These Notes are included for explanatory purposes only and do not form part of the requirements. The number that introduces each Note corresponds to the applicable requirement in this Part.

A-3.8. Barrier-Free Design Assumptions.

This Section contains minimum provisions to accommodate a person using a typical manual wheelchair or other manual mobility assistance devices such as walking aids, including canes, crutches, braces and artificial limbs.

A-3.8.2.1. Accessibility.

Industrial buildings often pose a greater risk to their occupants due to the presence of significant quantities of dangerous materials or the use of hazardous processes. For example, plants which are classified as Group F, Division 2 or 3, may store and use toxic or highly flammable substances in significant quantities, or house processes which involve very high temperatures and which have a high degree of automation. In some facilities, particularly in primary industries such as forestry and metallurgy, the construction normally used and the operations carried out within the space can make compliance with the requirements of Section 3.8. impracticable. It is therefore intended that these requirements be applied with discretion in buildings of Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy. However, where industrial buildings contain subsidiary occupancies, such as offices or showrooms, it is reasonable to require that accessibility be provided in these spaces.

A-3.8.2.2. Entrances.

An accessible route should exist from the sidewalk or roadway and parking area to an accessible building entrance. This route should be located so that persons with physical disabilities do not have to pass behind parked cars.

To provide more general access to buildings, not less than 50% of the pedestrian entrances are required to be barrier-free. This should include a principal entrance. If the 50% calculation results in a fraction, the number of barrier-free entrances should be the next higher unit value. For the purpose of determining the number of entrances to a building, several adjacent doors in a bank of doors are considered to be a single entrance.

A-3.8.2.3. Access to Rooms and Facilities.

If barrier-free access is required into suites or rooms in Subsection 3.8.2., it is intended that access be provided, with some exceptions identified in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), throughout each room or suite. Some examples of where barrier-free access is required are as follows:

• within each suite (subject to Clauses 3.8.2.3.(2)(j) to (l)),
• within rooms or areas that serve the public or are designated for use by visitors, including areas in assembly occupancies with fixed seats, display areas and merchandising departments,
• within rooms or areas for student use in assembly occupancies,
• within general work areas, including office areas,
• within general use or general service areas, including shared laundry areas in residential occupancies, recreational areas, cafeterias, lounge rooms, lunch rooms and infirmaries,
• within sleeping rooms in hospitals and nursing homes with treatment,
• (if installed), into at least one passenger elevator or elevating device conforming to Articles 3.5.2.1. and 3.8.3.7.,
• into washrooms described in Sentences 3.8.2.8.(1) to (4),
• to any facility required by this Section to be designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities,
• onto every balcony provided in conformance with Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(c), and
• to service counters used by the general public (examples include ticket counters, refreshment stands, drinking fountains, cafeteria counters, checkout counters and bank service counters).

The permission to waive a barrier-free path of travel for wheelchair access to certain specified areas of a building is not intended to waive accessibility requirements for persons whose physical disabilities do not require special provision for access to raised or sunken levels. Persons with visual or hearing disabilities that do not require the use of a wheelchair can be expected to move throughout a building.

The concept of providing similar amenities and facilities applies, among other things, to food, beverage, and entertainment facilities within restaurants, to smoking and non-smoking areas permitted in accordance with local regulations, and to window areas providing a view of an exterior attraction.

Availability of specific spaces depends on reservation policy and the sequence in which patrons arrive at a restaurant or other facility, and therefore is beyond the scope of this Code.

Accessibility "within" a floor area means that in general all normally occupied spaces are to be accessible, except those areas which are deemed not to require barrier-free access. Examples of excluded floor areas are small raised office areas in retail and industrial premises and storage platforms in industrial and other occupancies. The concept of wheelchair accessibility does not extend to building service facilities, nor to all floor levels within a storey, e.g., mezzanines not served by an elevator. Mezzanines that are accessible by an elevator are therefore not excluded.

A-3.8.2.4.(1) Access to Storeys Served by Escalators and Moving Walks.

