface (see Table 2 for maximum slope and length)
2 horizontal landing
3 horizontal landing
4 tactile walking surface indicator in front of stairs
5 complementary stairs with markings
6 handrails on both sides of ramp and stairs
7 upstand, min. 150 mm
h width between handrails
w width of ramp surface
Figure 8 — Example of ramp with slope 1:20 and horizontal landings at beginning and end
In buildings of more than one storey, a lift should be provided (see 15.1).
Where required on a continuous accessible path of travel, tactile warning indicators should be located at both
the top and bottom of ramps. See further detailed measures in 13.5.
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8.2 Slope and length
The slope shall not exceed the maximums set out in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 2 — Maximum slope and length of ramps
Max. rise,
mm
Max. slope Max. slope,
mm/m
Max. length
between
landings, mm
Outdoor use Indoor use Handrails
required
no limit Less than 1 in 20
(5,0 %)
<50 no limit yes yes no
500 1 in 20 (5,0 %) 50 10 000 yes yes see 8.5
460 1 in 19 (5,3 %) 53 8 740 yes yes see 8.5
420 1 in 18 (5,6 %) 56 7 560 yes yes see 8.5
385 1 in 17 (5,9 %) 59 6 545 yes yes see 8.5
350 1 in 16 (6,3 %) 63 5 600 yes yes see 8.5
315 1 in 15 (6,7 %) 67 4 725 yes yes see 8.5
280 1 in 14 (7,1 %) 71 3 920 yes yes see 8.5
245 1 in 13 (7,7 %) 77 3 185 yes yes see 8.5
210 1 in 12 (8,3 %) 83 2 520 yes yes see 8.5
180 1 in 11 (9,1 %) 91 1 980 kerb ramps only not recommended no
150 1 in 10 (10,0 %) 100 1 500 kerb ramps only not recommended no
110 1 in 9 (11,1 %) 111 990 kerb ramps only not recommended no
75 1 in 8 (12,5 %) 125 600 kerb ramps only threshold ramps
only
no
NOTE A ramp with a gradient higher than 1:12 is difficult to use and can create a risk of an accident; it is therefore
not suitable for independent use.
Table 3 — Exceptional considerations in adaptation of urban areas or
at the entrance of existing buildings
Max. rise,
mm
Max. slope Max. slope,
mm/m
Max. length
between landings,
mm
Exceptional
considerations only
Handrails required
1 250 1 in 12 (8,3 %) 83 15 000 yes see 8.5
1 150 1 in 11 (91 %) 91 12 650 yes see 8.5
1 000 1 in 10 (10,0 %) 100 10 000 yes see 8.5
750 1 in 9 (11,1 %) 111 6 750 yes see 8.5
375 1 in 8 (12,5 %) 125 3 000 yes see 8.5
35 1 in 8 (12,5 %) 125 280 threshold ramps only no
Ramps with a gradient greater than 1:12 (83 mm/m) should only be used in existing environments under
special circumstances decided at a national level.
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8.3 Width of ramps
 The surface width of a ramp shall be not less than 1 200 mm.
 The unobstructed width of a ramp shall be not less than 1 000 mm between the handrails or any
obstructions.
Exceptional considerations in adaptation of urban areas or at the entrance of existing buildings: The
unobstructed width of a ramp shall be not less than 900 mm.
8.4 Landings of ramps
An end landing shall be provided at the foot and the head of a sloped path, a stepped path, or a ramp. The
area of an end landing may be a part of the continuing path (see Figure 8).
The length of an end landing and an intermediate landing shall be not less than 1 500 mm.
The length of an intermediate landing at any change in direction of more than 10° shall be at least 1 500 mm
measured on the centre line (see Figure 8).
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings: The clear space at the beginning and at the end of the ramp
shall be at least 1 200 mm at surface level. Intermediate landings shall also be at least 1 200 mm.
The area of a landing shall be clear of any obstruction including the path of swing of a door or gate.
8.5 Support and guidance by handrail on ramps
For general requirements of handrails, Clause 14 and the following should be considered:
 a handrail should be provided on each side of a ramp when the length of the ramp is 800 mm or less and
there is an alternative stepped access;
 a handrail shall be provided on each side of a ramp if the ramp exceeds 800 mm in length.
The minimum distance between handrails shall be 1 000 mm.
8.6 Drainage of ramp
Consider the general requirements in 7.13.
8.7 Surface materials
Surface materials shall be rigid with a plain and slip-resistant surface, in both wet and dry conditions.
9 Guarding along paths and ramps
Providing protection at the side of the path protects people who use wheelchairs and ambulant people from
injuring themselves as the result of a fall. See examples of protection against falling in Figure 9.
 If a level or sloped path is bounded on one or both sides by terrain that slopes downwards by up to 30°
from the horizontal, a firm and level margin of at least 600 mm shall be provided at the relevant side or
sides.
 If a sloped path or ramp is bounded on one or both sides by terrain that slopes downwards by 30° or
more, an upstand of minimum height of 150 mm shall be provided at the relevant side or sides. Upstands
shall have a minimum difference in LRV of 30 points in relation to the ramp.
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 If a path, or a sloping path, stepped path, ramp, terrace or other unfenced platform rises more than
600 mm above the adjacent ground, it shall be provided with guarding. If the adjacent ground is firm and
level with the path for 600 mm, no guard is needed.
Guarding shall be designed to discourage a user, particularly a child, from climbing on it.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 slope less than 1:3 (333 mm/m)
2 level margin min. 600 mm wide
3 upstand where the difference in level is 600 mm or less
4 upstand with a min. difference in LRV of 30 points in relation to the path or ramp
5 upstand with guarding where the difference in level is greater than 600 mm
Figure 9 — Examples of protection against falling
10 Building entrances and final fire exits
10.1 General
The entrance(s), including final fire exits, to a building should be easy to locate, safe and convenient to use
and have limited exposure to rain and snow. Entrance doors should be sufficiently high and wide, easy and
intuitive to operate (see 18.1).
Information concerning fire safety and fire evacuation procedures should be conveniently located at all
entrances and final fire exits. Information on evacuation plans should be available to all building users in a
format they can understand. This may include large print, audio, Braille, easy-to-read.
Entrance doors should be capable of resisting the forces of prevailing winds without opening unexpectedly.
Conventional swing, sliding or bifold doors shall always be located adjacent to revolving doors for the
purposes of unhindered access.
These requirements shall be met at the principal entrance(s) to and exit(s) from the building.
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10.2 Identification
The principal entrance to a building shall be identifiable from the boundary of the site and from any designated
accessible parking spaces on the site. If the entrance cannot be easily identified, suitable means of visual and
tactile wayfinding shall be provided.
10.3 Floor level at the entrance
Entrances into the building should be level. Any raised threshold shall not exceed 20 mm.
Where a raised threshold is necessary, it shall have maximum height of 20 mm, be bevelled down, and have a
minimum difference in LRV of 30 points compared to the floor (see Figure 10).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 bevelled threshold
2 door opening outwards
3 door opening inwards
4 short ramp allowed (see NOTE)
Figure 10 — Bevelled threshold
If the level of the entrance storey is above that of the surrounding ground, a suitable sloped or ramped
approach and landing shall be provided immediately outside the principal entrance.
NOTE At entrance doors, when required for thermal insulation and airtightness, a high degree of overlap between
door leaf and threshold may be necessary, resulting in a relatively small clearance between landing and door leaf. For this
reason a short ramp of no more than 300 mm in length and a slope of max. 1:12 may be allowed.
Any permanent or temporary feature provided at floor level to limit incoming dirt or water should be set flush
with the remainder of the floor or, if surface laid, should be a regularly serviced, washed and exchanged
flooring type with rubber banking and chamfered edges which maintain surface adhesiveness and prevent
folding or crinkling.
10.4 Principal entrance doorway
Detailed requirements for doors are specified in Clause 18.
10.5 Doorway width
The minimum unobstructed width of an entrance doorway shall be not less than 800 mm; 850 mm or more is
recommended as more space can be required for a person using a powered wheelchair.
NOTE Many national building regulations require a minimum width of 900 mm for an entrance door.
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10.6 Clear height of a doorway
The minimum clear height of a doorway shall be not less than 2 000 mm.
10.7 Circulation space
In front of the door opening into the building, there should be a minimum horizontal manoeuvring space of
1 500 mm by 1 500 mm. Where turning 180° in a wheelchair may be required, there shall be a minimum of
1 600 mm by 2 150 mm. A clear space of 600 mm (700 mm recommended) at the latch side of the door is
required to allow someone to operate the door handle (see Figure 11).
For alternative openings and constructions, see Annex C.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 11 — Circulation space at a swinging door
10.8 Lobbies
10.8.1 General
Lobbies shall allow people to enter the built environment without any hindrance or barriers. See 18.1 for the
design of doors.
10.8.2 Unobstructed manoeuvring space
The minimum unobstructed manoeuvring space between doors in an entrance lobby shall be not less than
1 500 mm free of the door swing (see Figure 12).
In single swing doors, in the lobby, the door should swing outwards.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 12 — Minimum dimensions of lobbies with single leaf single swing doors
10.9 Visibility through an entrance door
Except when necessary to maintain security or privacy, an entrance door shall be designed to permit visual
awareness of the layout of the building immediately beyond.
The requirements for viewing panels in 18.1.6 and for visual contrast in 18.1.7 should also be considered.
11 Horizontal circulation
11.1 General
The main horizontal circulation design shall be level on each storey in order to ensure that the building is
accessible to all people. Horizontal circulation shall be without steps. Where differences in level cannot be
avoided, ramps or lifts shall be provided (see Clauses 8, 15 and 16).
Buildings should be designed, constructed and managed so that the internal layout is accessible and easily
understood. All aspects of horizontal circulation, including corridors, should be designed to facilitate ease of
movement for all people.
In order to avoid a tripping hazard (especially during a fire evacuation), where a raised threshold is necessary
at a door opening, its maximum height shall be 20 mm, it shall be bevelled, and shall have a minimum
difference in LRV of 30 points compared to the floor.
Routes should preferably intersect at right angles to each other and be easy to follow. To facilitate people with
visual impairments, routes should have detectable delimitations and different visual contrast from the
surroundings. For orientation and wayfinding in very complex buildings and across large areas, guidance can
be provided by tactile walking surface indicators and visual, audible and tactile information, including egress
and evacuation (see Clause 39).
NOTE Handrails can provide support for people with impaired mobility, guidance for people who are blind or have
impaired vision, and can also support Braille information or tactile information.
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11.2 Internal passages
The minimum unobstructed width of corridors shall be 1 200 mm, with a preference for a width of 1 800 mm.
Where less than 1 800 mm wide, a corridor shall be provided with passing places, 1 800 mm wide and at least
1 800 mm in length at reasonable intervals. These dimensions shall be exclusive of handrails and any other
projections, e.g. portable fire extinguishers, notice boards, coat hooks, etc.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states where
shorter and smaller wheelchairs are generally used and due to market situations, the internal passages may
be reduced to a width of 900 mm for short straight passages of maximum 2 000 mm length. Wherever
possible this internal passage width should be increased to 1 200 mm.
Adequate circulation space, where a doorway exists, shall be provided. Annex C gives advice on the provision
of circulation space on each side of a doorway.
Intensity in use of the corridor shall be a criterion when establishing the minimum width and length of the
corridor (see Figure 13).
NOTE In some countries, the width of passage used for escape is defined by other criteria (e.g. number of people,
surface of premises); see also Annex D.
Changes of direction within a corridor shall have a turning circle with a diameter of 1 500 mm or more, clear of
any obstructions (see Figure 14).
The minimum clear height of corridors shall be 2 100 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 constant two-way traffic
2 frequent two-way traffic
3 infrequent two-way traffic
Figure 13 — Different corridor widths determined by intensity of use
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Hanging objects on walls should be avoided, except when they comply with 7.14. The minimum unobstructed
width shall remain 900 mm.
11.3 Turning space for 90° turn of a wheelchair in corridors
The manoeuvring zone required for a wheelchair to make a 90° turn shall be designed according to Figure 14.
It shall have no gradient, and it shall not be less than 1 200 mm wide and 1 200 mm long in the direction of
travel.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states where
shorter and smaller wheelchairs are generally used and due to market situations, the manoeuvring zone
required for a wheelchair to make a 90 ° turn may be reduced to a width of 1 000 mm and a length of
1 000 mm in the direction of travel.
If one corridor has a dead end, the solution in Figure 15 should be considered.
A corridor 1 500 mm long in the direction of travel is recommended for ease of turning.
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Minimum space b) Recommended space
Figure 14 — Minimum and recommended space required for a 90° turn
11.4 Circulation space for 180° wheelchair turn
The space required for a wheelchair to make a 180° turn shall be not less than 2 000 mm in the direction of
travel and not less than 1 500 mm wide (see Figure 15).
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states where
shorter and smaller wheelchairs are generally used and due to market situations, the width of the space
required for a wheelchair to make a 180° turn may be reduced to 1 200 mm.
For landing dimensions, see 13.3.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 15 — Space required for a 180° turn in a corridor
12 Vertical circulation
12.1 General
Vertical circulation within buildings should be designed, constructed and managed so that it can easily be
understood and used by people. Vertical circulation includes the provision of stairs, lifts and ramps, as well as
escalators, travelators and lifting platforms.
12.2 Ramps in buildings
General requirements for ramps are set out in Clause 8. Internal ramps should, if possible, be avoided. Where
required, internal ramps shall be designed in accordance with the following additional criteria:
 no series of ramps should rise more than 2 000 mm in total. If this is the case, an alternative should be
provided, e.g. a lift;
 in order to avoid trips and falls during a fire evacuation, a gradient of 1:15 (67 mm/m, 6,7%) should be the
maximum permissible gradient within a building.
An internal ramp should have the lowest practical gradient.
The minimum illumination at the top and bottom of the ramp should be 200 lux and 150 lux in between the
bottom and top. See lighting requirements in Clause 33.
13 Stairs
13.1 Rise and going of steps
The rise and tread of steps within flights shall be uniform.
For the purpose of safe assisted fire evacuation of people, the rise of a step should not have a height greater
than 150 mm, and the going of a step should be not less than 300 mm. The minimum going of the tread shall
be 260 mm, and the maximum rise shall be 180 mm. Due to safety reasons and anthropometric differences, it
may be recommended to increase the minimum depth of the going.
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Spiral and curved stairs are not recommended. Should spiral and curved stairs be used, the inside handrail
should have the inside edge vertically parallel with the going at a point where the depth of the going is a
minimum of 220 mm.
The sum of the going and twice the rise of a step should be not less than 600 mm and not more than 660 mm.
The riser of a step shall not be open.
The projection of a step nosing over the tread below shall be avoided but, if necessary, shall not be more than
25 mm. The nosing shall provide an uninterrupted transmission between riser and tread (see Figure 16).
A flight of steps should not contain more than 16 risers. However, in circumstances where the plan area is
restricted, a flight of a stairs shall contain no more than 20 risers.
The minimum illumination at the top and bottom of the flight should be 200 lux and 150 lux in between. See
lighting requirements in Clause 33.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 16 — Recommended going and rise of steps
13.2 Minimum width of stair flights
The minimum width of a flight of stairs shall be 1 200 mm.
The minimum width between handrails shall be 1 000 mm.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states, the
minimum width of a flight of stairs may be reduced to 900 mm and the minimum width between handrails may
be reduced to 800 mm.
To allow sufficient space for an evacuation chair to travel downstairs, while providing space for the purpose of
accommodating contraflow, i.e. emergency access by firefighters rescue teams entering a building and
towards a fire, while people are still evacuating from the building, the clear unobstructed width, exclusive of
handrails and any other projections, e.g. portable fire extinguishers, notice boards, etc., of the flight of singleor
multi-channelled stairs should be not less than 1 500 mm. The surface width of a flight of stairs should not
be less than 1 700 mm.
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13.3 Staircase landings
The area of a landing shall be clear of any obstruction including the path of the swing of a door or gate. Where
there is a half landing or a 180° turn, it shall never be less than 1 500 mm wide in order to facilitate carrying a
person on a stretcher. See Figure 17.
If the stepped path is multi-channelled, the length of an intermediate landing shall not be less than the
unobstructed width of the widest channel.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 17 — Example of stair and 180° landing for emergency access
13.4 Head clearance
Clear accessible height under stairs shall be a minimum of 2 100 mm or greater. If the clear height is less than
2 100 mm, a guard or other element shall be provided to shield against impact. See Figure 18.
Head clearance on the stair shall be minimum 2 100 mm.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 min. 2 100 mm clear height
2 guard against impact
3 guard detectable with cane, max. 300 mm above floor
Figure 18 — Clear height under stairs
13.5 Visual and tactile warnings
There shall be a visual contrast (see 35.1) between landings and the top and bottom step of a flight of stairs.
Preferably, a visual warning line with a single strip of 40 mm to 50 mm without a break shall be provided on
the front edge of the going of each step with a minimum difference in LRV of 60 points and may return down
the riser for a maximum of 10 mm. The visual indicator on the going may be set back a maximum of 15 mm
from the front of the nosing. As an alternative solution, a visual warning line with a width between 50 mm and
100 mm shall be provided on the going of the first and the last step of the flight. See Figure 19.
Where a stair is in an open area, a tactile attention pattern may be beneficial. National regulations can require
the systematic use of tactile warning on any stair. However, where different materials are used for the flights
and landings of a stair, care should be taken to ensure that their frictional characteristics are similar in order to
minimize the risk of stumbling.
Where tactile attention patterns are used, they should be provided on the landings at the top and bottom of
every flight of stairs across the whole width of the stair. The tactile attention pattern should have a depth of
between 600 mm and 900 mm ending 300 mm to 500 mm before the front edge of the first down going step.
For dimensions of attention patterns see Figure 19 and Annex A.
Where tactile attention patterns are used at the top and bottom of stairs, the attention pattern shall not reduce
visual detection of the first and the last step of the flight.
13.6 Guards along stairs
If a stair rises more than 600 mm above the adjacent ground, it shall be provided with guards from that point
on (see Clause 9).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 visual warning line
2 tactile warning surface indicator with max. height of pattern 5 mm
w full width of stairs
a
Preferred option. Not a requirement.
Figure 19 — Tactile walking surface indicator (TWSI) and visual indicator
14 Handrails
14.1 General
A handrail provides a means of support, stability and guidance for the user. A handrail will help most people to
go up or down a flight of steps or a ramp. However, a handrail also provides an essential means of support,
stability and guidance for all building users during a fire evacuation.
Handrails shall be provided for stepped and sloped paths, ramps and stairs and lift cars according to the
requirements given in 14.2 – 14.8.
14.2 Provision of handrails
A handrail shall be provided on both sides of all flights of stairs, and a central handrail should be provided
when the unobstructed width of the stairs exceeds 2 700 mm, provided that an unobstructed width of at least
1 500 mm is provided on one side.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings: a handrail should be provided on at least one side of the
flight of stairs (principal difficulties arise in relation to heritage buildings).
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14.3 Profile of a handrail
A handrail shall:
a) have a rounded profile that can be inscribed into a 45 mm circle, and subscribed to a 35 mm diameter
circle. The radius of the rounded edges shall be minimum 15 mm;
b) be located to provide a minimum clear space of 40 mm from an adjacent wall or other obstruction;
c) have an overall projection from any side obstruction of not more than 100 mm;
d) have the top 270° arc of the handrail clear along its full length;
e) have a minimum of 50 mm clearance under the 270° arc along the full length of the handrail for finger
indentation;
f) have a surface that is smooth but provides adequate resistance to hand slippage.
NOTE A wide and relatively flat-topped surface on a handrail provides better support than a regularly curved one.
Graspability is better on a handrail that does not require significant hand and finger joint movement. For these reasons,
the use of a handrail that is elliptical is preferred.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 maximum inscribed circle for handrail profile
2 minimum subscribed circle for profile
3 minimum 50 mm clearance under top 270° arc along full length of handrail
Figure 20 — Examples of handrail profiles, support and clearance
14.4 Continuity of a handrail
Handrails should be continuous throughout the flight of a ramp, stair, stepped path and intermediate landing,
except where they intercept with a doorway or path of travel.
14.5 Height of a handrail
The height to the top of a handrail shall be between 850 mm and 1 000 mm above the surface of a ramp, the
pitch line of a stair, and the surface of a landing.
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A second handrail, with a lower profile than the first one, shall be provided. The height to the top of the second
handrail should be between 600 mm and 750 mm above the surface of a ramp, the pitch line of a stair, and
the surface of a landing.
14.6 Horizontal extension of a handrail
A handrail on a stepped path, stair or ramp shall have a horizontal extension of not less than 300 mm beyond
the first and last nosing of each flight.
A handrail shall not project into a transverse circulation path unless it is continuous and intended to form part
of the guidance along that path.
The end of the horizontal extension should be turned towards the wall on the closed side of the ramp or stairs,
or be turned down and terminate at the floor or ground level.
NOTE This provision supports people with mobility impairment and limits the risk of clothing being caught.
14.7 Visual and tactile information
The minimum visual contrast of a handrail to the adjacent background, e.g. a wall, shall comply with the
requirements outlined in Clause 35.
Raised text or tactile symbols shall be unobtrusively and permanently fitted or fixed to handrails as an
important source of information for people who have a vision impairment, e.g. indication of floor number,
direction of fire evacuation, location of final fire exits, etc.
