Barrier-Free Design

(1)The requirements of this Section apply to all buildings except

• (a) detached houses, semi-detached houses, houses with a secondary suite, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers,
• (b) buildings of Group F, Division 1 major occupancy,
• (c) buildings that are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full time basis, including automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses and substations, and
• (d) camps for housing of workers.

(1)Except as provided in Sentence 3.13.8.1.(2) and except for service entrances, all pedestrian entrances to a barrier-free storey of a building referred to in Sentence 3.8.1.1.(1) shall be barrier-free and shall connect to a barrier-free exterior path of travel complying with Sentence 3.8.2.2.(1).

(2)In addition to the barrier-free entrances required by Sentence (1), a suite of assembly occupancy, business and personal services occupancy or mercantile occupancy that is located in the first storey of a building or in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided, and that is separated from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, shall have at least one barrier-free entrance.

(3)A barrier-free entrance shall

• (a) be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3., and
• (b) lead from (i) the outdoors at sidewalk level, or (ii) a ramp that conforms to Article 3.8.3.4. and leads from a sidewalk.

(4)At a barrier-free entrance that includes more than one doorway, only one of the doorways is required to be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3.

(5)If a walkway or pedestrian bridge connects two barrier-free storeys in different buildings, the path of travel from one storey to the other storey by means of the walkway or bridge shall be barrier-free.

(1)Except as required in Sentence (4) and except as permitted in Subsection 3.8.3., every barrier-free path of travel shall provide an unobstructed width of at least 1 100 mm for the passage of wheelchairs.

(2)Interior and exterior walking surfaces that are within a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) have no opening that will permit the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm in diam,
• (b) have any elongated openings oriented approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel,
• (c) be stable, firm and slip-resistant,
• (d) be bevelled at a maximum slope of 1 in 2 at changes in level not more than 13 mm, and
• (e) be provided with sloped floors or ramps at changes in level more than 13 mm.

(3)A barrier-free path of travel is permitted to include ramps, passenger elevators or other platform equipped passenger elevating devices to overcome a difference in level.

(4)Every barrier-free path of travel less than 1 600 mm in width shall be provided with an unobstructed space not less than 1 800 mm in width and 1 800 mm in length located not more than 30 m apart.

(5)Where the headroom of an area in a barrier-free path of travel is reduced to less than 1 980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided.

(6)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall meet the following requirements:

• (a) interior walking surfaces throughout the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Clauses (2)(a) to (e), and
• (b) where the headroom of an area in a corridor or aisle in the normally occupied floor area is reduced to less than 1 980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided.

(1)In a building in which an escalator or inclined moving walk provides access to any floor level above or below the entrance floor level, an interior barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to that floor level.

(2)The route from the escalator or inclined moving walk to the barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall be clearly indicated by appropriate signs.

(3)In a building in which a moving walk provides access between areas on the same floor level, a barrier-free path of travel shall be provided between the areas served by the moving walk.

(1)Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located in a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) be mounted (i) 1 200 mm above the finished floor, in the case of a thermostat or a manual station, and (ii) not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor, in the case of all other controls, and
• (b) be located so as to be adjacent to and centred on either the length or the width of a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1 370 mm, and
• (c) be operable (i) using one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching with fingers or twisting of the wrist, and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of a manual station, and (ii) using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of all other controls.

(2)A signal intended for the public to indicate the operation of a building security system that controls access to a building shall consist of an audible and visual signal.

(1)All portions of a barrier-free path of travel shall be equipped to provide a level of illumination in accordance with Sentence 3.2.7.1.(1).

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a barrier-free path of travel from the entrances required by Sentences 3.8.1.2.(1) and (2) to be barrier-free shall be provided

• (a) throughout the entrance storey, and
• (b) within all normally occupied floor areas and rooftop amenity spaces, unless as permitted by Sentence (2).

(2)A barrier-free path of travel described in Clause (1)(b) is not required to extend

• (a) to floor areas or portions of floor areas containing a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy that are not required by Article 3.5.2.1. to be connected by a ramp or served by an elevator,
• (b) to floor areas containing Group C or Group D occupancies that are located in a building that (i) is three or fewer storeys in building height, and (ii) has a building area not exceeding 600 m2,
• (c) to portions of restaurants and licensed beverage establishments where the same amenities and uses are provided on other floor areas that have a barrier-free path of travel, or
• (d) to portions of child care facilities that have all entrance doors at floor levels that do not have a barrier-free path of travel.

