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Tuesday 6 October 2015
MALAYSIAN CODE MS1184
1. Scope
This Malaysian Standard specifies the basic requirements for elements of buildings and
related facilities so as to permit access by people with disabilities.
These requirements are applicable to all buildings that disabled persons may use as
members of the general public, as visitors or for purposes of employment. Residential
buildings will be covered in another standard.
Building types to which the recommendations of the code may be applied include:
a) offices, banks, post offices, shops, department stores, supermarkets, hotels and other
administrative and commercial buildings;
b) rail, road, sea and air travel buildings and associated concourses, car-parking
building and factories;
c) hospitals, medical centres, clinics and other health and welfare buildings;
d) restaurants, concert halls, theatres, cinemas, conference buildings, community
buildings, swimming pools, sports buildings and other refreshment, entertainment and
recreation buildings;
e) religious buildings; and
f) schools, hostels, colleges, universities, zoos, museums, art galleries, libraries,
exhibition buildings and, other educational, cultural and scientific buildings; and any
other buildings or any part thereof to which members of the general public has
access, as visitors /occupants or for the purposes of the employment.
Buildings having less than 280 m² of floor area per level need not be required to provide
vertical access for the disabled persons provided the ground floor is made accessible.
2. Interpretation
In this standard, unless the context otherwise requires:
2.1 Access for disabled persons means a continuous unobstructed path of travel to or
within a building capable of being negotiated by a person using a wheelchair or otherwise with
limited mobility.
2.2 Ambulant disabled persons are persons who are able to walk but who may depend
on prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (calipers), sticks, crutches or other mobility aids, and
others who can walk but have sensory impairment such as the blind and the deaf.
2.3 Circulation space means a passageway, corridor, lobby, hallway or ramp affording
access between parts of a building.
2.4 Disabled persons refer to people with a physical, hearing or sight impairment or any
combination thereof, which affects their mobility or their use of buildings and related
amenities.
2.5 Entrance floor means the floor at which the persons using the building normally gain
entrance thereto but does not include any basement or utility area.
2.6 Guiding blocks are special tiles incorporated into the walking surface, and arranged
in layouts for the guidance of the blind; they have raised markings on them which the blind
can feel through their feet.
2.7 Landscape
Landscape can be divided into:
a) Soft landscape such as plants, shrubs and trees.
b) Hard landscape such as furniture, lighting, dustbin or part of it any features for
decoration, etc.
2.8 Signs and Symbols
a) Signs - refer to designs that help to indicate location or direction of places which have
facilities for disabled persons. A sign has to be appropriately sized, effectively
designed and located for the benefit of disabled persons, in the form of audio and
visual presentation.
b) Symbols - are graphical representation of the concept, and form part of the signs.
2.9 Vertical access shall include:
a) an internal ramp complying with Clause 5;
b) a step ramp complying with Clause 7;
c) a lift designed for carrying transport of persons complying with Clause 10;
d) any combination of a), b) and c); and
e) in the case of providing access for ambulant disabled, stairs complying with Clause 9 and
escalators complying with Clause 11.
2.10 Wheelchair users are persons who depend on a wheelchair for mobility. These
include attendant propelled wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and self-propelled
wheelchairs.
3. General
3.1 Access for disabled persons to and within every public building approved by the
relevant authorities pursuant to Uniform Building By-Laws or any act or regulations should be
provided in accordance with this Malaysian Standard.
3.2 Access for disabled persons should be means of a pathway and ramp complying with
Clause 5 or a step ramp complying with Clause 7 or a lift for the transport of persons
complying with Clause 10 or any combination thereof, and should commence at:
a) the street alignment in respect of the site on which the building is located; and
b) any car parking area on the same site (whether within or outside the building); or
c) another building to which wheelchair access is provided in accordance with this
section.
3.3 Access for disabled persons should extend:
a) from the main entrance referred to in Clause 6 to any vertical access within the building;
b) from the main entrance referred to in Clause 6 and from the vertical access to every floor
level; and
c) at every floor level, to all rooms and others places to which members of the general public
have access, as defined in 2.1.
3.4 In public viewing area, in theatres, cinemas and grandstand and other similar spaces for
wheelchair users should be provided in the proportion of 1 space to every 200 seats, or part
thereof available to the public, with a minimum of 2 spaces for wheelchair users.
3.5 In concert, conference and lecture halls, theatres, cinemas, religious buildings, an
induction loop shall be installed which can be connected with the sound system for the benefit
of people with impaired hearing using certain types of hearing aid.
3.6 Except where otherwise provided, the dimensions prescribed in this Malaysian Standard
including those in figures or tables should not be reduced by any stairways, doors stop,
architrave’s, skirting, kerbs, handrails or other fixtures.
4. Vehicle parking and access
4.1 Vehicle spaces for disabled persons should be provided in the proportion of 1 space
to every 100 vehicles, or part thereof available to the public.
4.2 Parking spaces should be on the flat surface and not less than 3 600 mm wide. All
types of vehicle driven by disabled persons may be parked in them.
4.3 Flat access should be provided between each parking space and the adjoining
walkway. If there is a change in level from the parking space to the walkway, a step ramp
complying with Clause 7 should be provided.
4.4 Spaces for parking the vehicles of disabled persons should be adjacent to at least
one entrance to the building that is visible and usable by them.
4.5 Parking spaces should be identified by a sign incorporating the symbol for access by
disabled persons, in accordance with Clause 28. The sign should be readily visible from a
vehicle at the entrance to the car park. Adequate guide signs should be provided to direct the
disabled persons to the location of the space.
4.6 Disembarkation space near the main entrance to a building or complex is essential
for disabled passengers. Guiding blocks leading to the main entrance should be provided.
5. Pathways and ramps
5.1 Every pathway and ramp forming part of access for the disabled persons should:
a) have a clear width at every part of not less than 1200 mm;
b) in no part have a gradient steeper than 1:12;
c) the surface of the adjacent grounds to the pathways and internal ramps should be at the
same level ± 10 mm;
d) the camber of crowned or banked pathways and ramps should not be more than 1:40 in
cross section as shown in Figure 1;
e) wherever pathways or ramps join other walkways, ramps, driveways or parking areas, the
transition should be effected without abrupt change of camber; and
f) pathways and ramps should have a non-slip finish in accordance with Clause 26.
5.2 All ramps should :
a) be provided with landing rest areas not less than 1200 mm in length at intervals of not
more than 6000 mm, measured clear as shown in Figure 2;
b) be provided on each side thereof with a handrail, which should be attached to an adjacent
wall or a balustrade in accordance with Clause 12; and
c) be provided on the open side with a kerb not less than 100 mm high.
6. Main entrances
6.1 Every public building should have a doorway at the entrance floor providing access
for wheelchair users into the building.
6.2 At least one entrance usable by wheelchair users should be on a similar level to lifts
where these are provided.
6.3 When the main entrance of the building is not usable by the wheelchair users then a
sign complying with Clause 28 directing to an alternative accessible entrance should be
installed at the same entrance.
6.4 Entrances and exits used by the sight impaired should be identified for them by guiding
blocks.
6.5 Door fitted with intercom, the height of the microphone should be between 1100 mm
to 1300 mm and a special button for the hearing impaired should be provided.
6.6 Disembarkation space for disabled persons should be provided as in 4.6.
7. Step ramps
7.1 Where:
a) the entrance floor or any other floor is not more than 215 mm above or below the
adjacent street or finished ground level; or
b) there is a change of level of not more than 215 mm within a building a step ramp,
constructed in accordance with Figure 3, may be provided in place of a pathway or an
internal ramp.
7.2 Step ramps should begin at a level not more than 15 mm above the adjacent street or
finished ground or floor level (as the case requires).
7.3 Step ramps should be located so that disabled persons have an unobstructed view of
traffic approaching from any direction.