Visual and tactile information should be provided according to 7.2, and Clauses 33, 35, 39 and 40.
14.8 Mechanical resistance
Handrails shall be securely fixed and rigid. The fastenings and the materials shall be able to withstand a
minimum point load, both vertical and horizontal, of 1,7 kN.
15 Lifts (Elevators)
15.1 General comments
All accessible levels of a building shall be accessible with ramps or lifts (elevators). Lifts are preferable, and
shall be accessible for all people, including people with disabilities. The minimum inner dimensions of cars are
given in 15.2.
NOTE 1 Requirements for the minimum size and numbers of lift cars are a matter of national building regulations.
Where national regulations do not require a lift in a multi-storey building, a space for an accessible lift with a
minimum internal lift car size of 1 100 mm  1 400 mm of 630 kg should be provided for later adaptation.
The method of measurement of the internal lift car size may vary from one country to another (see
ISO 4190-1).
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states where
shorter and smaller wheelchairs are generally used and due to market situations, the space for an accessible
lift provided for later adaptation may be reduced to the one for an accessible lift with a minimum car size of
1 000 mm  1 250 mm.
NOTE 2 Only people with small wheelchairs without any accompanying person can use such a small lift. People with
powered wheelchairs and persons with walking aids will not have enough manoeuvring space therein.
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Requirements concerning the size of accessible lifts are stated in ISO 4190-1 as lifts “accessible for
wheelchairs”.
The requirements of ISO 4190-1 give dimensions for a wide range of accessible lifts for persons in different lift
classes:
 Class I, General purpose lifts,
 Class III, Health care lifts, including hospitals and nursing homes,
 Class VI, Intensive use lifts for high-rise buildings.
All technical requirements for accessible lifts shall comply with ISO 4190-1.
All control devices, signals and additional fittings shall comply with ISO 4190-5, except when different
requirements are specified in Clause 15, especially when particular requirements for easy access for disabled
persons are mentioned.
NOTE 3 The relevant standard for lifts used by persons including persons with disabilities within CEN Member States
is EN 81-70, developed by CEN/TC 10 “Lifts, escalators and moving walks”. CEN/TS 81-82 was developed for the
improvement of accessibility of existing lifts. Several European standards of CEN/TC 10 are also applied overseas, e.g. in
China, Japan, etc. There is a close cooperation between ISO/TC 178 and CEN/TC 10.
15.2 Inner dimensions of cars
The following accessibility requirements shall apply.
Inner dimensions of cars shall be according to ISO 4190-1:2010, and shall be marked with Figures 66 or 71,
showing that they fulfil minimum accessibility requirements.
The minimum inner dimensions of cars which are accessible for a wheelchair user and an accompanying
person are 1 100 mm  1 400 mm. A minimum unobstructed entrance width of 800 mm shall be provided on
the narrow side of the car. The recommended unobstructed entrance width is 900 mm (see Figure 21). See
also ISO 4190-1:2010, Figure 6, Class I – General-purpose lifts, 630 kg.
If a trolley with a stretcher is considered, the minimum inner dimensions of cars shall be 1 200 mm  2 300 mm.
A minimum unobstructed entrance width of 1 100 mm shall be provided on the narrow side of the car (see
Figure 21). Consider ISO 4190-1:2010, Figure 8, Class III – Health-care lifts, 1 275 kg.
NOTE 1 ISO 4190-1:2010, Figure 8 describes many additional accessible lift cars, e.g. to facilitate transporting a
stretcher or bed. They are clearly marked with the wheelchair or bed symbol. All these accessible lifts allow full
manoeuvrability for people with wheelchair and walking aids.
If an entrance is provided on two adjacent sides, the minimum inner dimensions of cars shall be
1 600 mm  1 400 mm, with a 900 mm unobstructed door width (see Figure 21).
NOTE 2 ISO 4190-1 does not cover adjacent doors on lift cars.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 21 — Examples of lifts accommodating one person in a wheelchair, a person on a stretcher
and a person performing a 90° turn between two adjacent lift doors
15.3 Lift car entrance — Door opening
Accessibility of the landing is required on all eligible floors.
The unobstructed entrance width shall be at least 800 mm; 900 mm is preferred. See 15.2 for specific
situations that require a broader unobstructed entrance width.
National regulations may require more than 800 mm (see Introduction).
The car and landing doors shall be constructed as automatic power operated horizontally sliding doors.
The colour and tone of the lift entrances should contrast with the surrounding wall finishes (see Clause 35).
The door opening time shall be adjustable to suit the conditions where the lift is installed (normally between
2 s and 20 s). A mechanism to increase this time shall be installed to be customized by a user with mobility
impairments (e.g. by means of a button outside the car to call the lift to the floor for it to arrive with extended
door opening time, and a button marked with a wheelchair symbol inside the car with the same purpose).
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A presence sensor device shall cover the opening over the distance between at least 25 mm and 1 800 mm
above the car door sill (e.g. light curtain). The device shall be a sensor which minimizes the likelihood of
physical contact between the user and the leading edges of the closing panel(s).
Sufficient manoeuvring space outside the lift entrance shall be provided according to 19.3 and B.6.1 (see
Figure 15). The manoeuvring space should not be in any circulation route nor directly opposite to any stair
circulation. If a stair is situated opposite the entrance, the distance to the stair shall be at least 2 000 mm to
allow safe manoeuvring (see Figure 22). The manoeuvring area shall be adequately lit with a minimum
illumination of 100 lux.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: A manoeuvring space of
1 200 mm  1 200 mm can be accepted according to national regulations and national standards, but could
lead wheelchair users to dangerous situations.
NOTE ISO 4190-5 defines the button requirements and its need for contrast, related with the level of lighting provided
on the landing.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 22 — Manoeuvring space outside the car door opposite a stair
In order to aid in location of the lift entrance, a distinguishable floor surface of approximately
1 500 mm  1 500 mm should be installed outside the doors. This could be obtained by means of a change of
colour or floor finish. Changes in floor finish should be flush.
15.4 Equipment in the car
15.4.1 Handrail
At least one handrail shall be provided in the car and shall be fixed horizontally on the same side as the car
operating panel; it is recommended to provide one handrail on each car wall. Handrails may be interrupted at
the car operating panel(s) if it is required to gain access to lift controls. Handrails shall comply with the
requirements given in ISO 4190-5:2006, B.5.
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The gripping part of the handrail shall:
 be in a perimeter of between 100 mm and 160 mm,
 have a minimum dimension of 25 mm (35 mm is recommended),
 have a maximum dimension of 55 mm (45 mm is recommended), and
 have no sharp edges.
The height to the top of the handrail shall be between 800 mm and 950 mm above the floor; a height of
850 mm  25 mm is recommended.
The free space between the wall and the gripping part shall be between 35 mm and 45 mm; 50 mm is
recommended. The handrail shall be interrupted where the car operating panel is located on the same wall, in
order to avoid obstructing buttons or controls.
The projecting ends of the handrails shall be closed and turned towards the wall to minimize the risk of injury.
15.4.2 Seat
Where a fold-up seat is provided, it shall have:
 a top height from the floor of (500  20) mm;
 a depth of 300 - 400 mm;
 a width of 400 - 500 mm;
 an ability to support a minimum load of 100 kg; 200 kg is recommended, considering the increasing
number of obese people in the worldwide population.
15.4.3 Mirror or mirrored wall within the car
In case of a car size of 1 100 mm  1 400 mm where a wheelchair user cannot turn around, a device (e.g. a
small mirror) shall be installed to enable the user to observe obstacles behind when moving backwards out of
the car. If a glass mirror is used it shall be made of safety glass.
If any wall of the car is substantially mirrored or covered with a reflective surface, measures shall be taken to
avoid creating optical confusion (e.g. by means of decorated glass, or a minimum vertical distance of 300 mm
between the floor and the bottom edge of the mirror, etc.).
15.4.4 Floor and wall surfaces of the car
Internal walls shall have a non-reflective, matte finish in a colour and tone contrasting with the floor.
The car floor shall be rigid, slip-resistant and have a non-reflective, matte finish.
NOTE A lift floor with a high LVR reassures blind and partially sighted people that they are not stepping into an open
lift shaft.
The floor of the car should have a similar surface characteristic to the landing floor. The control buttons shall
comply with ISO 4190-5 with tactile and contrasting design to the surrounding wall in order to locate them
easily.
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15.4.5 Allergic materials
Surface materials that a user can be allergic to include nickel, chromium, cobalt and natural or synthetic
rubber; these materials should be avoided in buttons, controls, handles or handrails (see Annex B).
15.4.6 Lighting
Internal car lighting should provide a minimum level of illumination of 100 lux at floor level, uniformly
distributed, and avoiding the use of spotlights.
15.4.7 Emergency warnings
Emergency warnings shall comply with the requirements of ISO 4190-5.
The car shall have an alarm device (two-way communication system) permanently connected to a manned
security point according to the following:
a) The device shall ensure voice communication in both directions with an organization in charge of
passenger rescue or with the person in charge of the safety of the building.
b) A minimum operating force of 2,5 N shall be required to operate the alarm.
c) The device shall provide visual and audible information feedback for passengers confirming that:
 the alarm has been sent, using a yellow enlightened bell-shaped symbol, and
 the alarm has been received, voice communication established, using the green enlightened symbol
consisting of two heads as defined in ISO 4190-5:2006, Table C.1, item 8, “Communication
established” indicator.
15.4.8 Stopping/Levelling accuracy
The stopping accuracy of the car shall be 10 mm and a levelling accuracy of 20 mm shall be maintained.
15.5 Control devices and signals
Landing and car control devices and signals applicable to a nominal load  630 kg for passenger lifts or higher
shall comply with ISO 4190-5 especially those recommended for ensuring the ease of use and access for
disabled persons which are specified in ISO 4190-5:2006, Annexes A, B and C.
Where it is intended to provide accessibility for all, controls should be placed within a defined area. Landing
controls should be placed at a minimum distance of 500 mm (600 mm recommended) from any adjacent
corner or wall. Car controls should be placed at a minimum distance of 400 mm (500 mm recommended) from
any adjacent corner or wall. Both landing controls and car controls should be placed between 900 mm and
1 200 mm above floor level, preferably 1 100 mm. The controls can be placed either vertically or horizontally
within this area.
NOTE In buildings with a small number of floors and a high number of wheelchair users, placing the controls
horizontally can be helpful.
If keypad systems and destination oriented lifts are provided they shall be designed according
ISO 4190-5:2006, Annex D. People with mental impairments may have difficulties using a keypad system.
In buildings with a small number of floors, it is recommended to use 25 mm  25 mm square buttons or 30 mm
circular buttons with raised tactile letters, whether they are placed vertically or horizontally.
Braille can be used as a complementary and independent feature to tactile figures and is useful where large
texts are necessary.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 23 — Horizontal car controls, XL type — Side view, example (ISO 4190-5:2006)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 single row arrangement on inclined surface
2 square 50 mm  50 mm or round push button with raised tactile letters
Figure 24 — Example of arrangement of a single row of square or round push buttons
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 two row arrangement on inclined surface
2 square 50 mm  50 mm or round push button with raised tactile letters
Figure 25 — Example of arrangement of two rows of square or round push buttons
15.6 Use of lifts (elevators) for fire evacuation
A fundamental objective of fire engineering design for evacuation is that there shall be alternative, safe and
intuitive evacuation routes away from the scene of a fire, which can occur at any time and in any part of a
building; these evacuation routes shall be available to all building users.
NOTE 1 Manual handling of wheelchairs occupied by their users in a fire evacuation staircase, even with adequate
training for everyone directly and indirectly involved, is hazardous for the person in the wheelchair and for those people
giving assistance. The weight of an average unoccupied powered wheelchair, alone, makes manual handling impractical.
Evacuation chair devices (see 38.4) can allow vertical movement on stairs of people with mobility impairments. Some
evacuation chairs require a wheelchair user to transfer out of their own chair into the evacuation chair. This transfer
operation requires manual handling (e.g. handling of one work colleague by others), and there is a risk of injury during the
transfer process or if the wheelchair user uses an oxygen tube, or has a catheter or a colostomy bag. The transfer can
also infringe the independence and dignity of the individual concerned.
All lifts/elevators in new buildings should, therefore, be capable of being used for evacuation in a fire situation.
If lifts/elevators in existing buildings undergo a major overhaul, or if they are replaced, they should be made
capable of use for this purpose.
NOTE 2 Requirements for lift cars being used for evacuation are a matter of national building regulation. Sometimes
alternative provisions are required.
It is essential that any lift/elevator used for evacuation can continue to operate effectively and safely, under
strict management, for a specified time during a fire.
Firefighting lifts/elevators may be used for the evacuation of building users up until the time that firefighters
arrive at the building and take control of the lifts/elevators. Prior liaison and pre-planning with local fire
authorities is always necessary to agree on suitable procedures with regard to the use of the lifts/elevators.
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The use of a firefighting lift for the evacuation of building users may not be acceptable in all countries where
national regulations require a separate provision to be made for firefighter access and disable persons egress.
All lifts used for evacuation should be easily accessible, clearly identifiable and be suitably protected from the
increase of smoke, heat and flame. The controls for the lift shall be located in the areas where users must wait
and this area shall be designed to ensure a tenable environment provided during the entire time that the
evacuation is taking place.
Lifts should not be used for evacuation unless built for this purpose and suitably protected by the building
design.
The location of lifts/elevators in a building, preferably outside a central position on plan, should always be
considered in relation to their supporting fire evacuation staircases, with associated areas of rescue
assistance, and direct protected access to final fire exits leading to places of safety remote from the building.
See also Clause 38, and consider D.3.
16 Vertical and inclined lifting platforms
16.1 General application
Vertical and inclined lifting platforms shall be able to be used safely, independently and also with an
accompanying person. All control devices shall also be accessible and usable for powered wheelchair and
walking aids users.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings: If it is impossible to install an accessible lift according to
Clause 15 in an existing building, vertical or inclined lifting platforms shall be provided. Installation shall
comply with ISO 9386-1 and ISO 9386-2.
NOTE ISO lifting platform standards (ISO 9386-1 and ISO 9386-2) were published in 2000 and confirmed in 2007.
CEN/TC 10 has recently developed EN 81-40 on Lifting platforms for inclined planes and EN 81-41 on Lifting platforms for
vertical planes.
16.2 Platform dimensions
The minimum dimension of the platform shall be 1 100 mm  1 400 mm for the use of manual and powered
wheelchairs with assistance.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings: In existing buildings of minor public importance and with few
visitors, where sufficient space is not available, other dimensions may be considered, e.g.
900 mm  1 400 mm or 800 mm  1 250 mm. Local building regulations should be observed.
16.3 Vertical lifting platforms
If driving, guiding or lifting mechanisms present hazards at the sides of a platform, the mechanisms shall be
guarded to protect the users. The guarding shall be smooth, hard and continuous.
17 Escalators and moving walks
Escalators and moving walks are very common in public buildings. They can greatly facilitate circulation for all
building users in large, extensive and complex modern building types.
NOTE No ISO standard is available for escalators and moving walks. CEN/TC 10 has published EN 115-1 which is a
harmonized standard for European Member States and is also internationally accepted.
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However, the location of escalators and moving walks should always be considered in relation to the position
of adjacent fire protected lift/elevator shafts and lobbies, staircases and their associated areas of rescue
assistance.
During normal periods of maintenance and servicing, escalators and moving walks will not be operational.
In the event of a fire emergency, building users attempting to evacuate usually tend to re-trace their routes of
entry, whatever the nature of the hazard and wherever it is located. It should be assumed that the electrical
supply to escalators and moving walks is terminated or turned off during such emergencies.
For important reasons of safety, therefore, inclined moving walks should comply with the requirements for
ramps in buildings (see 8.2).
For important reasons of safety, special warning notices and indicators shall be provided at the top and
bottom of escalators where step rises reduce suddenly and dramatically when not operational.
Some individuals, in particular older people, might have more than one impairment. Some individuals are not
able to use an escalator or moving walk independently and rely on assistance/support being provided by a
companion.
Safety shall be the prime consideration when choosing or installing escalators and moving walks.
Lifts are the preferred method of vertical travel for most people with disabilities and in particular wheelchair
users and persons with assistance dogs.
Persons with a wheelchair generally cannot use horizontal walkways. An inclination of up to six degrees will
exclude a majority of wheelchair users from using a horizontal walkway independently.
A surface of the escalator that contrasts visually with the approach and the use of audible signals or prerecorded
messages that indicate the start and finish of the escalator help blind and partially sighted people.
Such signals or recording are not normally provided by the escalator manufacturer as standard. There is no
harmonization of solutions worldwide to address this issue. National Standards and National Regulations
should be considered.
Signs should be provided to indicate the location of other facilities, such as lifts, and these facilities should be
in close proximity to the escalators and moving walks and be easy to find.
Moving walks shall be free of projecting objects and obstacles up to a height of 2 100 mm.
A minimum level of illumination of 100 lux shall be provided on moving walks.
18 Doors and windows
18.1 Doors and door furniture
18.1.1 General
General requirements for entrance doorways are given in 10.5.
Doorways shall be designed in accordance with the following additional criteria:
 unobstructed width of doors shall be minimum 800 mm; 850 mm or more is recommended,
 clear height of doorways shall be at least 2 000 mm (compare with 10.6),
 a level threshold is recommended for internal and external doors,
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 where a raised threshold is provided, it shall have a maximum height of 15 mm, be bevelled when higher
than 5 mm and contrast visually with the adjacent floor,
 level manoeuvring area on either side of the door (see Figures 11 and 12),
 if any door is opening towards a descending stair, the minimum safe distance for manoeuvring should be
2 000 mm, including doorswing, to minimize the risk for wheelchair users (see also 13.3 on landings).
18.1.2 Unobstructed width of doorways
The minimum unobstructed width of a doorway on a continuous accessible path of travel shall be 800 mm
when measured from the face of the door (see Figure 26); 850 mm or more is recommended. Consider
detailed information and alternatives in Annex C.
The maximum distance from the handle of the door leaf to the wall surface shall not exceed 250 mm.
Design, installation and maintenance of sliding doors should be specially considered.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 26 — Unobstructed width of swinging and sliding doors
18.1.3 Position of a door
A manoeuvring space of not less than 600 mm shall be provided between the leading edge of a door and a
wall that is perpendicular to the doorway as shown in Figure 26; 700 mm or more is recommended. This
space is necessary to allow opening of the door by a wheelchair user or a walking frame user. This
requirement does not apply where automatic doors are provided.
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18.1.4 Operating force
When the operating force needed to open the door is greater than 25 N, an automatic opening door is
recommended.
People with impaired mobility often experience difficulties when using self-closing doors. The force required to
open doors should be 25 N. Self-closing doors should have an opener.
Buildings for public use should preferably have automatic doors or controlled door closing devices with a holdopen
device. An alternative option is the use of dual powered controlled door closing devices with
electromagnetic retention for higher power spring.
18.1.5 Glazed doors and glazed areas
Glazed (glass) walls and fully glazed doors shall be clearly marked with visual indicators (see Figure 27).
Large glazed areas close to circulation spaces could be mistaken for openings. Glazed walls, doors and other
areas of full height glazing are very disorientating for blind or partially sighted people. The reflections from
these surfaces can be particularly confusing.
Uninterrupted visual indicators of at least 75 mm height with a difference in light reflectance values of
minimum 30 points to the background shall be placed at a height of 900 mm to 1 000 mm and 1 300 mm to
1 400 mm above floor level. An additional visual indicator placed at a height of 100 mm to 300 mm is
recommended (see Figure 27). Visual indicators consisting of two separate colours with a minimum difference
in LRV of 60 points are recommended to enable lighting conditions and backgrounds to be taken into account.
Glass that is silvered or highly reflective should be avoided and any free-standing edges of glazed screens
should have a strip contrasting visually with the surroundings against which they are seen.
NOTE The visually impaired can have a depth of field limitation, which results in them looking down at an angle of
45° to 50°. This also allows them to choose a safe path of travel. When they are within 1 000 mm to 1 500 mm from a fully
glazed door or sidelight, they are able to detect the visual barrier at a height of 900 mm to 1 000 mm, provided the visual
contrast criteria have been applied to the background. The background in all cases is the circulation space on the opposite
side of the door.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 visual marking, minimum width 75 mm, two separate colours with a minimum difference in LRV of 30 points are
recommended
2 visual marking on door frame, minimum width 50 mm
Figure 27 — Markings on glazed doors
18.1.6 Viewing panels in doors
If viewing panels are provided, they shall comply with the following requirements (see also Figure 28):
 the lower edge of the glazed panel shall be not more than 600 mm above the finished floor,
 the upper edge of the glazed panel shall be not less than 1 600 mm above the finished floor,
 in width, the glazed panel shall start not more than 200 mm from the latch edge of the door, and the
glazing shall be not less than 150 mm wide,
 the glazed panel may be subdivided by narrow construction cross-sections of a maximum width of
200 mm.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 28 — Examples of doors with glazed viewing panels
18.1.7 Visual contrast of doors and door furniture to the wall
Doors forming part of an accessible path of travel shall have a difference in light reflectance value to
doorframe and the surrounding wall of not less than 30 points, as described in Clause 35.
The minimum width of the area of visual contrast shall be 50 mm.
If this is not possible to achieve, a marking of at least 50 mm width (e.g. around the frame of the door), with a
different visual contrast from the wall (with a minimum difference in LRV of not less than 30 points) shall
surround all the perimeter of the door (see Figures 27 and 29).
