BASIC ANTHROPOMETRY FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEOPLE

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Major Five types of physically disabled people

• (a) Wheelchair users(b) People with limited walking abilities(c) The sightless(d) The partially sighted(e) The hearing impaired

• Other categories that may benefit to some extent from the proposed measures include the mentally disabled, people susceptible to physical fits, people with extreme physical proportions, and people with functional disabilities of the arm or hand.

• There are two types of considerations made :- I. URBAN DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSThis section deals with the design requirements of open spaces, recreational areas and pedestrian routes. It introduces solutions to the principal problems in the design of an accessible outdoor environment. 1. OBSTRUCTIONS2. SIGNAGE3. STREET FURNITURE4. PATHWAYS5. CURB RAMPS6. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS7. PARKING

• II. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• This section deals with the design requirements of

vertical and horizontal access in both new and existing constructions. It is subdivided into 10 chapters:

• 1. RAMPS2. ELEVATORS3. PLATFORM LIFTS4. STAIRS5. RAILINGS AND HANDRAILS6. ENTRANCES7. VESTIBULES8. DOORS9. CORRIDORS10. REST ROOMS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSObstructions include street furniture, traffic signs, direction signs, street plans, bollards, plants, trees, shop awnings and advertising signs, etc.Obstructions should be placed outside the path of travel wherever possible.Obstructions in the pathway should be easy to detect, and if possible, should be placed along one continuous line.Protruding elements should be avoided.The minimum width of a clear unobstructed path should be 0.90 m.

OBSTRUCTIONS

1.Obstructions on the pathway surfaceObstructions on the pathway surface should have one of the following design features in order to be detected by the cane of a sightless person:(a) A straight shape rising from the pathway surface .(b) A 0.10 m raised platform .(c) Tactile warning markings on the ground around the obstruction. The warning markings should extend over a width of at least 0.60 m outside the projected area at the base of the obstacle

2.Overhanging obstructionsOverhanging signs in accessible pathways should be mounted at a minimum clear height of 2.00m to allow a sightless person to pass safely .Overhanging vegetation should be clipped to a minimum clear height of 2.00 m .Undetectable obstacles mounted lower than 2.00 m may project a maximum distance of 0.10m into the pathway. Otherwise they should be recessed or covered

3.Garbage binsGarbage bins attached to lampposts should not face the line of pedestrian flow so as to minimize collisions and should be painted in a contrasting colour so that people with limited vision may easily identify them.

4.Spaces below ramps and stairsSpaces below ramps and stairs should be blocked out completely by protective rails or raised curbs or marked with a tactile surface .

WiresStabilizing wires and wire netting should be painted in a contrasting colour or blocked out. Bollards should be painted in a contrasting colour or in coloured stripes.The distance between guiding posts should be around 1.20 m.

Maps and information panelsMaps and information panels at building entrances, along roads, and on public buildings should be placed at a height between 0.90 m and 1.80 m

STREET FURNITURE

Street furniture includes bus stops, benches, mail boxes, lampposts, signboards, telephone booths, public toilets, newspaper kiosks, planting tubs, garbage bins, etc.

1.Resting facilities should be provided at regular intervals between 100.00 m and 200.00 m

2.Resting spaces with benches should allow a minimum of 1.20 m of adjoining space for a wheelchair .

3.Public seats and benches should be approximately 0.45 m above floor level, with backrests at approximately 0.70 m above floor level .

4.The height of a table should be between 0.75 m and 0.90 m and the minimum depth under the table should be 0.60 m, in order to fit a wheelchair under all sides.

5.The minimum unobstructed area in front of the telephone counter should be 1.20 m x 0.85 m, allowing either a parallel or a frontal approach.The coin slot should be mounted at an accessible comfortable height between 0.90 m and 1.20 m.The telephone cord length should be at least 0.75m.

7.Mailbox slots should be mounted at an accessible height between 0.90 m and 1.20 m .

8.Drinking fountain spouts should be located at an approximate height of 0.90 m.Drinking fountains can have two spouts located at different heights, one convenient to wheelchair users at approximately 0.85 m, and one at approximately 0.95 m for non-disabled people.

1.To replace missing natural guidelines fill gaps of more than 10.00 m in a guide strip.

PATHWAYS

2.To guide to pedestrian crossings

Guide strips should be laid in a simple and logical manner and should not be located close to manholes or drains to avoid confusing sightless people.Guide strips should have a colour which contrasts with the surrounding surface for the benefit of people with sight problems.The guide strip ridge profile should be parallel to the main direction of movement and should be flush with the top layer of the adjacent road surface so as not to hinder people with mobility problems.

