Building Entrances and Egress - Barrier Free Living
Individuals with disabilities need at least one readily accessible entrance that connects the exterior accessible route and the interior accessible route as a fire safety precaution; it is desirable to also provide an alternative way out. This blog discusses the requirements for both entrances and emergency exits. The discussion of exits also raises points about planning for emergency evacuation and the provision of warning systems.
Safety Considerations
Usually the biggest problem making an entrance accessible is not the width of the doorway or the vestibule, since these elements are designed to admit bulky furniture, but rather the change of level created by the basement. In designing an accessible entrance, therefore, you must take into account not only the in formation in the present section, but also the discussion of stairs, ramps, and lifts.
As a fire safety precaution, provide a second means of exit that is accessible to the wheelchair user.
• The individual may sleep on an upper floor that he reaches by elevator. Since power may fail in a fire, there must be an alternative means of escape.
• Some wheelchair users may be able to crawl to safety.
• Family members may be able to carry the disabled person.
• If the disability is severe and the individual lives alone, the sleeping quarters must be as close as possible to grade.
• Consider establishing a safety zone designed to protect the individual until help arrives.
• Because disabled people need more time than the non-disabled to reach safety, early warning is essential. Provide the appropriate alarms.
• An emergency call device for summoning a neighbor a relative, or the fire department may reduce rescue response time.
• Whether the individual is living alone or with others, emergency planning should be undertaken during the design period, not during the emergency.
• The entrance landing must be large enough to accommodate the individual, the attendant, and the door swing.
• The landing should be sheltered.
• The threshold should be level.
• The proper door width depends on the width of the wheelchair or bed/cart and the maneuvering space available: recommended minimum: 2’8” (810 mm).
• If the door hardware is operated solely by the attendant, conventional hardware may suffice.
• An electronic door actuator may allow the individual to enter independently. Actuators are costly, however, and must be made secure.
• It is essential to develop a plan for coordinated action in an emergency. Both the individual and the attendant should be fully familiar with the plan.
• Evacuation is slow. Provide the appropriate alarms to ensure early detection.
• It the individual cannot transfer independently from a bed, a communication and emergency call system is essential.
• The attendant care may not be “live-in.” In this case, the bedroom must be designed as a safety zone where the individual can wait for rescue.
• The safety plan should be discussed with the local tire department so that it will be aware of the special needs of the disabled person.
Change of Level
• Stairs should he designed in accordance with the recommendations of local building code requirements.
• An individual who uses a walking aid may not find a ramp easier than stairs.
Approach
• Provide a sheltered landing
• Install a bench or ledge for placing carried objects to free the hands for operating locks and levers and to reduce bending and stooping.
• The individual may need a handhold.
• Low vision: the colour of the door should contrast with the colour of its surroundings.
Doors
• The minimum recommended clear width is 2’8” (810 mm).
• Remove the threshold if possible to eliminate tripping hazard.
• Hardware must be easy to operate. Consider levers. Avoid spring-loaded hardware that requires two hands to operate, since the individual may need a free hand to steady himself
• The individual’s strength may be impaired, so doors should not be heavy or difficult to open. The force required to open doors should be no more than 8.5 pounds (38 N).
Exiting
• As a fire safety precaution, always provide a second means of exit. Keep exits clear of tripping hazards.
• Impaired vision or mobility: early detection of danger is essential. Provide smoke detectors.
• Impaired hearing: provide visual alarms. Since a visual alarm will not awaken a sleeping individual, also consider connecting a smoke detector to a unit that will vibrate the bed.
Entering
Change of Level
A ramp allows the wheelchair user to reach the entry level independently; it is also less expensive than the alternatives. If the change of level is great, necessitating a long ramp, and space is confined, consider using a mechanical lift device.
Approach
• Provide a landing at least 5’by 5’(1525 mm by 1525 mm) outside the door at floor level.
• Slope the landing no more than is necessary to drain water away from door. If possible, protect the landing with a roof.