There should be a visual contrast between the door leaf and the handle of at least 15 points.
Key
1 minimum difference in LRV 30 to door frame and wall
Figure 29 — Door with sufficient visual contrast
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18.1.8 Automatic opening doors
The minimum unobstructed width shall be at least 800 mm, with 850 mm recommended. In narrow spaces,
automatic sliding doors can be preferable. All automatic doors should be capable of remaining totally open (at
least 90° in the case of hinged doors) without manual support (see 36.3 and Figure 30).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 automatic sliding door
Figure 30 — Automatic sliding door
18.1.9 Powered swing door
A powered swing door shall be:
 provided with a suitable detection device that is set to ensure that a person approaching or leaving the
door does not come into contact with the door during the opening and closing phases;
 fitted with a return delay mechanism that allows sufficient time for safe passage and for detecting the
presence of a person lying on the floor within the door closing area;
 capable of being used manually in the event of electrical failure.
18.1.10 Revolving door
Where a revolving door is used, a complementary accessible door should be provided immediately adjacent to
the revolving door and available for use at all times. The accessible door could be a swing, sliding or folding
door, and be automatic, manual or power-operated. It should be clearly identified and signed to show that it is
accessible (see Figure 31).
NOTE Unless of significant size and power-operated, revolving doors are not suitable and present particular
difficulties to ambulant disabled people, blind and visually impaired people, people with assistance dogs, wheelchair users,
and people with young children (see Figure 31). Revolving doors are generally not suitable for use as fire exits.
A revolving door shall be large enough to allow safe passage and accommodation for a wheelchair user and a
companion.
An automatic revolving door shall be equipped with a means to slow it or to stop it if it is subjected to pressure
or resistance.
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Figure 31 — Revolving door accompanied by door suitable for people who walk slowly,
use a wheelchair or have impaired sight
18.1.11 Automatic sliding or folding door
An automatic sliding or folding door shall be equipped with a mechanism to prevent its colliding with a user
and anything that is being pushed, pulled or otherwise, being transported through the doorway.
Doors should not obstruct the flow of people or create a collision hazard. The door shall never obstruct the
escape route.
18.1.12 Door furniture
Door locks, door handles, bells and other devices for gaining entry to a place shall be easy to locate, identify,
reach and use, and shall be operable with only one hand. Door furniture shall be located between 800 mm
and 1 000 mm in height, preferably 900 mm (consider B.6.3 and B.6.4 also). D-lever handles are preferred
(see Figure 57).
Adequate clear space shall be available on either side of the doors to enable people in wheelchairs to access
the door controls and pass through. Consider 18.1.2 and Figures 11 and 12.
18.1.13 Glazed walls and screens
Glazed walls and glazed screens should be marked as stated in 18.1.5.
18.2 Fire resisting doorsets
Special consideration should be given to the choice of closing device for a fire resisting doorset. It should be
easily openable from the inside without the use of a key. The door leaf should always be easy, intuitive and
obvious for everyone to open, whatever its configuration, dimensions or hardware.
Where the weight of fire resisting doorsets may cause difficulties for people with mobility impairments, devices
can be used (where permitted by local fire regulations) to hold open these doors during normal use, and close
automatically when an emergency alarm is raised. Care should be taken to ensure that the opening force of
these doors does not prevent them being used by people with mobility impairments during evacuations.
See 18.1 for the detailed requirements and recommendations concerning any doorset in a building.
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18.3 Windows and window hardware
18.3.1 Restriction on opening
Opening windows shall not project into pedestrian areas below a height of 2 100 mm.
18.3.2 Manoeuvrability of hardware and shutters
Windows should be easy to open and close. It should be possible to open and close the windows with only
one hand.
Windows that are easy to open may need safety devices that prevent children from falling out.
Hardware, shutters and switches for remote control should be placed between 800 mm and 1 100 mm above
the floor (see Figure 32).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 32 — Heights of hardware and shutters
18.3.3 Height of the window
To enable wheelchair users to see through a window, the lower edge of the glazing should be no higher than
1 100 mm from the floor.
For safety reasons, guards should be considered, according to building regulations.
18.3.4 Visual indication of glazed areas
Consider the requirements stated in 18.1.5 and Clause 35.
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19 Reception areas, counters, desks and ticket offices
19.1 Hearing and lip-reading
Reception areas, counters, ticket offices, especially in noisy environments or those equipped with a separating
security screen, shall have at least one position fitted with a hearing enhancement system (e.g. induction loop
system) to assist hearing-aid users, as described in Clause 32, and be clearly marked with the appropriate
symbol (see Clause 41).
Avoid positioning service counters in front of windows where bright sunshine causes the user's face to be in
shadow and hence difficult to lip-read. Service counters equipped with a service screen are particularly
difficult. Reflections and glare should be avoided.
19.2 Location
Counters and reception desks should be located and clearly identified so that they are easily recognisable
from a building entrance. Information reception areas should be positioned near the main entrance.
Wayfinding specified in 7.2 and orientation specified in Clause 39 should also be considered.
Carpets or entrance flooring systems or tactile walking surface indicators can help in locating reception
counters for people who have vision impairment. Such products should be designed to minimize trip and slip
hazards.
General design requirements for colour and visual contrast should be considered (see Clause 35).
19.3 Space to manoeuvre
Counters, desks and ticket offices should be accessible to wheelchair users on both sides. A clear manoeuvring
space at least 1 500 mm square shall be provided in front of the counter on the receptionist's side and on the
visitor's side; 1 800 mm square is preferred.
19.4 Height
The counter level shall be between 740 mm to 800 mm from the floor. Clear knee space underneath shall be
minimum 700 mm (see also Figure 33).
Reception desks where writing is done by the visitor (for example at hotel receptions) should allow frontal approach
by wheelchair users with space to provide clearance for wheelchair user's knees. The counter level shall be
between 740 mm to 800 mm from the floor. The clear knee space underneath shall be at least 700 mm (see
Figure 33). At least a part of the desk should also be at a height suitable as a writing place for standing people,
between 950 mm and 1 100 mm (see Figure 33).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 33 — Heights of counters suitable for wheelchair users and people standing
19.5 Lighting
To facilitate lip reading, lighting should provide even illumination.
The reading and writing surfaces at counters, desks and ticket offices shall be illuminated to a level of at least
200 lux in the room, and on the desk in a range of 350 lux to 450 lux.
19.6 Ticket systems
If a queue number ticket system is used, it shall be suitably designed to be accessible. All control devices
shall be located according to Clause 36, and B.6.3 and B.6.4 should be considered. All necessary information
shall be given in simple wording with sufficient visual contrast and based on the two-sense-principle (consider
Clauses 32, 35 and 36). The ticket machine and the calling system shall provide visual and audible output.
Some seats should be located so that a guide or assistance dog can accompany its owner and rest in front of,
or under, the seat.
20 Cloakroom
A mirror should be usable from a standing or a sitting position.
A chair with armrests is required for people who need to sit down and stand up (see 37.2).
Coat hooks should be set at different heights: some at 850 mm, some at 1 100 mm and others at 1 800 mm.
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21 Auditoriums, concert halls, sports arenas and similar seating
21.1 Hearing enhancement systems
A hearing enhancement system shall be provided. The system shall also be provided on the stage/platform.
Consider requirements in Clause 32.
21.2 Lighting for sign language interpretation
Adequate provision should be made to facilitate sign language and lip reading. Lighting on the faces and
hands of presenters and people signing should be provided at an angle of 45° to 50° from horizontal at ceiling
level for people with a hearing impairment to be able to read the presenter's lips and the signer's lips and
hands. A suitable contrasting backdrop should be provided, to assist in reading the presenter's lips and hands.
21.3 Designated seating areas for wheelchair users
At least 1 % of seats shall be designated as seating areas (see 23.1) for wheelchairs users, with a minimum of
two.
From 51 seats up, it is recommended to rate the designated seating areas this way:
 total seats 51 to 100, minimum three designated seating areas for wheelchair users;
 total seats 101 to 200, minimum four designated seating areas for wheelchair users;
 one additional seating area should be provided for every two hundred additional seats or part thereof.
These spaces should be integrated among other seats and allow two wheelchair users to stay together. It is
recommended that the armrest on the seats at the end of the row lift up to allow people to transfer from the
wheelchair onto a seat. To accommodate groups of wheelchair users, in an auditorium with fixed seats, a
minimum of 15 seats shall be foldable or removable to increase the number of designated areas for
wheelchair users when necessary.
Some seats should be wider in order to allow larger size people to sit properly.
21.4 Access to stage and backstage
Access to the stage and to the backstage area shall be provided in new buildings. Adequate provision should
be made to direct the user to the designated spaces.
21.5 Row and seat numbers
The row and seat numbers should be legible to people who have impaired vision. They should be tactile, of
adequate size and have enough visual contrast to the background on which they are mounted. The
requirements given in Clauses 35 and 40 should also be considered.
21.6 Accessible changing rooms
The minimum number of accessible changing rooms can be subject to national requirements or regulations,
depending on the type and use of the building.
In the event that changing rooms are provided alongside a toilet area, these should comply with the
specifications indicated in Clause 26.
A fixed bench should be set at a height of 400 mm to 480 mm above floor level. The anthropometric
differences in the population worldwide may require lower or higher heights of toilet seats. The bench should
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be no less than 500 mm wide  2 000 mm in length, and be provided with a grab rail at a height of 750 mm
with a clearance of between 45 mm and 65 mm from the wall.
A clear space of 1 500 mm  1 500 mm shall be beside the bench.
Coat hooks should be set at different heights: 850 mm to 1 100 mm, and additionally at least one hook at
1 800 mm.
Coat hooks, benches, locker handles and other furnishings should offer good colour and tonal contrast to their
backgrounds. Non-slip floor surfaces should be used, and good lighting as well as matte finished surfaces and
furnishings should be provided.
A call bell may be provided in accordance with Clause 36.
Changing rooms shall have a minimum area of 4 m2.
22 Conference rooms and meeting rooms
Consider the requirements for accessible sanitary facilities in Clause 26 and sufficient acoustic provision in
Clause 32. A sound augmentation system should be provided. Reverberation time for speech, music, etc.,
should be given by national provisions.
All equipment in conference rooms shall be usable by people chairing or participating in the meeting and shall
be at a height between 800 mm to 1 100 mm. See also 36.2.
23 Viewing spaces in assembly areas
23.1 Floor area
The floor area for a wheelchair viewing space shall be connected to an accessible path of travel and shall
meet the following requirements (see Figure 34):
 at least 900 mm  1 400 mm,
 the depth of the row shall be minimum 2 400 mm,
 clear and level surface,
 sufficient manoeuvring space,
 spaces for several wheelchair users shall be provided. They shall be located beside regular seating rows,
for the wheelchair user to be able to stay by his/her accompanying person, if relevant,
 it is recommended that the armrest on the seats at the end of the row lift up to allow wheelchair users to
transfer from the wheelchair onto a seat.
Some seats should be provided with foldable armrests, considering transferences (see 21.3); some other
seats should be wider, considering larger size people.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 34 — Examples of viewing spaces for wheelchair users
23.2 Sight lines
Wheelchair user viewing spaces shall provide viewing spaces that are:
 comparable to those for all viewing positions with a minimum unobstructed eye level up to 1 200 mm,
 not reduced or obstructed by standing members of the audience.
Row and seat number identification signs shall be legible to persons who are visually impaired (see 40.5).
24 Bars, pubs, restaurants, etc.
In restaurants a minimum of 25 % of the tables shall be usable by wheelchair users according to 37.3. In bars,
a minimum of 25 % of bar counters shall not be more than 800 mm height, and shall have an unobstructed
lateral access for wheelchair users.
Sufficient manoeuvring space between tables and the route to the accessible sanitary facilities shall be
provided (consider Clauses 4, 10, 18.1, 26, 30.1 and B.6.1).
Consider the acoustic recommendations in Clause 32.
The general design requirements for colour and visual contrast should also be considered, as described in
Clause 35.
25 Terraces, verandas and balconies
Terraces, verandas and balconies shall be accessible to all people, including people with mobility impairments.
Parts of these facilities should be covered with a canopy, to give shelter against the weather (sun/rain/snow).
Walking surfaces shall be slip resistant.
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26 Toilet rooms and sanitary rooms
26.1 General
The requirements contained in this clause apply to buildings in use by the public, for example hotels, work
places, public buildings and buildings used for sport and recreation activities.
Sanitary facilities shall be designed to accommodate a variety of users. Users with colostomy should also be
considered.
There are a variety of approaches in providing wheelchair accessible toilet rooms. The selection shall be
carefully selected to meet the needs in each country.
If no other national requirements or regulations are available, the following shall apply:
 at least one wheelchair accessible toilet room shall be provided,
 the wheelchair accessible toilet room shall always contain a washbasin.
National provisions may give the number and type of toilet rooms (lateral transfer from two sides or corner
toilet), taking into consideration the type and use of the building and circumstances in which unisex or single
sex provision would be acceptable.
Accessible toilets that can be used by both sexes allow the greatest flexibility for people who require
assistance.
Consider signage requirements given in Clause 40. Consider the use of Figures 68 to 70, given in Clause 41,
to indicate accessible toilet rooms.
An emergency assistance alarm according to 26.14, including a reset control, should be provided in all toilet
and sanitary rooms.
26.2 WC compartments for ambulant disabled people
These compartments meet the needs of ambulant disabled people who require support. This type of
compartment is not for the majority of people who use wheelchairs (see Figure 35). Where located in a
single-sex washroom, hand washing facilities will be available communally. Where this is a standalone facility,
hand washing facilities shall be provided either in a space adjacent to the WC compartment or in a
compartment enlarged to accommodate a wash hand basin.
Characteristics:
 toilet seat height, depth and distance to wall should comply with 26.6,
 clear manoeuvring space in front of the toilet should be minimum 900 mm  900 mm,
 the door should open outwards, with a minimum unobstructed width of 800 mm,
 grab rails on both sides of toilet,
 independent water supply beside toilet seat, and floor drain where necessary.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 35 — Ambulant toilet
26.3 Wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms
Fixtures and fittings in sanitary facilities should visually contrast with the items and surface on which they are
positioned.
The minimum illumination measured at 800 mm above floor level shall be 200 lux in the area of the washbasin.
The floor surface shall be slip resistant, anti-glare and firm.
Light switches should be fixed inside all accessible toilet cubicles or the light should automatically switch on
when someone enters the room. Timed light switches should not be installed or used.
26.4 Dimensions for wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms
26.4.1 General
The dimensions for wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms depend on the functions they must meet. This
International Standard gives the characteristics and requirements for the three types (A, B, C) of toilets most
commonly used in the world. National regulations shall decide on the priority of the functions to be met and
recommend which type of toilet room is to apply for different building types and which type is acceptable for
existing buildings.
The clear manoeuvring space of the toilet room shall allow frontal, oblique and lateral transfer.
Type A allows right and left lateral transfer, and may be more suitable when assistance is needed. Types B
and C only allow one side transfer.
When more than one accessible corner toilet type B or C is planned, a choice of layouts suitable for left hand
and right hand transfer should be provided. Layout of wheelchair user accessible toilet rooms should provide
toilets usable by both sexes.
The clear manoeuvring space at floor level in front of the toilet seat and the washbasin shall be
1 500 mm  1 500 mm, except for type C where 300 mm under the washbasin is accepted as part of the total
manoeuvring space.
The minimum free clearance beside the toilet seat shall be 900 mm; 1 200 mm is preferred for lateral transfer
and assistance.
NOTE Minimum clearance of 900 mm accommodates only 65 % of the wheelchair users, clearance of 1 200 mm
accommodates 90 % of all wheelchair users especially also those who use powered wheelchairs.
The minimum dimensions for an accessible corner toilet room are 1 700 mm width and 2 200 mm depth.
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Exceptional considerations in existing buildings: If the measures given above cannot be achieved due to
technical reasons, the manoeuvring space at floor level may be reduced, but it should be recognized that such
a reduction limits the number of people who can use these toilet rooms.
26.4.2 Type A toilet room with lateral transfer from both sides
Characteristics (see Figures 36 and 37):
 lateral transfer from both sides,
 manoeuvring space uninterrupted by washbasin and pan,
 independent water supply beside toilet seat,
 horizontal grab rails at both sides,
 toilet paper dispensers on both folding grab rails.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 minimum 800 mm (850 mm recommended)
2 foldable grab rails, both sides
3 washbasin
4 independent water supply
Figure 36 — Example of type A toilet room — Lateral transfer from both sides
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Key
1 possible transfer positions
Figure 37 — Type A toilet room transfer options
26.4.3 Type B corner toilet room
Characteristics (see Figures 38 and 39):
 lateral transfer only from one side,
 manoeuvring space uninterrupted by washbasin and pan,
 independent water supply beside toilet seat,
 vertical grab rail beside the toilet seat for getting up and sitting down (slanted grab bars are not preferred),
 toilet paper dispenser fixed on the wall beside the toilet seat,
 foldable grab rail.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 foldable grab rail
2 grab rail on wall
3 independent water supply
4 washbasin
Figure 38 — Example of type B large corner toilet room
Key
1 possible transfer positions
Figure 39 — Type B toilet room transfer options
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26.4.4 Type C toilet room
Characteristics (see Figures 40 and 41):
 lateral transfer only from one side,
 manoeuvring space reduced by washbasin,
 independent water supply beside toilet seat, with floor drain where necessary,
 ability to reach small wash hand basin when seated on toilet,
 horizontal grab rail on wall beside the toilet seat,
 vertical grab rail on wall beside the toilet seat for getting up and sitting down (slanted grab bars are not
preferred),
 foldable grab rail,
 toilet paper dispenser fixed on the wall beside the toilet seat.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 minimum 800 mm (850 mm recommended)
2 foldable grab rail
3 independent water supply
4 grab rail on wall
5 washbasin
Figure 40 — Example of type C small corner toilet room
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Key
1 possible transfer positions
Figure 41 — Type C toilet room transfer options
26.5 Toilet room doors
Toilet room doors should comply with the specifications indicated in 18.1.
The door shall have an unobstructed width of at least 800 mm, with minimum 850 mm as a recommended
value, and it shall be easy to open and close. The door should open outwards. If the door opens inwards,
there shall be a way to open the door, or remove it, from the outside. There should be no openings under or
above the door.
26.6 Toilet seat
The top of the toilet seat shall be between 400 mm and 480 mm from the floor. The anthropometric
differences in the population worldwide may require lower or higher heights of toilet seats.
NOTE Toilet seats with a height of more than 460 mm may cause a problem of instability when sitting on the toilet
seat. Toilet seats of less than 460 mm may cause a problem of transfer getting back to the wheelchair. National
regulations may give the most convenient and appropriate height for an accessible toilet seat at a national level.
The minimum distance from the edge of the toilet seat to the rear wall should be between 650 mm and
800 mm (see Figures 36, 38 and 40).
The minimum distance of a corner toilet from the pan to the adjacent wall should be 250 mm (see Figure 38).
The minimum distance from the centre line of a corner toilet to the adjacent wall should be 450 mm (see
Figures 38 and 40).
If a backrest is provided, the distance from the seat to the backrest should range between 500 mm and
550 mm.
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Toilets for children should have a distance from the centre line to the adjacent wall between 305 mm to
380 mm. The toilet seat height shall be between 205 mm to 380 mm.
26.7 Grab rails
On both sides of a toilet, a grab rail (whether drop-down or fixed to the wall) shall be provided at a distance
between 300 mm to 350 mm from the centre of the toilet. The minimum distance from the wall should be
40 mm.
On the sides where a lateral transfer is possible, a foldable grab rail (drop-down support rail) shall be provided
at a height of 200 mm to 300 mm above the toilet seat. Grab rails shall withstand minimum 1 kN force from
any direction, with 1,7 kN as a recommendation. The length of the foldable grab rail should overlap the front
edge of the toilet seat in between 100 mm and 250 mm. The positioning of a foldable grab rail should allow
access from a wheelchair when folded up.
Where a wall is beside the toilet, a horizontal grab rail shall be provided at a height of 200 mm to 300 mm
above the toilet seat, and a vertical grab rail shall exceed from the horizontal grab rail to a height of 1 700 mm
above floor level. The grab rail shall extend a distance of minimum 150 mm to the front edge of the toilet seat.
The horizontal grab rail shall be uninterrupted for its full length.
The grab rail height for toilets for children should be between 510 mm to 635 mm.
Grab rails shall have a circular profile of not less than 35 mm and not more than 50 mm diameter.
The positioning of accessories such as hand towel, soap, waste bin, etc., should not hamper the use of the
grab rail.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 drop down support rail at seat height plus 200 mm to 300 mm
2 wall mounted horizontal grab rail at seat height plus 200 mm to 300 mm
3 wall mounted vertical grab rail
4 mirror, top height min. 1 900 mm, bottom height max. 900 mm above floor
5 soap dispenser 800 mm to 1 100 mm above floor
6 towels or dryer 800 mm to 1 100 mm above floor
7 waste bin
8 toilet paper dispenser 600 mm to 700 mm above floor
9 independent water supply
10 small finger rinse basin maximum 350 mm projection
Figure 42 — Positioning of grab rails, water supply and toilet paper in type C corner toilet
26.8 Toilet paper
Dispensers for toilet paper shall be reachable from the toilet seat, either under the grab rail or on the side-wall
of a corner toilet at a height between 600 mm to 700 mm from the floor (see Figure 42).
