Accommodation Inspection and Licensing
Accommodations: Barrier-Free Design
This section applies to the design and construction requirements for accommodations to make them accessible to and usable by people who are physically challenged.
Accommodations such as Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns are exempt as long as additional rental units are not added to the existing building. If rental units are added, then the regulations may come into force.
BARRIER-FREE DESIGN:
Not only must the accommodation have the appropriate ramp, doorways etc., but it must also have the correct accessories such as door handles, faucets (sink and tub/shower), and support bars. In addition, light switches and heat controls must be at the correct levels.
Information on suppliers of Barrier-Free accessories can be obtained by contacting the Disabled Persons Commission at 5675 Spring Garden Road, PO Box 222 CRO, Halifax, NS B3J 2M4, Phone: 902-424-8280, TDD: 902-424-2667, Fax: 902-424-0592, 1-800-565-8280 or www.gov.ns.ca/disaThe accommodation will not be identified as a barrier-free accommodation unless these services are offered.
1997 Building Code Regulations Schedule C
These Building Code Regulations were prescribed by the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs on April 30th, 1997.
Disclaimer:
This is an unofficial copy for reference only. For legal purposes, the reader should obtain an official copy from the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore.
- Schedule "C" - As amended by Article 3.1.1.6. of these regulations Section 3.8 Barrier-Free Design of the Code is replaced with the following:
Consolidations of Nova Scotia regulations are prepared by the Registry of Regulations for reference only and have no official sanction. For all purposes of interpreting and applying the law, users should consult the original documents filed with the Registry of Regulations, or refer to the Royal Gazette Part II.
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this electronic version, the Registry of Regulations assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have resulted from reformatting.
This electronic version is for your personal use and may not be copied for the purposes of resale in this or any other form.
Schedule "C" to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations |
Schedule "C"
As amended by Article 3.1.1.7. of these regulations Section 3.8 Barrier-Free Design of the Code is replaced with the following:
Section 3.8 Barrier-Free Design
Table of Contents
3.8.1.4. Barrier-Free Path of Travel
3.8.1.5. Storeys Serviced by Escalators
3.8.2.1. Areas Requiring Barrier-Free Path of Travel
3.8.2.3. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free
3.8.3.6. Spaces in Seating Area
3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Devices
3.8.3.9. Water Closets and Urinals
3.8.3.12. Showers and Bathtubs
3.8.3.14. Shelves or Counters for Telephones
3.8.3.17. Visual Warning Signals
(1) This Section applies to the design and construction requirements of buildings and occupancies to make them accessible to, and usable by, disabled persons.
(2) With the exception of the requirements for entrances addressed in 3.8.1.3. where there are openings through a firewall, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and conduit, the requirements of this Section shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building.
(1) The requirements of this Section apply to all buildings, except:
(a) houses, including semi-detached, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses, boarding houses, and rooming houses,
(b) buildings of Group F, Division 1 major occupancy,
(c) buildings which are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full time basis, including automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses, and substations and
(d) industrial occupancies with an operation which is not adaptable to barrier-free.
(2) In hotels, motels and tourist cabins, one sleeping unit conforming to Article 3.8.3.16. shall be provided for every twenty (20) sleeping units or part thereof.
(3) In hotels, motels and tourist cabins at least one sleeping unit, other than those required in Sentence 3.8.1.2.(8) for every twenty (20) sleeping units or part thereof, shall be provided with a warning system which shall conform to Article 3.8.3.17..
(4) Every floor area from which more than one exit is required and to which a barrier-free path of travel is required to provide access, shall be serviced by one or more areas of refuge, as described in Article 3.8.3.18. so that they are accessible from two directions of travel.
(1) Except as required in Sentence (2), every building referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. shall have at least 50% of its pedestrian entrances intended for general use by the occupants designed in conformance with Article 3.8.3.3. and opening to the outdoors at sidewalk level or to a ramp conforming to Article 3.8.3.4. leading to a sidewalk (See Appendix "A", A-3.8.1.2.).
(2) Where a suite of Group A, D, or E occupancy is located in the first storey of a building or in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided and is completely separated from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, such suite shall have at least one barrier-free entrance in conformance with Sentence (1).
