Part D1 Excessive noise

Safe, equitable and dignified access—D1O1(a)

D1O1(a) requires the provision of safe, equitable and dignified access to a building and its services, as far as is reasonable. Several of these terms are explained below.

As far as is reasonable

There may be occasions when the application of a rule is “unreasonable”. Use of the phrase “as far as is reasonable” indicates that the BCA provisions are not absolute. This is consistent with the intent of the DDA.

Equitable

One of the primary intentions of the DDA is to provide people with a disability with the same rights as the rest of the community. The word “equitable” combines concepts of fairness and equality. It does not mean that all people must be able to do precisely the same thing in the same way. However, if some people can use a building for a particular purpose, then most people should be able to use the building for that purpose.

Examples

If most members of the community enter a building at a particular point, normally the front entrance, people with a disability should be able to enter the same building at that point. However, this may not mean entry through the same door. For example, a revolving door may not be suitable for guide dogs or wheelchairs. However, people who use guide dogs or wheelchairs should be able to enter the building at an adjacent door.

The concept of “equitable” does not necessarily mean that everybody should be able to access all parts of a building.

Dignified

A person with a disability should be able to gain access to and within a building, and to the services and facilities of buildings, in a manner which is not devaluing or demeaning.

Safeguarding people evacuating—D1O1(b)

D1O1(b) refers to safeguarding occupants while evacuating in an emergency. This includes people with a disability who cannot independently use exits and may require specific egress arrangements.

Examples

A person who is able to walk without assistance is able to reach a public space on an upper level of a building with dignity, perhaps by walking up a flight of stairs. A person with a mobility disability should also be able to access that space with similar dignity. It is unlikely that having to be carried up the stairs would achieve this requirement.

D1F1 reflects the intent of D1O1(a). A building is to as far as is reasonable provide access for all occupants, including people with a disability, to services and facilities within the building.

D1F1(b) does not apply a Class 4 part of a building.

D1P1 refines the intention of D1O1(a). A building must, as far as is reasonable, provide safe access for people to all the services and facilities in it.

It also excludes the application of D1P1 to a Class4 part of a building.

Emphasis on access for people

The required access is for people, including people with a disability.

To the degree necessary

D1P1 uses the term “to the degree necessary”. See Explanatory Information in BCA Volume One for A1G4(3)(c).

D1P2 generally sets the performance required for safe movement within a building for most people, including those with a disability.

Safe gradient—D1P2(a)

The D1P2(a) requirement for a safe gradient is to facilitate access and safety for all people, and refers to the crossfall as well as the longitudinal grade.

Doors—D1P2(b)

D1P2(b) aims to make sure people are not put at risk by doors impeding egress or causing them to be trapped.

Slip-resistant walking surfaces—D1P2(c)(i)

People moving on stairways and ramps should not slip and fall. This is a particular issue during an emergency.

Handrails—D1P2(c)(ii)

Handrails may be necessary to assist people using stairways and ramps, particularly in helping them maintain their stability.

Landings for stairways and ramps—D1P2(c)(iii) and (iv)

Under D1P2(c)(iii) and (iv), it is necessary to provide landings for ramps as well as stairways. As with stairways, the landings on a ramp are used as a place to rest when necessary. Landings at doorways provide a level plane from which doors may be safely opened.

Safe passage on stairways—D1P2(c)(v)

D1P2(c)(v) requires that a stairway must be suitable for the safe passage of people, and appropriate to the nature, volume and frequency of use. This is a reference to the riser and going of the treads, and the width of the stairway. Hence the rise, going and width may differ between buildings as long as a safe passage is provided.