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26.9 Washbasin
A washbasin shall be provided within an accessible toilet room (see Figure 43).
The positioning of a washbasin should allow access from a wheelchair.
The top of the washbasin should be located between 750 mm to 850 mm from the floor.
The differences in stature of the population worldwide may require lower or higher heights of washbasins.
National regulations may give the most convenient and appropriate height for washbasins at a national level.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 paper towels, 800 mm to 1 100 mm above floor
2 soap dispenser
Figure 43 — Placement of washbasin and mirror above the washbasin
with distance of sanitary appliance
The space under the washbasin shall be unobstructed with a knee clearance centred on the washbasin
between 650 mm and 700 mm high and 200 mm deep. In addition, a toe clearance of at least 300 mm high
shall be provided (see Figure 44).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 concealed piping
Figure 44 — Washbasin with knee/toe clearance
In front of the washbasin, space should allow for a frontal or oblique approach by a wheelchair.
The front edge of the washbasin shall be located within a distance of 350 mm to 600 mm from the wall,
according to Figure 36.
The reaching distance to the tap control shall be a maximum of 300 mm, according to Figure 44.
The mirror above the washbasin shall be positioned at a maximum of 900 mm above the floor, up to a height
of 1 900 mm (see Figure 43). If a second mirror is provided, the maximum height above the floor should be
600 mm, up to 1 850 mm.
A shelf with minimum dimensions of 200 mm  400 mm shall be provided near the washbasin at a height of
850 mm, or combined with the washbasin.
In some countries, a smaller finger-rise washbasin (350 mm to 400 mm) is widely used, with a distance from
the pan to the middle of the washbasin of 550 mm, according to Figure 40.
26.10 Water supply
An independent water supply (hand-held shower) shall be provided next to the toilet. An alternative such as a
combination bidet and rear side pan/built-in bidet can be installed.
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26.11 Taps
Taps should be mixer, lever or sensor operated to aid operation. The tap controls should be set no more than
300 mm from the front of the washbasin.
It is recommended that a thermostat be installed to limit the temperature of the hot water to a maximum of
40° C in order to prevent scalding.
26.12 Urinals
When wall hung urinals are fitted in the washroom, at least one of these should be set at a height to the
bottom rim of the urinal between 600 mm and 750 mm and equipped with a vertical grab rail.
When wall hung urinals are fitted in the washroom, at least one of these should have its rim set at a height of
380 mm for wheelchair users and at least one should have its rim set at a height of 500 mm for standing
users. Both should be equipped with a vertical grab rail.
This wall hung urinal should be set clear above the floor level, without any raised access platform and with a
clear floor area in front of the urinal of at least 750 mm wide and 1 200 mm deep.
When wall hung urinals are fitted in the washroom, it is recommended that at least one of these have its rim
set at a height of 380 mm for wheelchair users and at least one have its rim set at a height of 500 mm for
standing users. When installed, both should be equipped with a vertical grab rail.
Urinals should contrast visually with the wall to which they are attached.
26.13 Other fittings
All other fittings, e.g. the water tank, hand dryer, hand-held shower, etc., should be set at a height between
800 mm to 1 100 mm. Coat hooks should be set at heights of 1 050 mm and 1 400 mm.
Toilet doors should be easy to open and close and comply with the general specifications indicated for doors
in Clause 18. A horizontal pull handle on outward opening doors shall be provided at a height of 700 mm
above the floor.
Doors should preferably open outwards.
Light switches should be fixed inside all accessible toilet cubicles or the lighting should automatically switch on
when someone enters the room. Timed light switches should not be installed or used.
Needle boxes to safely dispose of needles (for example, from diabetes patients) should be provided.
If a sanitary bin is supplied, it should be reachable from the toilet seat. Sanitary bins with non-touch opening
devices are preferred.
Non-touch soap dispensers are preferred.
26.14 Alarm
An assistance alarm, which can be reached from changing or shower seats, from the WC and by a person
lying on the floor, shall be provided in all accessible toilets and accessible sanitary rooms. This alarm should
be connected to an emergency help point, or where a member of staff can assist.
Visual and audible feedback should be provided to indicate that, when the alarm has been operated, the
emergency assistance call has been acknowledged and action has been taken.
It should take the form of a pull cord, coloured red, with two red bangles of 50 mm diameter, one set at a
height between 800 mm and 1 100 mm and the other set at 100 mm above floor level.
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A reset control shall be provided for use if the alarm is activated by mistake. It shall be reachable from a
wheelchair and, where relevant, from the WC, the tip-up seat in a shower or changing facility, or the bed in an
accessible bedroom. The reset control shall be easy to operate and located with its bottom edge between
800 mm and 1 100 mm above floor level.
For a corner toilet room, the reset button should be above the fixed horizontal grab rail beside the toilet paper
holder.
The marking of the reset control shall be both visible and tactile.
26.15 Emergency warning alarm
A visual emergency alarm shall be provided to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing in the event of an
emergency (see also Clause 34).
26.16 Shower
Showers can be used by people with different disabilities and different supporting aids, for instance,
wheelchair users, ambulant disabled people, etc., using their own wheelchairs or special shower chairs.
The shower area shall have level entry and have no fixed elements that prevent front and side access.
The wet showering area should be 900 mm  1 300 mm, with a transfer area of also 900 mm  1 300 mm.
The floor in the shower recess shall have a gradient between 1:50 and 1:60 sloping to a floor drain. The area
outside the shower recess shall have a gradient between 1:70 and 1:80 draining towards the shower recess.
The transition into the shower recess shall be level without a step down or a kerb.
The waste outlet should be centrally located and be a round type outlet, not a channel type, to ensure the
stability of the shower chair.
The shower should be fitted with an easily operable foldable seat that folds in an upward direction. If a
foldable seat is provided, its minimum size shall be 450 mm  450 mm, and, when folded down, have its top
surface set between 400 mm and 480 mm above floor level and spaced a maximum of 40 mm from the rear
wall. The fastenings for grab rails and the construction of the foldable seat shall be able to withstand a force of
1,1 kN applied at any position and in any direction.
NOTE Shower wheelchairs are sometimes used instead of shower seats.
The foldable seat shall have the following features:
 self-draining;
 slip-resistant and stable;
 foldable in an upwards direction; when folded, it shall not present a hazard and the grab rail shall be
accessible from the foldable seat.
The foldable seat should have the following features:
 rounded front corners (radius 10 mm to 15 mm),
 rounded top edges (minimum radius of 2 mm to 3 mm).
The foldable seat should preferably be height adjustable.
Grab rails shall be set according to 26.7 and Figure 45. The shower area shall be fitted with at least one
vertical grab rail which may hold the flexible shower head. The length of the flexible shower hose shall be a
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minimum 1 200 mm. The handheld shower head should be provided between 1 000 mm and 1 800 mm above
the finished floor. The shower hose fitting should be a minimum 1 300 mm above floor level.
Shower controls and folding seat shall be set according to Figure 45.
If the shower is combined with an accessible toilet, the manoeuvring areas may overlap, as shown in
Figure 46.
If two or more shower recesses are provided, at least one shall have the seat on the opposite side.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 hand-held shower head
2 horizontal grab rail
3 vertical grab rail
4 foldable shower seat
5 towel hooks
6 transfer area
7 wet showering area with gradient 1:50 – 1:60
8 shower controls
Figure 45 — Example of a shower place with grab rails, adjustable shower head and folding seat
26.17 Individual shower room
A free space at least 1 300 mm  900 mm shall be provided on the clear side of the foldable seat, to allow
access from a wheelchair, in addition to the manoeuvring space of 1 500 mm.
The screening of a shower recess shall be either a curtain or a door system that maintains the required
circulation and manoeuvring space and does not interfere with the level entry.
A shower head support grab rail shall be fixed on the wall in the position shown in Figure 45.
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A hand held detachable shower head shall be provided with a flexible hose of minimum length 1 200 mm, and
it shall be able to reach within 100 mm of the shower floor.
An adjustable shower head holder shall be provided to support the shower head, and shall:
 be installed on the shower head holder support grab rail as shown in Figure 45,
 allow the graspable portion of the shower head to be positioned at various angles and heights,
 allow the graspable portion of the shower head to be located at heights between 1 000 mm and
1 800 mm above the finished floor.
The fastenings, materials and construction of the seat shall withstand a force of 1,1 kN applied at any position
and in any direction.
Grab rails shall be fixed on the walls in the positions shown in Figure 45. All other devices, e.g. taps, soap
holder, shall be situated in an accessible range between 900 mm to 1 100 mm.
26.18 Bathrooms
This subclause applies to buildings that provide bathing facilities, such as hotels, motels, hostels and sports
buildings, where baths may be an alternative, or a supplement to showers (see Figures 46 to 49 as examples).
If only one accessible bedroom for people with disabilities is provided, it should be connected to an accessible
shower room, rather than a bathroom, since many disabled people can only use a shower, due to their
physical limitations. If more than one accessible bedroom is provided, a choice of shower or bath and a choice
of right or left hand transfer to the toilet and shower or bath should be provided.
All accessible bathrooms should always contain an accessible toilet.
En suite facilities should be chosen as the preferred solution for accessible bedrooms, even when they are not
provided generally for guests or residents in a hotel, motel or nursing home. If this is not possible, bathroom
accommodation should be provided in close proximity to the accessible bedrooms.
The minimum overall dimensions of a bathroom intended principally for independent use, incorporating a
corner toilet and a large basin, should be as shown in Figures 46, 48 and 49.
In bathrooms with a toilet that is intended for independent use, the direction of transfer to both the bath and
toilet should be consistent.
When more than one bathroom for independent use incorporating a corner toilet is planned, a choice of left
hand and right hand transfer layouts should be provided.
Auxiliary grab rails should be located in accordance with Figure 47.
Exceptional considerations in existing buildings: If the measures given above cannot be achieved due to
technical reasons, the manoeuvring space at floor level may be reduced to a minimum clearance besides the
toilet seat of 800 mm  1 200 mm and a clear manoeuvring space diameter of 1 200 mm. However, it should
be recognized that such a reduction may limit the use to wheelchair users with small chairs.
NOTE To make a bathtub accessible for users of a bath lift or hoist, a free unobstructed space under the bathtub is
needed.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 46 — Examples of a bathroom with bathtub and shower for independent use
with a corner WC
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 transfer area
2 grab rail
3 opening for hoist
Figure 47 — Example of grab rails and transfer facilities surrounding the bathtub
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 transfer area
Figure 48 — Example of a bathroom for assisted use of bathtub and peninsular WC
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 unequal sliding doors
2 ceiling mounted track hoist
Figure 49 — Example of a bathroom with a ceiling mounted tracked hoist
for independent or assisted use
27 Accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings
The access to accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings (i.e. hotels, guesthouses, etc.) shall comply
with the requirements outlined in this International Standard, in particular with Clauses 4 and 5. The minimum
number of accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings may be subject to national requirements or
regulations. At least one accessible bedroom should be provided for every twenty standard bedrooms or
fraction.
Rooms accessible for wheelchair users shall be designed for two beds. If a single bedroom accessible for
wheelchair users is provided, a queensize bed is preferred, 1 500 mm width  2 000 mm length.
Free space on at least one of the long sides of the bed shall be provided. This space should be 1 500 mm,
and shall not be less than 1 200 mm. At the foot of the bed, at least 1 200 mm is required (see Figures 50 and
51).
An open space of at least 300 mm between the floor and the mattress should be provided to facilitate the use
of a hoist.
Sufficient clear manoeuvring space is needed to gain access to facilities, including the shower.
There should be a bench for luggage at a height between 450 mm to 650 mm.
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The minimum height of a bed shall be between 450 mm to 500 mm, when it is compressed under a 90 kg
weight.
For communication for people with hearing, vision and cognitive limitations, see Clause 32 and Annex B.
Visual and audible alarm systems shall be accessible to warn people with visual and hearing impairments;
consider Clause 34 for fire emergency warnings.
Consider Figures 46 to 49 for details of an accessible bathroom. Manoeuvring space of a minimum
1 500 mm  1 500 mm allows front facing or 45° oblique transfers by wheelchair users.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 50 — Example of space allowances for accessible bedroom
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 shower area
Figure 51 — Example of space allowances for accessible bedroom and bathroom
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28 Kitchen areas
Kitchen areas shall take into account general design considerations in Clause 4, manoeuvring space (see
B.6.1 and B.6.2), slip resistant walking surface and accessible height of controls and devices (see 36.2).
Essential kitchen appliances (oven, refrigerator, etc.) should be usable by persons both standing and sitting in
a wheelchair, and a worktop should be located beside all appliances.
A section of the shelves should be within reaching distance for a wheelchair user, between 500 mm and
1 100 mm above floor surface.
The sink taps should be reachable and easy to operate with one hand. The sink should be reachable for a
wheelchair user and it is recommended to provide adequate space under the sink according to the user's
needs or to provide adequate space beside the sink. If a knee recess is provided under a sink, its underside
should be insulated.
29 Storage areas
The minimum manoeuvring space (see B.6.1) and reachability for wheelchair users (see B.6.3) should be
taken into consideration when designing and constructing a storage area.
Part of the shelves should be within reaching distance for a wheelchair user, between 500 mm and 1 100 mm
above the floor.
If a door is provided, it should open outwards.
30 Facilities for guide dogs and other assistance dogs
30.1 General
In theatre and spectator facilities (this also applies to waiting rooms/other seating areas) it is recommended
that some seats should be located so that a guide or assistance dog can accompany its owner and rest in
front of, or under the seat.
30.2 Relief facilities for guide dogs and assistance dogs
The need for relief facilities for guide and assistance dogs should be decided at a national level.
A relief facility for guide and assistance dogs should be provided near large buildings, such as shopping
centres, leisure or entertainment complexes and transport or other facilities, and any building where a guide or
assistance dog owner is employed.
A secure area should be provided close to the building for use as a dog relief facility. The dog relief area
should be at least 3 m  4 m with a 1 200 mm high secure fence. The entrance gate to the enclosed area
should have an easy to operate and secure catch. The surface area should be concrete with a smooth finish
to assist in cleaning and a slight fall, of 3,5 %, to assist in drainage. It would be good practice to provide a
waste bin and a supply of plastic bags, close to the entrance. An accessible sign saying “For assistance dogs
only” should be displayed. The area should be cleaned regularly and well maintained.
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31 Floor and wall surfaces
Floor coverings shall be firm and slip-resistant in both dry and wet conditions.
Floor and wall surfaces should be anti-glare. Confusing reflections caused by the inappropriate use of floor
and wall finishes and the location of mirrors and glazing should be avoided.
For visual contrast see Clause 35.
The surfaces should contribute to an acoustic environment that helps in orientation; see also Clauses 32 and
33.
32 Acoustic environment
32.1 General
The acoustic environment in a building should be suitable for its intended function for all building users. This
includes all hearing people especially the hard of hearing. For deaf and hard of hearing people, good lighting
is essential to understand the sign language interpreter and/or optical information devices.
Many people with some degree of hearing loss have assistive devices to amplify sound, such as hearing aids
or cochlear implants.
However, if the acoustic environment is not supportive of these devices, they do not work effectively. In
addition, many people who have a mild or temporary hearing loss and do not have assistive devices may not
be able to access information or communicate effectively.
Most people with hearing loss and people without hearing loss rely on sight to lip read or interpret facial
expressions; therefore where the acoustic environment is regarded as important, suitable lighting, colour and
visual contrast should be considered to benefit all building users.
Information normally conveyed in visual form may not be accessible to people who are blind or partially
sighted. This information should also be conveyed audibly; the clarity (speech transmission index) of this
information is affected by the acoustic environment.
The following design considerations should be taken into account to maximize the functionality of the acoustic
environment, and to support the use of assistive devices.
32.2 Acoustic requirements
People with hearing impairments have particular difficulty in making out sounds and words in noisy
environments. Adequate sound insulation should minimize noise from both outside and inside the building.
Noise can often be “mitigated”, for example, by introducing a buffer zone between a meeting area and
extraneous noise, or partitioning a restaurant.
The acoustics in a room are essentially connected with its location in the building and with the acoustic
insulation of the building elements. The distribution of noise within the room itself and from exterior sources
depends on the sound absorption of the surrounding surfaces and furnishing of the room. The calculation of
acoustic absorption is significant in rooms where acoustic quality is important and also where noise reduction
is required.
Good acoustics shall be achieved by optimizing the reverberation time, by considering the use/purpose of the
room and by ensuring a low background noise level. The optimum reverberation time of a room should be
determined having regard to the volume and the intended purpose of the room.
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The geometry and shape of the room, as well as the distribution of sound absorbing and reflecting surfaces,
are important. Surfaces that absorb sound should be carefully selected, as well as surfaces that reflect it. To
develop an effective acoustic environment, sound absorbent surfaces can be used on floors and ceilings.
The optimum reverberation times for communication, speech only or music performance are different and
depend on the size and shape of the room.
NOTE Requirements for reverberation time are given in some National Standards, such as DIN 18041.
32.3 Hearing enhancement systems
A hearing enhancement system fitted at an information point can significantly assist communication for a
person with a hearing impairment who uses a personal hearing aid, or has a cochlear implant. Hearing aids or
cochlear implants may have a Telecoil (T-switch) which allows the listener to receive the sound signal directly.
NOTE Hearing enhancement systems amplify audible communication and can be helpful to people who have a
hearing impairment. They include a direct wire system, an inductive loop system, an infrared system, or a radio frequency
system. All of these systems transmit a signal. Special-purpose receivers are required for infrared and radio frequency
systems, while hearing aids equipped with a T-switch are capable of receiving the signal from an induction loop system.
Receivers can be equipped to be compatible with hearing aids.
Hearing enhancement systems, for example induction loops and infrared signal transmitting systems, shall be
provided in conference and meeting areas.
All seats, including the front scene, should be covered by hearing enhancement systems like induction loops.
Portable hearing enhancement systems can be an alternative.
Induction loops should comply with the technical values given in IEC 60118-4 (see Figure 52).
Key
1 microphone
2 loudspeakers
3 induction loop amplifier
4 induction loop
Figure 52 — Example of induction loop system in conference room
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33 Lighting
33.1 General
The planning of artificial lighting should be co-ordinated with the planning of natural lighting, the choice of
surfaces and colours. Lighting can be used to accentuate interior colour, tone and texture schemes, and to
facilitate orientation (also see Clause 39). The lighting should not lead to glare or excessive contrast.
33.2 External lighting
The routes to and around a building shall have sufficient artificial lighting to facilitate awareness of changes of
level or gradient. The positioning of lights should not cause glare, reflection or shadows. Ramps, entrances,
steps, signage, etc., should be well lit artificially, with an illuminance of at least 100 lux.
33.3 Natural lighting
It should be possible to shade windows from bright light. For the location of windows see 33.4 to 33.9 and
18.3.3.
33.4 Artificial lighting
Lighting should provide visual conditions consistent with the visual task, orientation and safety. Key factors
are:
 level of illumination of horizontal and vertical surfaces,
 limitation of glare from a light source or reflections,
 uniformity and luminance distribution,
 direction of lighting and shading,
 colour rendering.
Artificial lighting should give good colour rendering. Light sources with a colour rendering index Ra are
recommended.
NOTE 1 For safety colours see ISO 3864-1.
NOTE 2 Good artificial lighting where needed is crucial for everyone, ensuring that vision impaired people are able to
use buildings safely and conveniently, and that people with hearing impairments are able to lip read.
33.5 Lighting to facilitate wayfinding
Lighting should facilitate wayfinding: building elements should be marked by increased illumination. The
lighting in critical locations such as entrances, corridors, stairs, changes of level and workstations should
facilitate their identification (see also 33.3).
Time dependent switch devices shall have a progressive switch off to reach the next switch. An automatic
switch on detection system shall cover the complete surface of ramps and stairs. Lighting shall provide
sufficient time necessary for users to travel safely along ramps.
Lighting which switches off when people are still on ramps or stairs should be avoided.
NOTE Ramps and stairs are the most hazardous places for falls.
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33.6 Controllable and adjustable lighting
All lighting, including natural light, should be controllable to avoid glare.
Artificial lighting may be adjustable to suit individual needs.
33.7 Light levels in different areas
Good light levels should be provided in hazardous areas such as stairs or changes in levels along a route,
around doors and at communication or information systems.
A minimum light level should be provided according to the visual task as shown in Table 4.
Table 4 — Minimum light level in different areas
Different areas Emin [lux]
Horizontal surfaces indoors 100
Stairs, ramps, escalators, moving walks 150 – 200
Habitable spaces 300 – 500
Visual task with small details or low contrast 1 000
33.8 Lighting in auditoriums
Lighting conditions that support lip reading and sign language should be provided. The environment should be
designed to avoid reflection and glare, and it should be possible to adjust both natural and artificial light.
33.9 Glare and shadows
Lighting should not produce glare. Glare and shadows can be avoided by:
 shielding or shading light sources,
 use of indirect lighting,
 appropriate location of light source in relation to the direction of vision and to the object that is to be
observed,
 uplighters, with light sources at floor or low level, should not be used,
 avoidance of windows at the end of corridors,
 avoidance of light sources against dark surfaces by choosing light colours for ceilings or walls,
 avoidance of abrupt transitions from light to dark spaces. Indoor and outdoor lighting around the doorway
should be suitably adjusted to prevent dazzle when entering or leaving the building.