(3) At a barrier-free entrance that includes more than one doorway, only one of the doorways is required to be designed in accordance with the requirements of Article 3.8.3.3.
(4) Where entrances are equipped with security systems, both visual and audible signals shall be used to indicate when the door lock is released.
(5) Canopies or other overhead structures over roadways providing access to the entrance described in Sentence (1) shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2750 mm.3.8.1.4. Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1) Except as permitted in Subsection 3.8.3., every barrier-free path of travel shall provide an unobstructed width of not less than 920 mm for the passage of wheelchairs.
(2) Floor surfaces along a barrier-free path of travel shall have no opening that will permit the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm diameter.
(3) Every barrier-free path of travel less than 1600 mm in width shall be provided with an unobstructed space not less than 1600 mm in width and 1600 mm in length located not more than 30 m apart.
(4) A barrier-free path of travel is permitted to include ramps, elevators or other platform elevating devices where there exists a difference in elevation.
3.8.1.5. Storeys Serviced by Escalators - Where escalators provide access to storeys above or below the first storey, an interior barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to those storeys serviced by the escalators.
3.8.1.6. Controls - Except as provided in Article 3.8.3.5. for elevators, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, located in a barrier-free path of travel and intended to be operated by an occupant, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, shall be accessible to a person in a wheelchair operable with one hand and shall be mounted not more than 1375 mm above the floor.
3.8.1.7. Illumination - 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).
3.8.2.1. Areas Requiring Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1) A barrier-free path of travel shall be provided in the entrance storey, each storey exceeding 600 m2 in area and in each storey served by a passenger elevator or passenger elevating device from the entrance described in Article 3.8.1.3.
(a) into each suite,
(b) into and within all suites required to conform to Article 3.8.3.16.,
(c) into rooms or area that serve the public or are designated for use by visitors, including areas in assembly occupancies with fixed seats, display areas and merchandising departments,
(d) into rooms or areas for student use in assembly occupancies,
(e) into general work areas, including office areas,
(f) into general use or general service areas, including shared laundry areas in residential occupancies, recreational areas, cafeterias, lounge rooms, lunch rooms and infirmaries,
(g) into patients' rooms, patients' washrooms and floor areas where patient services are provided,
(h) into at least one passenger elevator or elevating device conforming to Article 3.8.3.5.,
(i) into washrooms described in Article 3.8.2.3.,
(j) onto every balcony provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.7.(1).,
(k) to all service counters used by the general public, such as, but not limited to refreshment stands, drinking fountains, and checkout counters, and
(l) to at least 50% of public floor spaces in assembly occupancies that consist of more than one tier or floor level containing fixed seating.
(2) A barrier-free path of travel for persons in wheelchairs is not required:
(a) to service rooms,
(b) to elevator machine rooms,
(c) to janitor's rooms,
(d) to service spaces,
(e) to crawl spaces,
(f) to attic or roof spaces,
(g) to mezzanines not served by a passenger elevator or other platform equipped passenger elevating device,
(h) to or within high hazard industrial occupancies,
(i) within portions of a floor area with fixed seats in an assembly occupancy where those portions are not part of the barrier-free path of travel to spaces designated for wheelchair use,
(j) to portions exempt under 3.8.1.2.(1).(d).
(3) The number of spaces designated for wheelchair use in the rooms and areas referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be one space for every 125 seats or part thereof.
(1) Where on-site parking will be provided, parking stalls for use by disabled persons shall be provided in the ration of 1 for every 100 or part thereof.
(2) At least one parking level or portion thereof in a parking structure shall be designed to accommodate wheelchair accessible vehicles, and shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2400 mm.
(3) The vehicle entrance to and exit from the parking level described in Sentence (1) shall also have a vertical clearance of not less than 2400 mm.
(4) One parking stall for disabled persons shall be provided for each viewing position required in assembly occupancies in Sentence 3.8.2.1.(2).
(5) Stalls referred to in this Article shall:
(a) be at least 3.7 m wide,
(b) have a firm, slip-resistant and level surface,
(c) be located close to an entrance required to conform with Article 3.8.1.3., but not exceeding 50 m,
(d) be clearly marked as being for the use of disabled persons only, and
(e) be provided with a barrier-free path of travel (conforming to Article 3.8.1.4.) to the entrance described in Article 3.8.1.3..