3.Where travel routes change direction, there should be a gradual change in the direction of the guiding strip

4.Tactile tiling on the pedestrian route of travel should be placed at the following locations:(a) On a guide strip where alternative routes exist or at a junction of guide strips .(b) At a pedestrian crossing .(c) Around obstructions which are difficult for the sightless to detect .

A tactile guiding area, preferably of rubber tiles with minimum dimensions of 0.90 m x 0.90 m, should be constructed in a guide strip at cross pathways where the route branches off in several directions

5.CurbsThe height of a curb should be between 0.07 m and 0.15m.

6.Width The minimum width of an unobstructed pathway should be 0.90 m.The minimum width of a two-way wheelchair traffic passage is 1.50 m. The preferable width is 1.80 m.

7.Gratings Gratings can be hazardous to wheelchair users, cane and crutch users, parents with prams and women with high heels.Manholes, drains and gratings should generally be placed outside the pedestrian pathway.Gratings should be flush with the pathway surface and should have narrow patterns of not more than 13 mm.Elongated grating openings should be perpendicular to the pedestrian travel path.

8.GuardsFor changes in level of more than 13 mm between the pathway and the surrounding surface, guards, upstands or other types of barriers should be used.Guards with a minimum height of 0.15 m should be used to separate pathways from planting areas, pools and landscape features .The edges of the pathway should be beveled wherever changes in level between 6 mm and 13 mm exist between the pathway and the surrounding area ,Landscaping

Thorny and poisonous plants should not be used immediately adjacent to pedestrian paths.Plants that drop seeds and leaves creating a hazard underfoot should be avoided.

For parking facilities of less than 50 cars, at least one accessible parking space should be provided in every parking facility.For parking facilities of a maximum number of 400 spaces, accessible parking spaces should at least be provided in the ratio of 1:50 (one accessible space for every 50 spaces).For parking facilities of more than 400 spaces, at least 8 accessible parking spaces should be provided plus 1 space for each additional increment of 100 cars over 400.

1.NumberPARKING

2.LocationFor outdoor parking, accessible parking spaces should be located not more than 50 m from accessible building entrances.For indoor parking, accessible parking spaces should be located right next to accessible elevators, or as close as possible to exits.The ends of rows are preferable for vans with lifts for wheelchair users.

3.DimensionsThe minimum width of an accessible parking space is 3.60 m. The recommended width is 3.90 m .An access aisle 1.20 m wide can be located between two ordinary parking spaces .For indoor parking, the minimum height clearance for vans with hydraulic lifts is 2.40 m.Where parking spaces are angled, the extra space at the end of a row can be used as a parking aisle for disabled persons . 3.5 Parking curbIf a curb exists, curb ramps should be provided to link accessible parking spaces to accessible pathways .If no curb exists, a textured surface at least 0.60 m wide is needed to separate the pathway from the vehicular area; otherwise bollards should be used (see Street Furniture). Pre-cast wheelstops can also be used to set apart a passage at least 0.90 m wide .

1.Ramp configuration Ramps can have one of the following configurations:(a) Straight run, (b) 90 turn,(c) Switch back or 180 turn .

RAMPS

2.WidthWidth varies according to use, configuration and slope.The minimum width should be 0.90 m.

3.The maximum recommended slope of ramps is 1:20. Steeper slopes may be allowed in special cases depending on the length to be covered .

Maximum slope Maximum length Maximum rise

1:20 i.e., 9% - -

1:16 i.e., 6% 8m 0.50m

1:14 i.e., 7% 5m 0.35m

1:12 i.e., 8% 2m 0.15m

1:10 i.e., 10% 1.25m 0.12m

1:08 i.e., 12% o.5m 0.06m

4.LandingsRamps should be provided with landings for resting, maneuvering and avoiding excessive speed.Landings should be provided every 10.00 m, at every change of direction and at the top and bottom of every ramp.The landing should have a minimum length of 1.20 m and a minimum width equal to that of the ramp

5.HandrailA protective handrail at least 0.40 m high must be placed along the full length of ramps.For ramps more than 3.00 m wide, an intermediate handrail could be installed .The distance between handrails when both sides are used for gripping should be between 0.90 m and 1.40 m .

6.SurfaceThe ramp surface should be hard and non-slip.Carpets should be avoided.