The Unified Glare Rate (UGRL) should not exceed 25 for circulation areas and 22 for habitable rooms.
NOTE 1 For determination of UGRL, see methodology defined by CIE.
NOTE 2 Due to the increase of optical scatter in the eye, the effects of glare are exacerbated for elderly people and for
individuals with some types of vision impairments (e.g. cataracts, corneal edema, and vitreous opacities). Glare can cause
discomfort and interfere with task performance by decreasing the perceived contrast in visual displays (i.e. disability glare).
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34 Fire emergency warning systems, signals and information
34.1 General
In all building types, a reliable and effective fire warning system is essential.
Nowadays, available technologies enable warnings to be communicated simultaneously by sounder, light
strobe, voice message and individual tactile sensation by vibration.
Alarm systems should be designed to accommodate people with hearing impairments. Visual strobe alarms
should be provided, particularly in isolated areas (bathrooms, meeting rooms) and noisy areas.
Room layouts, lighting levels and furniture arrangements shall be considered to ensure that these alarms are
visible. A strobe frequency of 0,5 Hz – 4 Hz minimizes the risk of triggering a reaction from a person with
epilepsy. Care should be taken to ensure that overlapping strobes do not combine to result in a higher
frequency of flashing. Vibrating devices such as pagers or mobile phones can be integrated with alarm
systems to provide an individual alarm.
34.2 Light warning signals
Light strobes/beacons should be clearly visible. Light strobes should be located in washrooms and in other
locations within buildings where people are apt to be alone and also in noisy environments.
A larger number of strobes/beacons with low output should be specified – never a small number of
strobes/beacons with high output as these produce glare causing confusion and disorientation among building
users. Adapt light output of strobes/beacons to suit the use of particular areas.
For light strobes/beacons, a slow rate of flash should be ensured (e.g. once every two seconds) in order to
avoid epileptic seizures. Most importantly, the flash of one strobe/beacon should be synchronized with the
flashes of all other light strobes/beacons in view.
34.3 Acoustic warning systems
A larger number of sounders between 85 dB to 95 dB with low output should be specified – never a small
number of sounders with high output which only leads to confusion and disorientation among building users.
Vocal messages should be short and should contain appropriate warning information which is easily
assimilated. The speaker should be distinct and easy to understand. In today's multi-cultural built environment,
messages should be given in at least two different languages.
NOTE Children under ten years of age, who are asleep, are more difficult to wake than adults.
35 Visual contrast
35.1 General
In order to facilitate orientation and to ensure safe use of an environment, adjacent surfaces, information and
potential hazards shall provide a discernible visual contrast.
A minimum difference in LRV shall be provided in relation to the visual task (see Table 5). Additionally, one of
the two surfaces should have an LRV value of minimum 30 points for door furniture, 40 points for large area
surfaces and 70 points for potential hazards and text information.
The minimum difference in the LRV shall be achieved and maintained throughout the life of the building
elements. Deterioration and maintenance shall be considered at installation.
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For lighting conditions lower than specified in this International Standard, the difference in LRVs should be
higher. Refer to published recommended levels of illumination and to 33.4 for extra illumination to mark
important areas or details.
NOTE 1 The LRV, sometimes also called the luminance reflectance value, or CIE Y value, is expressed on a scale of
0 – 100, with a value of 0 points for pure black and a value of 100 points for pure white.
NOTE 2 The perception of visual contrast increases with better lighting conditions.
NOTE 3 Reflections and glare from shiny surfaces can reduce visual contrast and can confuse people with vision
impairments.
For door hardware (i.e. the elements and components to facilitate opening and closing doors) a difference in
LRV between the product and its background of at least 15 points and a minimum light reflectance value of
30 points for one of the two surfaces is acceptable.
NOTE 4 Door hardware is normally positioned at the same height on a door and is either on the left or right side. This
makes the location of door hardware easier than other features. In addition, the three-dimensional features of door
hardware create shadows and bright spots, which further enhance their location.
Floor patterns should have a visual contrast of less than 20 points difference on the LRV scale.
NOTE 5 Highly contrasted floor patterns can be perceived as differences in floor level, which may confuse people with
vision impairments or cognition capacity. Highly contrasted floor patterns may trigger an attack of vertigo.
Methods for the determination of LRV and visual contrast are outlined in B.7.2.
Table 5 — Minimum difference in LRV according to the visual task
Visual task Difference on the LRV
scale
Approximate examples of
contrasting colours
Large surface areas (i.e. walls, floors, doors,
ceiling), elements and components to facilitate
orientation (i.e. handrails, switches and controls,
tactile walking surface indicators, and visual
indicators on glazed areas)
 30 points
Potential hazards and self contrasting markings
(i.e. visual indicator on steps) and text information
(i.e. signage)
 60 points
35.2 Choice of colours and patterns
Different colours should be used for identification of doors, different storeys or departments in a building to aid
persons with impaired cognitive ability. The colours used to facilitate orientation shall also provide minimum
difference in LRV according to 35.1. Combinations of red tones and green tones should be avoided.
Different storeys should be marked with clearly defined large numbers relating to the floor (i.e. “2” for the
second floor, and so on) both in the stairwells to assist those evacuating and at the lift and stair lobbies on
each level.
NOTE Colour coding floors may not be practical from a long term maintenance perspective.
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36 Equipment, controls and switches
36.1 General
The design and construction of operating controls and devices should be such as to enable them to be
operated safely and independently by everybody.
Operating controls and devices include, but are not limited to:
 door handles and locks;
 lever, mixer or cross-head taps;
 activation devices;
 window openers and locks;
 electric outlets and switches.
Controls should be easy to use, e.g. by hands-free operation or by using the elbow. Minimum manual effort
should be required, as for opening and closing doors.
All switches and controls should be easy to understand without requiring specialist knowledge.
Sufficient lighting of the control devices and all relevant information should be provided (see 40.6, 40.7 and
40.8).
Round or oval type door knobs are not suitable for people with mobility impairment, for people of small stature
or less strength, and for children.
The use of photoluminiscent pictogram signs shall be provided where appropriate.
36.2 Location, heights and distances
Devices, controls, etc., shall be installed at an accessible height for reaching and operating, between 800 mm
and 1 100 mm above floor level and shall be located a minimum of 600 mm from any internal corner,
preferably 700 mm. For detailed requirements see also 40.3 and 40.8.
NOTE As an exception, electrical wall socket outlets, telephone points and TV sockets could be located at a
minimum height of 400 mm above floor level.
Control devices (radiator valves, fuse boxes, switches, push-buttons, intercoms, etc.) shall be installed
between 800 mm and 1 100 mm above floor level, and they shall be located a minimum of 600 mm from any
internal corner.
Requirements and recommendations on lifts landing controls and car controls can be found in 15.3 and 15.4.
Control devices combined with text or figures should be positioned with the text and figures or the whole
control device placed at the angle of approximately 45 ° to the wall so that they are easier to read and operate,
e.g. a panel in an elevator.
Control devices placed on a horizontal surface should be placed at a height between 800 mm and 900 mm
and within 300 mm from the edge of the surface.
Socket outlets, including those for telephone or TV, should be located not less than 400 mm but not more than
1 000 mm from the floor.
Reading meters should be located between 1 200 mm and 1 400 mm from the floor.
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Heights of switches, socket outlets, reading controls and controls on a horizontal surface are illustrated in
Figure 53.
Safety regulations related to electricity should be consulted in every country.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 fire alarm, call point
2 fire extinguisher
3 meter indicators
4 control devices
5 socket outlets
Figure 53 — Heights of switches, socket outlets, reading controls
and controls on a horizontal surface
Door handles should be placed according to Figure 54. In this figure, the figure on the left shows the height of
a handle for pushing or pulling the door, the middle figure shows a vertical door handle, and the figure on the
right shows an example of a pull rail that might allow a wheelchair user to close the door behind him, for
example, in a toilet.
If fire and safety related, all controls should be intuitive and obvious to use. A fire extinguisher should have a
maximum weight of 5 kg or 6 litres or even less.
Fire alarm calls should be located between 1 000 mm and 1 100 mm above floor level.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 horizontal pull rail, toilet room door
2 vertical handle
3 lever type handle
Figure 54 — Door handle types and heights
36.3 Location of controls from walls, corners and opening doors
The minimum distance of the centre of switches and devices to control doors or windows, etc., shall be
600 mm from any internal corner or any projecting element (see Figure 55) and the recommended distance is
700 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 door control, access control
Figure 55 — Position of door and access controls
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Controls for powered door openers to hinged doors should be located so that the doors do not interfere with
wheelchairs, canes, walking aids, etc. Controls for powered door openers to hinged doors should be located a
minimum of 1 000 mm from the swing of the arc of the door so that the door is clear of people in wheelchairs,
scooters or other assistive devices (see Figure 56). The opening time shall be sufficient for a person using
wheelchair or assisting devices to pass through the door safely before it closes.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 door control, access control
Figure 56 — Distance of controls for powered door openers
36.4 Operation
To help people with reduced dexterity or impaired vision, electrical switches should have large push plates.
Grab bars and door or window handles should be at least 80 mm long.
Lever handles should be between 19 mm and 25 mm in diameter; “D-Lever” handles are preferred (see
Figure 57).
A vertical bar for sliding doors should be 30 mm to 50 mm in diameter. The clearance between the bar and the
wall should be 45 mm to 65 mm.
The backset of a latch/lock should be a minimum of 30 mm. Other door furniture should be 30 mm from the
door edge.
Suitable clearance should be provided between adjacent fixtures and fittings to prevent accidental operation.
Operating force on control buttons and push plates should be 2,5 N to 5,0 N.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 57 — Examples of D-lever and vertical door handles
36.5 Identification
Buttons and devices should be identified by visual contrast.
Information should be in raised tactile and Braille signage.
All important controls should have an integral Braille indication.
36.6 Usability
Control devices for different functions should be different. Control devices for similar functions should have a
similar design and activation mechanism and be the same for identical functions throughout the facility.
36.7 Telephones
Telephones shall be on a clear accessible route with approach from the front or the side (see B.6.1). All
information should be provided in at least two of visual, oral and tactile forms. The telephone keypad shall
have a tactile point on the number five.
Public telephones should be located beside the access route and should be easily detected by people with
vision impairments.
Control devices shall be at a maximum height of 1 100 mm. A clear space underneath shall be provided for
wheelchair-user's knees (see Figure 58). At least one telephone in any group should fulfil these conditions
and be equipped with a magnetic field and text display.
Side protection shall be considered according to 7.14 and 7.15.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 58 — Height of telephone controls for wheelchair users
36.8 Card access, dispensing machines and automatic teller machines (ATMs), etc.
Machines for dispensing money, tickets or small goods should be accessible and should be located on an
accessible level. The approach to dispensers should be clear and unobstructed, at least 900 mm wide. A knee
space a minimum of 700 mm in height and a minimum 600 mm in depth and 900 mm in width should be
provided to ease access for wheelchair users (see Figure 59).
Touch screen ticket dispensers at train/bus stations, etc., should not be the only type of ticket dispenser, as
they are inaccessible to people with impaired vision.
The clear area immediately in front of the machine should be at least 1 500 mm  1 500 mm, to allow a
wheelchair user to approach the controls sideways, and to turn around after use and to provide some privacy.
The operation of the machine should be easy to understand.
Glare from sun, artificial lighting and street lighting on the screen should be avoided.
Card access shall:
a) have a slot
 located at a height of between 800 mm to 1 100 mm above the floor, preferably between 800 mm
and 900 mm,
 with its edge bevelled, and
 colour-contrasted with the surrounding surface;
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b) include tactile graphic symbols on the surrounding surface that
 represent the card,
 identify the orientation of the card insertion;
c) have both audible (beep) and visual (light) signals to indicate that access has been granted.
The keypad shall:
a) be located at a height between 800 mm to 1 100 mm from the floor,
b) be colour-contrasted with the background,
c) have characters that are colour-contrasted with the keys,
d) if numeric, be of a type whose buttons have a raised dot on number five which:
 is 0,7  0,1 mm high, and
 has a base 1,5 mm in diameter, and
e) have both audible (beep) and visual (light) signals to indicate that access has been granted.
The keys should be readable from both a standing and a seated position.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 59 — Example of a vending machine
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36.9 Security access systems
Security access systems shall be designed in accordance with B.6 to meet the needs of everyone. This
includes the requirements for manoeuvring space and for controls which can be reached comfortably. See
36.8 for requirements relating to card access and keypads.
Accessible security systems are available and should be utilized. Security access systems should be usable
by everyone. Biometric systems (e.g. retinal or palm scanners) cannot accommodate all users.
36.10 Drinking fountains
Drinking fountains should be provided according to 36.1 and 36.2 at heights suitable for both standing and
seated users.
Where only one is provided, it shall be at a height of 700 mm above floor level.
Controls shall be centrally positioned at the front of the unit or, if at the side, on both sides, not more than
180 mm from the front. Controls shall be operable with one hand with an operating force of not more than
19,5 N.
36.11 Refuse bins
Refuse bins should be fully accessible and easy to use for everybody.
37 Furnishing
37.1 General
Seating facilities should be provided in public buildings to provide people with a place to wait and to rest
(see 19.6 for requirements on assistance dogs).
The location of seats (including reserved areas for wheelchairs) should not disturb the general circulation.
Seats should be designed with armrests to facilitate sitting down and standing up. The seats should also have
back rests (see Figure 60).
See also Clause 30 regarding facilities for guide dogs and other assistance dogs.
37.2 Seating in waiting areas
A range of different types of seating should be provided complying with (see Figure 60):
 seat height 400 mm to 450 mm,
 back support height 750 mm to 790 mm,
 seat depth 400 mm to 450 mm,
 angle of seat to backrest 100° to 105°,
 armrest height 220 mm to 300 mm above seat,
 armrest set back from front of seat  75 mm,
 a minimum 150 mm set back under the seat for feet when standing up.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 armrests omitted on some benches to allow lateral transfer
Figure 60 — Example of a bench with armrests and back support
37.3 Seating at desks, tables, etc.
To allow a frontal approach with a wheelchair to a table, desk, counter, telephone, etc., an unobstructed space
shall be provided with a minimum free height of 700 mm, minimum free depth of 600 mm and minimum width
of 900 mm to accommodate knees underneath. For footrests, a minimum height of 300 mm is required (see
Figure 61).
If tables with fixed seats are used, there shall be a place for at least one person in a wheelchair at the table.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 61 — Table and desk height for wheelchair users
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38 Fire safety, protection and evacuation for all
38.1 Fire engineering design objectives
In order to adequately protect people with activity limitations and/or people with impaired senses in a fire
emergency, e.g. frail older people, people with disabilities, children, and women in the later stages of
pregnancy, fire engineering design objectives should be developed. The two critical design objectives are:
a) Protect people from fire in any of the following locations, when relevant:
 in a place of safety, located a safe distance from a building, or a place of relative safety within a
building, for example, an area of rescue assistance adjoining a vertical evacuation route;
 during independent or assisted evacuation to a place of safety or a place of relative safety; and
 in situ when no evacuation is possible, for example, in the case of health facilities, using small fire
compartments.
b) A building with an uncontrolled fire should remain structurally stable in every compartment or space
where people remain, including:
 people waiting in areas of rescue assistance or a place of relative safety;
 people engaged in evacuation or providing assistance for assisted evacuation; and
 people located in any space outside the building that would be threatened by structural collapse or in
any space between the building and a place of safety.
38.2 Principles of fire evacuation for all
It is a fundamental objective of fire engineering design for evacuation that there shall be alternative, safe and
intuitive evacuation routes away from the scene of a fire, which can occur at any time and in any part of a
building; these evacuation routes shall be available to all building users.
Principles of fire evacuation for all:
 protection and evacuation for all should be incorporated at a sufficiently early stage in the architectural
design process;
 vertical evacuation or evacuation to a place of safety, which will tend to be farther away than a place of
relative safety, is more stressful than horizontal evacuation of areas as needed, particularly for people
with mobility impairments;
 the fire engineering strategy needs to specify which occupants, based on abilities and other
characteristics, are to be evacuated to a 'place of safety' and which to a 'place of relative safety';
 the fire engineering strategy needs to specify, based on fire size, location, and rate of growth, which
areas are to be evacuated and when vertical evacuation is necessary;
 all lifts (elevators) in new buildings should be capable of being used for people evacuation in a fire
situation;
 lifts in existing buildings, when being replaced or undergoing a major overhaul, should be made capable
of being used for people evacuation in a fire situation (see 15.6 for more guidance).
NOTE Where there are no safe options for vertical movement of people with mobility impairments, it may be
necessary for such people to have to wait at places of relative safety until the fire services arrive and complete the
evacuation. It is important that such scenarios be discussed and agreed with the fire services in advance, so they can
ensure that adequate resources are available for both evacuation and fire fighting.
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38.3 Assisted fire evacuation
38.3.1 General
A fire engineering strategy is needed that will indicate what is required so that every occupant can be
protected from fire, from their location when fire begins through their evacuation and at their location after
evacuation, in accordance with accepted principles of fire evacuation for all. Included in these principles are
that the features of the building should support successful evacuation and every occupant, whatever his or her
abilities, should be able to evacuate independently to the maximum degree possible. However, independent
evacuation may not be possible for all occupants, particularly in the case of existing buildings. For those
occupants who need assisted evacuation, there should be a strategy for the provision of assisted evacuation,
and there may need to be areas of rescue assistance.
38.3.2 Areas of rescue assistance
It is essential that movement to and from each area of rescue assistance (see 3.3) does not encroach on the
evacuation travel space of the staircase. Door leaves should also not open into or over this evacuation space.
NOTE 1 There may be competition between staircase evacuees and people using the area of rescue assistance (and
reduced ability to achieve objectives) if the evacuation travel space of the staircase overlaps the space used for movement
to and from an area of rescue assistance (see Figure 62).
Fire evacuation routes, including all areas of rescue assistance, shall be kept clear at all times.
An area of rescue assistance should be of sufficient size to cope with expected needs in a fire emergency. For
example, if there are only two evacuation staircases on a floor in a building (on opposite sides), each area of
rescue assistance should be designed to cater for the expected needs of the full floor.
Figure 62 — Example of fire evacuation staircase with an adjoining area of rescue assistance
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An area of rescue assistance in a building should:
 be provided on every floor of a building,
 adjoin every evacuation staircase,
 include space for persons in wheelchairs,
 have good lighting and be clearly indicated with good signage,
 be fitted with an accessible and reliable independent communication system fitted at a height of 800 mm
to 1 100 mm above floor level, facilitating direct contact with a person in the designated control room for
the building,
 be of sufficient size for the storage of an evacuation chair and a manual fire alarm call point, a fire
evacuation supply kit containing, for example, smoke hoods, suitable gloves to protect a person's hands
from debris when pushing his/her manual wheelchair, etc.,
NOTE 2 Many commercially available smoke hoods are advertised to provide protection from more fire effects than
they actually do provide.
 be marked with good signage.
Communication systems at areas of rescue assistance should provide visual feedback to people with hearing
impairments that their location has been noted. The control point for the communication systems should be of
a robust design to avoid risk of confusion about the location of building users. Where a signal board is used,
this should be engraved or otherwise permanently marked to identify the particular building location, and
should not rely on sticky labels or translation tables.
38.4 Evacuation chairs
Evacuation chairs should be capable of:
 being safely and easily operated;
 carrying people of high weight (up to 150 kg);
 going up and down staircases;
 travelling long distances horizontally and externally; and
 compensating for any challenging features of a particular environment, such as narrow or unusually
shaped staircases or evacuation paths over rough ground.
38.5 Emerging fire evacuation technologies
Emerging fire evacuation technologies could include:
 intelligent evacuation management systems;
 directional sounders for locating fire exits on each floor of a building which may be obscured by smoke.
38.6 Fire defence plans
A fire defence plan elaborates the particular fire engineering strategy which has been developed for a specific
building. It is usually in hard copy and/or electronic format and comprises fire engineering drawings,
descriptive text, fire safety related product/system information, with supporting calculations and fire test data.
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The fire defence plan shall demonstrate a proper consideration for the fire safety, protection and evacuation of
the users of the building (occupants, visitors and other users) and who may or may not have a health
condition or impairment. This may be a requirement of national legislation.
39 Orientation and information
39.1 General
The built environment should be designed, constructed and managed to facilitate orientation. Orientation
means to find one's way, to avoid obstacles which could cause hazards, and to know when one has reached
the destination.
Suitable provision shall be made at the entrance to the building and at decision points within the building to
describe the location and nature of the building. In very complex buildings, visual, audible and tactile
information should be provided.
Means to achieving satisfactory orientation conditions are:
 planning layouts,
 wayfinding and guided paths with TWSI (see 7.2 and Annex A), other physical support of information (see
Clause 35),
 signage (see Clause 40) and symbols (see Clause 41),
 visual contrast (see Clause 35),
 choice of colours (see 35.2),
 avoiding surfaces which might make orientation more difficult,
 lighting (see Clause 33),
 visual, audible and tactile information according to the two-sense principle (see 39.2).
Orientation should be facilitated by differences in acoustics, material, light and colour. The design should
indicate the use of the building elements.
To facilitate people with vision impairments who have some residual vision, routes to be followed should have
a difference in luminance to the surroundings (see Clause 35).