(3)A barrier-free path of travel described in Sentence (1) is not required

• (a) into service rooms,
• (b) into elevator machine rooms,
• (c) into janitors' rooms,
• (d) into service spaces,
• (e) into crawl spaces,
• (f) into attic or roof spaces,
• (g) into high-hazard industrial occupancies,
• (h) within portions of a floor area with fixed seats in an assembly occupancy where these portions are not part of the barrier-free path of travel to (i) spaces designated for wheelchair use, (ii) seats designated for adaptable seating, or (iii) spaces for the storage of wheelchairs and mobility assistive devices,
• (i) to suites of residential occupancy that are in storeys other than the entrance storey and that have all entrance doors at floor levels that are not required to have a barrier-free path of travel,
• (j) except as required by Sentence (5), on the inside of a suite of residential occupancy,
• (k) to portions of a floor area that are not at the same level as the entry level, provided amenities and uses provided on any raised or sunken level are accessible on the entry level by means of a barrier-free path of travel,
• (l) within a parking level with no barrier-free parking spaces, or
• (m) to the floor level above or below the entrance level in buildings no more than 2 storeys in building height or in 2-storey suites, unless the floor level above or below (i) is served by a passenger elevator, a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device, an escalator or an inclined moving walk, (ii) is 600 m2 or more in floor area, (iii) contains facilities that are not contained on the entrance level, but that are integral to the principal function of the entrance level, or (iv) contains an assembly occupancy more than 100 m2 in floor area.

(4)In an assembly occupancy with fixed seats, the minimum number of spaces designated for wheelchair use and the minimum number of fixed seats designated for adaptable seating shall conform to Table 3.8.2.1.

(5)In a Group C major occupancy apartment building, not less than 15% of all suites of residential occupancy shall be provided with a barrier-free path of travel from the suite entrance door into the following rooms and spaces that shall be located at the same level as the barrier-free path of travel:

• (a) at least one bedroom,
• (b) at least one bathroom conforming to Sentence (6),
• (c) a kitchen or kitchen space, and
• (d) a living room or space.

(6)Bathrooms required by Clause (5)(b) shall

• (a) contain a lavatory,
• (b) contain a water closet,
• (c) contain a bathtub or a shower,
• (d) have wall reinforcement installed in conformance with Sentence 3.3.4.9.(1), and
• (e) be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1 500 mm in diameter.

(7)The number of suites described in Sentence (5) having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms shall be in proportion to the number of suites of residential occupancy having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms in the remainder of the building.

(8)The suites described in Sentence (5) shall be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade.

(1)A direct barrier-free path of travel shall be provided between a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. to

• (a) a designated barrier-free parking area, where provided,
• (b) an exterior passenger-loading zone, where provided, and
• (c) a public thoroughfare.

(2)The vehicular entrance to and egress from any parking level described in Sentence (1) and all areas intended to be used by wheelchair accessible vehicles to gain access to a parking space on that level shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2 100 mm.

(3)If an exterior passenger loading zone is provided, it shall have

• (a) an access aisle not less than 2 440 mm wide and 7 400 mm long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space,
• (b) a curb ramp, where there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, and
• (c) a clearance height of not less than 3 600 mm at the vehicle pull-up space and along the vehicle access and egress routes.

(4)In storage garages, a barrier-free path of travel shall be provided between each parking level with barrier-free parking and all other parts of the building required to be provided with barrier-free access that are served by that storage garage.

(1)A barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to barrier-free washrooms designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in conformance with the requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.12.

(2)The number of universal washrooms conforming to Article 3.8.3.12. provided in a building in which a washroom is required by Subsection 3.7.4. shall conform to Table 3.8.2.3.-A.

(3)Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel,

• (a) the washroom shall conform to Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., and
• (b) the number of barrier-free water closet stalls or enclosures provided in the washroom shall conform to Table 3.8.2.3.-B.

(4)Except as permitted in Sentence (5), where washrooms in excess of those required by Subsection 3.7.4. are provided in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, the additional washrooms shall be designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in conformance with the requirements of

• (a) Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., or
• (b) Article 3.8.3.12.

(5)Washrooms need not conform to Sentence (4) provided

• (a) they are located within suites of residential occupancy,
• (b) other barrier-free washrooms are provided on the same floor level within 45 m, or
• (c) they are located in an individual suite that is (i) used for a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, (ii) less than 300 m2 in area, and (iii) completely separated from, and without access to, the remainder of the building.

(6)Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, the washroom shall

• (a) conform to Article 3.8.3.9. and Sentences 3.8.3.10.(4) and 3.8.3.11.(5), and
• (b) be provided with at least one ambulatory water closet stall or enclosure conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(10).

(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), at least 10% of the suites of a hotel shall

• (a) have a barrier-free path of travel extending to (i) the inside of each room, and (ii) a balcony where required by Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2), and
• (b) be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade.

(2)Not more than 20 suites need comply with Sentence (1).

(3)A suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have a bathroom that

• (a) conforms to Clauses 3.8.3.12.(1)(a) to (h) and (j),
• (b) has an unobstructed area at least 1 200 mm in diameter extending the full height of the room, except that a door is permitted to open on the inside if it does not reduce the unobstructed area, and
• (c) has a bathtub or shower that conforms to Article 3.8.3.13.

(4)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located within a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall conform to Sentence 3.8.1.5.(1).