• Provide unobstructed space adjacent to the latch side of the door: at least 2’ (600 mm) on the pull side and 1’ (300 mm) on the push side.
• There must be enough clearance in the vestibule to enable the individual to get out of the way of the door swing and to prevent entrapment.
• The individual should have to exert no more than 8.5 pounds (38N) of force to open doors.
• Door clearance should be 2’8” (810 mm) or more, as required.
• The door should incorporate a vision panel at the individual’s eye level, if possible.
Hardware
• If the individual’s grasping strength is limited, lever hardware may be necessary.
• Locks must be easy to operate, preferably with one hand.
• If the individual cannot provide enough force to open the door, the recommended maximum opening pressure is 8.5 pounds (38N). It will be necessary to install a power-assisted door actuator.
There are two types of power-assisted actuators:
o Electric gear drive type
o Pneumatic type with compressors and hoses
• The actuator must include a variable time delay mechanism to allow setting for the required length of closing time.
• The actuator should have a manual mode for non-disabled users.
• The features of the actuator (keys, buttons, scanners, etc.) must be compatible with the individual’s abilities and security requirements.
• The actuator must be installed at a reachable height and in a location that ensures that the wheelchair will not block the way of the opening door.
• If possible, eliminate the threshold. If it cannot be eliminated, the rise should be no greater than ½” (13 mm).
• A rubber astragal on the threshold has a short life when exposed to wheelchair traffic, Use door-sweep weather stripping.
• Sliding glass door tracks create a barrier. Install a sloping strip of wood on the inside face of the track to reduce the barrier. The deck or porch should be as level as possible with the top of the track.
Mobility
• Provide a continuous accessible route at least 3’ wide and 6’8” high (915 mm x 2030 mm) with no obstructions projecting into it.
• Floors should be even, continuous, and non-slip, presenting no tripping hazards.
• Impaired vision: avoid overhead hazards.
• Indicate changes of level with contrasting colour’s and/or tactile warnings.
Door Hardware
• Impaired hand function: provide levered handles.
• Impaired vision: knurled hardware indicates a hazardous condition or a door not intended for normal use.
Corridors & Doors
Support Systems
• Impaired balance, coordination, or strength provide handrails along corridors
• Handrails should be continuous throughout their length and easy to grasp. There should be no obstructions that force the user to break a handhold.
• The recommended handrail height is 2’8” to 3’ (810 mm to 915 mm: refer to individual profile.
• If the individual wishes to rest a forearm on the rail while walking, the rail must be placed higher than it would be if he preferred to grasp it.
• Handrails should return to the wall. Otherwise they may obstruct travel or create a hazard.
• Provide 1 1/2” (38 mm) of clearance between the wall and the handrail.
• Recommended handrail size is 1 1/4” to 1 5/8” (32 mm to 41 mm).
Mobility
• The corridor width required will depend on the individual’s equipment, skill, and strength.
• Provide enough room for the individual to maneuver.
• Most wheelchair users can negotiate a 180° turn in a 3’ (915 mm) wide corridor. Those with larger equipment or less strength and ability will need more space.
• If a corridor is short, the individual may not have occasion to perform a 180° turn in it.
• No incline should be greater than 20 (5%) unless it is designed as a ramp (seep. 46).
• Soft or shag carpets will impede the wheelchair. Surfaces should be hard, continuous, and non-slip. Low-pile carpets may be acceptable, but loose rugs are a hazard. Provide transition strips between materials of different thicknesses.
• Corridor walls and corners and openings into rooms receive extreme abuse from the rubbing and bumping of wheelchairs.
• Protection devices such as corner guards, kick plates, and bumper guards reduce damage to finished surfaces.
• Protection devices should run vertically at corners and horizontally along corridors and at other critical locations.
• Pre-Manufactured vinyl guards for surface or recessed application are available.
• A simple carpet return may afford protection in low-wear areas.
Wheelchair User
Door Approach
• When designing for wheelchair users consider how they will approach a door and get out of the way of its swing.
• Provide door pulls on the room side of doors so that the individual can close doors after entering.