Additional illumination or visual contrast and tactile information, such as a change in material or tactile walking
surface indicators, should be provided at decision points such as entrances, staircases, lifts, etc., to assist
orientation and wayfinding.
Tactile walking surface indicators should be used to indicate directional orientation information where no other
clues indicate the path of travel. Across large areas, halls and complex buildings, blind people need a tactile
route or guiding pattern to follow (see Annex A).
In complex buildings, an audible beacon should be installed in addition to visual and tactile information to
provide information on decision points.
To avoid hazards in buildings and in the outdoor environment. See also Clause 4.
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39.2 Principle of two senses
Supportive measures for information and wayfinding shall be provided in a format that is accessible to people
with sensory impairments according to the principle of two senses:
 audible/tactile information for people with vision impairments, and
 visual information for people with hearing impairments.
39.3 Audible information
Consideration should be given to provide suitable amplification and acoustic conditions; the message should
be easily understandable and unambiguous. See also the principle of two senses in 39.2.
Public address systems should be clearly audible and equipped with a hearing enhancement system as
described in Clause 32.
Emergency information and warning systems are described in 15.4.7, 26.14 and 26.15 and in Annex D.
39.4 Levels of information
Information should be clear, concise, accurate and timely. Clarity of information can be defined as information
that is legible and easily understood. Clarity of information therefore presupposes that people are able to
distinguish between the different types of information that they receive.
Information can be divided into three levels:
 Level 1: safety information;
 Level 2: general information;
 Level 3: advertising information.
It is important that these three levels of information be clearly distinguished.
Information should be complete but concise. Too much information is difficult for people to retain.
All information provided should be accurate and consistent.
NOTE Universally accepted pictograms should be used in preference to text. See ISO 7000, ISO 7001, ISO 7010,
ISO 16069 and ISO 28564-1.
40 Signage
40.1 General
Signs should be readable and legible for people who have vision or mental impairments. Well-illuminated,
clear and readable signs shall be placed at a consistent height. For heights, see 40.4.
Information with text should be supplemented with graphical symbols to facilitate comprehension for everyone.
For graphical symbols see Clause 41.
Signs should be provided in relief and Braille (see 40.10).
The signs should be made of robust materials and be easy to change, clean and repair.
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An excessive quantity of signs in close proximity should be avoided, as well as visual material placed too
close to wall fixed signs (e.g. posters, timetables, etc.).
Where Braille is used as a complementary or independent feature to tactile signs it should be easy to locate.
NOTE Further guidance for wayfinding and signing is included in ISO 16069 and ISO 28564-1.
40.2 Main types of signs
The main types of signs are:
 Orientation signs: sketches, plans, models, etc.
 Directional signs: directional information from point A to B.
 Functional signs: explanatory information.
 Informative signs: purely informative, for example a name.
 Signs for emergency exits (see Annex D).
40.3 Placement of signs
40.3.1 Placement outside the building
Informative signs shall be located adjacent to the entrance door and be illuminated and clearly visible. The
sign shall be placed on the latch side. For design and size of letters, see 40.5.
Communication systems shall also be placed on the latch side and preferably in a range of 1 000 mm to
1 200 mm above ground level.
40.3.2 Placement in the building
Orientation signs should be located in accessible places adjacent to, but not directly in, main access routes so
that they can be examined without disturbance.
In public buildings there should be an orientation plan immediately inside the main entrance. This plan should
follow all relevant design criteria stated in Clauses 4 and 35.
Directional signs should clearly direct people to the facilities. They should be located where directional
decisions are made and constitute a logical orientation sequence from the starting point to different points of
destination. They should be repeated, not too often, but every time there is a possibility of alteration in the
traffic direction.
Directional signage to washrooms should be provided in all parts of a precinct or building.
Stairwells should have information signs identifying all points of entry and exit.
Floor numbers shall be located on each floor at top and bottom of stairs, on handrails and on each side of the
outer frame of each lift-car entrance on each floor and prominently displayed elsewhere so they are visible
from the lift car at each level.
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40.4 Height and location of signs
Directional and functional signs should be located below 1 600 mm where they are easy to approach, to touch
and read the raised signs with the fingers (see 40.10 to 40.12).
Signs should be located where they are clearly visible to people who are seated, standing or walking.
Signs should be placed between 1 200 mm and 1 600 mm from the floor or ground surface. It should be
possible to approach the sign to be read from a short distance.
Where it is likely that the sign may be obstructed, as in a crowded situation, the signs shall be placed at a
height of at least 2 100 mm above the floor. The same requirement applies to signs fixed to the ceiling or
projecting from walls. In that case, there should be two signs; one that can be seen from a distance above
other people's heads, one as a complement at the height recommended above.
Where there is sufficient space, door signs shall be located on the latch side of the door within 50 mm to
100 mm of the architrave.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 63 — Height of signs
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 64 — Location of door signs on the latch side of the door
40.5 Font and size of lettering
The fonts should be easy to read. The font style should be a sans serif font similar to Helvetica or Arial
medium.
The letter height depends on the reading distance. A letter height between 20 mm and 30 mm for each metre
of viewing distance is preferred. The letter height should not be less than 15 mm.
It is recommended that messages of single words or groups of words begin with an upper case letter and
continue with lower case letters (sentence case).
The words should not be placed too close together. Adequate height spacing should separate the lines. Lines
of text should be ranged from a vertical line (unjustified).
Signs with a single word may be centre justified.
40.6 Differences in LRV
Minimum difference in LRV for small targets, such as signs and inscriptions, to signboards, should be
60 points.
Signboards should have a minimum difference in LRV from the background of 30 points.
Red-green combination should be avoided. Difficulties in perception can also appear when using the colours
green, olive green, yellow, orange, pink and red. Refer to the contrast section in B.7.
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40.7 Glare free
Signs should be glare free when mounted. This depends on how the sign is placed, the material and the
illumination. The background, graphical symbols, logos and other features shall be of a matte or low sheen
finish.
40.8 Illumination
Signs should be well illuminated with no glare.
Signs can be luminescent or artificially lit.
40.9 Understandable
Signs should be readily understandable. They should be designed so as to be simple and easy to interpret.
The message should be unambiguous.
Short sentences and simple words should be used. Abbreviations and very long words are hard to understand
and should be avoided.
40.10 Provision of raised tactile and Braille signs
Signs on panels in lifts, room numbers of rooms in hotels, doors to public toilets and so on shall be raised
tactile and include Braille (also see 40.4).
The preferred height of raised tactile information is between 1 200 mm and 1 600 mm. Signs with tactile
information placed at a lower height should be mounted at an angle from the horizontal (preferably 20° to 30°,
max. 45°).
40.11 Tactile letters, figures, signs and graphical symbols
The height of letters, figures, signs and graphical symbols shall be between 15 mm and 55 mm (see
Figure 65).
The minimum height of its relief shall be 0,8 mm; a height between 1 mm and 1,5 mm is preferred (see
Figure 65).
The profile of the relief should be shaped as a rounded upside-down turned letter V.
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Key
1 raised tactile letters and graphical symbols, height 15 mm to 55 mm, minimum relief 0,8 mm (1 mm to 1,5 mm relief is
preferred)
2 Braille text
3 Braille locator
Figure 65 — Example of raised tactile signs and Braille
40.12 Braille
Where an arrow is used in the tactile sign, a small arrow shall be provided for Braille readers.
On signs with multiple lines of text and characters, a semi-circular Braille locator on the left margin shall be
horizontally aligned with the first line of Braille text.
Braille should be raised, domed and comfortable to touch. It should be located 8 mm below the bottom line of
the text and be left justified.
40.13 Tactile symbols
Tactile symbols applied on handrails, doors, maps or floor plans shall have a raised relief contour similar to
tactile letters.
40.14 Tactile maps and floor plans
Only essential information should be included on a tactile map or floor plan.
Tactile maps shall be angled between 20° to 30° from the horizontal for ease of reading, and the bottom edge
shall be at a minimum height of 900 mm. The map should have a level of illumination between 350 lux and
450 lux, without glare.
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The key should be located at the bottom of the map and left justified. The use of a recessed Braille locator on
the left hand side should assist in locating the legend.
The map shall be orientated with the building.
40.15 Information displays
If video and media information displays are used, they should be placed at a height according to 40.4 and
their lettering, etc., should be in conformity with the recommendations above.
Glare from artificial and natural lighting on the screen shall be avoided by:
 positioning the display or the screen out of direct light; or
 shading the display or the screen.
A complementary audible information system should be provided.
41 Graphical symbols
ISO/TC 145 Graphical symbols has developed the following standards for graphical symbols: ISO 7000,
ISO 7001 and ISO 7010. These include graphical symbols relevant to accessibility and a selection is shown
below (see Figures 66, 67 and 71).
Graphical symbols should be used in conjunction with building signage systems wherever possible.
Graphical symbols shall:
 be highly contrasted with a minimum difference in LRV of 60 points and properly illuminated,
 be used on guides and directional signage.
Graphical symbols on directional and door signs should be tactile, and should be accompanied by raised
lettering and Braille (see 40.13). Signs above a height of 1 600 mm do not need to be tactile, nor to include
raised lettering or Braille information.
The size of graphical symbols is dependent on the viewing distance (D). The minimum size of the inner outline
of the frame of graphical symbols (s) can be derived from formula s  0,09 D, applicable for a viewing distance
of 1 000 mm to 10 000 mm.
The following accessible graphical symbols shall be used to denote particular components of a facility. The
following facilities for disabled persons shall be marked as:
a) Those relating to people with mobility impairments:
 car parking places (parking places, garages),
 access and entrances without steps to buildings, especially where they are not identical with the
main entrance,
 accessible lifts, in cases where not all lifts are accessible; lifting platforms and similar mounting
devices,
 accessible sanitary rooms,
 wheelchair viewing spaces and accessible seating,
 changing rooms,
 steps or hoists providing access to swimming pools.
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b) Those relating to people with vision impairments:
 guide dog facilities,
 locations where audible and tactile information is provided.
c) Those relating to people with hearing impairments:
 telephones and emergency call facilities, equipped with sound amplification,
 provision of an assistive listening system.
Figure 66 — Accessible facility or entrance (ISO 7001, PI PF 006)
Figure 67 — Sloped or ramped access (ISO 7001, PI PF 022)
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NOTE This graphical symbol is a combination of ISO 7001, PI PF 006 and ISO 7001, PI PF 003.
Figure 68 — Toilets — Accessible, female and male
NOTE This graphical symbol is a combination of ISO 7001, PI PF 006 and ISO 7001, PI PF 005.
Figure 69 — Toilets — Accessible, female
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NOTE This graphical symbol is a combination of ISO 7001, PI PF 006 and ISO 7001, PI PF 004.
Figure 70 — Toilets — Accessible, male
Figure 71 — Accessible elevator or lift (ISO 7001, PI PF 031)
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NOTE Figure 72 is a combination sign, which, according to ISO 3864-1, is a sign that combines a safety sign and
one or more associated supplementary signs on the same rectangular carrier. The signs used in Figure 72 are the
following:
 Running man (centre of the combination sign): Use ISO 7010-E001, “Emergency exit (left hand)” or ISO 7010-E002,
“Emergency exit (right hand)”, depending of the direction to indicate (ISO 7010-E002 is the sign used in Figure 72).
 Arrow (left of ISO 7010-E001 or right of ISO 7010-E002): Supplementary arrow sign to be used with the emergency
exit sign to indicate direction.
 Supplementary sign (opposite to the arrow) ISO 7001, PI PF 006, “Full accessibility or toilets – accessible”.
Figure 72 — Accessible emergency exit route
42 Management and maintenance issues
Effective management of the built environment is essential to ensure that a building can be used by everyone.
Management policies and procedures will be required to ensure that accessibility is maintained on an ongoing
basis.
Annex E identifies the key areas for attention.
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Annex A
(informative)
Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs)
A.1 General
When persons with vision impairments travel alone, they may encounter problems and dangers in various
situations. In order to avoid obstacles and obtain information about their locations, these pedestrians travelling
alone use all the available information, including tactile information, long canes and through the soles of their
shoes. Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) have been developed to assist the movement of persons
with vision impairments.
The TWSIs are used to assist persons with vision impairments travelling alone. These TWSIs should be
designed and installed based on a simple, logical, and consistent layout. This allows tactile indicators to not
only facilitate the movement of persons with vision impairments through familiar places, but also support their
movement and space recognition in places they are visiting for the first time.
Currently, several TWSIs that convey different information are used; however, the capability of detecting
differences in tactile patterns through their shoes or by means of a long cane varies depending on the
individual. Therefore, it is necessary that empirical and experiential research be used to ensure that TWSIs
can be detected and recognized by potential users. To achieve maximum effect in conveying information, it is
important that they are installed in a flat, smooth surface where persons with vision impairments can identify
them without interference from any irregular walking surface.
It is also necessary to ensure that persons with low vision as well as persons who are blind can effectively use
TWSIs. For this purpose, TWSIs should be easily detectable by vision. This is achieved through the
application of a minimum visual contrast between the TWSIs and the surrounding pavement or floor surface.
While TWSIs shall be effective for persons with vision impairments, it is necessary to ensure that the surface
structure and materials used are not detrimental to other pedestrians, including those having mobility
impairments.
This annex specifies two types of TWSIs: attention indicators and guiding indicators. Tactile attention
indicators may be installed at the vicinity of pedestrian crosswalks, the platforms of railway stations, and both
the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, and in front of escalators, travelators and elevators, and the like to
ensure safety. Tactile guiding indicators may be used in combination with attention indicators in order to
indicate the walking route where no other tactual information is available to get from one place to another.
At present, patterns and installation methods of TWSIs vary from country to country. This annex specifies the
basic criteria for detectability and how to differentiate between each type of pattern used, and provides some
examples.
A.2 Application
TWSIs are installed in pedestrian facilities throughout the built environment where there is a situation that is
not highlighted by any other feature detectable by persons with vision impairment.
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A.3 Detection and discrimination
A.3.1 Tactile contrast
TWSIs shall be detectable from surrounding or adjacent surfaces through the soles of the shoes and/or by the
long white cane. Adjoining surfaces shall be smooth, to enable detection and discrimination of TWSIs.
When attention patterns and guiding patterns are combined, it is necessary that persons with vision
impairment be able to clearly identify both of them.
A.3.2 Visual contrast
TWSIs shall be readily detectable and discriminable from the surrounding or adjacent paving surfaces using
low vision. Visual contrast is defined in 3.63 and is assisted by good illumination.
The effective area of the TWSIs should have a high visual contrast with the immediate surrounding pedestrian
surface in both wet and dry conditions. The difference in light reflectance or CIE Y-value between TWSIs and
their immediate surrounding surface shall be greater than 30 points for integrated units and greater than
40 points for discrete units, with a minimum reflectance value of the lighter surface of 50 points.
Where TWSIs are used for hazards, the minimum difference in light reflectance value should be 50 points and
the reflectance value of the lighter surface minimum 60 points.
When the required luminance contrast between two surfaces, for example between TWSIs and surrounding
surface, cannot be achieved, the addition of a compliant contrasting continuous band of minimum 100 mm in
width adjoining to the TWSIs shall be used.
For methods for determination of visual contrast, see B.7.
As persons with vision loss often have a colour deficiency, colour difference is only used to supplement visual
contrast.
A.3.3 Prevention of tripping
TWSIs have a maximum height above the surrounding pavement or floor surface of 5 mm. They shall have
bevelled or rounded edges to reduce the likelihood of tripping and to enhance safety and negotiability for
people with mobility impairments.
A.4 Requirements for attention pattern
A.4.1 Arrangement
The attention pattern should be constructed of truncated cones or domes arranged in a square grid or in
diagonal rows (see Figures A.1 and A.2).
A.4.2 Height
The height of truncated cones or domes shall be 4 mm to 5 mm (see Figure A.1).
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Key
1 cones arranged in diagonal rows
2 cones arranged in square grid
3 truncated cone [height 4 mm to 5 mm, top diameter 12 mm to 25 mm, base diameter = top diameter plus
(10  1) mm]
c centre spacing
Figure A.1 — Arrangement, spacing and dimensions of truncated cones
A.4.3 Specification for truncated cones
A.4.3.1 Diameter of truncated cones
The top diameter of truncated cones should be between 12 mm and 25 mm, and the diameter of the lower
base of truncated cones should be 10 mm  1 mm greater than the diameter of the top (see Figure A.1).
A.4.3.2 Spacing of truncated cones
The distance between the centres of adjacent truncated cones should be in relation to the top diameter as
shown in Table A1.
Table A.1 — Spacing in relation to top diameter of truncated cones
Top diameter of truncated cones,
mm
Centre spacing,
mm
12 42-61
15 45-63
18 48-65
20 50-68
25 55-70
NOTE 1 Within the range of centre spacing, the maximum spacing provides a larger gap between the truncated cones,
which improves detectability under foot while the minimum spacing provides a smaller gap, which improves detectability
by long cane used by persons with vision impairment.
NOTE 2 The spacing refers to the shortest distance between the centres of two adjacent truncated cones which may
be parallel or at 45° to the border of the tactile area depending on whether the truncated cones are arranged in a square
grid or in diagonal rows.
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A.4.4 Specifications for domes
A.4.4.1 Diameter of domes
The diameter of the base of domes should be between 25 mm and 35 mm (see Figure A.2).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 domes arranged in diagonal rows
2 domes arranged in a square grid
3 dome height 4 mm to 5 mm, base diameter 25 mm to 35 mm
Figure A.2 — Arrangement, spacing and dimensions of domes
A.4.4.2 Spacing of domes
The distance between the centres of adjacent domes should be between 45 mm and 61 mm (see Figure A.2).
NOTE Within the range of centre spacing, the maximum spacing provides a larger gap between the domes, which
improves detectability under foot while the minimum spacing provides a smaller gap, which improves detectability by long
cane used by persons with vision impairment.
A.5 Requirements for guiding pattern
A.5.1 Arrangement
A guiding pattern should be constructed of parallel flat-topped bars, ribs or sinusoidal rib pattern (see
Figures A.3, A.4 and A.5).
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Key
1 flat-topped elongated bars, height 4 mm to 5 mm, bevelled L minimum 270 mm
s spacing of ribs W minimum 250 mm
b width at base d minimum 30 mm
Figure A.3 — Spacing and dimensions of flat-topped elongated bars
A.5.2 Specifications for flat-topped elongated bars
A.5.2.1 Height of flat-topped elongated bars
The height of flat-topped elongated bars shall be 4 mm to 5 mm (see Figure A.3).
A.5.2.2 Width of flat-topped elongated bars
The width of the top of flat-topped elongated bars should be between 17 mm and 30 mm. The width of the
base should be 10 mm  1 mm wider than the top (see Figure A.3).
A.5.2.3 Spacing of flat-toped elongated bars
The distance between the axes of adjacent flat-topped elongated bars should be in relation to the top width as
shown in Table A.2.
Table A.2 — Spacing in relation to the width of the top of flat-topped elongated bars
Width of flat-topped elongated bars,
mm
Spacing,
mm
17 57-78
20 60-80
25 65-83
30 70-85
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A.5.3 Specifications for rib pattern
A.5.3.1 Height of ribs
The height of ribs shall be 4 mm to 5 mm (see Figure A.4).
Key
1 ribs, height 4 mm to 5 mm L minimum 270 mm
2 bevelled W minimum 250 mm
d drainage gap 20 mm to 30 mm
Figure A.4 — Spacing and dimensions rib pattern
A.5.3.2 Width of ribs
The width of the base of ribs should be between 15 mm and 25 mm.
A.5.3.3 Spacing of ribs
The distance between the axes of two adjacent ribs should be 40 mm to 55 mm.
A.5.4 Specifications for sinuously ribbed pattern
A.5.4.1 Height of wave crests
The difference in level between the wave crest and the wave trough of a sinuously ribbed pattern shall be
4 mm to 5 mm (see Figure A.5).
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Key
1 sinuously ribbed pattern, height 4 mm - 5 mm
2 bevelled
L minimum 270 mm
W minimum 250 mm
Figure A.5 — Spacing and dimensions of sinuously ribbed pattern
A.5.4.2 Spacing between wave crests
The distance between the axes of two adjacent wave crests of sinuously ribbed pattern should be 40 mm to
52 mm.
A.5.5 Length
The length of flat-topped elongated bars, ribs or sinusoidal rib pattern should be more than 300 mm. Where
there is a risk of water ponding, a drainage gap of between 20 mm to 30 mm shall be provided. At the ends
and any interruption of the flat-topped elongated bars, ribs or sinusoidal rib pattern shall be bevelled to negate
the possibility of tripping. To maintain the continuity of the guiding pattern, gaps should not be more than
30 mm wide.
NOTE It is easier to follow guiding patterns that are as continuous as possible.
A.6 Materials
Tactile indicators shall be made of materials that are durable, and should maintain the required visual contrast.
They shall be slip resistant. Careful attention should be given to the selection of materials for TWSIs to ensure
they are not and do not appear to be slippery.
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A.7 Installation
A.7.1 General
This clause shows the basic principles and specifications for installation of TWSIs, and provides examples of
applications.
National requirements for the installation of TWSIs shall take into consideration existing national conditions,
design requirements for the accessible built environment, and national regulations.
Minimum depth and width dimensions for installation of TWSIs may need to be increased for safety, because
this increases the probability of detection.
When TWSIs are installed, the base surface of the TWSIs should be less than 3 mm above the surrounding
ground or floor surface so that they do not cause a tripping hazard.