7.4 Step ramps should have a non-slip finish in accordance with Clause 26.
8. Doors and doorways
Doors and doorways (forming part of access for wheelchair users) should comply with the
following:
8.1 Every doorway except those to toilet facilities should have an opening of not less than
900 mm clear. In case of double leaf door, at least one leaf should have the minimum opening
of not less than 900 mm clear. Building such as hospital and sport complexes should have the
minimum of opening of not less than 1000 mm clear.
8.2 Every doorway to toilet facilities should have an opening of not less than 900 mm
clear.
8.3 Where a door opens towards access for wheelchair users, the circulation space
should not be less than those as shown in Figure 4 including the notes thereto.
8.4 Where door opens other than towards access for wheelchair users, the circulation
space should have dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 5 including the notes
thereto.
8.5 Doors should open in the exit direction or be double swing in vestibules, air locks etc.
8.6 Sliding doors should be installed in place where a hinged door would hinder
circulation or mobility.
8.7 Where revolving access or turnstiles are installed, it may be necessary to provide an
alternative access for disabled persons.
8.8 If door glazing is required, the location of door glazing should be provided within the
limitation in accordance with Figure 6.
8.9 Glass doors or walls, and the like should be clearly marked at levels between 800
mm and 1500 mm above the plane of finished floor to avoid danger to people with defective
vision.
8.10 Threshold to entrance doors should not be more than 10 mm and should be avoided
in all internal doors.
8.11 For doors fitted with intercom device, refer to 6.5 (main entrances).
9. Stairs
9.1 Stairs only provide independent access for some ambulant disabled. In addition to
stairs, accessible ramps or lifts or both should be provided to give vertical access for all
disabled persons in accordance with Clauses 5 and 10.
9.2 The total rise in height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 2000 mm.
9.3 Changes in level more than 180 mm and single steps should be avoided.
9.4 Treads and risers should comply with the following:
a) the dimensions of treads and risers should be uniform for all steps in any one flight;
b) the line of nosing of the top step of a flight of stairs should not be closer than 300 mm to
the point where an adjacent wall returns as shown in Figure 7a);
c) treads should have a non-slip surface in accordance with Clause 26;
d) the nosing should have a radius of 10 mm to 15 mm and should be flush with the riser
and should not be lapped more than 25 mm as shown in Figure 7 b); and
e) projecting nosing and open stairs should not be used.
9.5 Illumination levels for stairs and landings refer to 29.4.
9.6 The top and bottom steps of any flight of stairs should not encroach on circulation
space.
9.7 Landing and floor levels should be distinguished from stairs either by contrasting
colours, brightness or textures.
9.8 No door should open directly across the top of the flight of stairs or swing so that it
obstructs the top and bottom steps.
9.9 Stairs should have handrails on both sides in accordance with Clause 12.
9.10 The width between handrails on stairs should not be less than 900 mm as shown in
Figure 7 a).
10. Lifts
10.1 Every lift forming part of vertical access for the disabled persons should have an
unobstructed depth in front of the lift doors of not less than 1800 mm.
10.2 It should maintain a floor level accuracy within a tolerance of 10 mm throughout the
range of rated load.
10.3 The handrail in the lift car should not be less than 600 mm long at 1000 mm above
the finished floor level and should be fixed adjacent to the control panel.
10.4 At least one lift car, adjacent to a public entrance that is accessible for disabled
persons, should be designed as a lift for wheelchair users, complying to all the sub-clauses of
this clause, and should have space for a wheelchair to be turned through 180° inside the lift in
accordance with Figure 8.
10.5 The lift door installation should provide the following:
a) the lift doors should be power operated;
b) should provide a clear opening of not less than 800 mm in accordance with Figure 8;
c) sensing devices should be provided to ensure that lift car and landing doors will not
close while the opening is obstructed, subject to the nudging provisions which
operate if the door is held open for more than 20 s; and
d) if sensing devices as in c) above are not provided, the dwell time of an automatically
closing door should not be less than 5 s and the closing speed should not exceed
0.25 m/s.
10.6 Lift controls should comply with the following:
a) Controls should be clearly indicated and easily operated in accordance with Clause
27.
b) Call buttons should either project from or be flush with the face of the car-operating
panel. The width or diameter of the buttons should not be less than 20 mm.
c) Floor buttons, alarm buttons or emergency telephone and door control buttons in lift cars
and lobbies should not be higher than 1400 mm above finished floor level. The
hearing impaired can use an alarm button and not the emergency telephone. An
alarm button should always be provided, and preferably of a design which lights up
and produce sound when pressed to reassure those trapped inside.
d) All buttons should be so designed that the sight impaired can identify them by touch.
Button not already so designed are best modified by fixing, embossed or braille
numbers or letters, not on the buttons themselves, but adjacent to them.
10.7 Lift indicators should be provided in accordance with following:
a) 'Lift coming' or 'Call accepted' indicators should be provided at each landing.
b) Indicators should be provided in each lift lobby to show the position and direction of the lift
car; alternatively, an audible indicator should be provided to indicate in advance the
arrival of the lift car and its direction of travel.
c) An indicator inside the car should signal clearly the direction of travel and the floor at
which the lift car is situated.
d) Embossed and braille numbering indicating each floor level should be provided beside
the outside call button.
11. Escalators
11.1 Where escalators are installed, lifts or ramps should be available as an alternative.
11.2 The treads of escalators shall be easily distinguished from the floor and landing levels
by contrasting colours, brightness and texture. Their surfaces shall be slip-resistant.
11.3 To alert people with visual impairment that they are approaching escalators, a strip of
suitable guiding blocks (refer Clause 15) of not less than 900 mm long should be laid on the
floor leading to the embarking end of the escalators.
12. Handrails
Pathways, corridors, ramps and staircases, which may be accessed by wheelchair users
and/or ambulant disabled persons, require handrails:
12.1 Fixed not less than 840 mm nor more than 900 mm from finished floor level, extended
in the case of ramp or stairway by 300 mm as shown in Figure 9.
12.2 The grip should not be less than 40 mm diameter nor more than 60 mm wide and it
should provide a secure non-slip grip as shown in Figure 10.
12.3 Fixed securely with its ends turned away or turned downwards for not less than 100
mm.
12.4 So fixed that there is no obstruction to the passage of the hand along the grip.
12.5 Fixed not less than 50 mm and not more than 100 mm from any adjacent wall.
12.6 Continued unbroken, if practicable, throughout each flight of stairs or along each
pathway or internal ramp and around landing and rest areas.
12.7 Which should preferably contrast in colour to their supporting walls.
12.8 Which if located at staircases and ramps should be capable of carrying a minimum
load of 100 kg and available on both sides.
13. Grab rails
Water closets, urinals, bathtubs, showers and washbasins which may be accessed by
wheelchair users and/or the ambulant disabled, require grab rails placed around these
facilities:
13.1 Fixed not less than 750 mm nor more than 1200 mm from the floor, unless otherwise
specified.
13.2 With an external diameter of not less than 30 mm nor more than 40 mm.
13.3 Projecting no more than 115 mm from the wall surface (except for back rest grab rails
up to 250 mm), allowing the hand to grip the grab rail but not encroaching into the space
required for assisted transfers.
13.4 Constructed with the appropriate materials and in a manner that can support a
minimum of 100 kg at any point.
13.5 Preferably contrasting in colour with their supporting wall and not easily corrosive.
14. Circulation spaces
14.1 Every circulation space, other than a step ramp complying Clause 7, forming part of
access for wheelchair users should have a clear width at every part of not less than 1200 mm.
14.2 Circulation spaces should not include any vertical change in level of more than ± 10
mm.
14.3 The minimum distances between the doorways in a straight line forming access for
wheelchair users should be the width of the widest door encroaching into the circulation
space together with 1200 mm, or 2000 mm, whichever is greater.