• The space between doors in a sequence should be 4’ (1220 mm) plus the width of any door that opens into the vestibule.
• Generally the clear space adjacent to the latch side of a door should be 2’ (600 mm) on the pull side and 1’ (300 mm) on the push side.
Door Types
• Space constraints may not allow enough room for a wheelchair use: to get out of the way of a conventional swing door,
• Consider unconventional applications D other door types appropriate to the individual’s strengths and abilities.
• Thresholds should be level. If this is not possible, the rise should be no greater than 1/2” (12 mm).
• Doors should open freely to a width of at east 2’8” (810 mm). A wider opening may be required if maneuvering space is limited or if the individual’s strength and coordination are impaired.
Door Hardware
• The maximum pressure to open an interior door should be ± 5 pounds (22N).
• Lever hardware is not essential unless there are grasping, turning, or coordination problems.
• Consider kick plates to protect doors from wheelchair footrests,
• If the individual has low vision, use contrasting colour’s on the door and its hardware.
• Impaired vision: used knurled hardware to indicate a hazardous condition.
• Hinges that swing the door completely clear of the opening are especially useful in retrofit situations where an extra 1 1/2” (38 mm) of space would be an advantage but it is not practical to rebuild the door and frame.
• Consider installing pulls on the inside of out swinging doors to allow the individual to pull the door closed upon entering.
Mobility
• Will individual be pushed around manually by another person or navigate independently in an electric wheelchair?
• Running surface must be smooth, hard, continuous, and non-impeding.
• Provide the space required by the attendant for maneuvering the individual in wheelchair or other device.
• Consider using swing-clear hinges for doors in existing openings that are slightly too narrow. Getting the door out of the opening when the door is opened 90° can save 1 1/2” (38 mm).
• Emergency hardware is especially useful if the individual is quadriplegic, since the attendant will still be able to get in if the individual falls to the floor and blocks an in swinging door.
• Emergency hardware should be used in conjunction with an emergency call system.
• Hardware need not be special if the individual will not be operating it.
Rooms alone do not make an accessible home. The space that links up these activity spaces must also be barrier-free. This section and the next deal with the interstitial space: the internal ‘accessible route.” The present section discusses movement on one level— horizontal circulation. The following section discusses changes of level — vertical circulation.
The elements to consider in removing barriers to horizontal circulation include corridors, finishes, doors, door hardware, environmental controls, handrails, and vestibules. The provisions of the Ontario Building Code that pertain to horizontal circulation are written with wheelchair users in mind. For ambulatory disabled persons, many of the code’s requirements are irrelevant. On the other hand, handrails, which greatly benefit an ambulatory disabled person, are not required by the code. Again, the individual centered approach will eliminate unnecessary provisions.
Changes of Levels
If a change in level is unavoidable, the provision of a means for getting from one level to another efficiently must be planned very carefully. Some ambulatory disabled people can use stairs. They may have braces or other walking aids.
Ramps are most useful to people who are confined to wheelchairs. People who use walking aids often find them difficult to negotiate. The criteria for ramp design are discussed and illustrated in this section. If the change of level is so great that ramp length becomes a problem, or if the individual’s strength and stamina are limited, a mechanical lift is required. Some lifts can be installed, with few modifications, in existing stairwells. These lifts can be fitted with either a chair or a platform. Other lifts are free-standing platforms in self-contained units and are suitable for either interior or exterior use.
If the change of level is very great, a residential elevator is required. This is the most costly option. Space for a shaft must be found in a central location in the existing home or a new shaft must be added on. Connecting a new elevator to existing circulation patterns is not always easy. The power supply must meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
Wheelchair User
Vertical Circulation
Exterior Ramps — Configurations and General Requirements
• Slope should be between 1:20 (5%) and 1:12 (8.33%).
• The transition between grade and the ramp should be as level as possible~
• The ramp surface must be non-slip, continuous, and even.
• The ramp should be as close as possible to traffic lanes and should, if possible, run in the same direction.
• Provide level landing areas at top and bottom as shown.