(5)An entrance door to a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have

• (a) a power door operator conforming to Article 3.8.3.3., and
• (b) a door viewer located at a height no higher than 1 100 mm above the finished floor.

(6)Where a door is provided between a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) and an adjoining suite, the door shall conform to Sentences 3.8.3.3.(1) and (3).

(7)Where an emergency power supply is supplied by a generator, it shall supply at least one emergency power receptacle in at least one of the suites having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1).

(8)The emergency power receptacle described in Sentence (7) shall be identified with a legible sign having the words EMERGENCY POWER OUTLET permanently mounted on the wall beside the receptacle.

(1)Signs providing visual information shall be installed to indicate the location of

• (a) barrier-free entrances,
• (b) ramps located in a required barrier-free path of travel serving that entrance,
• (c) an exterior passenger loading zone conforming to Sentence 3.8.2.2.(3), if one is provided,
• (d) barrier-free washrooms,
• (e) barrier-free showers,
• (f) barrier-free elevators,
• (g) barrier-free parking spaces, and
• (h) assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies.

(2)Where a washroom, elevator, telephone or parking area is required to accommodate persons with disabilities, it shall be identified by a sign consisting of the International Symbol of Access or the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss and appropriate graphical or textural information that clearly indicates the type of facilities available.

(3)Where a washroom is not designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required by Article 3.8.2.1., signs providing visual and tactile information shall be installed to indicate the location of barrier-free facilities.

(4)Signs incorporating the International Symbol of Access shall be installed where necessary to indicate the location of a barrier-free means of egress.

(5)Directional signs shall be provided with visual information.

(6)Except for doors that serve service spaces or are located within a suite, signs installed at or near doors shall provide the same information in both visual and tactile forms.

(7)Tactile information sign required by Subsections 3.4.5. and 3.4.6. and this Article shall

• (a) have Braille and tactile characters in accordance with Clauses 4.5.6.2. and 4.5.6.3. of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment,"
• (b) be installed on the wall closest to the latch side of the door or on the nearest wall in the right side of the door, where there is no wall at the latch side, and
• (c) be centred 1500 mm above the finished floor with the edge of the sign located not more than 300 mm from the door.

(8)Visual information signs required by Subsections 3.4.5. and 3.4.6. and this Article shall comply with Clauses 4.5.2., 4.5.3. and 4.5.4. of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment."

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), exterior walks that form part of a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) be provided by means of a continuous plane not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level,
• (b) have a permanent, firm and slip-resistant surface,
• (c) except as required in Sentence 3.8.1.3.(4), have an uninterrupted width of not less than 1 100 mm and a gradient not exceeding 1 in 20,
• (d) be designed as a ramp where the gradient is greater than 1 in 20,
• (e) have not less than 1 600 mm wide surface of a different texture to that surrounding it, where the line of travel is level and even with adjacent walking surfaces,
• (f) be free from obstructions for the full width of the walk to a minimum height of 1 980 mm, except that handrails are permitted to project not more than 100 mm from either side into the clear area,
• (g) have a level area adjacent to the entrance doorway conforming to Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), and
• (h) have a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. that is located to identify an entry into a vehicular route or area where no curbs or any other element separate the vehicular route or area from a pedestrian route.

(2)Where a difference in elevation between levels in a walkway is not more than 200 mm, a curb ramp conforming to Sentences (3) and (4) may be provided.

(3)The curb ramp permitted by Sentence (2) shall

• (a) have a running slope conforming to Table 3.8.3.2.,
• (b) have a width of not less than 1 500 mm exclusive of flared sides,
• (c) have a surface including flared sides that shall, (i) be slip-resistant, (ii) have a detectable warning surface that is colour- and texture-contrasted with the adjacent surfaces, and (iii) have a smooth transition from the ramp and adjacent surfaces, and
• (d) have flared sides with a slope of not more than 1:10 where pedestrians are likely to walk across them.

(4)Curb ramps described in Sentence (3) do not require handrails or guards.

(1)Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(11) and except where no bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided in accordance with Sentence 3.8.2.1.(1), the doorway to at least one bathroom and to each bedroom at the same level as such bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy shall have, when the door is in the open position, a clear width of not less than

• (a) 760 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space not less than 1 060 mm wide, and
• (b) 810 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space less than 1 060 mm wide.

(3)Door opening devices that are the only means of operation shall

• (a) be designed to be operable using a closed fist, and
• (b) be mounted not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), every door that provides a barrier-free path of travel through a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. shall be equipped with a power door operator.

(4.1)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), doors equipped with a self-closing device shall be equipped with power door operators where doors are located in a barrier-free path of travel, between the entrance referred to Article 3.8.1.2., including the interior doors of a vestibule, and the entrance doors to suites or rooms served by a public corridor or a corridor used by the public.

(5)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), where a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. incorporates a vestibule, a door leading from the vestibule into the floor area shall be equipped with a power door operator.

(6)A door shall be equipped with a power door operator where the door serves

• (a) a washroom for public use required to be barrier-free, or
• (b) a Group A occupancy within a Group C major occupancy apartment building.