In some buildings, escalators and inclined moving walks are installed to provide transportation from one floor level to another floor level so as to increase the capacity to move large numbers of persons. Some buildings located on a sloping site are accessible from street level on more than one storey and an escalator or inclined moving walk is provided for internal movement from floor to floor. In both these situations, a person with a physical disability must be provided with an equally convenient means of moving between the same floor levels within the building. This can be accomplished by providing elevators or a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device.

A-3.8.2.5. Parking Areas.

In localities where local regulations or bylaws do not govern the provision of or dimensions of barrier-free parking spaces, the following provides guidance to determine appropriate provisions. If more than 50 parking spaces are provided, parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should be provided in the ratio of one for every 100 parking spaces or part thereof. Parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should

(1) be not less than 2 400 mm wide and provided on one side with an access aisle not less than 1 500 mm wide,

(2) have a firm, slip-resistant and level surface,

(3) be located close to an entrance required to conform to Article 3.8.2.2.,

(4) be clearly marked as being for the use of persons with physical disabilities, and

(5) be identified by a sign located not less than 1 500 mm above ground level, with the International Symbol of Access and the words "Permit Required" (Figure A-3.8.2.5.-A).

Figure A-3.8.2.5.-A
"Permit Required" sign

Asphalt, concrete and gravel are acceptable parking surfaces. Curb ramps should be not less than 920 mm wide. Parallel parking spaces should be not less than 7 000 mm long. If more than one parking space is provided for persons with physical disabilities, a single access aisle can serve two adjacent parking spaces. The arrangement shown in Figure A-3.8.2.5.-B allows the shared use of an access aisle to serve two adjacent parking spaces provided for use by persons with physical disabilities.

Figure A-3.8.2.5.-B
Shared access aisle

A-3.8.2.5.(1) Access to Exterior Parking.

It is not intended that a separate accessible entrance must be provided from the exterior parking area. The designer may choose to designate the entrance leading to the exterior parking area as the required entrance or to provide a properly identified and unobstructed path of travel from the parking area to the entrance which is accessible. The entrance chosen should, in any case, be one normally used by the occupants of the building. Long paths of travel are not recommended.

A-3.8.2.6.(1) Application to Security Access Systems.

Sentence 3.8.2.6.(1) is not intended to reduce the functionality of security devices that limit access to secure areas and are addressed by other Sections of the NBC.

A-3.8.2.8.(1) to (4) Washrooms.

The primary intent of this requirement is that all regular washrooms be made accessible to all persons, including persons with disabilities, primarily persons who must use a wheelchair. Well-designed washrooms which can accommodate disabled persons need not be much larger than conventional washrooms.

The exception in Clause 3.8.2.8.(2)(b) recognizes situations where several washrooms may be provided on a large floor area. In such a case, not all washrooms need to be barrier-free, provided that a barrier-free washroom is available within a reasonable distance (45 m) of one that is not and that the location of that barrier-free washroom is clearly indicated as required by Sentence 3.8.2.10.(2).

Clause 3.8.2.8.(2)(c) is intended to address "strip malls" (a shopping mall with no public corridor). Section 3.7., which requires plumbing facilities, does not address the concept of suite and could permit, for instance, a shopping mall containing only Group E occupancies (assuming the mall is more than 100 m2) to have only one washroom for each sex located in any one of the suites. It is desirable, however, that washrooms be located so as to be accessible at all times, since the owner or tenant of one suite has no control over the activities of another. These buildings may have either public barrier-free washrooms in a central location or washrooms which can accommodate persons with physical disabilities in each suite. This arrangement relieves any one tenant from having to provide "public" washrooms. Hence, the exception for suites of less than 500 m2 is meant as a relaxation to avoid an unnecessary burden on small facilities but should not be construed as meaning that these buildings need not provide accessible washrooms.

Sentence 3.8.2.8.(4) clarifies that universal washrooms ("unisex") should not be used as a substitute for making regular washrooms accessible. These washrooms are an alternative which the authority having jurisdiction could require in the course of renovations to an existing building to satisfy the requirements of Sentence 3.8.2.8.(1), where modifying existing washrooms proves impracticable or where Section 3.7. permits the use of a single washroom for both sexes. This does not preclude the provision of special washrooms in addition to barrier-free regular washrooms; "unisex" washrooms are desirable in large shopping complexes and multiple use complexes, as well as transportation terminals, where persons must be accompanied by an attendant because of their degree of disability. These facilities are convenient because they may be used regardless of the gender of the person with the disability or of the attendant.

