Handrail extensions are important safety features as required by AS1428.1-2009, as they ensure the safety of everyone who’s using the stair or ramp especially those with an ambulant or vision impairment.

In the simplest terms, Performance Solutions are used to justify not meeting the requirements/measurements outlined in the building code with regards to disability. Performance Solutions allow for flexibility in addressing these Performance Requirements and are utilised when the Deem-to-Satisfy provisions are not met.

Australia has become the first country in the world to regulate for adult change facilities in its building code. From 1 May 2019, the National Construction Code (NCC 2019) requires a new type of public toilet called ‘Accessible Adult Change Facilities’ to be included in certain classes of public buildings.

Certifiers will no longer be accredited, but rather as registered certifiers they will be subject to new conflict of interest provisions which effectively prohibit a certifier from providing professional services with respect to design and compliance with the Building Code of Australia, as well as acting as the principal certifier for the same development.

For a Class 2 multi dwelling development, we are often asked by architects on whether the standards require access to the entry gate of the dwelling and not the entry door; or the entry door of the dwelling which includes the entry gate.

We are often contacted by architects or builders where the existing heritage building entry door does not fully comply with the requirements of AS1428.1-2009. This could be due to the door not having an 850mm clear opening width, step at the external landing or handles which are not D-lever type.

There are two standards which are used to identify the accessible car parking requirements within a development. They include AS2890.6-2009 (Parking facilities—Off-street parking for people with disabilities) and AS4299-1995 (Adaptable Housing). It is noted driveway isles and ramps require a 2.2m overhead clearance.

Luminance Contrast is the amount of light reflected between two difference surfaces. AS1428.4.1-2009 requires a luminance contrast in a range of 30% to 60% based on the type of building elements proposed.