(7)Except as permitted in Sentence (8), and except for doors with power operators, closers for doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall be designed to permit doors to open when a force of not more than 38 N is applied to the handles, push plates or latch-releasing devices in the case of exterior doors and 22 N in the case of interior doors.

(8)Sentence (7) does not apply to doors at the entrances to dwelling units, or where greater forces are required in order to close and latch the doors against prevailing differences in air pressures on opposite sides of the doors.

(9)Except for doors at the entrances to dwelling units, closers for interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from when the door is in an open position of 70° to the doorway, to when the door reaches a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.

(10)Unless equipped with a power door operator, a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear space on the latch side extending the height of the doorway and not less than

• (a) 600 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings toward the approach side,
• (b) 300 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings away from the approach side, and
• (c) 300 mm beyond both sides of a sliding door.

(11)Vestibules located in a barrier-free path of travel

• (a) shall be arranged to allow the movement of wheelchairs between doors, and
• (b) shall provide (i) where the doors into the vestibule are in series, a distance between the doors of at least 1 500 mm plus the width of any door that swings into the space in the path of travel from one door to another, and (ii) where the doors into the vestibule are not aligned, a turning diameter of 1 500 mm within the vestibule clear of any door swing.

(12)Only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier-free path of travel need conform to the requirements of this Article.

(13)Except as provided in Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), the floor surface on each side of a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall be level within a rectangular area

• (a) as wide as the door plus the clearance required on the latch side by Sentence (10), and
• (b) whose dimension perpendicular to the closed door is not less than the width of the barrier-free path of travel but need not exceed 1 500 mm.

(14)Where a vision panel is provided in a door in a barrier-free path of travel, such panel shall be at least 75 mm in width and be located so that

• (a) the bottom of the panel is not more than 900 mm above the finished floor, and
• (b) the edge of the panel closest to the latch is not more than 250 mm from the latch side of the door.

(15)A door in a barrier-free path of travel consisting of a sheet of glass shall be marked with a continuous opaque strip that

• (a) shall be colour and brightness contrasted to the background of the door,
• (b) shall be at least 50 mm wide,
• (c) shall be located across the width of the door at a height of 1 350 mm to 1 500 mm above the finished floor, and
• (d) may incorporate a logo or symbol provided such logo or symbol does not diminish (i) the opacity of the strip, (ii) the width of the strip, (iii) the colour and brightness contrast of the strip to the background of the door, and (iv) the continuity of the strip across the width of the door.

(16)Reserved.

(17)Except where a proximity scanning device is installed in conformance with Sentence (18), the control for a power door operator required by Sentence (4), (5) or (6) shall

• (a) have a face dimension of not less than (i) 150 mm in diameter where the control is circular, or (ii) 50 mm by 100 mm where the control is rectangular,
• (b) be operable using a closed fist,
• (c) be located so that (i) its centre is located not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 100 mm from the finished floor or ground, or (ii) it extends from not more than 200 mm to not less than 900 mm above the finished floor or ground,
• (d) be located not less than 600 mm and not more than 1 500 mm beyond the door swing where the door opens towards the control,
• (e) be located to allow persons to activate the opening of the door from either direction of travel,
• (f) be located so that the path of travel is not obstructed,
• (g) be located in a clearly visible position, and
• (h) contain a sign incorporating the International Symbol of Access.

(18)A proximity scanning device that activates a power door shall be capable of detecting a person in a wheelchair.

(19)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall comply with the following requirements:

• (a) all doorways in public corridors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (1),
• (b) door opening devices that are the only means of operation on doors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (3),
• (c) where a vision panel is provided in a door in the normally occupied floor area, the panel shall comply with Sentence (14),
• (d) doors consisting of a sheet of glass in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (15), and
• (e) where a power door operator is installed for doors in the normally occupied floor area, the control for the power door operator shall comply with Sentence (17).

(1)A ramp located in a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) have a minimum width not less than 1 000 mm between handrails,
• (b) have a maximum gradient of 1 in 12,
• (c) have a level area of at least 1 700 mm by 1 700 mm at the top and bottom of a ramp and where a door is located in a ramp, so that the level area extends at least 600 mm beyond the latch side of the door opening, except that where the door opens away from the ramp, the area extending beyond the latch side of the door opening may be reduced to 300 mm,
• (d) have a level area at least 1 700 mm long and at least the same width as the ramp (i) at intervals of not more than 9 m along its length, and (ii) where there is a change of 90° or more in the direction of the ramp,
• (e) except as provided in Sentence (2), be equipped with handrails on both sides that shall (i) be continuously graspable along their entire length and have circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 40 mm, or any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 155 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm, (ii) be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured vertically from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not meeting these requirements are permitted provided they are installed in addition to the required handrail, (iii) be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard, (iv) extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp, (v) be provided with a clearance that conforms to Sentence 3.4.6.5.(13), and (vi) be designed and constructed such that handrails and their supports will withstand the loading values obtained from the nonconcurrent application of a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails and a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied in any direction to the handrail,
• (f) except as provided in Sentence (2), have a wall or a guard on both sides and where a guard is provided the guard shall (i) be not less than 1 070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the ramp surface, and (ii) be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp surface being protected by the guard will facilitate climbing,
• (g) be provided (i) with a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp where no solid enclosure or solid guard is provided, or (ii) with horizontal railings which are located or other barriers that extend to within 50 mm of the finished ramp, and
• (h) except as provided in Sentence (2), where the ramp is wider than 2 200 mm, have an intermediate handrail with a clear width of 900 mm between the intermediate handrail and one of the handrails described in Clause (e).