A-3.8.2.11.(1) Counters with Work Surfaces.

It is not intended that all counters be barrier-free, but that sufficient barrier-free counter space be available. Examples of counters that should be barrier-free include check-in counters and those in financial institutions and reception areas as well as any counter at which processing and signing of documents takes place. The provision is not intended to apply to work surfaces in industrial occupancies.

A-3.8.3.2.(2) Surfaces in a Barrier-free Path of Travel.

Floor finishes, including walk-off matts and carpet, should be selected, installed and securely fixed to provide a firm and stable surface so that persons using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids can easily travel over them without tripping or expending undue energy. Other than very high-density, short-pile carpeting, most carpeting does not meet these criteria. Furthermore, where the path of travel is exposed to intense light conditions, such as daylight or directional lighting, a low-glare or matte floor surface should be selected, as glare from floor surfaces can influence all users' perception and be particularly problematic for persons with low vision. For the same reasons, heavily patterned flooring should also be avoided.

A-3.8.3.1.(1) Barrier-free Design Standards.

Code users who opt to apply the CSA B651 provisions listed in Table 3.8.3.1. must do so without exception: they cannot randomly select and apply a mix of provisions from the NBC and that standard.

A-3.8.3.5.(1)(b) Ramp Slopes.

Ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 16 can be very difficult for persons with physical disabilities with upper body mobility to manage. Even though they pose less of a problem for persons in motorized wheelchairs, these ramps can be unsafe to descend, especially in cold climates. Although Article 3.8.3.5. permits slopes on ramps as great as 1 in 12 for distances of up to 9 m, slopes of 1 in 20 are safer and less strenuous. When limited space is available, as may be the case during renovations, ramps with a slope of up to 1 in 12 should be restricted to lengths not exceeding 3 m whenever possible. A strip contrasting in colour and texture should be used at the top and bottom of ramps to warn persons with low or no vision.

A-3.8.3.5.(1)(c) Landing Design at Doorways Leading to Ramps.

Figure A-3.8.3.5.(1)(c)
Landing design at doorways leading to ramps

A-3.8.3.5.(4)(a) Surface of Ramps.

Sentence 3.8.3.2.(2) requires that all walking surfaces in a barrier-free path of travel be stable and firm to limit the effort required by persons using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Therefore, Sentence 3.8.3.5.(4) requires that hard or resilient flooring be used on the surfaces of steeper ramps. Furthermore, carpet and like materials should not be installed on any ramp.

A-3.8.3.6.(2) Doorway Width.

Standard wheelchair width specifications indicate a range of sizes from 584 mm overall to 685 mm overall. Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel must have a clear width of not less than 800 mm when the door is in the open position and therefore it is important that this dimension be measured correctly. Figure A-3.8.3.6.(2) shows a door opened to 90°. It is clear that the door, and to a lesser extent the stop, impinges on the space within the door frame. The clear width of not less than 800 mm is measured from the face of the door to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame. It is not sufficient just to measure the inside width of the door frame. Other factors, including location of door stops other than on the door frame, and the installation of door closers and exit devices, should be taken into account. The intrusion of a door handle into the space is of lesser importance. It is recognized that there are many types of door frame and door mounts but the overall objective is to maintain a clear width of not less than 800 mm. The diagram depicts a somewhat restrictive scenario, as many doors can open wider than 90°, however, a door smaller than 864 mm would not be wide enough to ensure the minimum clear width of 800 mm that is required.

Figure A-3.8.3.6.(2)
Clear doorway width

A-3.8.3.6.(3) Washrooms in Residential Occupancies.

Figure A-3.8.3.6.(3)
Residential washrooms

A-3.8.3.6.(4) Lever Handles.