3.8.2.3. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), where washrooms are provided in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required in conformance with Article 3.8.2.1., these washrooms shall include barrier-free design features in conformance with the appropriate requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11.
(2) Washrooms need not conform to the requirements in Sentence (1) provided:
(a) they are located within suites of residential occupancy,
(b) other barrier-free washrooms are provided on the same floor area within 45 m, or
(c) they are located in an individual suite having a floor area of less than 500 m2.
(3) Where alterations are made to existing buildings, special washrooms conforming to Article 3.8.3.11. are permitted to be provided in lieu of facilities for disabled persons in washrooms used by the general public.
(1) Where a building is required to have an entrance or an area of refuge or both to accommodate disabled persons, signs incorporating the International Symbol of Accessibility for disabled persons shall be installed where necessary to indicate the location of that entrance or the area of refuge or both.
(2) Where a washroom, elevator or parking area is required to accommodate disabled persons, it shall be identified by a sign consisting of the International Symbol of Accessibility for disabled persons and such other graphic or written directions as are needed to indicate clearly the type of facility available.
(3) Where a washroom is not designed to accommodate disabled persons in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required, signs shall be provided to indicate the location of barrier-free facilities.
(4) Doors and openings that lead from public places and through which the public is permitted to enter shall be identified by specific tactile signs with letters:
(a) not less than 60 mm high and raised 0.75 mm above the surface, and
(b) located 1350 mm above the floor surface and beginning not more than 150 mm from the door or openings.
(5) Signs incorporating the International Symbol of Accessibility for disabled persons shall be installed where necessary to indicate the location of the accessible means of egress.
(1) Exterior walks, excluding public sidewalks, 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) have a minimum uninterrupted width of 1100 mm,
(d) have a gradient no steeper than 1 in 12,
(e) have a minimum 75 mm high curb where, in the absence of walls, railings, or other barriers on either or both sides of the walk, the vertical drop from the walk exceeds 75 mm,
(f) have a minimum 1100 mm wide surface of a different texture to that surrounding it, where the line of travel is level and even with adjacent walking surfaces,
(g) be free from obstructions for the full width of the walk to a minimum height of 1980 mm, except that handrails are permitted to project not more than 100 mm from either or both sides into the clear area,
(h) be designed in accordance with Clauses 3.8.3.4.(1)(d) and (e) where the gradient of the walk is steeper than 1 in 20, and,
(i) have a level area adjacent to the entrance doorway conforming to Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c).
3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors
(1) Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall be operable with one hand and have a clear width of not less than 800 mm when the door is in the open position.
(2) The doorway to at least one bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy shall have a clear width of not less than 760 mm when the door is in the open position.
(3) Door operating devices for doors referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of a design which does not require tight grasping and twisting of the wrist as the only means of operation.
(4) Thresholds for doorways referred to in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be not more than 13 mm higher than the finished floor surface and shall be bevelled to facilitate the passage of wheelchairs.
(5) Except as permitted in Sentence (6), the door for the entrance described in Article 3.8.1.3. shall be equipped with a power door operator in:
(a) hotels,
(b) buildings of Group B, Division 2 major occupancy, and
(c) buildings of Group A, D, or E major occupancy more than 500 m2 in floor area.
(6) The requirements in Sentence (5) do not apply to exterior doors serving an individual suite having an area of less than 500 m2 in buildings having only suites of Group A, D, or E occupancy where such suite is completely separated from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building.
(7) Except as permitted in Sentence (10) and except for doors with power door operators, closers for other entrance doors described in Article 3.8.1.3. shall be designed to permit doors to open when a force of not more than 60 N is applied to the handles, push plates or latch-releasing devices.
(8) Except as required in Sentence (9) interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall be designed to permit doors to open with a force of not more than 20 N.
(9) Interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel that require a fire resistance rating shall have dor hardware that comples with NFPA 80 "Fire Doors and Windows".
(10) 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.
(11) Except for doors with power door operators or at the entrances to dwelling units, closers for doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a closing period of not less than 3 s 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.