(2)Where a ramp serves as an aisleway for fixed seating, the requirements for handrails in Clauses (1)(e) and (h) and for walls or guards in Clause (1)(f) need not apply.

(3)Floors or walks in a barrier-free path of travel having a slope steeper than 1 in 20 shall be designed as ramps.

(1)A passenger elevating device referred to in Article 3.8.2.1. located in a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) conform to CSA B355, "Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access,"
• (b) have a clear floor space not less than 1 500 mm long by 1 000 mm wide, and
• (c) have entry doors or gates (i) providing a clear width not less than 850 mm in the open position if located on the short side of the passenger elevating device, or (ii) providing a clear width not less than 1 000 mm in the open position if located at either end of the long side of the passenger-elevating device.

(1)Spaces designated for wheelchair use required by Sentence 3.8.2.1.(4) shall be

• (a) clear and level or level with removable seats,
• (b) not less than 900 mm wide and not less than (i) 1 525 mm long where designed to permit a wheelchair to enter from a side approach, and (ii) 1 220 mm long where designed to permit a wheelchair to enter from the front or rear of the space,
• (c) arranged so that (i) at least two of the designated spaces are side by side, and (ii) at least one fixed seat for a companion is located beside (A) each group of designated spaces, if two or more designated spaces are arranged side by side in a group, and (B) each designated space that is not part of a group described in Sub-subclause (A),
• (d) located adjoining a barrier-free path of travel without infringing on egress from any row of seating or any aisle requirements, and
• (e) situated, as part of the designated seating plan, to provide a choice of viewing location and a clear view of the event taking place.

(2)Fixed seats designated for adaptable seating required by Sentence 3.8.2.1.(4) shall be

• (a) located adjoining a barrier-free path of travel without infringing on egress from any row of seating or any aisle requirements,
• (b) equipped with a movable or removable armrest on the side of the seat adjoining the barrier-free path of travel, and
• (c) situated, as part of the designated seating plan, to provide a choice of viewing location and a clear view of the event taking place.

(3)In an assembly occupancy with fixed seats, space shall be provided for the storage of wheelchairs and mobility assistive devices in accordance with the following requirements:

• (a) at least one storage space not less than 810 mm by 1 370 mm shall be provided where the assembly occupancy has not more than 200 fixed seats and at least two such storage spaces shall be provided where the assembly occupancy has more than 200 fixed seats, and
• (b) the storage space or spaces shall be located on the same level and in proximity to the spaces designated for wheelchair use and seats designated for adaptable seating.

(1)In buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres with an area of more than 100 m2 shall be equipped with an assistive listening system encompassing the entire seating area.

(2)In each location where information, goods or services are provided to the public at service counters in buildings of assembly occupancy, at least one of the service counters shall be equipped with:

• (a) an assistive listening system or adaptive technology, and
• (b) an amplification system, where there is a barrier to communication, such as a glass screen.

(3)Assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies required by Sentence (2) shall provide for the clear communication required for the exchange of information, goods, and services.

(1)Every barrier-free water closet stall or enclosure in a washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(3) or (4) shall

• (a) have a clear turning space within the stall or enclosure of at least 1 500 mm in diameter,
• (b) have a clear floor space in front of the stall or enclosure of at least 1 500 mm in diameter,

(1)A water closet described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(d) or (10)(c) or 3.8.3.12.(1)(d) shall

• (a) be equipped with a seat located at not less than 430 mm and not more than 485 mm above the finished floor,
• (b) flush automatically or be equipped with a flushing control that (i) is located between 500 mm and 900 mm above the finished floor, (ii) is operable from the transfer side, and (iii) is operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and
• (c) be equipped with a back support where there is no seat lid or tank.

(1)Where more than one urinal is provided in a washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(3) or (4), at least one urinal shall

• (a) be mounted with the rim located not more than 430 mm above the finished floor,
• (b) have a clear floor space at least 800 mm wide that is perpendicular to, and centred on, the urinal and is unobstructed by privacy screens, and
• (c) have no step in front of it.

