Why ‘equitable access’ matters for today’s building designs

Recent changes to Australia’s Access and Mobility Code (AS1428,2010) demand rigorous design and construction standards for all new public access buildings. In full compliance with Australia’s disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Building Code of Australia, the Access and Mobility Code (A&M) endeavours to provide ‘safe, equitable and dignified access to buildings, services and facilities within a building’, and safeguard occupants from illness or injury during emergency evacuation’. The A&M guides architects and builders in delivering minimum design requirements for new building work, enabling unimpeded access for all occupants and visitors regardless of physical or sensory impairment. However despite ethical and legal implications, it appears that in far too many cases these requisite standards are not being met.

Door standard compliance – the importance of getting it right first time, every time

The simple act of opening doors can be extremely difficult for people with disabilities. Indeed many existing door systems require excessive forces to push/pull open, inhibiting the free movement of occupants and visitors. It is imperative that architects, designers, builders and certifiers meet at least the minimum specifications of the A&M. Failure to comply with the standards may not only jeopardise your project, but leave you liable for the costs of refitting doorways to code.

Requirements of the access and mobility code (A&M)

The A&M outlines specific design requirements for all new building work, driven by a basic philosophy of delivering the greatest level of access to the greatest number of people. Particular attention is given to providing:

1. Continuous accessible paths of travel and circulation spaces for people who use wheelchairs
2. Access and facilities for people with ambulatory (i.e. movement) disabilities
3. Access for people with sensory disabilities

To comply with A&M’s strict standards, three key factors must be addressed for each access point

• Luminance contrast
• Spatial dimensions
• Operational force (or force required to open/close door)

Urban Group always comply with the Access and Mobility code when providing a Brisbane office Fitout. If you think your office doesn’t comply with the code, contact Urban group today for an evaluation of what can be changed to bring everything inline and make your business compliant.