(12) Every door equipped with a closer in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear space beyond the latch side of not less than:
(a) 600 mm where the door swings towards the approach side, and
(b) 300 mm where the door swings away from the approach side.
(13) Vestibules located in a barrier-free path of travel shall be arranged to allow the movement of wheelchairs between doors and shall provide a distance between 2 doors in a series of not less than 1200 mm plus the width of any door that swings into the space in the path of travel from one door to another.
(14) Where a vision panel is provided in a door in a barrier-free path of travel, such panel shall be at leat 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 200 mm from the latch side of the door.
(15) Only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier-free path of travel need conform to the requirements of this Article.
(1) Ramps located in a barrier-free path of travel shall:
(a) have a width of not less than 870 mm between handrails,
(b) have a gradient of not more than 1 in 12,
(c) have a level area not less than 1500 by 1500 mm at the top and bottom and at intermediate levels of a ramp leading to a door, so that the level area extends not less than 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 not less than 1200 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 an abrupt change in the direction of the ramp,
(e) except as provided in Sentence (2), be equipped with handrails and guards conforming to Articles 3.4.6.4. and 3.4.6.5.,
(f) have a slip-resistant, continuous and even surface, and
(g) have walls, railings or other barriers that extend to within 75 mm of the finished ramp surface or a 75 mm high curb.
(2) Where a ramp serves as an aisle way for fixed seating, the requirement for handrails in Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(e) need not apply.
(3) Floors or interior walks in a barrier-free path of travel having a slope steeper than 1 in 20 shall be designed as ramps.
(1) A passenger elevator that is required to be barrier-free shall conform to Appendix E of CAN/CSA-B44, "Safety Code for Elevators."
(2) The passenger elevating device referred to in Article 3.8.2.1. shall conform to CAN/CSA-B355-M, "Lifts for Person with Physical Disabilities."
(3) Freight elevators are not to be considered as providing a barrier-free path of travel to any storey or floor level.
3.8.3.6. Spaces in Seating Area
(1) Spaces designated for wheelchair use referred to in Sentence 3.8.2.1.(2) shall be:
(a) clear and level, or level with removable seats,
(b) not less than 840 mm wide and 1525 mm long to permit wheelchairs to enter from a side approach and 1220 mm long where the wheelchair enters from the front or rear of the space,
(c) arranged so that at least 2 designated spaces are side by side,
(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.
3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Devices
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), in buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meetings 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) Where the assistive listening system required in Sentence (1) is an induction loop system, only half the seating area in the room need be encompassed.
(1) Where a washroom is required by Article 3.8.2.3. to be barrier-free and contains more than one water closet, at least one of the water stalls shall:
(a) be not less than 1500 mm wide by 1500 mm deep,
(b) be equipped with a door which shall:
i) be capable of being locked from the inside, with a locking mechanism that is operable by one hand,
ii) provide, when the door is in an open position, a clear opening of at least 810 mm,
iii) swing outward, unless 760 mm by 1220 mm clear floor area is provided within the stall or enclosure to permit the door to be closed without interfering with the wheelchair,
iv) be provided with a door having spring-type of gravity hinges so that the door closes automatically.
3.8.3.9. Water Closets and Urinals
(1) Water closets for barrier-free shall be located so that its centre line is 460 mm from the wall with the grab bar and 1030 mm from any obstruction on the other side wall.
(2) A room housing a single water closet or a stall, either of which is required to be barrier-free, shall:
(a) be equipped with grab bard which shall:
i) be mounted horizontally on the side wall closest to the water closet and shall extend not less than 450 mm in both directions from the forward most point of the water closet,
ii) be mounted on the wall behind the water closet so that it extends the full width of the toilet bowl where the water closet does not have a water tank,
iii) be mounted not less then 840 mm not more than 920 mm above the floor,
iv) be installed to resist a load of not less than 1.3 kN applied vertically or horizontally,
v) be not less than 30 mm and not more than 40 mm in diameter, and
vi) have a clearance of not less than 35 mm and not more than 45 mm from the wall.