14.4 Where access for wheelchair users involve a change of direction to gain access
to an area off a circulation space, the circulation space should have a width of not less
than 1200 mm.
14.5 The unobstructed space to be provided in an area leading off a circulation space
should be in accordance with either of the alternatives in Figure 11.
14.6 People with impaired vision who find their way with sticks can most easily follow a
plain vertical wall, and deep recessing should be avoided. Isolated pillars are also a hazard to
them. The vertical corners of walls and pillars both inside and outside the buildings should be
rounded off to reduce the risk of injury to them.
15. Guiding blocks
15.1 Guiding blocks should be provided to assist sight-impaired people where they need
either warning of dangers ahead such as obstacles and hazards, or guidance as to the
correct route to follow for example :
a) at the entry points to doors, entrances, location with change of levels including stairs, lifts,
escalators, ramps and others obstacles or hazards; or
b) layout of guiding blocks should be arranged at strategic points such as main entrances.
15.2 A guiding block should meet the following requirements:
a) it must be detectable underfoot;
b) it must be easily installed and maintained;
c) it must be of durable non-slip material; and
d) it must be contrast in colour with adjacent surfaces.
15.3 The blocks forming a guiding block of the layout should be set adjacent to one
another with the base level of their upper surfaces flush with that adjacent footpath or
carriageway. They must adhere firmly with the base material below. Regular inspection,
maintenance and repairs should be carried out specifically of guiding blocks.
15.4 There are two types of blocks bearing different kinds of raised marking:
a) Line-type blocks, as in Figure 12 a), indicate the correct route to follow, namely that in
which the lines point.
b) Dot-type blocks, as in Figure 12 b), give a warning signal. They are used to screen off an
obstacle, drop-off or other hazard; to discourage movement in an incorrect direction;
and to warn of a corner or junction in the correct route. For either type, the blocks
used within any layout of guiding blocks should all be of similar design and
dimension.
15.5 Where guiding blocks are used to warn of hazard, the distance between the hazard
and the edge of the nearest block should normally be 600 mm; but at the dangerous drop-off
such as a railway platform it should be 900 mm. Where used at doors, entrances, stairs, lifts,
escalators and ramps, the distance to the edge of the nearest guiding block should be 300
mm.
15.6 The sides of blocks should not be less than 300 mm long. Their raised markings
should be regularly arranged, and should stand out 5 mm to 6 mm above the base level of
their upper surface; they should be 25 mm to 35 mm wide, and spaced with their centres or
middle lines 50 mm to 70 mm apart. Examples of blocks of suitable design and dimensions
are given in Figure 12.
15.7 Figure 13 shows how layouts of guiding blocks should be arranged at important
points such as main entrances, stairs and turning point at corners.
16. Summary of toilet requirements
16.1 In every public building to which access for disabled persons is required, water
closets for wheelchair users should be provided in accordance with Table 1.
16.2 If in buildings used by the general public (see note to Table 1) such water closets are
not provided on all floors, then notices (see Clause 28) should be displayed at the toilets and
lifts on other floors saying where they are located.
16.3 Where appropriate other toilet facilities for the disabled should be provided according
to Clauses 18 and 20.
17. Water closets
17.1 Water closets for wheelchair users should comply with the following:
a) In every public building required under 16.1 to be provided for water closets for use by
wheelchair users, the water closets should be accompanied by an unobstructed area
having dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 14, but the layout of the water
closet and unobstructed area may be reversed in plan (mirror image).
b) The water closets should be provided either:
i) as a combined water closet and washroom as shown in Figure 15 i); or
ii) as water closets for use by men or women. In this case separate washing
facilities are to be provided together with the water closets as shown in
Figure 15 ii), where the washbasin is to be located within the unobstructed
area or common facilities outside the water closets.
c) Where two or more water closets are provided for wheelchairs in the same public
building, at least one such closet and accompanying unobstructed area should be
reversed in plan (mirror image) to the other closet.
d) Every door to a room containing a water closet for wheelchair users should:
i) be provided with a lever-action type indicator bolt so design that the door can
be opened at any time from the outside, and
ii) if a hinged door, open away from the water closets and be hinged on the side
furthest from the closet and located in the position shown in Figure 15 i) or
Figure 15 ii).
e) Every room containing a water closet for wheelchair users should have grab rails as
Clause 13.
f) The flushing control for the water closet should be located not more than 1000 mm above
the finished floor level and be activated by a downward operating lever, push button or
any other convenient system.
g) A tap with a flexible hose or other cleaning device which can be used for personal
cleansing, and a toilet paper holder, should be provided with each water closet within
easy reach of the users as shown in Figure 15 iii).
h) The design of the water closets pan should allow a wheelchair with its footrest raised to
approach from the front until the wheelchair seat touches the closet bowl.
i) It should also be possible for a wheelchair to back alongside the water closet on its
unobstructed side until the two seats are in line.
j) The water closets should be accessible by disabled persons from a main entrance, lift
or other circulation space which is in accordance with Clauses 6, 10 or 14.
17.2 Water closets for ambulant disabled only should comply with the following:
a) Except for the width of the unobstructed area, the requirements for a water closet for
wheelchair users in accordance with 17.1b) ii) should apply to water closets for
ambulant disabled.
b) The configuration of a water closet should be in accordance with Figure 15 iv) and the
notes thereto.
c) Grab rails should be located on each side of the water closet and should also be of
the configuration shown in Figure 15 iv).
18. Urinals
Urinals provided to be used for disabled persons should comply with the following:
a) Where wall-hung urinals are installed, at least one should have a lip height of 400 mm
above the finished floor, and there should be no step or hob as indicated in Figure 16.
b) Where stall urinals are provided, they should be constructed without a step or hob,
and at least one stall should be not less than 760 mm wide.
c) Grab rails should be fixed to the wall or partitions of the urinals as shown in Figure
16.
19. Shower facilities
19.1 In every public building where showers are provided for use by wheelchair users or
ambulant disabled persons, each shower should be accompanied by an unobstructed area
having dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 17 but the layout of the shower and
unobstructed area may be reversed in plan.
19.2 The shower recess should not be separated by a door from the unobstructed area. If
a drying space is required for dressing and undressing, it should be separated from the
shower recess by a curtain or a sliding screen with a flush door track.
19.3 The dressing space should be fitted with a cloth-hanging device not less than 1200
mm nor more than 1400 mm above the finished floor level.
19.4 The floor of the shower recess should be a continuation of the floor of the
unobstructed area, without a kerb, self-draining, water proof and non-slip.
19.5 A self-draining and non-slip fixed or foldable seat should be provided in the shower
recess, and another in the unobstructed area, at a height not less than 450 mm nor more than
500 mm above the finished floor level.
19.6 Grab rails should be fixed to the wall of the shower recess as shown in Figure 17.
19.7 Soap holders should be fully recessed into the wall of the shower recess, located not
less than 1000 mm nor more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, and situated so
that they are within reach by persons using the shower seat.
19.8 The shower controls and fittings should be located not less than 1000 mm nor more
than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, and situated so that they are within reach by
persons using the shower seat and by a carer from outside the shower recess.
19.9 A portable shower head attached to a flexible hose not less than 1500 mm in length
should be installed in the shower recess, and a fitting should be provided to which the shower
head can be attached at varying angles between 900 mm and 1900 mm above the finished
floor level.
19.10 Thermostatic mixing valves should be installed for showers.
19.11 If a pole is used in conjunction with the portable shower head, the pole should be so
constructed and installed as to be capable of being used as a vertical grab rail, and in such
cases a vertical grab rail need not be provided.
19.12 Where two or more showers are provided for disabled persons in the same building,
at least one should be reversed in plan (mirror images) to the others provided.
19.13 Every door in a room containing such a shower for disabled persons should be
provided with a lever-action type indicator bolt attached to the inside, which is so design that
the door can be opened at any time from the outside.