• Provide minimum width of 2’lO” (870 mm) between handrails.
• Provide landings at intervals of no more than 30’O” (9000 mm), as shown, and at changes of direction.
• Install a 1 1/2” (38 mm) handrail between 2’8” and 3’O” (810 mm and 915 mm) above the ramp surface.
• If children are among the primary users, provide a second handrail for them: Install it at a height of 2’2” to 2’6” (600 mm to 760 mm).
• Provide a curb or a low rail to keep wheelchair casters on the ramp.
Vertical Circulation: Stairs
Consider the type of walking aid used. Nosing should be smooth so that it will not present a tripping hazard. Nosing shape is especially important if the individual is a leg amputee or uses a brace.
• Building codes call for placement of handrails between 2’8” and 3’O” (810 mm and 915 mm) above the nosing. Locate handrails within this range at the height preferred by the individual.
• Extend handrail beyond top and bottom as shown.
• Treads should be non-slip. Consider applying abrasive strips.
• If the individual has low vision, the colour of the nosing and landings should contrast with the colour of the hallways to indicate that a change in level is occurring and where the stairs begin.
If the individual is blind, return the handrail to the wall or the floor so that it will not present a hazard.
• Guards (depending on the stair and occupancy) may need to have vertical pickets 4” (100 mm) or 8” (200 mm) apart (O.B.C. 9, 8.8, 7)
Inclined Stair Seat
• The other mechanical devices discussed in this section may be worth considering. However, a stair seat is perhaps the simplest solution for an ambulatory person
• Stair seats can usually be fitted to the existing manufacturers and distributors for exact clearance and power requirements, which vary by model and make
• Provide level landing areas at top and bottom, allowing for both chair space and space to get on
• The seat must be equipped with an automatic call device and controls that require a constant pressure to operate
Wooden Ramp Details
• The concrete footings must extend to undisturbed soil below the frost line.
• A running surface of plywood is not recommended, since plywood warps and becomes slippery.
• Recommended ramp surface is 2” by 4” (38 mm by 92 mm) or 2” by 6” (38 mm by 140 mm) lumber. Use pressure-treated wood. The decking should be perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Concrete Ramp Details
• The tooting must extend to undisturbed soil below the frost line. See building code requirements.
• Depending on the length of the ramp and the change of grade, the slab may have to be designed as a suspended structural slab rather than as a slab on grade.
• Reinforcing steel should be galvanized concrete surface should have a broom finish.
Inclined Lifts
• Inclined lifts can often be fitted to existing stairs.
• Confirm clearance requirements with the supplier.
• Platforms are available in various sizes. Some platforms fold up and out of the way.
• Supports can be attached directly to the wall if the walls are concrete or concrete block.
• If the stairs are open or if the walls are studded, it will be necessary to provide a system of posts and plates for attaching the supports. This solution will increase the clearances required for installing the lift.
Exterior Free-Standing Lifts
• The lift must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3-B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• Provide a concrete pad at grade to support the unit.
• Provide an upper landing deck at the existing floor level. The deck must be large enough to permit maneuvering: recommended minimum is 5’x 5’ (1525 mm x 1525 mm).
• Provide power connection as required by the manufacturer.
• Model sizes and cost are related to the amount of vertical lift provided.
Interior Free Standing Lifts
• It must be possible to provide space for the lift in a convenient location within the existing structure.
• Provide adequate structural support for the unit.
• Provide power connection as required by the manufacturer.
• The lift must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3 B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• The lift must be self-leveling.
• The unit must be equipped with controls that require a constant pressure to operate.
Individual with Attendant
Vertical Circulation
• The other types of lifts mentioned in this section may also be appropriate here if they are designed to carry both the individual and the attendant.
Residential Elevators
• This is an expensive alternative, since a shaft must be provided.
• If space for the shaft cannot be found inside the house, a shaft addition must be constructed.
• Platform and hoist way dimensions vary with the manufacturer and to suit site requirements.
• Both single cylinders and telescopic cylinders are available.