(b) be equipped with a coat hook mounted not more than 1370 mm above the floor on a side wall and projecting not more than 25 mm from the wall;
(c) have a clearance of not less than 1700 mm between the outside of the stall face and the face of an in-swinging washroom door and 1400 mm between the outside of the stall face and any wall-mounted fixture, and
(d) have ancillary items such as a toilet paper dispenser located on the wall nearest to the water closet below the grab bar, not less than 460 mm above the floor, and within easy reach of a person seated on the water closet.
(3) Water closets for disabled persons shall:
(a) be equipped with seats located at not less than 400 mm and not more than 460 mm above the floor,
(b) be equipped with hand-operated flushing controls that are easily accessible to a wheelchair user,
(c) not have a spring-actuated seat, and
(d) have the lid of a tank type water closet bolted down.
(4) If urinals are provided in a barrier-free washroom, not less than on urinal shall:
(a) be wall mounted with the rim located between 488 and 512 mm above the floor, or be floor mounted with the rim level with the finished floor,
(b) have a clear width of approach of 800 mm centred on the urinal,
(c) have no step in front of the urinals, and
(d) have a vertically mounted grab bar installed on each side of the urinal that is not less than 300 mm long, with its centre line 1000 mm above the floor, and located not more than 380 mm from the centre line of the urinal.
(1) Barrier-free washrooms shall be provided with a lavatory which shall:
(a) be located so that the distance between the centre line of the fixture and the side wall is not less than 460 mm,
(b) have a top surface height of not more than 865 mm,
(c) have a clearance beneath of not less than:
i) 735 mm at the front edge of the lavatory, and
ii) 685 mm at a point 205 mm back from the front edge,
(d) have insulated waste pipes where these pipes present a burn hazard,
(e) be equipped with faucet handles of the lever type without spring loading,
(f) have soap and towel dispensers operable with a single hand located not more than 1200 mm above the floor in an area that is accessible to persons in wheelchairs, and
(g) have a clear floor space centred in front of the lavatory not less than 815 mm wide and 1100 mm deep exclusive of space under the wash basin.
(2) Shelves or other projections above lavatories shall be located so they will not present a hazard to visually impaired persons.
(3) At least one mirror shall be provided and mounted with its bottom edge not more than 1000 mm above the finished floor, or shall be tilted to be useable by a person in a wheelchair.
(1) Where a special washroom is provided primarily for the use of disabled persons of both sexes in lieu of facilities for disabled persons in washrooms used by the general public, such washrooms shall:
(a) be equipped with doors capable of being locked from the inside with one hand and provided with a means of emergency release from the outside,
(b) be provided with a lavatory confirming to Article 3.8.3.10.,
(c) be equipped with a water closet conforming to Article 3.8.3.9.,
(d) be equipped with washroom accessories conforming to Clause 3.8.3.10.(l)(f),
(e) be equipped with grab bars conforming to clause 3.8.3.8 (l)(d),
(f) have no dimension less than 1700 mm, or an unobstructed circular turning area at least 1500 mm in diameter,
(g) have fixture clearances conforming to the fixture clearances described in Articles 3.8.3.8 to 3.8.3.10.,
(h) be equipped with a coat hook conforming to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(e) and a shelf located not more than 1200 mm above the floor, and
(i) have a doorway conforming to Article 3.8.3.3.
3.8.3.12. Showers and Bathtubs
(1) When showers are provided in buildings of assembly occupancy, at least one shower stall shall be barrier-free and shall:
(a) be not less than 1500 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 a slip-resistant floor surface,
(d) have a bevelled threshold not more than 13 mm higher than the finished floor,
(e) be equipped with a hinged seat that is not spring-loaded or a fixed seat that is:
i) not less than 450 mm wide and 400 mm deep,ii) mounted approximately 450 mm above the floor, and
iii) designed to carry a minimum load of 1.3kN,
(f) be equipped with a horizontal grab bar which shall:
i) be not less than 900 mm long,
ii) be mounted approximately 850 mm above the floor,
iii) be located on the wall opposite the entrance to the shower so that not less than 300 mm of its length is at one side of the seat, and
iv) conform to Subclauses 3.8.3.8.(1)(d)(iv), (v), and (vi),
(g) be equipped with a pressure-equalizing or thermostatic mixing valve controlled by a lever or other device operable with a closed fist from the seated position,
(h) be equipped with a hand-held shower head with not less than 1500 mm of flexible hose located so that it can be reached from the seated position and equipped with a support so that it can operate as a fixed shower head, and
(i) have fully recessed soap holders which can be reached from the seated position.