20. Washbasins and other facilities
20.1 Except as provided in Clause 17 for water closets, every washbasin provided for use
by disabled persons should comply with the following:
a) The washbasin should be wall-mounted to provide minimum clearance as shown in
Figure 18.
b) Water taps should comply with Clause 27.
c) Hot water supply pipes should be insulated.
d) Water supply pipes and waste outlet pipes should not encroach on the required clear
space under the washbasin.
20.2 Soap dispensers, sanitary disposal units, towel dispensers etc. provided with the
facilities referred to in Clauses 17.1, 19 or 21 should be installed at a height not less than 900
mm nor more than 1000 mm above the finished floor level. The heights should be measured
as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Points for dispenser
Facility Point from which measurement to be made
Soap Dispenser or Towel Dispenser
Sanitary Disposal Unit
The discharge outlet of the dispenser
The opening of the fitting
20.3 Where a mirror is provided with the facilities referred to in Clauses 19, 20 or 21, the
base should not be more than 1000 mm above the finished floor level and it should be tilted
down by 5° to give complete visibility.
20.4 Where a cloth hanging device is provided together with facilities referred in Clauses
17.1, 19, 20 or 21, the device should be located not less than 1200 mm nor more than 1400
mm above the finished floor level.
21.Bath
In every public building where baths are provided for wheelchair users or ambulant disabled
persons, they should comply with the following:
21.1 The bath should be accompanied by an unobstructed area having a dimension not
less than 1800 mm on one side and at least one end.
21.2 The bath should have straight sides 480 mm high from the floor level, with flat tops
not less than 75 mm wide and rounded at the edges, as shown in Figure 19.
21.3 Grab rails should be provided as shown in Figure 19.
21.4 Where two or more baths are provided for wheelchair users in the same building at
least one should be reversed in plan (mirror images) to the other provided.
22. Combined water closet and shower recess
Where a water closet, washbasin and shower recess are combined, the installation should be
in accordance with Figure 20.
23. Shelving and wall units
23.1 For wheelchair users:
Shelving and wall units for use by wheelchair users should comply with the following:
a) The configuration of unobstructed shelving and wall units should be as shown in
Figure 21 a) including the notes thereto.
b) The configuration of shelving and wall units adjacent to work surfaces should be as
shown in Figure 21 b) including the notes thereto.
c) The vertical space between hotplate elements or burners and combustible material
should not be less than 750 mm.
23.2 For ambulant disabled persons:
Shelving and wall units for use by ambulant disabled persons should comply with the
following:
a) The configuration of unobstructed shelving or wall units should be as shown in Figure
22 a) including the notes thereto.
b) The configuration of shelving or wall units adjacent to work surfaces should be as
shown in Figure 22 b) including the notes thereto.
c) The vertical space between hotplate elements or burners and combustible material
should not be less than 750 mm.
24. Work surfaces
24.1 Fixed work surfaces provided for use by wheelchair users where the arm rests of the
wheelchair are removable should be in accordance with Figure 23 and have an unobstructed
seating width of not less than 750 mm, within which there should be clear space at least 450
mm void.
24.2 Edges and corners of fixed work surfaces should be rounded.
24.3 Where transaction are done between staff and public across a counter, at least part
of the counter should be lowered and constructed on the public side as a work surface for
wheelchair users in accordance with this clause.
25. Projections, guard rails, openings and drops
25.1 Hanging signs, lights, awnings and similar objects that protrude into circulation
spaces should have a minimum clearance height of 2000 mm clear.
25.2 Windows or doors should not open across access walkways, corridors, stairs or
ramps such that they obstruct circulation.
25.3 Guard rails must be provided alongside any drop-off to avoid hazards to people with
visual impairment and the public.
25.4 Openings of any forms whatsoever and any sudden drop of more than 75 mm from
the floor level across walkways, corridors or any other means of access should be adequately
indicated and protected in order to avoid hazard to people with visual impairment.
26. Finishes
26.1 Floor finishes:
Floor finishes should have a non-slip surface with a texture traversal by disabled persons.
The following finishes are acceptable.
a) For wet locations including interior surfaces which are frequently washed:
- concrete with abrasive or textured surface;
- concrete with exposed aggregate finish;
- bituminous concrete;
- natural stone with rough finish;
- paving bricks with special abrasive finish;
- vinyl, specially formulated with embossed surface; or
- rubber, specially formulated with embossed surface.
b) For dry locations:
Including all materials suitable for wet locations, short pile carpet and smooth flooring
materials such as the following:
- cork:
- linoleum;
- vinyl;
- timber;
- terrazzo; and
- any other similar material.
26.2 Other requirements
Contrasting textures and colour and brightness should be used to emphasise obstructions or
hazards such as ramps, radiators, exposed beams etc. Since red or green colour blindness is
more common among people with low vision, red and green should not be chosen as a pair of
contrasting colours.
27. Controls for use by disabled persons
27.1 Locking and opening controls for windows and doors should be readily accessible,
fixed not more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, operable by one hand, and not
obstructed by any fitting or appliances.
27.2 Where there are disabled persons living in public buildings such as senior citizen
homes or hostels, operating of windows should be made accessible to them whether
manually or electrical aided.
27.3 Electrical fittings should comply with the followings:
a) All light switches should be horizontally aligned with door handles and other fixtures
and fittings not less than 900 mm nor more than 1200mm above the finished floor
level in accordance with Figure 24 and not less than 500 mm from corners.
b) The toggle, rocker, push pad or, push buttons of light switches should project clear of
the switch plate and have a width not less than 10 mm.
c) General power outlets should be fixed not less than 500 mm above the finished floor
level and not less than 500 mm from corners.
27.4 One of any group of telephone for public use shall be designed for wheelchair and
hearing-impaired users. Such telephone booths should not have any doors or steps, and if
there are side-walls they should be at least 800 mm apart. The coin-slot, card-slot and dial or
buttons should be no higher than 1000 mm above the ground and the dial or buttons should
face forwards rather than upwards. A shelf should be provided where the deaf can place the
keyboard of their telecommunication device. The shelf should be 300 mm x 300 mm in size,
and placed at least 200 mm below the telephone.
27.5 Vending machines, automatic teller machines and other such facilities should be
accessible to wheelchair users. The coin-slot, card-slot and buttons should be no higher than
1000 mm above the ground and should face forwards rather than upwards.
27.6 Water taps should comply with the followings:
a) Taps should have long handles lever. The water should be delivered through a centre
mixing bib.
b) The taps should not be less than 50 mm away from the back wall.
27.7 Door handles and related hardware and accessories should comply with the
following:
a) Doors should be operable with one hand. Handles or other operating deviser should
not be less than 900 mm nor more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level and
should be horizontally aligned with any adjacent light switches as shown in Figure 24.
b) Handles for hinged door should be made from non-slip material of lever action type
as shown in Figure 25 a).
c) The clearance between the handles and the back plate should not be less than 50
mm.
d) Where a door closer is fitted, the pressure required to open the door should not be
more than 36 N for external doors and 22 N for internal doors.
e) An auxiliary handrail should be fixed closed for the handles to the door for easier
manipulation by disabled persons and should be fixed as shown in Figure 25 b).
This Malaysian Standard specifies the basic requirements for elements of buildings and
related facilities so as to permit access by people with disabilities.
These requirements are applicable to all buildings that disabled persons may use as
members of the general public, as visitors or for purposes of employment. Residential
buildings will be covered in another standard.