• The elevator must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3-B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• Many types of hoist way plans are available, allowing front, back, or side-loading combinations.
Safety Considerations
Usually the biggest problem making an entrance accessible is not the width of the doorway or the vestibule, since these elements are designed to admit bulky furniture, but rather the change of level created by the basement. In designing an accessible entrance, therefore, you must take into account not only the in formation in the present section, but also the discussion of stairs, ramps, and lifts.
As a fire safety precaution, provide a second means of exit that is accessible to the wheelchair user.
• The individual may sleep on an upper floor that he reaches by elevator. Since power may fail in a fire, there must be an alternative means of escape.
• Some wheelchair users may be able to crawl to safety.
• Family members may be able to carry the disabled person.
• If the disability is severe and the individual lives alone, the sleeping quarters must be as close as possible to grade.
• Consider establishing a safety zone designed to protect the individual until help arrives.
• Because disabled people need more time than the non-disabled to reach safety, early warning is essential. Provide the appropriate alarms.
• An emergency call device for summoning a neighbor a relative, or the fire department may reduce rescue response time.
• Whether the individual is living alone or with others, emergency planning should be undertaken during the design period, not during the emergency.
• The entrance landing must be large enough to accommodate the individual, the attendant, and the door swing.
• The landing should be sheltered.
• The threshold should be level.
• The proper door width depends on the width of the wheelchair or bed/cart and the maneuvering space available: recommended minimum: 2’8” (810 mm).
• If the door hardware is operated solely by the attendant, conventional hardware may suffice.
• An electronic door actuator may allow the individual to enter independently. Actuators are costly, however, and must be made secure.
• It is essential to develop a plan for coordinated action in an emergency. Both the individual and the attendant should be fully familiar with the plan.
• Evacuation is slow. Provide the appropriate alarms to ensure early detection.
• It the individual cannot transfer independently from a bed, a communication and emergency call system is essential.
• The attendant care may not be “live-in.” In this case, the bedroom must be designed as a safety zone where the individual can wait for rescue.
• The safety plan should be discussed with the local tire department so that it will be aware of the special needs of the disabled person.
Change of Level
• Stairs should he designed in accordance with the recommendations of local building code requirements.
• An individual who uses a walking aid may not find a ramp easier than stairs.
Approach
• Provide a sheltered landing
• Install a bench or ledge for placing carried objects to free the hands for operating locks and levers and to reduce bending and stooping.
• The individual may need a handhold.
• Low vision: the colour of the door should contrast with the colour of its surroundings.
Doors
• The minimum recommended clear width is 2’8” (810 mm).
• Remove the threshold if possible to eliminate tripping hazard.
• Hardware must be easy to operate. Consider levers. Avoid spring-loaded hardware that requires two hands to operate, since the individual may need a free hand to steady himself
• The individual’s strength may be impaired, so doors should not be heavy or difficult to open. The force required to open doors should be no more than 8.5 pounds (38 N).
Exiting
• As a fire safety precaution, always provide a second means of exit. Keep exits clear of tripping hazards.
• Impaired vision or mobility: early detection of danger is essential. Provide smoke detectors.
• Impaired hearing: provide visual alarms. Since a visual alarm will not awaken a sleeping individual, also consider connecting a smoke detector to a unit that will vibrate the bed.
Entering
Change of Level
A ramp allows the wheelchair user to reach the entry level independently; it is also less expensive than the alternatives. If the change of level is great, necessitating a long ramp, and space is confined, consider using a mechanical lift device.
Approach
• Provide a landing at least 5’by 5’(1525 mm by 1525 mm) outside the door at floor level.
• Slope the landing no more than is necessary to drain water away from door. If possible, protect the landing with a roof.
• Provide unobstructed space adjacent to the latch side of the door: at least 2’ (600 mm) on the pull side and 1’ (300 mm) on the push side.
• There must be enough clearance in the vestibule to enable the individual to get out of the way of the door swing and to prevent entrapment.
• The individual should have to exert no more than 8.5 pounds (38N) of force to open doors.