(2) Individual shower stalls that are provided for use by residents and patients in buildings of Group B, Division 2 institutional occupancy shall conform to the requirements of Clauses (1)(a) to (i).
(3) Individual bathtubs that are provided for the use of residents and patients in Group B, Division 2 institutional occupancies:
(a) shall have faucet handles of the lever type that are not spring-loaded,
(b) shall have faucet handles that are located so as to be useable by a person seated in the bathtub, and
(c) shall have mounted on the wall, unless the bathtub is free-standing, an L-shaped grab bar conforming to Subclauses 3.8.3.8.(1)(d)(iv) to (vi):
i) with each leg of the "L" being at least 900 mm long,
ii) with the legs of the "L" being separated by 90°,
iii) with the horizontal leg of the "L" being located between 150 mm and 200 mm above and paralell to the rim of the bathtub, and
(iv) with the vertical leg of the "L" being located between 300 mm and 450 mm from the control end of the bathtub.
(1) All counters more than 2 m long serving the public shall have at least one section that is barrier-free for employees and the public in conformance with Sentences (2) and (3).
(2) Barrier-free counter surfaces shall not be more than 865 mm above the floor.
(3) Knee space beneath barrier-free counters intended to be used as work surfaces shall be not less than:
(a) 760 mm wide,
(b) 685 mm high, and
(c) 485 mm deep.
3.8.3.14. Shelves or Counters for Telephones
(1) Where built-in shelves or counters are provided for public telephones, they shall be level and shall:
(a) be not less than 350 mm deep,
(b) have, for each telephone provided, a clear space not less than 250 mm wide having no obstruction within 250 mm above the surface,
(2) The top surface of a section of the shelf or counter described in Sentence (1) serving at least one telephone shall be not more than 865 mm above the floor.
(3) Where a wall-hung telephone is provided above the shelf or counter section described in Sentence (2), it shall be located so that the receiver and coin slot are not more than 1370 mm above the floor.
(4) Where public telephones are provided, at least one telephone shall be provided with a variable volume control on the receiver.
(5) Where public telephones are provided in entrance foyers of buildings classified as Group A, Group B Division 1, hospitals in Group B Division 2, police stations in Group D or Group E, or in lobbies of hotels and motels, at least one telephone shall be provided with a built-in telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD).
(1) Where drinking fountains are provided, at least one shall be barrier-free and shall:
(a) have a spout located near the front of the unit not more than 915 mm above the floor, and
(b) be equipped with controls that are easily operable from a wheelchair using one hand with a force of not more than 22 N.
(1) Where sleeping units are required by Sentence 3.8.1.2.(2), they shall have:
(a) sufficient space to provide a turning area of not less than 1500 mm diameter on one side of a bed,
(b) sufficient space to provide clearance of not less than 900 mm to allow for functional use of units by persons in wheelchairs,
(c) an accessible balcony where balconies are provided,
(d) at least one closet that provides:
i) a minimum clear opening of 900 mm,
ii) clothes hanger rods located at a height of 1200 mm, and
iii) at least one shelf located at a height of 1370 mm,
(e) light switches, thermostats and other controls that are specifically provided for use by the occupant shall be mounted not more than 1375 mm above the floor,
(f) electrical receptacles located between 455 mm and 550 mm above the finished floor,
(g) a G.F.I. razor outlet located not more than 1200 mm above the floor, and
(h) an accessible bathroom which shall be designed to provide manoeuvring space up to each type of fixture required to be usable by persons in a wheelchair conforming to the following:
i) a floor space of not less than 3.7 m2 with no dimension less than 1700 mm when the door swings out and 4.0 m2 with no dimension less than 1800 mm when the door swings in,ii) fixtures located to provide maximum manoeuvrability for persons in wheelchairs,
iii) have grab bars conforming to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(d),
iv) have a coat hook conforming to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(e),
v) a water closet conforming to Article 3.8.3.9.,
vi) contain at least one lavatory conforming to Article 3.8.3.10.,(i) washroom accessories conforming to Clause 3.8.3.10.(l)(f), and
(j) a lock on the entrance door that is operable with one hand.