Building types to which the recommendations of the code may be applied include:
a) offices, banks, post offices, shops, department stores, supermarkets, hotels and other
administrative and commercial buildings;
b) rail, road, sea and air travel buildings and associated concourses, car-parking
building and factories;
c) hospitals, medical centres, clinics and other health and welfare buildings;
d) restaurants, concert halls, theatres, cinemas, conference buildings, community
buildings, swimming pools, sports buildings and other refreshment, entertainment and
recreation buildings;
e) religious buildings; and
f) schools, hostels, colleges, universities, zoos, museums, art galleries, libraries,
exhibition buildings and, other educational, cultural and scientific buildings; and any
other buildings or any part thereof to which members of the general public has
access, as visitors /occupants or for the purposes of the employment.
Buildings having less than 280 m² of floor area per level need not be required to provide
vertical access for the disabled persons provided the ground floor is made accessible.
2. Interpretation
In this standard, unless the context otherwise requires:
2.1 Access for disabled persons means a continuous unobstructed path of travel to or
within a building capable of being negotiated by a person using a wheelchair or otherwise with
limited mobility.
2.2 Ambulant disabled persons are persons who are able to walk but who may depend
on prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (calipers), sticks, crutches or other mobility aids, and
others who can walk but have sensory impairment such as the blind and the deaf.
2.3 Circulation space means a passageway, corridor, lobby, hallway or ramp affording
access between parts of a building.
2.4 Disabled persons refer to people with a physical, hearing or sight impairment or any
combination thereof, which affects their mobility or their use of buildings and related
amenities.
2.5 Entrance floor means the floor at which the persons using the building normally gain
entrance thereto but does not include any basement or utility area.
2.6 Guiding blocks are special tiles incorporated into the walking surface, and arranged
in layouts for the guidance of the blind; they have raised markings on them which the blind
can feel through their feet.
2.7 Landscape
Landscape can be divided into:
a) Soft landscape such as plants, shrubs and trees.
b) Hard landscape such as furniture, lighting, dustbin or part of it any features for
decoration, etc.
2.8 Signs and Symbols
a) Signs - refer to designs that help to indicate location or direction of places which have
facilities for disabled persons. A sign has to be appropriately sized, effectively
designed and located for the benefit of disabled persons, in the form of audio and
visual presentation.
b) Symbols - are graphical representation of the concept, and form part of the signs.
2.9 Vertical access shall include:
a) an internal ramp complying with Clause 5;
b) a step ramp complying with Clause 7;
c) a lift designed for carrying transport of persons complying with Clause 10;
d) any combination of a), b) and c); and
e) in the case of providing access for ambulant disabled, stairs complying with Clause 9 and
escalators complying with Clause 11.
2.10 Wheelchair users are persons who depend on a wheelchair for mobility. These
include attendant propelled wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and self-propelled
wheelchairs.
3. General
3.1 Access for disabled persons to and within every public building approved by the
relevant authorities pursuant to Uniform Building By-Laws or any act or regulations should be
provided in accordance with this Malaysian Standard.
3.2 Access for disabled persons should be means of a pathway and ramp complying with
Clause 5 or a step ramp complying with Clause 7 or a lift for the transport of persons
complying with Clause 10 or any combination thereof, and should commence at:
a) the street alignment in respect of the site on which the building is located; and
b) any car parking area on the same site (whether within or outside the building); or
c) another building to which wheelchair access is provided in accordance with this
section.
3.3 Access for disabled persons should extend:
a) from the main entrance referred to in Clause 6 to any vertical access within the building;
b) from the main entrance referred to in Clause 6 and from the vertical access to every floor
level; and
c) at every floor level, to all rooms and others places to which members of the general public
have access, as defined in 2.1.
3.4 In public viewing area, in theatres, cinemas and grandstand and other similar spaces for
wheelchair users should be provided in the proportion of 1 space to every 200 seats, or part
thereof available to the public, with a minimum of 2 spaces for wheelchair users.
3.5 In concert, conference and lecture halls, theatres, cinemas, religious buildings, an
induction loop shall be installed which can be connected with the sound system for the benefit
of people with impaired hearing using certain types of hearing aid.
3.6 Except where otherwise provided, the dimensions prescribed in this Malaysian Standard
including those in figures or tables should not be reduced by any stairways, doors stop,
architrave’s, skirting, kerbs, handrails or other fixtures.
4. Vehicle parking and access
4.1 Vehicle spaces for disabled persons should be provided in the proportion of 1 space
to every 100 vehicles, or part thereof available to the public.
4.2 Parking spaces should be on the flat surface and not less than 3 600 mm wide. All
types of vehicle driven by disabled persons may be parked in them.
4.3 Flat access should be provided between each parking space and the adjoining
walkway. If there is a change in level from the parking space to the walkway, a step ramp
complying with Clause 7 should be provided.
4.4 Spaces for parking the vehicles of disabled persons should be adjacent to at least
one entrance to the building that is visible and usable by them.
4.5 Parking spaces should be identified by a sign incorporating the symbol for access by
disabled persons, in accordance with Clause 28. The sign should be readily visible from a
vehicle at the entrance to the car park. Adequate guide signs should be provided to direct the
disabled persons to the location of the space.
4.6 Disembarkation space near the main entrance to a building or complex is essential
for disabled passengers. Guiding blocks leading to the main entrance should be provided.
5. Pathways and ramps
1:40 max. 1:40 max.
a) Crowned walkway or ramp b) Banked walkway or ramp
Figure 1: Maximum allowable camber for pathways and
ramps
a) have a clear width at every part of not less than 1200 mm;
b) in no part have a gradient steeper than 1:12;
c) the surface of the adjacent grounds to the pathways and internal ramps should be at the
same level ± 10 mm;
d) the camber of crowned or banked pathways and ramps should not be more than 1:40 in
cross section as shown in Figure 1;
e) wherever pathways or ramps join other walkways, ramps, driveways or parking areas, the
transition should be effected without abrupt change of camber; and
f) pathways and ramps should have a non-slip finish in accordance with Clause 26.
5.2 All ramps should :
a) be provided with landing rest areas not less than 1200 mm in length at intervals of not
more than 6000 mm, measured clear as shown in Figure 2;
Figure 2. Profile of ramp
wall or a balustrade in accordance with Clause 12; and
c) be provided on the open side with a kerb not less than 100 mm high.
6. Main entrances
6.1 Every public building should have a doorway at the entrance floor providing access
for wheelchair users into the building.
6.2 At least one entrance usable by wheelchair users should be on a similar level to lifts
where these are provided.
6.3 When the main entrance of the building is not usable by the wheelchair users then a
sign complying with Clause 28 directing to an alternative accessible entrance should be
installed at the same entrance.
6.4 Entrances and exits used by the sight impaired should be identified for them by guiding
blocks.
6.5 Door fitted with intercom, the height of the microphone should be between 1100 mm
to 1300 mm and a special button for the hearing impaired should be provided.
6.6 Disembarkation space for disabled persons should be provided as in 4.6.
7. Step ramps
7.1 Where:
a) the entrance floor or any other floor is not more than 215 mm above or below the
adjacent street or finished ground level; or
b) there is a change of level of not more than 215 mm within a building a step ramp,
constructed in accordance with Figure 3, may be provided in place of a pathway or an
internal ramp.
Figure 3. Step ramp
finished ground or floor level (as the case requires).
7.3 Step ramps should be located so that disabled persons have an unobstructed view of
traffic approaching from any direction.
7.4 Step ramps should have a non-slip finish in accordance with Clause 26.
8. Doors and doorways
Doors and doorways (forming part of access for wheelchair users) should comply with the
following:
8.1 Every doorway except those to toilet facilities should have an opening of not less than
900 mm clear. In case of double leaf door, at least one leaf should have the minimum opening
of not less than 900 mm clear. Building such as hospital and sport complexes should have the
minimum of opening of not less than 1000 mm clear.
8.2 Every doorway to toilet facilities should have an opening of not less than 900 mm
clear.