TWSIs should be fixed so that there is no likelihood of edges lifting.
A.7.2 Principles for installation of TWSIs
When used as a system to aid orientation and safety, guiding and attention patterns should be used in a
logical, sequential manner, with beginning and end points, between which intersections, decision points or
hazards are indicated.
TWSIs may also be used individually to indicate hazards or locations.
A.7.3 Principles for installation of attention patterns
Effective depth and width of attention patterns should be a minimum of 560 mm.
When an attention pattern is used to indicate a hazard, it should be extended the full width of the hazard, from
each direction from which the hazard can be approached, and should be set back a minimum distance of
300 mm from the hazard.
NOTE The definition of hazard varies by situation and by country.
When an attention pattern is used to indicate a decision point, the effective width and depth should be a
minimum of 560 mm by 560 mm.
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Annex B
(informative)
Human abilities and associated design considerations
B.1 General
The prime objective in designing, constructing and managing the accessible built environment is to ensure
that it satisfies the diverse needs of all of its intended users. Such an environment should reasonably satisfy
the needs of any one individual without unreasonably compromising those of another. This is particularly
important in areas of health and safety. In many instances, the use by specific individuals of assistive products
assists them in using the built environment.
Every effort should be made to address constraints such as limitations of space or topography on the
development of new environments that suit everyone's needs. Different constraints are likely to be
encountered when attempting to modify the layout and structure of an existing building or external
environment. However, as many as possible of the individual provisions within this International Standard
should be adopted, whether the environment is newly constructed or an existing one is to be modified.
B.2 describes the principal human faculties that need to be considered when designing, constructing and
managing the built environment. As well, the section highlights a number of design considerations that should
allow the environment to accommodate different levels of performance.
Physical, sensory and mental faculties vary from person to person. Diversity is normal. However, some
differences may be heightened through age or social condition, be congenital or result from accident or illness.
Disability may be temporary or permanent, or in transition.
B.2 Physical abilities
B.2.1 General
Physical faculties include walking, balance, handling, pulling, pushing, lifting and reaching. Many activities
involve simultaneous use of more than one of these skills.
B.2.2 Walking
For some people walking on the level or up gradients is difficult. Some people may have a limited range of
motion or may use a mobility device such as a wheelchair or a walker. They may need to stop frequently, to
regain strength or catch their breath.
In addressing the needs of people with walking limitations, the principal design considerations include:
 a clear unobstructed path of travel and an appropriate width;
 the proximity of facilities to one another;
 the ease of incline of gradients and of the pitch of steps and stairs;
 the availability of seats;
 the number of steps in a flight;
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 optional means of travel from one level to another;
 the provision of handrails on both sides;
 the evenness, firmness and slip-resistance of walking surfaces.
To prepare for emergencies, egress needs to be established by planning architectural and evacuation
strategies. Specific accommodation and management systems need to be planned to provide assisted means
of egress in the event of emergency (see Annex D).
B.2.3 Balance
People with difficulty in balancing are expected to benefit from controls within easy reach.
A surface which a person may stumble against or walk into should be designed to limit abrasion.
B.2.4 Handling
Handling involves the use of one or both hands. Some people are left-handed. Others might, for a variety of
reasons, not have the use of either one or both of their hands. Facilities and components should be designed
to be suitable for use with one and with either hand.
Handling includes gripping, grasping and manipulation. Each of these has a different purpose with specific
design considerations. For instance, components should be designed to be graspable. Their circumference of
the supporting structure and stability are critical.
Manipulation involves the moving, turning and twisting of components with a hand or hands. For those who
have limited manipulation abilities, size and shape and ease of movement are critical.
Manipulation by using a pushing, pulling or pressing action using a clenched fist, or by using the wrist or the
elbow, is preferred.
B.2.5 Strength and endurance
Strength and endurance may be required on sloping paths and floors, stairways and long travel distances,
when sustained effort may be needed.
For those with limited endurance, frequent resting places are essential.
People generally find it easier to push than pull. This is particularly so if the individual uses a wheelchair.
Nevertheless, self-closing devices on manual doors can be difficult for some people to operate, particularly if
the doors are required to resist wind forces. For these reasons, doors that open and close automatically are
preferred.
B.2.6 Lifting
Activities such as opening a vertically sliding sash window and an upward opening access gate should be
designed to be easily operated with minimal force.
B.2.7 Reaching
Telephones, desks, counters and work surfaces, electrical and other service controls, taps, door and window
furniture should be positioned within reach. Comfortable reach ranges should be considered to ensure use by
a greater number of people.
A “comfortable reach range” has been defined as one that is appropriate to an activity that is likely to be
frequent and in need of precise execution and that does not involve stretching or bending from the waist.
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An “extended reach range” has been defined as one that is appropriate to an activity that is not likely to either
need precision or to be frequent and that can involve stretching or bending from the waist.
Having components within easy reach is particularly important for those with more severe limitations in
mobility.
For wheelchair users, the reach range is limited depending on the seated position. Where reach is across a
desk or worktop the range is limited by presence or design of the wheelchair's arms.
The reach range is also dependent on the height of the person, the use of their arms and balance and mobility
of the upper body.
B.2.8 Speech
Speech is the expression of thoughts by means of articulate sounds. Where two-way communication is
required, the built environment should be designed to facilitate communication with information in visual and
audible formats, with adequate illumination and appropriate alarm systems.
B.3 Sensory abilities
B.3.1 General
Sensory abilities are abilities by which the body perceives an external stimulus. They include sight, hearing,
touch, smell and taste. This International Standard does not deal with matters relating to smell and taste.
B.3.2 Sight
Vision allows an individual to be aware of the luminance of surfaces and objects and their form, size and
colour.
For people who are blind or have a severe vision impairment, the provision of suitable tactile walking surface
indicators and tactile or acoustic warnings at hazardous locations should provide information on using the built
environment and should limit the risk of injury. The built environment can be designed for orientation by
providing sound cues and tactile cues.
Differences in friction between one floor surface, or one stair tread surface and the next should be avoided.
Therefore, adjacent surfaces that display different standards of slip-resistance, or that depend on raised
surfaces, should be carefully considered.
An effective visual contrast between surfaces or objects helps to identify critical locations.
Simple and clear images should be used.
Visual contrast between adjacent surfaces and components should be carefully considered.
An environment that accommodates a broad range of visual characteristics should have:
 a simple, logical and easily understood arrangement, preferably with intersecting routes at right angles to
each other;
 an easily discernible system of “wayfinding”;
 visual contrast between adjacent objects and surfaces where it is necessary to provide important
information;
 choices of colour that satisfy the needs of those with anomalous colour vision;
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 appropriate warnings of the edge of abrupt changes of level or the existence of obstructions;
 no reflections from floor and wall finishes;
 careful placement of mirrors and glazing, to prevent dazzling and confusion;
 a suitable level of lighting, free of glare;
 complementary audible information.
B.3.3 Hearing
Hearing allows an individual to be aware of sound, to determine its direction and, possibly, its source, and to
discern its pitch, frequency, volume and variation. Its quality contributes to an effective means of
communication and information. A low level of background noise is essential.
Hearing enhancement systems amplify audible communication and can be used by people who have a
hearing impairment. They include a direct wire system, an induction loop system, an infrared system and a
radio frequency system. All of these systems transmit a signal. Special-purpose receivers are required for
infrared and radio frequency systems, while hearing aids equipped with a T-switch are capable of receiving
the signal from an induction loop system. Receivers can be equipped to be compatible with hearing aids.
Written information that complements oral information concerning fire and other emergencies is especially
important.
The selection of structural and surface materials can make a substantial difference in audibility. Auditoriums,
meeting rooms and reception areas can benefit from additional sound enhancement such as a hearing
enhancement system.
The careful design of illumination can assist in communication such as lip reading and sign language.
Most people with hearing impairments use a hearing aid which amplifies all sounds caught by the microphone,
making communications very difficult in noisy environments.
B.3.4 Touch
Touch stimulates the perception of an object through physical contact. For those individuals who use touch in
the built environment, it is important to consider the selection of surfaces that do not cause distress or injury.
Surfaces should be free of abrasions and not cause an allergic reaction. Some metals may cause adverse
reactions when touched so their use should be carefully explored.
B.4 Mental abilities
B.4.1 General
Mental faculties include those processes that are carried out in the mind of the individual. They include
cognition, intellect, interpretation, learning and memory. To provide a usable environment for the population at
large, all means of communication should have an immediate impact and be easily understood.
B.4.2 Cognition
Cognition is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses. By
this means, and through recognition, people can understand and interpret signs and other forms of information
or instruction.
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B.4.3 Intellect
Intellect is the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract matters.
B.4.4 Interpretation
Interpretation involves understanding messages and information as having a particular meaning or significance.
B.4.5 Learning
Learning is central to many aspects of understanding, reasoning and interpretation. A failure to recognize
words and their meanings may adversely affect an individual's ability to move successfully and safely in the
built environment.
B.4.6 Memory
Memory is the ability to remember information. As people age, some find it increasingly difficult to absorb new
information so changes in the environment should be carefully considered before implementation.
B.4.7 Design considerations that take account of mental abilities
Aural and visual messages should be simple, clear and have immediate impact. Figures, symbols and simple
words are likely to be the most effective. Symbols should be instantly recognizable as representing images
seen and activities undertaken in everyday life.
Special design considerations:
 simple and clear planning layout; key rooms or spaces designed so they are easy to find;
 whenever changes are undertaken, clear and simple information with respect to the new layouts should
be provided;
 self-explanatory environment; design should indicate the use of the built environment or elements in it;
unnecessary complexity should be avoided;
 simple, intuitive design of circulation routes;
 doors designed so that their operation is intuitive, whether they are push, pull or sliding doors;
 text signage that uses plain language;
 aural and visual messages which are conspicuous, concise, comprehensible and relatively frequent;
 wayfinding plans or maps that clearly indicate the person's position in the building or facility, and which do
not include extraneous information;
 wayfinding cues that are easy to follow, e.g. tactile, graphic, audible or architectural;
 directional and other information which combines text with universally recognizable symbols;
 signs with graphics that are in conformance with ISO 7000 and ISO 7001;
 in areas where key cards are used for access, such as hotels, the need for fine motor control and precise
timing of the swipe of the card in the reader should be minimized.
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B.5 Additional factors
B.5.1 Accommodating the developing child
An element of risk is an essential part of a child's development. It is important to ensure that the built
environment is safe for children.
B.5.2 Accommodating ageing adults
The life span within the human population is increasing. We expect more and more to maintain an economic
and social life within both the public and private domains as we age. However, many human faculties are in
marked decline as we age and familiarity with a particular environment is an aid.
B.5.3 Diversity of stature
There is a wide diversity of stature within the human population. Predominantly, this has to do with the
average height of people in various parts of the world. The increase in tourism, business travel and population
migration has led to a demand for more rationalization, internationally, in the use of anthropometrics and
ergonomics and in their influence on the design of the built environment. The provisions in this International
Standard include ranges that should accommodate those regional differences. The ranges have been set so
that member nations who decide to adopt specific criteria that reflect their own circumstances do not unduly
inconvenience other individuals.
The ranges included for the positioning of components or the heights of, for instance, steps, should also
recognize the needs of those who do not reach their anticipated full height.
Changes in diet and an increasing use of the motor car for short journeys, for instance, have combined in a
trend towards increased girth and weight of some populations. It remains to be seen whether this leads to
demands for an increase in specific spatial and stability standards. These matters are beyond the scope of
this International Standard.
B.6 General design considerations for wheelchair users
B.6.1 Application and manoeuvring space
Manoeuvring space of 1 500 mm diameter shall be provided in all areas where a significant change in
direction for wheelchair users and persons with walking aids is required.
Exceptional considerations for existing buildings in developing countries: In some member states where
shorter wheelchairs are generally used due to market situations, the manoeuvring space may be reduced to
1 200 mm. Whenever possible this circle should be increased to 1 500 mm.
The dimensions stated in this International Standard are related to the footprint of commonly used wheelchair
sizes and users (see Figure B.1).
The footprint for a wheelchair within this International Standard is based on ISO 7176-5 and ISO/TR 13570-21)
and is 800 mm wide and 1 300 mm long.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure B.1 — Footprint of a wheelchair user
B.6.2 Space allowance for wheelchair users
Wheelchairs have different dimensions and space requirements depending on the user and the type of
wheelchair. The type of wheelchair used is dependent on whether the wheelchair is to be used outdoors or
indoors.
This International Standard does not cater for people who need special adaptations to their wheelchair, for
example, if they have a stiff leg and have to sit with their leg stretched out, if the back of the chair is lowered or
if an exceptionally wide wheelchair is needed.
The circulation space requirements of wheelchair users should be established by taking into account the
maximum overall dimensions of the wheelchair as shown in Figure B.1.
At a national level, it should be decided what types of wheelchairs should be considered in different types of
built environment.
When wheelchairs are pushed, the total length occupied by the chair and occupant is 1 500 mm, when
stationary and 1 750 mm when moving.
To propel a manual wheelchair, a clearance of not less than 50 mm, and preferably 100 mm, is needed. Over
longer travel distances, additional space may be required.
The area required for turning is dependent on the ability of the user to manoeuvre the wheelchair. Often
turning is done with several movements with the wheelchair, including reversing. The area needed is
dependent on the number of backing operations.
Figure B.2 gives examples of simplified 180° space requirements of persons in different types of wheelchairs.
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Dimensions in millimetres
Figure B.2 — Examples of simplified 180° space requirements of persons
in different types of wheelchairs
B.6.3 Reach range
Most wheelchairs have a seat height between 460 mm and 550 mm. The seated position of a wheelchair user
restricts arm reach in both vertical and horizontal directions, even when the occupant has full use of his or her
arms and upper body. Many wheelchair users have limited mobility in their arms or limited balance makes it
difficult to lean forward without risk of falling from the wheelchair.
The comfortable reach of a wheelchair user is between 400 mm to 1 100 mm above floor level and a
maximum side reach of 250 mm from the outer side of the wheelchair.
To allow front approach to elements by wheelchair users, sufficient space should be provided below the
element to allow for the wheelchair user's knees and preferably the armrests of the wheelchair.
B.6.4 Reach of users seated in wheelchairs — Distance from corner and other barriers
The ability to reach anything in the corner of a room is limited by the wheels or the foot rest of the wheelchair.
The maximum distance a wheelchair user can reach towards any wall or corner depends on the size of the
wheelchair and the person's mobility in the arms.
B.6.5 Space around elements to provide reachability
A manoeuvring space of 1 500 mm diameter should be provided where needed.
A minimum unobstructed width for side approach of at least 900 mm should be provided.
B.6.6 Space to provide clearance for wheelchair user's knees
At desks and counters, tables or public telephones, sufficient space should be provided below the item in
question to provide clearance for the wheelchair user's knees and, preferably, the wheelchair armrests so as
to allow maximum reach.
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Where only knee space is required (as in the case of washbasins and counters), the space under the work
surface should be at least 800 mm wide, 600 mm deep at foot level and at knee level, with a minimum free
height of 700 mm.
B.6.7 Convenient height of worktops
For wheelchair users, the height of worktops should be between 740 mm and 800 mm.
B.6.8 Eye level
The eye level of a seated person is between 990 mm and 1 250 mm. This dimension should be taken into
account in elements such as windows, information desks, counters or glazed doors.
B.7 Visual contrast
B.7.1 General
Appropriate use of visual contrast between adjacent colours and/or surfaces allows persons with vision
impairments to gather the information they need but also assists all users to move around, identify features
and communicate with others.
People with visual impairments may be unable to perceive some or all colours. However many visually
impaired people can perceive light and dark. The main feature of a surface, which appears to be strongly
correlated with the ability of partially sighted people to identify differences in colour, is the amount of light the
surface reflects, or its light reflectance value (LRV). Differences in hue (the nature of the colour) or chroma
(the intensity of the colour) alone do not provide adequate visual contrast[76].
NOTE A study by Bright and Cook[76] is relevant for this International Standard as it is drawn from the results of 31
people who were visually impaired and the tests were carried out under an illuminance of 100 lux, the illuminance required
for all horizontal surfaces inside buildings. Because the ability to detect differences in contrast increases with the
illuminance on the surfaces, the adoption of a method for the determination of visual contrast based on an illuminance of
100 lux gives enhanced confidence to their adoption at higher illuminances.
The provision of good lighting is essential for the perception of visual contrast. Adequate illumination is
required to provide an adequate LRV sometimes called the Luminous Reflectance Value as defined as CIE Y
(see CIE, 2004, “Colorimetry”). In general, where the level of illumination is low, a higher level of visual
contrast is required.
It is for reasons of weathering, plus variations in lighting levels (e.g. in strong sunlight or after dark) that,
externally, differences in LRV should be assessed in the same way as they are under controlled internal
conditions. However, it is still considered good practice to adopt the recommended LRV differences, as shown
in Table 5, in the external environment.
The exterior and interior environment, particularly markings, should be well maintained.
B.7.2 Determination of visual contrast
B.7.2.1 Difference in LRV values
The method for determination of visual contrast recommended in this International Standard is based on the
difference in LRV of the two adjacent surfaces or of a component and its background (LRV1  LRV2). The
recommended point difference between two surfaces in LRV values is described in 35.1 and Table 5. For
appropriate visual contrast one of the two surfaces should have a light reflectance value of minimum 40 points
for large area surfaces, 70 points for potential hazards and text information to make sure that the LRV of the
lighter surface will be perceptible under the light conditions defined in Clause 33. The LRV of a surface is
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defined in 3.41 and further defined as CIE Y (see CIE, 2004, “Colorimetry”). The Luminance (L) of a surface or
the light emitted from a surface is measured in candelas per 1 m2 and can be determined by:
L = [(E  xLRV)/π]
where
E is the illuminance of the surface or the number of lumens per 1 m2 falling on the surface;
xLRV is the light reflectance value.
B.7.2.2 Determination of LRV
LRV should be determined under stable and controlled lighting conditions. The measurement of LRV can be
classified into two major methods according to the measurement instruments that are used. Method 1 is the
Contact method and Method 2 the Noncontact method. The measurement instruments shall be calibrated to
the spectral sensitivity of the human eye, corrected to align with the CIE photopic curve V (λ).
Method 1 uses specialist sphere type spectrophotometer equipment, which has a 10° visual field and gives
the most accurate and repeatable measurements for flat surfaces. This equipment can accurately measure
the LRV of matte opaque surfaces. Although the equipment can measure the LRV of specular reflecting
surfaces, e.g. metallic and glossy surfaces, there are concerns regarding the accuracy and repeatability of the
measurements. There are similar concerns about accuracy and repeatability of measurements of carpets. A
range of internationally standardized light sources is built into the spectrophotometer allowing the influence of
a wide range of light sources on the LRV of surfaces to be determined. For this International Standard the light
source should be the D65 type. The method is suitable to determine the LRVs of products and surfaces for
which visual contrast is an issue. The number of measurement points on each surface will be selected in order
to provide a representative series of measurements. At each measurement point, after the first measurement,
the instrument will be turned 90° three times and measurements taken after each 90° turn. These multiple
measurements are averaged to obtain a typical value for the surface.
Method 2 uses a handheld luminance meter and a white, high reflectance standard surface. Since the
reflectance of the white standard surface has a known LRV or CIE Y value, it is possible to calculate the LRV
of the surface of interest by measuring the luminance of both surfaces under the same lighting conditions. In
practice the luminance meter is arranged to view part of the surface without producing shadows and the
luminance is measured. Immediately after this measurement the white standard surface is placed in position
on the same part of the surface and the luminance measured. Luminance is the amount of light emitted from a
surface. This is commonly termed the brightness of the surface. The LRV of the surface of interest (LRVi) can
be determined from:
xLRV,i = (Li/Ls)  xLRV,s
where
Li is luminance of the surface of interest (cd/m2 );
Ls is luminance of the white standard surface (cd/m2);
xLRV,i is light reflectance value of the surface of interest (CIE Y);
xLRV,s is light reflectance value of the white standard surface (CIE Y).
Multiple measurements are averaged to obtain a typical value for the surface.
The LRVs measured in accordance with Method 2 are dependent on the ambient lighting, which should be
quoted in relation to any measurements taken. This method is not able to accurately assess the influence of
glossy or metallic surfaces on the measured LRV, nor is it able to measure the LRV of curved surfaces. Whilst
the LRVs determined by this method are useful, they are not as accurate as those obtained by using Method 1.
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An alternative method of approximating the LRV of a surface is by reference to colour swatches or panels of
colour samples. The LRV of the various colours can be obtained from the manufacturer of the colour swatches
or samples. In some cases, the colour notation on the sample includes the LRV. By placing the colour swatch
against the coloured surface of interest, a reasonable match can be identified. The LRV of the nearest colour
match from the swatch can then be assumed to be the LRV of the surface of interest. The LRVs approximated
in this way are also dependent on the ambient lighting, which needs to be quoted in relation to any
approximation. This approximate measurement method is not able to accurately assess the influence of gloss
on LRV. This very approximate method can be used for the initial selection of colours for design purposes and
for preliminary site assessments.
To determine the difference in LRV of two surfaces, their LRV should be known. Manufacturers can provide
LRVs of colours and finishes as determined by test methods described in this section.