Lever handles are usable by most persons with limited hand mobility and will meet the intent of this requirement. Lever handles with an end return towards the door are less prone to catch the clothing of someone passing through the doorway.

A-3.8.3.6.(6) and (7) Doors with Power Operators.

Doors equipped with a power operator actuated by a pressure plate identified with the International Symbol of Access or, where security is required, by a key, card or radio transmitter, and that can otherwise be opened manually, meet the intent of the requirement. The location of these actuating devices should ensure that a wheelchair will not interfere with the operation of the door once it is actuated. Swinging doors equipped with power operators which are actuated automatically and open into passing pedestrian traffic should be provided with a guard or other device designed to prevent pedestrians from stepping in the swing area of the door. These guards or devices should be detectable by blind persons. For example, inverted U-shaped guards should have an additional rail at a height not more than 680 mm so that it is detectable by the long cane. These doors should also have a device (mat or other sensor) on the swing side to prevent the door from opening if someone is standing in the swing area.

A-3.8.3.6.(9) Air Pressure Differences.

Differences in air pressure on opposite sides of a door may be due to the operation of mechanical systems such as those associated with smoke control. So-called "stack action" in buildings in winter can also cause differential pressures due to the buoyancy of warm air. Stack action is usually most noticeable between stairwells and the remainder of the building, and at the entrances to buildings; the taller the building, the greater the effect. Doors with automatic closers have to operate with sufficient opening force to allow the return action to overcome the differential pressure.

A-3.8.3.6.(10) Delayed Action on Door Closers.

In some circumstances, closers with a delay feature which keeps the door open for several seconds before it begins to close might be desirable. However, closers with this feature have limited back-check, a feature of a normal door closer where resistance to opening increases as the door reaches the full arc of swing. Doors equipped with a delayed action closer are therefore more susceptible to damage should the door be opened with too much force or should someone try to force it closed, thinking the closer has failed to operate. Delayed action closers are not recommended for such occupancies as schools.

A-3.8.3.6.(11) Clearance at Doorways.

Sufficient clearance must be provided on the latch side of doors for a user to operate the door-opening mechanism and open the door without interference from the wheelchair. This is particularly important for a door swinging towards the approach side. See Figure A-3.8.3.6.(11).

Figure A-3.8.3.6.(11)
Doorway clearance

A-3.8.3.9.(1) Accessibility Signs.

The International Symbol of Access shown in Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-A indicates to persons with physical disabilities that they will have reasonable freedom of movement within a building so signed. The symbol is usually white on a blue background; where these colours do not stand out, the sign can be set on a white background. An arrow can be added to indicate direction or the location of an accessible space or facility.

Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-A
Signs indicating accessible facilities

The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss shown in Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-B, which indicates accessibility for persons with hearing loss, should be used to indicate the availability of variable volume controls on telephones, assistive listening systems, and text telephones (TT). These latter devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TTY) or telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD).

Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-B
Signs for assistive listening facilities

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(v) Water-closet Stalls.

Doors to water-closet stalls for persons with physical disabilities should swing outward, preferably against a side wall.

Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(v)
Water-closet stalls

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi) Door Pulls.

The door pull should consist of a D-shaped handle mounted horizontally. The centre lines are the lines drawn through the long axis and the short axis of the handle. The midpoint of the handle must be located horizontally at 200 to 300 mm from the hinged side of the door and vertically at 800 to 1 000 mm above the finished floor surface.

Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi)-A
Door pull location

Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi)-B
Door pull details

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(e)(ii) Additional Grab Bars.

It is the designer's prerogative to exceed the minimum requirements found in the NBC and specify the installation of additional grab bars in other locations. These additional grab bars may be of different configurations and can be installed in other orientations.

A-3.8.3.12. Universal Washrooms.

Unobstructed areas in front of the lavatory, in front of the water closet and on one side of the water closet are necessary for maneuverability of a wheelchair. Although outward swinging doors are preferable for accessibility, inward swinging doors are also permitted. Figures A-3.8.3.12.-A and A-3.8.3.12.-B show design options that meet the intent of Article 3.8.3.12.