7.Mechanical RampsMechanical ramps can be used in large public buildings but are not recommended for use by persons with physical impairments.If the ramp is to be used by a wheelchair-confined person, the slope should not exceed 1:12.The maximum width should be 1.00 m to avoid slipping.

ELEVATORS1.Elevator cabThe minimum internal elevator dimensions, allowing for one wheelchair passenger alone, are 1.00 m x 1.30 m .The door opening should not be less than 0.80 m.The inside of the elevator should have a handrail on three sides mounted 0.80 to 0.85 m from the floor .The maximum tolerance for stop precision should be 20 mm.

2.Control panelThe control panel can be mounted at one of the alternative locations shown in figure 3.For ease of reach, the control panel should be mounted 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor .Control buttons should be in an accessible location and illuminated. Their diameter should be no smaller than 20 mm.The numerals on the floor selector buttons should be embossed so as to be easily identifiable by touch.

3.Call buttonsFor ease of reach, call buttons should be mounted 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor . 3.5 Floor identifiersTactile numerals should be placed on both sides of the door jambs at an approximate height of 1.50 m to help a lone sightless passenger to identify the floor reached . 3.6 Hall signalThe elevator hall signal should be placed at an approximate height of 1.80 m .

4.EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONSThe minimum acceptable size of an existing elevator cab, allowing for a single wheelchair passenger, is 0.95 m x 1.25 m. Smaller cabs should be replaced.The minimum acceptable width of an existing elevator door opening is 0.75 m.Call buttons and control panels mounted higher than the recommended height may be left in place if they are within 1.40 m of the floor, this being the maximum reach of a wheelchair user.Controls mounted higher than 1.40 m should be replaced.

STAIRS

1.GeneralDifferences in level should be illuminated or minimized as much as possible for the comfort of disabled people.A complementary ramped route, elevator or lift should be provided where there are steps in an otherwise accessible path.All steps should be uniform.Circular stairs and stepped landings should be avoided .

2.WidthThe minimum width of a stairway should be 0.90 m for one-way traffic and 1.50 m for two-way traffic.For indoor stairs, the riser should be between 0.12 m and 0.18 m, and the tread between 0.28 m and 0.35 m.For outdoor stairs, the maximum riser should be 0.15 m and the minimum tread should be 0.30 m.

3.LandingAn intermediate landing should be provided when the stairs cover a difference in level of more than 2.50 m.The length of the landing should be at least 1.20 m extending along the full width of the stairs.

4.Nosing Sharp edges and overhanging nosing should not be used for treads.Nosing should be flush or rounded and should not project more than 40 mm.3.5 HandrailsHandrails must be installed on both sides of the stairs and around the landing for gripping.For stairs more than 3.00 m wide, one or more intermediate handrails could be provided .The distance between the handrails when both sides are used for gripping should be between 0.90 m and 1.40 m .Handrails must extend a distance between 0.30 m and 0.45 m at the top and bottom of the stairs .3.6 Tactile marking A textural marking strip should be placed at the top and bottom of the stairs and at intermediate landings to alert sightless people as to the location of the stairs.The tactile marking strip should be at least 0.60 m wide and should extend over the full width of the stairs.To guide users with poor vision, the colour of the strip should contrast with the surrounding surface. 3.7 SurfaceLandings, treads and nosing should be slip-resistant and free of projections.Exterior stairs should be pitched forward at 10 mm per metre to drain surface water.Slip-resistant stair nosing should be used to fix carpets on stairs.3.8 Emergency stairsEmergency stairs should be identified by tactile markings.

Mechanical stairs (escalators)Mechanical stairs can be provided with an adaptable tread at least 1.20 m long, if they are to be used by persons confined to wheelchairs .The edges of escalators should be painted in a contrasting colour for the benefit of poor- sighted users.5. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONSWhen the configuration of the nosing cannot be modified, slip-resistant strip scould be applied to the nosing as an alternative solution .Slip-resistant strips should be 40 mm wide and should not extent more than 1 mm above the tread surface.To guide people with sight problems, the colour of the strips should contrast with that of the stairs.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 1. GeneralSafety guards or railings should be installed around hazardous areas, stairs, ramps, accessible roofs, mezzanines, galleries, balconies and raised platforms more than 0.40 m high.On stairways, windows positioned less than 1.00 m from the landing should have railings.Handrails should be installed to assist disabled persons in bathrooms and toilets .Spacing between the vertical and horizontal bars of railings should be narrow for the safety of children.Handrails should not obstruct the path of travel.