(2)A urinal described in Sentence (1) shall

• (a) flush automatically or be equipped with a flushing control that is (i) located between 900 mm and 1 100 mm above the finished floor, and (ii) operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and
• (b) have installed on each side, a vertically mounted grab bar that (i) complies with Article 3.8.3.8.(7), (ii) is not less than 600 mm long, with its centre line 1 000 mm above the finished floor, and (iii) is located not more than 380 mm from the centre line of the urinal.

(3)Where privacy screens are installed for a urinal described in Sentence (1), they shall

• (a) be mounted a minimum of 460 mm from the centre line of the urinal, and
• (b) have a clearance of at least 50 mm from the grab bars required by Clause (2)(b).

(4)Where more than one urinal is provided in a washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(6), at least one urinal conforming to Sentences (1) to (3) shall be provided in the washroom.

(1)A washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), (3) or (4) shall be provided with a lavatory that shall

• (a) be located so that the distance between the centre line of the lavatory and the side wall is not less than 460 mm,
• (b) have a rim height not more than 865 mm above the finished floor,
• (c) have a clearance beneath the lavatory not less than (i) 920 mm wide, (ii) 735 mm high at the front edge, (iii) 685 mm high at a point 200 mm back from the front edge, and (iv) 350 mm high over the distance from a point 280 mm to a point 430 mm back from the front edge,
• (d) have insulated pipes where they would otherwise present a burn hazard or have water supply temperature limited to a maximum of 43°C,
• (e) be equipped with faucets that (i) operate automatically or comply with 3.7.4.2.(12)(b)(i) and (ii), and (ii) are located so that the distance from the centre line of the faucet to the edge of the basin or, where the basin is mounted in a vanity, to the front edge of the vanity, is not more than 485 mm,
• (f) have a minimum 1 370 mm deep floor space to allow for a forward approach, of which a maximum of 500 mm can be located under the lavatory,
• (g) have a soap dispenser that (i) operates automatically or is operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and (ii) is located not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor, within 500 mm from the front of the lavatory, and
• (h) have a towel dispenser or other hand drying equipment that is (i) located to be accessible to persons in wheelchairs, (ii) located so that the dispensing height is not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor, (iii) operable with one hand, and (iv) located not more than 610 mm, measured horizontally, from the edge of the lavatory.

(2)If mirrors are installed in a washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), (3) or (4), at least one mirror shall be

• (a) installed above a lavatory required by Sentence (1), and
• (b) mounted with its bottom edge not more than 1 000 mm above the finished floor or inclined to the vertical to be usable by a person in a wheelchair.

(3)If dispensing or hand-operated washroom accessories, other than those located in water closet stalls or enclosures and those described in Clause (1)(g), are provided, they shall be mounted so that

• (a) the dispensing height is not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor,
• (b) the controls or operating mechanisms are mounted not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor, and
• (c) a minimum 1 370 mm deep floor space is provided in front of the controls or operating mechanisms to allow for a front approach.

(4)Where a shelf is installed above a lavatory required by Sentence (1), it shall

• (a) be located not more than 200 mm above the top of the lavatory and not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor, and
• (b) project not more than 100 mm from the wall.

(5)A washroom described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(6) shall be provided with a lavatory conforming to Clauses (1)(e), (g) and (h).

(1)A universal washroom room shall

• (a) be served by a barrier-free path of travel,
• (b) have a door that (i) complies with Article 3.8.3.3., (ii) has a graspable latch-operating mechanism that is (A) operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and (B) located between 900 mm and 1 000 mm above the finished floor, and (iii) is capable of being locked from the inside and released from the outside in case of emergency,
• (c) have one lavatory conforming to Sentences 3.8.3.11.(1), (3) and (4),
• (d) have one water closet conforming to Article 3.8.3.9. that is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b),
• (e) have grab bars conforming to (i) Sentence 3.8.3.8.(3), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a), or (ii) Sentence 3.8.3.8.(4), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(b),
• (f) have no internal dimension between walls that is less than 1 700 mm,
• (g) have a coat hook that conforms to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(e) and a shelf that is located not more than 1 100 mm above the finished floor and projects not more than 100 mm from the wall,
• (h) be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1 700 mm in diameter,
• (i) be provided with a door equipped with a power door operator,
• (j) be provided with a mirror (i) installed above a lavatory described in Clause (1)(c), and (ii) mounted with its bottom edge not more than 1 000 mm above the finished floor or inclined to the vertical to be usable by a person in a wheelchair, and
• (k) have lighting controlled by a motion sensor conforming to Sentence 12.2.4.1.(2).

(2)A universal washroom shall have

• (a) an emergency call system that consists of audible and visual signal devices inside and outside of the washroom that are activated by a control device inside the washroom, and
• (b) an emergency sign that contains the words IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PUSH EMERGENCY BUTTON AND AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNAL WILL ACTIVATE in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and that is posted above the emergency button.

(3)A clear space not less than 810 mm wide and 1 830 mm long shall be provided in each universal washroom for an adult-size change table.

(4)Where the clear space provided for an adult-size change table is adjacent to a wall, reinforcement shall be installed in the wall to permit the future installation of the change table.