Figure A-3.8.3.12.-A
Universal washroom with outward swinging door

Figure A-3.8.3.12.-B
Universal washroom with inward swinging door

A-3.8.3.13.(1) Water Closets.

Wall- or floor-mounted water closets with recessed bases are preferable because they provide the least amount of obstruction.

A-3.8.3.15.(1)(d) Clearances Beneath a Lavatory.

Figure A-3.8.3.15.(1)(d)
Clearances beneath a lavatory

A-3.8.3.15.(1)(e) Pipe Protection.

The pipes referred to in Clause 3.8.3.15.(1)(e) include both supply and waste pipes. The hazard can be prevented by insulating the pipes, by locating the pipes in enclosures, or avoided by limiting the temperature of the hot water to a maximum of 45°C.

A-3.8.3.15.(1)(f) Soap Dispenser Location.

The location of accessories, such as soap dispensers and faucets, serving barrier-free lavatories should be established while taking into consideration that their controls must be usable by and within the direct reach of a person in a seated position directly in front of the accessible lavatory.

A-3.8.3.16.(1)(b) Clear Space at Entrances to Showers.

The clear space at the entrance to a shower may be encroached upon by fixtures such as a wall hung sink which does not interfere with the leg rests of the wheelchair. However, this sink could restrict movement for persons who need to make a lateral transfer if it were installed at the seat end of the shower.

Figure A-3.8.3.16.(1)(b)
Shower design

A-3.8.3.16.(1)(f) Grab Bars.

One L-shaped grab bar is required to be installed on the wall next to the seat. A grab bar behind the seat would prevent the user from leaning back against the wall, while one located on the wall opposite the seat cannot be reached from the seated position. The seat itself may be used in conjunction with the bar for transfer. If design flexibility is required, fold away grab bars can be used as an alternative.

A-3.8.3.18. Assistive Listening Systems.

Wireless sound transmission systems, including FM, infrared or magnetic induction loop systems, improve sound reception for persons with hearing disabilities by providing amplification which can be adjusted by each user while blocking out unwanted background noise. These systems transmit a signal that is picked up by a special receiver available for use by a person with a hearing disability, whether or not a hearing aid is used. Neither system interferes with the listening enjoyment of others.

The transmitter can be jacked into an existing P.A. system amplifier or used independently with microphones.

The induction loop system requires users to sit in the area circumscribed by the loop; though installation of the loop is relatively simple, the installer should be knowledgeable about these systems if proper functioning is to be achieved. FM or infrared systems can be designed to broadcast signals which cover the entire room and thus do not restrict seating to any one area. Figures A-3.8.3.18.-A and A-3.8.3.18.-B show the general configuration of FM and infrared systems. Although portable systems (FM in particular) are available, these are best suited to small audiences. Generally, the systems installed in church halls, auditoria, theatres and similar places of assembly are not easily portable, as they are installed in a fixed location by a sound technician and form an integral part of the P.A. system of the room or building.

Hard-wired systems (where a jack is provided at a particular seat) will not meet this requirement unless adequate provisions are made to accommodate persons with hearing aids. In choosing the most appropriate system, a number of factors must be taken into account including cost, installation and maintenance, suitability to the audience, ease of operation and the need for privacy. Information on designers and suppliers of these systems may be obtained from the Canadian Hearing Society.

Figure A-3.8.3.18.-A
FM sound transmission system

Figure A-3.8.3.18.-B
Infrared sound transmission system

A-3.8.3.20. Telephone Shelves or Counters.

Built-in shelves or counters for public telephones must be designed to accommodate persons using text telephones (TT). These devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TTY) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). These devices require a level surface at least 305 mm deep by 250 mm wide with no obstruction above that space within 250 mm. If a wall-hung telephone or other obstruction extends to less than 250 mm from the shelf or counter, an equivalent clear space must be provided on either side of each telephone. At least one telephone should be equipped with a volume control on a receiver that generates a magnetic field compatible with the T-switch of a hearing aid. The lower portion of the shelf or counter is intended for persons using a wheelchair; therefore all parts of the operating mechanism of the telephone above this portion should be within reach of a wheelchair user.