8.3 Where a door opens towards access for wheelchair users, the circulation space
should not be less than those as shown in Figure 4 including the notes thereto.
a) Direct access for wheelchair users
b) Side access for wheelchair users
Figure 4. Door openings towards access for wheelchair users
8.4 Where door opens other than towards access for wheelchair users, the circulation
space should have dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 5 including the notes
thereto.
a) Direct exit or access for wheelchair users.
b) Side exit or access for wheelchair users
Figure 5. Door opening other than towards access for wheelchair users.
8.6 Sliding doors should be installed in place where a hinged door would hinder
circulation or mobility.
8.7 Where revolving access or turnstiles are installed, it may be necessary to provide an
alternative access for disabled persons.
8.8 If door glazing is required, the location of door glazing should be provided within the
limitation in accordance with Figure 6.
Figure 6. Door glazing limitation
mm and 1500 mm above the plane of finished floor to avoid danger to people with defective
vision.
8.10 Threshold to entrance doors should not be more than 10 mm and should be avoided
in all internal doors.
8.11 For doors fitted with intercom device, refer to 6.5 (main entrances).
9. Stairs
9.1 Stairs only provide independent access for some ambulant disabled. In addition to
stairs, accessible ramps or lifts or both should be provided to give vertical access for all
disabled persons in accordance with Clauses 5 and 10.
9.2 The total rise in height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 2000 mm.
9.3 Changes in level more than 180 mm and single steps should be avoided.
9.4 Treads and risers should comply with the following:
a) the dimensions of treads and risers should be uniform for all steps in any one flight;
b) the line of nosing of the top step of a flight of stairs should not be closer than 300 mm to
the point where an adjacent wall returns as shown in Figure 7a);
Figure 7a). Stairs for ambulant disabled
d) the nosing should have a radius of 10 mm to 15 mm and should be flush with the riser
and should not be lapped more than 25 mm as shown in Figure 7 b); and
e) projecting nosing and open stairs should not be used.
Figure 7b). Configuration of steps
9.6 The top and bottom steps of any flight of stairs should not encroach on circulation
space.
9.7 Landing and floor levels should be distinguished from stairs either by contrasting
colours, brightness or textures.
9.8 No door should open directly across the top of the flight of stairs or swing so that it
obstructs the top and bottom steps.
9.9 Stairs should have handrails on both sides in accordance with Clause 12.
9.10 The width between handrails on stairs should not be less than 900 mm as shown in
Figure 7 a).
10. Lifts
10.1 Every lift forming part of vertical access for the disabled persons should have an
unobstructed depth in front of the lift doors of not less than 1800 mm.
10.2 It should maintain a floor level accuracy within a tolerance of 10 mm throughout the
range of rated load.
10.3 The handrail in the lift car should not be less than 600 mm long at 1000 mm above
the finished floor level and should be fixed adjacent to the control panel.
10.4 At least one lift car, adjacent to a public entrance that is accessible for disabled
persons, should be designed as a lift for wheelchair users, complying to all the sub-clauses of
this clause, and should have space for a wheelchair to be turned through 180° inside the lift in
accordance with Figure 8.
Figure 8. Lift car requirement
a) the lift doors should be power operated;
b) should provide a clear opening of not less than 800 mm in accordance with Figure 8;
c) sensing devices should be provided to ensure that lift car and landing doors will not
close while the opening is obstructed, subject to the nudging provisions which
operate if the door is held open for more than 20 s; and
d) if sensing devices as in c) above are not provided, the dwell time of an automatically
closing door should not be less than 5 s and the closing speed should not exceed
0.25 m/s.
10.6 Lift controls should comply with the following:
a) Controls should be clearly indicated and easily operated in accordance with Clause
27.
b) Call buttons should either project from or be flush with the face of the car-operating
panel. The width or diameter of the buttons should not be less than 20 mm.
c) Floor buttons, alarm buttons or emergency telephone and door control buttons in lift cars
and lobbies should not be higher than 1400 mm above finished floor level. The
hearing impaired can use an alarm button and not the emergency telephone. An
alarm button should always be provided, and preferably of a design which lights up
and produce sound when pressed to reassure those trapped inside.
d) All buttons should be so designed that the sight impaired can identify them by touch.
Button not already so designed are best modified by fixing, embossed or braille
numbers or letters, not on the buttons themselves, but adjacent to them.
10.7 Lift indicators should be provided in accordance with following:
a) 'Lift coming' or 'Call accepted' indicators should be provided at each landing.
b) Indicators should be provided in each lift lobby to show the position and direction of the lift
car; alternatively, an audible indicator should be provided to indicate in advance the
arrival of the lift car and its direction of travel.
c) An indicator inside the car should signal clearly the direction of travel and the floor at
which the lift car is situated.
d) Embossed and braille numbering indicating each floor level should be provided beside
the outside call button.
11. Escalators
11.1 Where escalators are installed, lifts or ramps should be available as an alternative.
11.2 The treads of escalators shall be easily distinguished from the floor and landing levels
by contrasting colours, brightness and texture. Their surfaces shall be slip-resistant.
11.3 To alert people with visual impairment that they are approaching escalators, a strip of
suitable guiding blocks (refer Clause 15) of not less than 900 mm long should be laid on the
floor leading to the embarking end of the escalators.
12. Handrails
Pathways, corridors, ramps and staircases, which may be accessed by wheelchair users
and/or ambulant disabled persons, require handrails:
12.1 Fixed not less than 840 mm nor more than 900 mm from finished floor level, extended
in the case of ramp or stairway by 300 mm as shown in Figure 9.
(a) Handrail on pathways or internal ramp
(b) Handrail on stairway
Figure 9. Handrails
should provide a secure non-slip grip as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10. Coordinating dimensions for handrail grip
mm.
12.4 So fixed that there is no obstruction to the passage of the hand along the grip.
12.5 Fixed not less than 50 mm and not more than 100 mm from any adjacent wall.
12.6 Continued unbroken, if practicable, throughout each flight of stairs or along each
pathway or internal ramp and around landing and rest areas.
12.7 Which should preferably contrast in colour to their supporting walls.
12.8 Which if located at staircases and ramps should be capable of carrying a minimum
load of 100 kg and available on both sides.
13. Grab rails
Water closets, urinals, bathtubs, showers and washbasins which may be accessed by
wheelchair users and/or the ambulant disabled, require grab rails placed around these
facilities:
13.1 Fixed not less than 750 mm nor more than 1200 mm from the floor, unless otherwise
specified.
13.2 With an external diameter of not less than 30 mm nor more than 40 mm.
13.3 Projecting no more than 115 mm from the wall surface (except for back rest grab rails
up to 250 mm), allowing the hand to grip the grab rail but not encroaching into the space
required for assisted transfers.
13.4 Constructed with the appropriate materials and in a manner that can support a
minimum of 100 kg at any point.
13.5 Preferably contrasting in colour with their supporting wall and not easily corrosive.
14. Circulation spaces
14.1 Every circulation space, other than a step ramp complying Clause 7, forming part of
access for wheelchair users should have a clear width at every part of not less than 1200 mm.
14.2 Circulation spaces should not include any vertical change in level of more than ± 10
mm.
14.3 The minimum distances between the doorways in a straight line forming access for
wheelchair users should be the width of the widest door encroaching into the circulation
space together with 1200 mm, or 2000 mm, whichever is greater.
14.4 Where access for wheelchair users involve a change of direction to gain access
to an area off a circulation space, the circulation space should have a width of not less
than 1200 mm.
14.5 The unobstructed space to be provided in an area leading off a circulation space
should be in accordance with either of the alternatives in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Areas off circulation space
plain vertical wall, and deep recessing should be avoided. Isolated pillars are also a hazard to
them. The vertical corners of walls and pillars both inside and outside the buildings should be
rounded off to reduce the risk of injury to them.