(5)Where an adult-size change table is installed, it shall

• (a) when fully loaded, have a surface height above the finished floor that can be adjusted from between 450 mm and 500 mm at the low range to between 850 mm and 900 mm at the high range,
• (b) be designed to carry a minimum load of 1.33 kN,
• (c) have a clear floor space parallel to the long side of the table not less than 760 mm wide and 1 500 mm long, and
• (d) in the case of a fold-down table, (i) be installed so that it does not encroach into a clear transfer space described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b), and (ii) have no operating mechanisms higher than 1 200 mm.

(6)A universal washroom need not conform to Sentences (3) and (4) if

• (a) it is located in an individual suite that (i) is used for an assembly occupancy, a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, and (ii) meets one of the following requirements, (A) it is located in a building that is less than 300 m2 in building area, or (B) it is less than 300 m2 in area, if located in a building that is at least 300 m2 in building area, or
• (b) another universal washroom conforming to this Article is provided on the same floor level within 45 m.

(1)Except within a suite of residential occupancy, if showers are provided in a building, the number of barrier-free showers shall conform to Table 3.8.3.13.

(2)A barrier-free shower required by Sentence (1) shall

• (a) be not less than 1 500 mm wide and 900 mm deep,
• (b) have a clear floor space at the entrance to the shower not less than 900 mm deep and the same width as the shower, except that fixtures are permitted to project into that space provided they do not restrict access to the shower,
• (c) have no doors that obstruct the shower controls or the clear floor space described in Clause (b),
• (d) have a slip-resistant floor surface,
• (e) have a threshold that is level with the adjacent finished floor or a bevelled threshold not more than 13 mm higher than the adjacent finished floor,
• (f) have a hinged seat, other than a spring-loaded hinged seat, or a fixed seat that shall (i) be not less than 450 mm wide and 400 mm deep, (ii) be mounted on the same side wall as the vertical grab bar between 460 mm and 480 mm above the finished floor, (iii) be designed to carry a minimum load of 1.3 kN, (iv) be located so that the edge of the seat is within 500 mm of the shower controls, and (v) have a smooth and slip-resistant surface and no rough edges,
• (g) have two grab bars (i) that conform to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(7) and do not obstruct the use of the shower controls, (ii) one of which is 1 000 mm long vertically located on the side wall between 50 mm and 80 mm from the adjacent clear floor area, and with the lower end between 600 mm and 650 mm above the finished floor, and (iii) one of which is L-shaped, located on the wall opposite the entrance to the shower, with a 1 000 mm long horizontal component mounted between 750 mm and 870 mm above the finished floor and a 750 mm long vertical component mounted between 400 mm and 500 mm from the side wall on which the vertical grab bar described in Subclause (ii) is mounted,
• (h) have a pressure-equalizing or thermostatic mixing valve that (i) is operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, (ii) is mounted on the wall opposite the entrance to the shower no more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor, and (iii) is located within reach of the seat,
• (i) have a hand-held shower head with not less than 1 800 mm of flexible hose located so that it (i) can be reached from a seated position, (ii) can be used in a fixed position at a height of 1 200 mm and 2 030 mm from the finished floor, and (iii) does not obstruct the use of the grab bars, and
• (j) have fully recessed soap holders that can be reached from the seated position.

(3)All other controls installed in a shower described in Sentence (2) shall comply with Subclauses (2)(h)(i) to (iii).

(4)At each location where a showering facility is provided for use by the general public or customers, or as part of a common-use area for employees, at least one universal dressing and shower room shall be provided.

(5)A universal dressing and shower room required by Sentence 3.8.3.13.(4) shall

• (a) be located in a barrier-free path of travel,
• (b) have a door capable of being locked from the inside and released from the outside in the event of an emergency,
• (c) have a lavatory and a mirror conforming to Article 3.8.3.11.,
• (d) have a shower conforming to Sentence (2),
• (e) have a bench that is at least 1 830 mm long by 760 mm wide and 480 mm to 520 mm high,
• (f) have a clear transfer space adjacent to the long side of the bench that is 900 mm wide and as long as the bench, and
• (g) have a coat hook mounted not more than 1 200 mm above the floor on a side wall and projecting not more than 50 mm from the wall.

(6)Individual showers that are provided for use by patients or residents in buildings of Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall conform to Sentence (2).

(7)Individual bathtubs that are provided for the use of patients or residents in buildings of Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall

• (a) be located in a room with a clear floor space not less than 1 500 mm in diameter,
• (b) be not less than 1 500 mm long,
• (c) be capable of being accessed along the full length of the bathtub with no tracks mounted on the bathtub rim,
• (d) have faucets that (i) are operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and (ii) are located on the centre line of the bathtub or between the centre line of the bathtub and the exterior edge of the bathtub rim, at a maximum height of 450 mm above the rim,
• (e) unless the bathtub is free-standing, have three grab bars (i) conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(7), (ii) that are not less than 1 200 mm long, (iii) two of which are located vertically at each end of the bathtub, mounted between 80 mm and 280 mm above the bathtub rim, and (iv) one of which is located horizontally along the full length of the bathtub, mounted between 80 mm and 280 mm above the bathtub rim,
• (f) have a slip-resistant bottom surface, and
• (g) be equipped with a hand-held shower head with not less than 1 800 mm of flexible hose that can be used in a fixed position at a height of 1 200 mm and 2 030 mm and does not obstruct the use of the grab bars.