• Door clearance should be 2’8” (810 mm) or more, as required.
• The door should incorporate a vision panel at the individual’s eye level, if possible.
Hardware
• If the individual’s grasping strength is limited, lever hardware may be necessary.
• Locks must be easy to operate, preferably with one hand.
• If the individual cannot provide enough force to open the door, the recommended maximum opening pressure is 8.5 pounds (38N). It will be necessary to install a power-assisted door actuator.
There are two types of power-assisted actuators:
o Electric gear drive type
o Pneumatic type with compressors and hoses
• The actuator must include a variable time delay mechanism to allow setting for the required length of closing time.
• The actuator should have a manual mode for non-disabled users.
• The features of the actuator (keys, buttons, scanners, etc.) must be compatible with the individual’s abilities and security requirements.
• The actuator must be installed at a reachable height and in a location that ensures that the wheelchair will not block the way of the opening door.
• If possible, eliminate the threshold. If it cannot be eliminated, the rise should be no greater than ½” (13 mm).
• A rubber astragal on the threshold has a short life when exposed to wheelchair traffic, Use door-sweep weather stripping.
• Sliding glass door tracks create a barrier. Install a sloping strip of wood on the inside face of the track to reduce the barrier. The deck or porch should be as level as possible with the top of the track.
Mobility
• Provide a continuous accessible route at least 3’ wide and 6’8” high (915 mm x 2030 mm) with no obstructions projecting into it.
• Floors should be even, continuous, and non-slip, presenting no tripping hazards.
• Impaired vision: avoid overhead hazards.
• Indicate changes of level with contrasting colour’s and/or tactile warnings.
Door Hardware
• Impaired hand function: provide levered handles.
• Impaired vision: knurled hardware indicates a hazardous condition or a door not intended for normal use.
Corridors & Doors
Support Systems
• Impaired balance, coordination, or strength provide handrails along corridors
• Handrails should be continuous throughout their length and easy to grasp. There should be no obstructions that force the user to break a handhold.
• The recommended handrail height is 2’8” to 3’ (810 mm to 915 mm: refer to individual profile.
• If the individual wishes to rest a forearm on the rail while walking, the rail must be placed higher than it would be if he preferred to grasp it.
• Handrails should return to the wall. Otherwise they may obstruct travel or create a hazard.
• Provide 1 1/2” (38 mm) of clearance between the wall and the handrail.
• Recommended handrail size is 1 1/4” to 1 5/8” (32 mm to 41 mm).
Mobility
• The corridor width required will depend on the individual’s equipment, skill, and strength.
• Provide enough room for the individual to maneuver.
• Most wheelchair users can negotiate a 180° turn in a 3’ (915 mm) wide corridor. Those with larger equipment or less strength and ability will need more space.
• If a corridor is short, the individual may not have occasion to perform a 180° turn in it.
• No incline should be greater than 20 (5%) unless it is designed as a ramp (seep. 46).
• Soft or shag carpets will impede the wheelchair. Surfaces should be hard, continuous, and non-slip. Low-pile carpets may be acceptable, but loose rugs are a hazard. Provide transition strips between materials of different thicknesses.
• Corridor walls and corners and openings into rooms receive extreme abuse from the rubbing and bumping of wheelchairs.
• Protection devices such as corner guards, kick plates, and bumper guards reduce damage to finished surfaces.
• Protection devices should run vertically at corners and horizontally along corridors and at other critical locations.
• Pre-Manufactured vinyl guards for surface or recessed application are available.
• A simple carpet return may afford protection in low-wear areas.
Wheelchair User
Door Approach
• When designing for wheelchair users consider how they will approach a door and get out of the way of its swing.
• Provide door pulls on the room side of doors so that the individual can close doors after entering.
• The space between doors in a sequence should be 4’ (1220 mm) plus the width of any door that opens into the vestibule.
• Generally the clear space adjacent to the latch side of a door should be 2’ (600 mm) on the pull side and 1’ (300 mm) on the push side.