15. Guiding blocks
15.1 Guiding blocks should be provided to assist sight-impaired people where they need
either warning of dangers ahead such as obstacles and hazards, or guidance as to the
correct route to follow for example :
a) at the entry points to doors, entrances, location with change of levels including stairs, lifts,
escalators, ramps and others obstacles or hazards; or
b) layout of guiding blocks should be arranged at strategic points such as main entrances.
15.2 A guiding block should meet the following requirements:
a) it must be detectable underfoot;
b) it must be easily installed and maintained;
c) it must be of durable non-slip material; and
d) it must be contrast in colour with adjacent surfaces.
15.3 The blocks forming a guiding block of the layout should be set adjacent to one
another with the base level of their upper surfaces flush with that adjacent footpath or
carriageway. They must adhere firmly with the base material below. Regular inspection,
maintenance and repairs should be carried out specifically of guiding blocks.
15.4 There are two types of blocks bearing different kinds of raised marking:
a) Line-type blocks, as in Figure 12 a), indicate the correct route to follow, namely that in
which the lines point.
b) Dot-type blocks, as in Figure 12 b), give a warning signal. They are used to screen off an
obstacle, drop-off or other hazard; to discourage movement in an incorrect direction;
and to warn of a corner or junction in the correct route. For either type, the blocks
used within any layout of guiding blocks should all be of similar design and
dimension.
a) Line-type blocks
b) Dot-type blocks
Figure 12. Examples of guiding blocks
and the edge of the nearest block should normally be 600 mm; but at the dangerous drop-off
such as a railway platform it should be 900 mm. Where used at doors, entrances, stairs, lifts,
escalators and ramps, the distance to the edge of the nearest guiding block should be 300
mm.
a) Guiding blocks used at entrances
b) Guiding blocks used at stairs
c) Guiding blocks along corridors linking to stairs
Figure 13. Examples of guiding blocks layouts
should be regularly arranged, and should stand out 5 mm to 6 mm above the base level of
their upper surface; they should be 25 mm to 35 mm wide, and spaced with their centres or
middle lines 50 mm to 70 mm apart. Examples of blocks of suitable design and dimensions
are given in Figure 12.
15.7 Figure 13 shows how layouts of guiding blocks should be arranged at important
points such as main entrances, stairs and turning point at corners.
16. Summary of toilet requirements
16.1 In every public building to which access for disabled persons is required, water
closets for wheelchair users should be provided in accordance with Table 1.
Table 1. Water closets for wheelchair users
Number of water closets in the building Minimum number for use by wheelchair users
1 to 50 (i) One unit for use by both males and females; or
(ii) One unit for use by males only and another one for females only.
51 to 100 (i) Two units for use by both males and females; or
(ii) One unit for use by both males and females, one for use by males
More than 100 (i) As for 51 to 100; together with (ii) 0ne unit for use by both males and females for each additional 50 water closets or part there of in excess of 100 water closets.
NOTE!!!
The unisex water closet is recommended in areas used by the general public, e.g. shopping centres, hotels and
the like where a disabled person may be accompanied by an attendant of the opposite sex. This type of toilet facility
should be a public facility located so that access to it does not necessitate traversing an area reserved for one sex only.
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not provided on all floors, then notices (see Clause 28) should be displayed at the toilets and
lifts on other floors saying where they are located.
16.3 Where appropriate other toilet facilities for the disabled should be provided according
to Clauses 18 and 20.
17. Water closets
17.1 Water closets for wheelchair users should comply with the following:
a) In every public building required under 16.1 to be provided for water closets for use by
wheelchair users, the water closets should be accompanied by an unobstructed area
having dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 14, but the layout of the water
closet and unobstructed area may be reversed in plan (mirror image).
b) The water closets should be provided either:
i) as a combined water closet and washroom as shown in Figure 15 i); or
ii) as water closets for use by men or women. In this case separate washing
facilities are to be provided together with the water closets as shown in
Figure 15 ii), where the washbasin is to be located within the unobstructed
area or common facilities outside the water closets.
Figure 14. General requirement for water closet
Figure 15 i). Combined water closet and washroom
Figure 15 ii). Separate water closets for wheelchair user
Figure 15 iii). Separate water closets for wheelchair user
building, at least one such closet and accompanying unobstructed area should be
reversed in plan (mirror image) to the other closet.
d) Every door to a room containing a water closet for wheelchair users should:
i) be provided with a lever-action type indicator bolt so design that the door can
be opened at any time from the outside, and
ii) if a hinged door, open away from the water closets and be hinged on the side
furthest from the closet and located in the position shown in Figure 15 i) or
Figure 15 ii).
e) Every room containing a water closet for wheelchair users should have grab rails as
Clause 13.
f) The flushing control for the water closet should be located not more than 1000 mm above
the finished floor level and be activated by a downward operating lever, push button or
any other convenient system.
g) A tap with a flexible hose or other cleaning device which can be used for personal
cleansing, and a toilet paper holder, should be provided with each water closet within
easy reach of the users as shown in Figure 15 iii).
h) The design of the water closets pan should allow a wheelchair with its footrest raised to
approach from the front until the wheelchair seat touches the closet bowl.
i) It should also be possible for a wheelchair to back alongside the water closet on its
unobstructed side until the two seats are in line.
j) The water closets should be accessible by disabled persons from a main entrance, lift
or other circulation space which is in accordance with Clauses 6, 10 or 14.
17.2 Water closets for ambulant disabled only should comply with the following:
a) Except for the width of the unobstructed area, the requirements for a water closet for
wheelchair users in accordance with 17.1b) ii) should apply to water closets for
ambulant disabled.
b) The configuration of a water closet should be in accordance with Figure 15 iv) and the
notes thereto.
c) Grab rails should be located on each side of the water closet and should also be of
the configuration shown in Figure 15 iv).
Figure 15 iv). Water closet for ambulant disabled
18. Urinals
Urinals provided to be used for disabled persons should comply with the following:
a) Where wall-hung urinals are installed, at least one should have a lip height of 400 mm
above the finished floor, and there should be no step or hob as indicated in Figure 16.
a) Wall hung urinals
b) Stall urinals
Figure 16. Urinals and grab rails
and at least one stall should be not less than 760 mm wide.
c) Grab rails should be fixed to the wall or partitions of the urinals as shown in Figure
16.
19. Shower facilities
19.1 In every public building where showers are provided for use by wheelchair users or
ambulant disabled persons, each shower should be accompanied by an unobstructed area
having dimensions not less than those shown in Figure 17 but the layout of the shower and
unobstructed area may be reversed in plan.
19.2 The shower recess should not be separated by a door from the unobstructed area. If
a drying space is required for dressing and undressing, it should be separated from the
shower recess by a curtain or a sliding screen with a flush door track.
19.3 The dressing space should be fitted with a cloth-hanging device not less than 1200
mm nor more than 1400 mm above the finished floor level.
19.4 The floor of the shower recess should be a continuation of the floor of the
unobstructed area, without a kerb, self-draining, water proof and non-slip.
19.5 A self-draining and non-slip fixed or foldable seat should be provided in the shower
recess, and another in the unobstructed area, at a height not less than 450 mm nor more than
500 mm above the finished floor level.
19.6 Grab rails should be fixed to the wall of the shower recess as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17. Shower facilities
less than 1000 mm nor more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, and situated so
that they are within reach by persons using the shower seat.
19.8 The shower controls and fittings should be located not less than 1000 mm nor more
than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, and situated so that they are within reach by
persons using the shower seat and by a carer from outside the shower recess.
19.9 A portable shower head attached to a flexible hose not less than 1500 mm in length
should be installed in the shower recess, and a fitting should be provided to which the shower
head can be attached at varying angles between 900 mm and 1900 mm above the finished
floor level.
19.10 Thermostatic mixing valves should be installed for showers.
19.11 If a pole is used in conjunction with the portable shower head, the pole should be so
constructed and installed as to be capable of being used as a vertical grab rail, and in such
cases a vertical grab rail need not be provided.