RAILINGS AND HANDRAILS

2.Height To facilitate use by ambulant disabled and elderly people, handrails should be mounted between 0.85 m and 0.95 m above the finished floor level.For the benefit of wheelchair users, a second handrail can be mounted between 0.70 m and 0.75 m from the floor.To facilitate use by children and short people, a third handrail can be mounted at a height of 0.60 m.To guide sightless people using a long cane, a rail should be mounted at a height between 0.10 m and 0.15 m , or a low curb should be installed at a height between 50 mm and 75 mm . Low curbs also act as wheelstops.

3.Handrails for ramps and stairsHandrails should continue uninterrupted (except for doorways) on both sides and around the landing.Handrails should extend horizontally for a distance between 0.30 m and 0.45 m at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, except in places where extensions could obstruct the pedestrian flow .For stairs or ramps more than 3.00 m wide, a continuous intermediate handrail could be provided .

4.Wall-mounted handrailsThe space between the handrail and the wall should be between 40 mm and 50 mm for smooth walls and 60 mm for rough textured walls .Where handrails are fully recessed into walls, a space of at least 0.15 m should be allowed between the top of the rail and the top of the recess .

5.Tactile markingFor emergency exit stairs or ramps, a contrasting tactile strip at least 0.90 m long should be applied to the top and bottom edges of the handrail to alert the partially sighted.

ENTRANCES

1.Each accessible entrance should be connected by accessible pathways to accessible indoor or outdoor parking areas, local public transit stops and drop-off areas .

2.Entrance landingWhere the entrance door opens outward, the minimum landing dimensions should comply with.Where the entrance door opens inward, the minimum landing dimensions should comply with.The surface of the landing should have a slope of 2% for drainage.The finish material should be non-slippery.Jute door mats should be avoided. When used however, the upper surface of the mat should be level with the floor finish.Sheltered landings are preferable.

1.GeneralVestibule entrance doors can be either the sliding type or the swinging type.For swinging doors, the door mechanism should allow the maximum opening swing.2. LayoutThe layout of two swinging doors in a series can be one of the following:(a) Outward-swinging, (b) Double-swinging, (c) Swinging in the same direction , (d) Inward-swinging .

VESTIBULES

3.EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONSFor narrow vestibules either of the following solutions can be employed:(a) Replace swinging doors with sliding doors;(b) Change the direction of the door swing so that both doors can be made to swing outwards, if possible .(c) Install double-swinging doors for small exit vestibules with a minimum width of 1.20 m.(d) Remove the inside or second door.(e) Enlarge the existing vestibule if possible .

DOORS

1.GeneralAccessible doors should be so designed as to permit operation by one person in a single motion with little effort.Power-operated doors are the best for people with disabilities. The activator system should be automatic or placed within easy reach.An accessible door should have the following features: a sign, a door handle, an extra pull handle, glazing and a kick plate. The room nameplate in Braille should beIncorporated in to the signage within a range of 1200mm to 1400 mm.

All hanging signs must be suspended atleast 2000Mm from the finished floorlevel so as not to causeany obstruction to the user.

All signs fixed flat on the wall must not project morethan 100 mm from the wall.

Signs accompanied by a control panel (suchas lift buttons) must be within easy reach of a

wheelchair user. The allowable range is 900 to 1200 mm above the finished floor level.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMMON MAN AND HANDICAPED MAN

CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE FOR WHEELCHAIRS

TheminimumclearfloororgroundspacerequiredTo accommodate a single, stationary wheelchairAnd occupant is 900 mm x 1200 mm. AnAllocation of 1200 mm x 1200 mm would facilitateBoth forward and side approaches.

900

1200

1200

400

1200

If the clear floor space only allows forwardapproach to an object, the maximum highforward reach allowed shall be 1200 mm. Theminimum low forward reach is 400 mm.

REACH RANGES

Forward Reach

2.If the high forward reach is over an obstruction500 mm deep the reach and clearances shallbe 1100 mm.

500

1100

900

SIDE REACH

1.If the clear floor space reach allows parallelapproach by a person in a wheelchair, themaximum high side reach allowed shall be 1300mm and the low side reach shall be no less than250 mm above the finished floor.

750

1350

250

2.If the side reach is over an obstruction 500 mm deep and 850 mm high, then the max. side

reach is 1200 mm.

750 600

850

1200