(2) Where baths are located within the accessible bathrooms they shall:
(a) have a clear floor area in front of the bath not less than 1500 mm long by 800 mm out from the bath, with fixtures being permitted to project into such clear area provided that access to the bath controls from a wheelchair is not restricted,
(b) have faucets conforming to the requirements of Clause 3.8.3.10.(1)(e),
(c) have shower selector controls that meet the requirements for faucets described in Clause (b),
(d) have a water supply that is controlled by a pressure-equalizing valve or by an automatic thermostatically-controlled valve,
(e) have a removable seat to permit lateral transfer from a wheelchair which is:
i) designed to remain stable during use,
ii) wide enough to give stability to the user,
iii) capable of carrying a load of not less than 1.33kN, and
iv) manufactured so as to be impervious to water and of such a design as to be easily cleaned,
(f) have a telephone-type shower located at the same end of the bath as the controls, where a shower is provided,
(g) have an integral slip-resistant bottom,
(h) not have shower doors, and
(i) have grab bars that conform with 3.8.3.12..
(3) Where shower compartments are located within theaccessible bathroom, they shall conform to 3.8.3.12.
3.8.3.17. Visual Warning Signals
(1) To assist persons with a hearing impairment when a fire alarm system is required by Subsection 3.2.4. or Subsection 9.10.17., a warning system required by Sentence 3.8.1.2.(9) and conforming to Sentences (2) and (3) shall be installed in hotels, motels and tourist cabins.
(2) The warning system required by Sentence (1) shall consist of strobe lights supervised, activated, and powered by means of the accepted fire alarm system (supervised by the fire alarm system shall mean up to, but not include, the strobe lights), and be connected to, activated, and powered by, the sounding of the smoke alarm and
(a) be of 7 watt second output capacity and produce approximately 80 flashes per minute,
(b) have a clear or white translucent lens,
(c) have the word FIRE clearly visble on the lens or attached nameplate,
(d) be installed in each bedroom, room closed off from the living area by a door except a bathroom, and living area or hallway serving the living area, and
(e) be located minimum 2150 mm above the floor on a wall or ceiling in a location that will maximize effectiveness.
(3) When the strobe lights described in Sentence (2) are activated by the smoke alarm, a separate small indicator light shall be activated and shall be located either immediately adjacent to the strobe lights and clearly identified as SMOKE, or on the smoke alarm, or immediately adjacent to the smoke alarm.
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), every floor area to which access is required shall be served by areas of refuge, which shall in number and location, correspond to the exits required by Subsection 3.4.2..
(2) Areas of refuge shall be:
(a) an acceptable space accessible from an exterior exit door,
(b) an acceptable space served by a horizontal exit,
(c) an exit enclosure or an enclosure directly connected to an exit and having the same fire separation as the exit,
(d) an area conforming to Sentence 3.2.6.3.(1), or
(e) a vestibule or corridor served by a fire fighters' elevator conforming to Sentences 3.2.6.5.(2) to (6) inclusive and protected against fire in conformance with Clauses 3.2.6.5. (3)(b) or (c).
(3) In accordance with Sentence 3.8.3.1.(1) areas of refuge shall have a sign installed incorporating the International Symbol of Accessibility.
(4) Two areas of refuge may be served by one vestibule or corridor conforming to Clauses (2)(d) provided the vestibule or corridor is accessible from at least two different directions of travel.
(5) Areas of refuge described by Clauses (2)(c) and (d) shall:
(a) be smoke protected in conformance with Subclause 3.2.6.3.(1)(f) when located in buildings over three storeys in building height whether the building is sprinklered or not, and
(b) contain at least two spaces for non-ambulatory persons each measuring at least 1220 mm x 1220 mm but not obstructing egress for ambulatory persons.
(6) Areas of refuge described in Sentence (2) shall be designated as areas of refuge on the plans and identified as such in the building.
(7) Except for doors conforming to the maximum temperature rise limitations of Table 3.1.8.B., glazed openings are not permitted in walls between areas of refuge described in Sentence (2) and the remainder of the floor area.