B.7.2.3 Other methods for determination of visual contrast
To determine visual contrast, different algorithms are used throughout the world. Tables B.1 and B.2 show
four of these methods and tabulate the differences in LRV which result in their application to a range of typical
required minimum LRV differences as shown in Table 5. The first algorithm is the simple difference between
two LRVs, or (LRV1  LRV2 ). The three other algorithms are very similar, in that each of the algorithms
involves two similar variables and the resultant difference is a dimensionless ratio. However, if the same LRVs
are input to the three algorithms then the three algorithms produce different values for visual contrast, and this
is shown in Table B.1. This is because the three algorithms involve a fraction with the LRV difference as the
numerator and different denominators. In particular the visual contrast determined by the three algorithms
shows significant differences with the LRV difference method for relatively dark surfaces. This is clearly shown
in Table B.1 where the shadowed background shows LRV differences greater than determined by the simple
difference between two LRVs. This in turn means that where the three algorithms are used to meet the LRV
differences recommended in 35.1 and Table B.1, it is essential that in addition to the recommended luminance
contrast for each algorithm according to Table B.2, the minimum reflectance of the lighter surface of 40 points
for large area surfaces and elements for orientation and 70 points for hazards is achieved.
Table B.1 — Differences between the simple method of difference in LRV and the three algorithms
most commonly used throughout the world
NOTE The shadowed background shows LRV differences greater than determined by the simple difference between
two LRVs.
Visual task LRV1 LRV2
ISO 21542
(LRV1  LRV2)
Michelson
1 2
1 2
LRV LRV
100
LRV LRV



Weber
1 2
1
LRV LRV
100
LRV


Sapolinski
1 2
1 2
LRV LRV
100
05 ·(LRV LRV )



Large area surfaces (i.e.
walls, floors, doors,
ceiling), elements and
components to facilitate
orientation (i.e. handrails,
switches and controls,
tactile walking surface
indicators)
40 10 30 63 75 50
50 20 30 43 60 39
60 30 30 33 50 33
70 40 30 27 43 28
80 50 30
23 38 24
Potential hazards (i.e.
steps, glass surfaces)
and text information
70 10 60 75 86 71
80 20 60 60 75 60
90 30 60 50 67 52
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LRV1 is the LRV of surface 1 and LRV2 is the LRV of surface 2 The relationship between luminance and LRV
is shown in B.7.2.1.
When instead of the difference in LRV one of the other algorithms is used for determination of contrast, the
requirements in 35.1 and Table B.1 of this International Standard should be converted according to Table B.2
to achieve similar visual contrast.
Table B.2 — Recommended visual contrast according to 35.1 and Table B.1 converted for the three
algorithms most commonly used throughout the world
Visual task
Minimum
reflectance of the
lighter surface
Michelson
1 2
1 2
( )
100%
( )
L L
C
L L

 

Weber
1 2
1
( )
100%
L L
C
L

 
Sapolinski
1 2
1 2
( )
125%
( )25
Y Y
C
Y Y

 
 
Large area surfaces,
elements and
components to
facilitate orientation
Y1  50 30 % 46 % 30 %
Potential hazards
and text information
Y1  70 60 % 75 % 60 %
In Table B.2, L is the measured luminance of a surface and Y is the luminance reflectance. Where L appears
in a formula, Y can be used instead.
B.7.3 Relevant design factors
To emphasise features and assist in navigation, certain factors should be considered in any design:
 to distinguish the boundaries of larger surfaces such as floors, walls, doors and ceilings, appropriate
differences in LRV should be used. The LRV of a wall colour should be different to that used on a ceiling
and floor;
 to provide an accurate impression of the size of a space, the LRV of deep skirting boards should be the
same as that of the wall (less important for a shallow skirting up to 100 mm or 125 mm deep);
 reflections and glare from shiny surfaces confuse people with visual impairments and the use of these
finishes on larger areas should be avoided. Glare may additionally affect the ability of people who have a
hearing impairment to communicate using lip reading;
 adequate visual contrast should be used to identify potential hazards;
 it is thought that LRV differences are less important between two large areas, e.g. between wall and floor,
than between a small object on a larger background surface, e.g. a light switch on a wall.
To highlight the presence of a door, different measures are recommended:
 The architrave around a door should have visual contrast to the surrounding wall, in order to identify the
presence of the door even when the door is open.
 Preferably, the door and the architrave should contrast with the surrounding wall. If the door and the wall
have similar LRV and only the LRV of the architrave provides the contrast, it will still be possible to
identify the presence of a feature, but it may take longer to identify it as a door opening.
 In the case of door opening furniture, the ease with which blind and partially sighted people are able to
distinguish them against a background is influenced by their 3-D form (giving light and shade) and the
shiny nature of the finish, whether metallic or non-metallic. For such products, it is considered that a
difference in LRV between the product and its background of at least 15 points is acceptable.
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The above list highlights only a few areas for consideration. Additionally, there are many other factors, which
affect selection and use of colours in environments.
NOTE More information about colour contrast and perception has been published in different countries (i.e. Australia,
Germany, Japan, USA, UK[77]).
B.8 Indoor air quality (IAQ)
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ), an important factor in relation to building related ill health (also known as “sick
building syndrome”), can cause serious health impairments and severely restrict a person's participation in
everyday activities, e.g. work.
Symptoms and signs may include:
 irritation of eyes, nose and throat;
 respiratory infections and cough;
 voice hoarseness and wheezing;
 asthma;
 dry mucous membrane and skin;
 erythema (reddening or inflammation of the skin);
 lethargy;
 mental fatigue and poor concentration;
 headache;
 stress;
 hypersensitivity reactions, i.e. allergies;
 nausea and dizziness;
 cancer.
These symptoms and signs are present in the population at large, but are distinguished by being more
prevalent in some building users, as a group, when compared with others. The symptoms and signs may
disappear, or may be reduced in intensity, when an affected person leaves the building. It is not necessary for
everyone in a building to be affected before building related ill health is suspected.
ISO 16814 covers methods of expressing IAQ and incorporating the goal of achieving good IAQ into the
building design process. It also covers ventilation effectiveness, harmful emissions from building materials, air
cleaning devices, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
The indoor pollutants considered in ISO 16814 include human bio-effluents, which have often been the
principal consideration in air quality and ventilation design, but also the groups and sources of pollutants
which can reasonably be anticipated to occur in the building during its long life cycle.
These pollutants, depending on the sources present, may include:
 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other organics, such as formaldehyde;
 environmental tobacco smoke (ETS);
 natural radon, consisting of a number of different isotopes, an invisible radioactive gas found in the soils
under buildings, water supplies to buildings and in the air;
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 other inorganic gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), the oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and low-level ozone
(smog) which is formed when NOx and VOCs react in the presence of sunlight;
 viable particles, including viruses, bacteria and fungal spores;
 non-viable biological pollutants, such as particles of mites or fungi and their metabolic products;
 non-viable particles, such as dusts and fibres.
The following two performance indicators of good IAQ, developed with the aim of protecting human health, are
recommended:
 radon activity (incl. Rn-222, Rn-220, RnD) in a building should, on average, fall within the range of
10 Bq/m3 to 40 Bq/m3, but should at no time exceed 60 Bq/m3;
 carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in a building should not significantly exceed average external
levels – typically within the range of 300 ppm to 500 ppm – and should at no time exceed 800 ppm.
B.9 Allergy related materials
Buildings and their installations shall be designed so that necessary conditions for less allergy related
materials in rooms which are in frequent use by human beings are created and determined on the basis of the
intended use of the room. People with allergies or certain sensitiveness are more dependent on good air
quality with less pollutants or unpleasant smells and allergy related materials than other persons.
The use of materials with high emission levels is to be avoided. Materials that do not emit large quantities of
pollutants or emissions should be selected.
Typical materials to which the user may be allergic include nickel, chromium, cobalt and natural or synthetic
rubber. Materials causing allergies should be avoided in buttons, controls, handles or handrails.
Avoid perfumed products and implement a “scent-free” policy including for example soap used on toilets and
scent-free cleaning products or such additives in the climatic system. Devices that emit scents should be
avoided.
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Annex C
(informative)
Circulation spaces at doorways
C.1 General
On every accessible path of travel, sufficient circulation spaces should be provided in both directions at
doorways.
Basic guidance on the minimum horizontal manoeuvring space of an entrance doorway is given in 10.7. This
annex provides alternative openings and constructions. Recommendations are given for swinging doors, as
well as for sliding doors, and the way of approaching the door is considered.
According to 18.1.3, a manoeuvring space of not less than 600 mm shall be provided between the leading
edge of the door and the wall that is perpendicular to the doorway), Other dimensions are considered in this
annex, because it provides alternative solutions. Nevertheless, when stating the compliment with this
International Standard, the requirements given in 18.1.3 should always be fulfilled.
C.2 Swinging doors
The clear circulation space at doorways with swinging doors is based on the unobstructed width of the
doorway (D). The clear circulation space should not be less than the dimensions specified in Figures C.1 to
C.8 for the appropriate unobstructed width (D).
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)a
WL
800 1 260 610 340
850 1 220 560 340
900 1 185 510 340
950 1 160 460 340
1 000 1 140 410 340
a Informative only. See requirements given in 18.1.3.
Figure C.1 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Hinge-side approach: door opens away from user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 270 200 660
850 1 240 240 660
900 1 210 190 660
950 1 175 140 660
1 000 1 155 90 660
Figure C.2 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Latch-side approach: door opens away from user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)a
WL
800 1 450 0 510
850 1 450 0 510
900 1 450 0 510
950 1 450 0 510
1 000 1 450 0 510
a Informative only. See requirements given in 18.1.3.
Figure C.3 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Front approach: door opens away from user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 270 610 660
850 1 240 560 660
900 1 210 510 660
950 1 175 450 660
1 000 1 155 410 660
Figure C.4 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Either approach: door opens away from user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 670 670 900
850 1 670 660 900
900 1 670 610 900
950 1 670 560 900
1 000 1 670 510 900
Figure C.5 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Hinge-side approach: door opens towards user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 670 110 900
850 1 670 110 900
900 1 670 110 900
950 1 670 110 900
1 000 1 670 110 900
Figure C.6 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Latch-side approach: door opens towards user
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)a
WL
800 1 450 110 530
850 1 450 110 530
900 1 450 110 530
950 1 450 110 530
1 000 1 450 110 530
a Informative only. See requirements given in 18.1.3.
Figure C.7 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Front approach: door opens towards user
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 670 710 900
850 1 670 660 900
900 1 670 610 900
950 1 670 560 900
1 000 1 670 510 900
Figure C.8 — Circulation spaces at doorways with swinging doors —
Either approach: door opens towards user
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C.3 Sliding doors
The clear circulation space at doorways with sliding doors is based on the unobstructed width of the
doorway (D). The clear circulation space should not be less than the dimensions specified in Figures C.9 to
C.12 for the appropriate unobstructed width (D).
Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)a
WL
800 1 450 0 530
850 1 450 0 530
900 1 450 0 530
950 1 450 0 530
1 000 1 450 0 530
a Informative only. See requirements given in 18.1.3.
Figure C.9 — Circulation spaces at doorways with sliding doors — Front approach
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 230 190 660
850 1 230 185 660
900 1 230 180 660
950 1 230 180 660
1 000 1 230 180 660
Figure C.10 — Circulation spaces at doorways with sliding doors — Latch-side approach
Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)a
WL
800 1 280 710 395
850 1 280 660 395
900 1 280 610 395
950 1 280 560 395
1 000 1 280 510 395
a Informative only. See requirements given in 18.1.3.
Figure C.11 — Circulation spaces at doorways with sliding doors — Slide-side approach
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Dimensions in millimetres
Dimension (mm)
D
Dimension (mm)
L
Dimension (mm)
WH
Dimension (mm)
WL
800 1 280 710 660
850 1 280 660 660
900 1 280 610 660
950 1 280 560 660
1 000 1 280 510 660
Figure C.12 — Circulation spaces at doorways with sliding doors — Either approach
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
144 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved
Annex D
(informative)
Fire safety and assisted evacuation for all in buildings
D.1 Fire safety, protection and evacuation for all
D.1.1 Human behaviour in fire emergencies
The “real” people who use “real” buildings every day of every week, in all parts of the world, have widely
differing ranges of human abilities and activity limitations. They are different from each other, and they react
differently in a fire emergency.
All building users should be made aware of evacuation procedures.
Meaningful consultation with every person known to occupy or use a building, for the purposes of receiving his
or her active co-operation and obtaining his or her informed consent (involving a personal representative, if
required), is an essential component of adequate pre-planning and preparation for a fire emergency.
Warnings of any fire incident in a building should be communicated as soon as is practicable after the initiation
of a fire incident and should continue for the full duration of the incident. Warnings should be informative, and
be easily assimilated in a form (e.g. oral, written, Braille) and language understood by the people using the
building.
D.1.2 Building design for accessibility and reliability
Accessibility design guidelines should be applied to the design of all fire evacuation routes, horizontal and
vertical, inside the building and externally to a place of safety (see 3.48).
As some people with mobility impairments may potentially have to wait for assistance in a building which is on
fire, the fire protection measures and fire management systems in an occupied building should be reliable. In
other words, when assessing the ability of a design to achieve the stated objectives for all populations, the
evaluation should consider the reliability of every element as well as its presence or absence and its
effectiveness.
NOTE Ten percent of people using the building (occupants, visitors and other users) may have an impairment (visual
or hearing, physical function, mental, cognitive or psychological, with some impairments not being identifiable, e.g. in the
case of anosognosia).
Throughout the duration of a fire incident and for a specified period afterwards, the accessibility of available
fire evacuation routes, inside the building and externally to a “place of safety”, should be maintained. When
assessing the ability of a design to achieve the stated objectives, the evaluation should consider the potential
for loss of evacuation route availability or capacity as a result of other actions, including firefighter access,
rescue, and fire fighting operations.
D.2 Assisted evacuation and rescue from buildings — Rescue techniques
Firefighters have two principal functions:
a) rescuing people who are trapped in buildings, or who for some reason cannot independently evacuate a
building which is on fire, and
b) fighting fires.
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People with disabilities are participating more and more, and in ever increasing numbers, in mainstream
society. It is recommended that firefighters receive training in how best to rescue a person with a disability
from a building, using procedures and equipment which should not cause further harm or injury to that person.
NOTE The 2002 FEMA (USA) Orientation Manual[72] shows and describes many assisted evacuation and rescue
techniques for people with widely differing ranges of activity limitation.
Manual handling of wheelchairs occupied by their users in a fire evacuation staircase, even with adequate
training for everyone directly and indirectly involved, is hazardous for the person in the wheelchair and those
people giving assistance.
Local fire authorities should ensure that they possess the necessary equipment to rescue people with a wide
range of impairments, and that specialized rescue equipment is regularly serviced and maintained. Every fire
authority should have an 'accessible' and 'reliable' emergency call system which is available at all times to the
public.
It is essential that every firefighter be fully aware of this important public safety issue, and be regularly trained
in the necessary rescue procedures involving people with a wide range of impairments.
D.3 Management of fire evacuation lifts in buildings
A lift (elevator) to be used for the fire evacuation of people with activity limitations and/or with impaired senses
should be operated under the strict direction and control of building management.
It is essential that the lift (elevator) be able to continue to operate effectively and safely for a specified time
during a fire, and that it is taken only to those floors where it is necessary for building personnel to evacuate a
person by lift (elevator).
NOTE ISO/TC 178 is currently working on the future ISO/TR 257422), “Lifts (elevators) — Study of the methods used
for fire testing lift landing doors”.
For such a management system to work properly, a suitable number of trained and experienced “fire wardens”
should be designated on each floor of a building. They should be competent to carry out their duties in a fire
emergency, and should be available at all times when the building is occupied.
A lift (elevator) used for fire evacuation should be fitted with an accessible and reliable communications
system, which facilitates direct contact with a person in the main fire and security centre for the building.
If an evacuation lift fails to arrive at a floor landing, or access to it on any floor is obstructed by fire and/or
smoke, an evacuation staircase should be used. Should the lift (elevator) remain safe to use, it may only be
necessary to descend to the floor below the fire using an evacuation staircase, and from there continue the
descent by lift (elevator).
D.4 Evacuation skills and self protection from fire in buildings
A “skill” is the ability of a person, resulting from adequate training and regular practice, to carry out complex,
well-organized patterns of behaviour efficiently and adaptively, in order to achieve some end or goal.
Building users should be skilled for evacuation to a “place of safety”, which is at a safe distance from the
building (see 3.48). Non-emergency/test evacuations should be carried out sufficiently often to equip building
users with this skill.
Fire protection measures and human management systems are never 100 % reliable. It is necessary,
therefore, especially for people with activity limitations and/or impaired senses, to be familiar with necessary
guidelines for self-protection in the event of a fire emergency.
2) Under preparation.
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
146 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved
Annex E
(informative)
Management and maintenance issues
E.1 General
The following management and maintenance issues, based on BS 8300, are important factors in ensuring that
a building is easily accessed and used by disabled people.
E.2 External issues
a) Keeping external routes, including steps and ramps, clean, unobstructed and free of surface water, snow,
ice, dead leaves, lichen, debris, etc.;
b) in car parking areas: ensuring that designated spaces are not being used by non-disabled motorists;
c) where possible, allocating specific designated parking spaces to individual employees, marked by name
or number;
d) checking side-hung doors accompanying revolving doors to ensure they are not kept locked;
e) making available auxiliary aids such as portable ramps, and removing them when not in use.
E.3 Internal issues
a) Ensuring that wheelchair spaces are available in seating areas;
b) ensuring that staff understand the management issues relating to disabled people, including emergency
procedures;
c) ensuring that storage, planters, bins, etc., do not obstruct circulation space, WCs or lift call buttons;
d) ensuring that cleaning and polishing does not produce a slippery surface;
e) ensuring that trip hazards, such as at junctions between floor surfaces, are removed;
f) ensuring access between moveable tables in refreshment areas;
g) ensuring that in sanitary facilities, written instructions on the use of equipment is displayed beside each
item;
h) ensuring in sanitary facilities, that information is available on the type of sling connector and the types of
sling that are compatible with their installed hoist and track;
i) ensuring that a procedure is set up to respond to alarm calls from sanitary accommodation;
j) ensuring that waterproof mattress covers can be made available for use in accessible bedrooms;
k) ensuring that, where floor sockets are provided (e.g. in meeting rooms), access to sockets is also
available at desk level;
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l) ensuring that any temporary barriers that are used to channel customers to reception or serving points,
and whose configuration needs to be changed frequently, have a semi-rigid top barrier (e.g. a
spring-loaded band) which contrasts visually with the background against which it is seen;
m) ensuring that assistance is made available to carry trays where needed in refreshment areas;
n) ensuring that suitable arrangements are made for assistance dogs while their owners are using leisure
facilities.
E.4 Maintenance issues
a) Maintaining doors, door closers and building hardware, including checking that the opening forces of selfclosing
doors are within acceptable limits;
b) maintaining access control systems;
c) checking floor surfaces, matting, surface-mounted carpets, etc., re-fixing to the floor where necessary,
and replacing where damaged or worn (particularly at entrances to buildings);
d) maintaining hearing enhancement systems;
e) maintaining sanitary fittings, including checking that toilet seats are securely fixed, cleaning tap nozzles to
ensure correct water flow, emptying and cleaning bins, and keeping equipment clean;
f) ensuring that adjustable shower heads are lowered to be ready for the next user;
g) ensuring that emergency assistance pull cords are kept fully extended and in working order at all times;
h) checking the mountings of all grab rails, and the mechanism of drop-down rails, re-fixing or replacing
where necessary;
i) servicing of all types of lifts and hoists;
j) ensuring that facilities, such as lifts, hoists, etc., are in working order between servicing schedules, and
providing alternative arrangements in case of facilities being out of order;
k) maintaining ventilation and heating equipment;
l) replacing defunct light bulbs and flickering fluorescent tubes quickly;
m) keeping windows, lamps and blinds clean to maximize lighting.
E.5 Communication issues
a) Providing information on strobe lighting prior to entry;
b) removing and/or changing signage as necessary, e.g. when departments relocate;
c) providing accurate information on facilities prior to arrival;
d) providing audio description services;
e) providing all relevant literature, and reviewing/revising it when necessary;
f) ensuring that a permanently manned position is available for the emergency lift telephone
communications;
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g) updating maps of buildings following changes;
h) replacing signs correctly after decoration.
E.6 Policy issues
a) Allocating and reviewing parking spaces;
b) changing signs when departments move;
c) reviewing the number of disabled people attending and needing facilities;
d) establishing and running user groups;
e) reviewing the number of instruments supporting infra red systems;
f) adopting a signage policy;
g) having the loop position always manned in branches;
h) providing portable ramps;
i) arranging audits of journeys made by visitors;
j) instructing accessibility audits;
k) ensuring that services are provided when facilities such as lifts break down;
l) ensuring that responsibilities are defined within the organization;
m) ensuring that accessibility improvements are picked up whenever possible during maintenance and
refurbishment work;
n) reviewing and improving evacuation procedures;
o) training of staff;
p) reviewing all policies, procedures and practices;
q) reviewing the provision of auxiliary aids;
r) considering the impact of background noise (e.g. music, equipment, ventilation) on people with a range of
sensory conditions (hearing, vision, autism). This is especially important in areas where voice
communication is necessary, such as reception, meeting and learning spaces.
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 151
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ISO 21542:2011(E)
ICS 91.060.01
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