Door Types
• Space constraints may not allow enough room for a wheelchair use: to get out of the way of a conventional swing door,
• Consider unconventional applications D other door types appropriate to the individual’s strengths and abilities.
• Thresholds should be level. If this is not possible, the rise should be no greater than 1/2” (12 mm).
• Doors should open freely to a width of at east 2’8” (810 mm). A wider opening may be required if maneuvering space is limited or if the individual’s strength and coordination are impaired.
Door Hardware
• The maximum pressure to open an interior door should be ± 5 pounds (22N).
• Lever hardware is not essential unless there are grasping, turning, or coordination problems.
• Consider kick plates to protect doors from wheelchair footrests,
• If the individual has low vision, use contrasting colour’s on the door and its hardware.
• Impaired vision: used knurled hardware to indicate a hazardous condition.
• Hinges that swing the door completely clear of the opening are especially useful in retrofit situations where an extra 1 1/2” (38 mm) of space would be an advantage but it is not practical to rebuild the door and frame.
• Consider installing pulls on the inside of out swinging doors to allow the individual to pull the door closed upon entering.
Mobility
• Will individual be pushed around manually by another person or navigate independently in an electric wheelchair?
• Running surface must be smooth, hard, continuous, and non-impeding.
• Provide the space required by the attendant for maneuvering the individual in wheelchair or other device.
• Consider using swing-clear hinges for doors in existing openings that are slightly too narrow. Getting the door out of the opening when the door is opened 90° can save 1 1/2” (38 mm).
• Emergency hardware is especially useful if the individual is quadriplegic, since the attendant will still be able to get in if the individual falls to the floor and blocks an in swinging door.
• Emergency hardware should be used in conjunction with an emergency call system.
• Hardware need not be special if the individual will not be operating it.
Rooms alone do not make an accessible home. The space that links up these activity spaces must also be barrier-free. This section and the next deal with the interstitial space: the internal ‘accessible route.” The present section discusses movement on one level— horizontal circulation. The following section discusses changes of level — vertical circulation.
The elements to consider in removing barriers to horizontal circulation include corridors, finishes, doors, door hardware, environmental controls, handrails, and vestibules. The provisions of the Ontario Building Code that pertain to horizontal circulation are written with wheelchair users in mind. For ambulatory disabled persons, many of the code’s requirements are irrelevant. On the other hand, handrails, which greatly benefit an ambulatory disabled person, are not required by the code. Again, the individual centered approach will eliminate unnecessary provisions.
Changes of Levels
If a change in level is unavoidable, the provision of a means for getting from one level to another efficiently must be planned very carefully. Some ambulatory disabled people can use stairs. They may have braces or other walking aids.
Ramps are most useful to people who are confined to wheelchairs. People who use walking aids often find them difficult to negotiate. The criteria for ramp design are discussed and illustrated in this section. If the change of level is so great that ramp length becomes a problem, or if the individual’s strength and stamina are limited, a mechanical lift is required. Some lifts can be installed, with few modifications, in existing stairwells. These lifts can be fitted with either a chair or a platform. Other lifts are free-standing platforms in self-contained units and are suitable for either interior or exterior use.
If the change of level is very great, a residential elevator is required. This is the most costly option. Space for a shaft must be found in a central location in the existing home or a new shaft must be added on. Connecting a new elevator to existing circulation patterns is not always easy. The power supply must meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
Wheelchair User
Vertical Circulation
Exterior Ramps — Configurations and General Requirements
• Slope should be between 1:20 (5%) and 1:12 (8.33%).
• The transition between grade and the ramp should be as level as possible~
• The ramp surface must be non-slip, continuous, and even.
• The ramp should be as close as possible to traffic lanes and should, if possible, run in the same direction.
• Provide level landing areas at top and bottom as shown.
• Provide minimum width of 2’lO” (870 mm) between handrails.
• Provide landings at intervals of no more than 30’O” (9000 mm), as shown, and at changes of direction.
• Install a 1 1/2” (38 mm) handrail between 2’8” and 3’O” (810 mm and 915 mm) above the ramp surface.