(8)Where a barrier-free bathtub is provided, a clear floor space at least 900 mm wide and 1 500 mm long shall be provided along the full length of the bathtub.

(1)Where a service counter is provided, at least one section of the service counter shall comply with Sentence (2).

(2)A section of a service counter required to be barrier-free shall

• (a) be not less than 800 mm long centred over a knee space conforming to Clause (c),
• (b) have a surface not more than 865 mm above the floor, and
• (c) where forward-facing interaction with a person or a device is required, have a knee space underneath it that is (i) not less than 800 mm wide, (ii) not less than 685 mm high, and (iii) not less than 485 mm deep.

(1)Where more than one telephone is provided for public use, a built-in shelf or counter shall be provided for at least one telephone.

(2)A shelf or counter described in Sentence (1) shall

• (a) be level,
• (b) be not less than 500 mm wide and 350 mm deep, and
• (c) have, for each telephone provided, a clear space that (i) is not less than 810 mm wide and 1 370 mm deep, centred on the telephone, and (ii) has no obstruction within 250 mm above the surface.

(3)The top surface of a section of the shelf or counter described in Sentence (1) shall

• (a) be located not less than 775 mm and not more than 875 mm from the finished floor, and
• (b) have a knee space not less than 740 mm high.

(4)Where a wall-hung telephone is provided above the shelf or counter section described in Sentence (3), it shall be located so that the receiver and coin or card slot are not more than 1 200 mm from the finished floor.

(5)Where more than one telephone is provided for public use in a normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, a built-in shelf or counter that conforms to Sentences (2), (3) and (4) shall be provided for at least one telephone.

(1)Where more than one drinking fountain is provided, at least one shall be a barrier-free fountain that conforms to Sentences (2) and (3).

(2)A barrier-free drinking fountain shall

• (a) have a spout located near the front of the unit not more than 915 mm above the finished floor,
• (b) be equipped with controls that are easily operated from a wheelchair using one hand with a force of not more than 22 N or operates automatically,
• (c) project the water at least 100 mm high,
• (d) provide the water stream at a vertical angle of up to (i) 30o, where the spout is located less than 75 mm from the front of the fountain, or (ii) 15o, where the spout is located not less than 75 mm and not more than 125 mm from the front of the fountain,
• (e) be detectable by a cane at a level at or below 680 mm from the finished floor, and
• (f) where the drinking fountain is cantilevered, meet the following requirements: (i) be mounted not more than 915 mm above the finished floor, (ii) provide a clearance height under the fountain of not less than 735 mm above the finished floor, (iii) have a clear depth under the fountain of not less than 450 mm, (iv) have a clear width under the fountain of not less than 760 mm, (v) have a toe clearance height under the fountain of at least 350 mm above the finished floor from a point 300 mm back from the front edge to the wall, and (vi) have a depth at the base of the fountain of at least 700 mm.

(3)A barrier-free drinking fountain required by Sentence (1) shall have a clear floor space in front of, or adjacent to, the fountain that is a minimum of 810 mm deep and 1 370 mm wide.

(4)Where more than one drinking fountain is provided in a normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, at least one shall be a barrier-free fountain that conforms to Sentences (2) and (3).

(1)Where one or more water-bottle filling stations are provided at each location, at least one shall be equipped with controls that

• (a) activate automatically, or
• (b) comply with Clause 3.8.1.5.(1)(c).

(2)Water-bottle filling stations required by Sentence (1) that are located in a storey where a barrier-free path of travel is required shall

• (a) be located along the barrier-free path of travel,
• (b) have a clear floor space of 800 mm by 1 350 mm in front of them,
• (c) where they have frontal access, provide a knee clearance in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.11.(1)(c),
• (d) be operable at a height of not more than 1 200 mm above the floor, and
• (e) be equipped with controls that (i) activate automatically, or (ii) comply with Sentence 3.8.1.5.(1).

(1)A tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed along any edge of a platform that is

• (a) not protected by a guard, and
• (b) higher than 250 mm above the finished floor or ground or sloped steeper than 1 in 3.

(2)Sentence (1) does not apply to the front edges of stages.

(1)Where a tactile attention indicator is required, it shall conform to Sentence (2) and Clauses 5.1.1. and 5.1.2. of ISO 23599, "Assistive Products for Blind and Vision-Impaired Persons – Tactile Walking Surface Indicators."

(2)The depth of the tactile attention indicator shall be not less than 300 mm and not more than 610 mm.