19.12 Where two or more showers are provided for disabled persons in the same building,
at least one should be reversed in plan (mirror images) to the others provided.
19.13 Every door in a room containing such a shower for disabled persons should be
provided with a lever-action type indicator bolt attached to the inside, which is so design that
the door can be opened at any time from the outside.
20. Washbasins and other facilities
20.1 Except as provided in Clause 17 for water closets, every washbasin provided for use
by disabled persons should comply with the following:
a) The washbasin should be wall-mounted to provide minimum clearance as shown in
Figure 18.
Figure 18. Location of washbasin and other facilities
c) Hot water supply pipes should be insulated.
d) Water supply pipes and waste outlet pipes should not encroach on the required clear
space under the washbasin.
20.2 Soap dispensers, sanitary disposal units, towel dispensers etc. provided with the
facilities referred to in Clauses 17.1, 19 or 21 should be installed at a height not less than 900
mm nor more than 1000 mm above the finished floor level. The heights should be measured
as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Points for dispenser
Facility Point from which measurement to be made
Soap Dispenser or Towel Dispenser
Sanitary Disposal Unit
The discharge outlet of the dispenser
The opening of the fitting
20.3 Where a mirror is provided with the facilities referred to in Clauses 19, 20 or 21, the
base should not be more than 1000 mm above the finished floor level and it should be tilted
down by 5° to give complete visibility.
20.4 Where a cloth hanging device is provided together with facilities referred in Clauses
17.1, 19, 20 or 21, the device should be located not less than 1200 mm nor more than 1400
mm above the finished floor level.
21.Bath
In every public building where baths are provided for wheelchair users or ambulant disabled
persons, they should comply with the following:
21.1 The bath should be accompanied by an unobstructed area having a dimension not
less than 1800 mm on one side and at least one end.
21.2 The bath should have straight sides 480 mm high from the floor level, with flat tops
not less than 75 mm wide and rounded at the edges, as shown in Figure 19.
21.3 Grab rails should be provided as shown in Figure 19.
21.4 Where two or more baths are provided for wheelchair users in the same building at
least one should be reversed in plan (mirror images) to the other provided.
Figure 19. Bath requirement
Where a water closet, washbasin and shower recess are combined, the installation should be
in accordance with Figure 20.
Figure 20. Combined water closet and shower recess
23. Shelving and wall units
23.1 For wheelchair users:
Shelving and wall units for use by wheelchair users should comply with the following:
a) The configuration of unobstructed shelving and wall units should be as shown in
Figure 21 a) including the notes thereto.
b) The configuration of shelving and wall units adjacent to work surfaces should be as
shown in Figure 21 b) including the notes thereto.
c) The vertical space between hotplate elements or burners and combustible material
should not be less than 750 mm.
Figure 21 a). Configuration of unobstructed shelving and
wall units for wheelchair users
Figure 21 b). Configuration of shelving and wall units adjacent to
work surfaces for wheelchair users
Shelving and wall units for use by ambulant disabled persons should comply with the
following:
a) The configuration of unobstructed shelving or wall units should be as shown in Figure
22 a) including the notes thereto.
b) The configuration of shelving or wall units adjacent to work surfaces should be as
shown in Figure 22 b) including the notes thereto.
Figure 22 a). Configuration of unobstructed shelving and wall units for ambulant
disabled persons
Figure 22 b). Configuration of shelving and wall units adjacent to work surfaces for
ambulant disabled persons
should not be less than 750 mm.
24. Work surfaces
24.1 Fixed work surfaces provided for use by wheelchair users where the arm rests of the
wheelchair are removable should be in accordance with Figure 23 and have an unobstructed
seating width of not less than 750 mm, within which there should be clear space at least 450
mm void.
Figure 23. Fixed work surface for disabled
24.3 Where transaction are done between staff and public across a counter, at least part
of the counter should be lowered and constructed on the public side as a work surface for
wheelchair users in accordance with this clause.
25. Projections, guard rails, openings and drops
25.1 Hanging signs, lights, awnings and similar objects that protrude into circulation
spaces should have a minimum clearance height of 2000 mm clear.
25.2 Windows or doors should not open across access walkways, corridors, stairs or
ramps such that they obstruct circulation.
25.3 Guard rails must be provided alongside any drop-off to avoid hazards to people with
visual impairment and the public.
25.4 Openings of any forms whatsoever and any sudden drop of more than 75 mm from
the floor level across walkways, corridors or any other means of access should be adequately
indicated and protected in order to avoid hazard to people with visual impairment.
26. Finishes
26.1 Floor finishes:
Floor finishes should have a non-slip surface with a texture traversal by disabled persons.
The following finishes are acceptable.
a) For wet locations including interior surfaces which are frequently washed:
- concrete with abrasive or textured surface;
- concrete with exposed aggregate finish;
- bituminous concrete;
- natural stone with rough finish;
- paving bricks with special abrasive finish;
- vinyl, specially formulated with embossed surface; or
- rubber, specially formulated with embossed surface.
b) For dry locations:
Including all materials suitable for wet locations, short pile carpet and smooth flooring
materials such as the following:
- cork:
- linoleum;
- vinyl;
- timber;
- terrazzo; and
- any other similar material.
26.2 Other requirements
Contrasting textures and colour and brightness should be used to emphasise obstructions or
hazards such as ramps, radiators, exposed beams etc. Since red or green colour blindness is
more common among people with low vision, red and green should not be chosen as a pair of
contrasting colours.
27. Controls for use by disabled persons
27.1 Locking and opening controls for windows and doors should be readily accessible,
fixed not more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level, operable by one hand, and not
obstructed by any fitting or appliances.
27.2 Where there are disabled persons living in public buildings such as senior citizen
homes or hostels, operating of windows should be made accessible to them whether
manually or electrical aided.
27.3 Electrical fittings should comply with the followings:
a) All light switches should be horizontally aligned with door handles and other fixtures
and fittings not less than 900 mm nor more than 1200mm above the finished floor
level in accordance with Figure 24 and not less than 500 mm from corners.
b) The toggle, rocker, push pad or, push buttons of light switches should project clear of
the switch plate and have a width not less than 10 mm.
c) General power outlets should be fixed not less than 500 mm above the finished floor
level and not less than 500 mm from corners.
Figure 24. Heights of switches, general power, outlets and door handle
hearing-impaired users. Such telephone booths should not have any doors or steps, and if
there are side-walls they should be at least 800 mm apart. The coin-slot, card-slot and dial or
buttons should be no higher than 1000 mm above the ground and the dial or buttons should
face forwards rather than upwards. A shelf should be provided where the deaf can place the
keyboard of their telecommunication device. The shelf should be 300 mm x 300 mm in size,
and placed at least 200 mm below the telephone.
27.5 Vending machines, automatic teller machines and other such facilities should be
accessible to wheelchair users. The coin-slot, card-slot and buttons should be no higher than
1000 mm above the ground and should face forwards rather than upwards.
27.6 Water taps should comply with the followings:
a) Taps should have long handles lever. The water should be delivered through a centre
mixing bib.
b) The taps should not be less than 50 mm away from the back wall.
27.7 Door handles and related hardware and accessories should comply with the
following:
a) Doors should be operable with one hand. Handles or other operating deviser should
not be less than 900 mm nor more than 1200 mm above the finished floor level and
should be horizontally aligned with any adjacent light switches as shown in Figure 24.
b) Handles for hinged door should be made from non-slip material of lever action type
as shown in Figure 25 a).
c) The clearance between the handles and the back plate should not be less than 50
mm.
d) Where a door closer is fitted, the pressure required to open the door should not be
more than 36 N for external doors and 22 N for internal doors.
e) An auxiliary handrail should be fixed closed for the handles to the door for easier
manipulation by disabled persons and should be fixed as shown in Figure 25 b).
Figure 25. Door handle and auxiliary rails locations
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