• If children are among the primary users, provide a second handrail for them: Install it at a height of 2’2” to 2’6” (600 mm to 760 mm).
• Provide a curb or a low rail to keep wheelchair casters on the ramp.
Vertical Circulation: Stairs
Consider the type of walking aid used. Nosing should be smooth so that it will not present a tripping hazard. Nosing shape is especially important if the individual is a leg amputee or uses a brace.
• Building codes call for placement of handrails between 2’8” and 3’O” (810 mm and 915 mm) above the nosing. Locate handrails within this range at the height preferred by the individual.
• Extend handrail beyond top and bottom as shown.
• Treads should be non-slip. Consider applying abrasive strips.
• If the individual has low vision, the colour of the nosing and landings should contrast with the colour of the hallways to indicate that a change in level is occurring and where the stairs begin.
If the individual is blind, return the handrail to the wall or the floor so that it will not present a hazard.
• Guards (depending on the stair and occupancy) may need to have vertical pickets 4” (100 mm) or 8” (200 mm) apart (O.B.C. 9, 8.8, 7)
Inclined Stair Seat
• The other mechanical devices discussed in this section may be worth considering. However, a stair seat is perhaps the simplest solution for an ambulatory person
• Stair seats can usually be fitted to the existing manufacturers and distributors for exact clearance and power requirements, which vary by model and make
• Provide level landing areas at top and bottom, allowing for both chair space and space to get on
• The seat must be equipped with an automatic call device and controls that require a constant pressure to operate
Wooden Ramp Details
• The concrete footings must extend to undisturbed soil below the frost line.
• A running surface of plywood is not recommended, since plywood warps and becomes slippery.
• Recommended ramp surface is 2” by 4” (38 mm by 92 mm) or 2” by 6” (38 mm by 140 mm) lumber. Use pressure-treated wood. The decking should be perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Concrete Ramp Details
• The tooting must extend to undisturbed soil below the frost line. See building code requirements.
• Depending on the length of the ramp and the change of grade, the slab may have to be designed as a suspended structural slab rather than as a slab on grade.
• Reinforcing steel should be galvanized concrete surface should have a broom finish.
Inclined Lifts
• Inclined lifts can often be fitted to existing stairs.
• Confirm clearance requirements with the supplier.
• Platforms are available in various sizes. Some platforms fold up and out of the way.
• Supports can be attached directly to the wall if the walls are concrete or concrete block.
• If the stairs are open or if the walls are studded, it will be necessary to provide a system of posts and plates for attaching the supports. This solution will increase the clearances required for installing the lift.
Exterior Free-Standing Lifts
• The lift must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3-B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• Provide a concrete pad at grade to support the unit.
• Provide an upper landing deck at the existing floor level. The deck must be large enough to permit maneuvering: recommended minimum is 5’x 5’ (1525 mm x 1525 mm).
• Provide power connection as required by the manufacturer.
• Model sizes and cost are related to the amount of vertical lift provided.
Interior Free Standing Lifts
• It must be possible to provide space for the lift in a convenient location within the existing structure.
• Provide adequate structural support for the unit.
• Provide power connection as required by the manufacturer.
• The lift must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3 B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• The lift must be self-leveling.
• The unit must be equipped with controls that require a constant pressure to operate.
Individual with Attendant
Vertical Circulation
• The other types of lifts mentioned in this section may also be appropriate here if they are designed to carry both the individual and the attendant.
Residential Elevators
• This is an expensive alternative, since a shaft must be provided.
• If space for the shaft cannot be found inside the house, a shaft addition must be constructed.
• Platform and hoist way dimensions vary with the manufacturer and to suit site requirements.
• Both single cylinders and telescopic cylinders are available.
• The elevator must conform to C.S.A. CAN 3-B355-M81, “Safety Code for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped.”
• Many types of hoist way plans are available, allowing front, back, or side-loading combinations.
Comment
© 2012 Created by Ronny Wiskin.
You need to be a member of Barrier Free Living Network to add comments!
Join Barrier Free Living Network