WHAT ARE ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ?
B ) WHAT ARE THE COMMON BARRIERS FOR A PATIENT ON A WHEELCHAIR AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THEM ?
A 10 DEFINITION
1 Architectural barriers are physical features that limit or prevent people with disabilities from obtaining the goods or services that are offered.
2 They can include -
A ) parking spaces that are too narrow to accommodate people who use wheelchairs
B ) a step or steps at the entrance or to part of the selling space of a store
C ) round doorknobs or door hardware that is difficult to grasp
D ) aisles that are too narrow for a person using a wheelchair, electric scooter, or a walker
E ) a high counter or narrow checkout aisles at a cash register
F ) fixed tables in eating areas that are too low to accommodate a person using a wheelchair or that have fixed seats that prevent a person using a wheelchair from pulling under the table.
B ) COMMON BARRIERS FOR PATIENTS ON WHEELCHAIR
1 Wheelchair Passage Width -
A ) The minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 32 in (815 mm) at a point and 36 in (915 mm) continuously
B ) Width for Wheelchair Passing. The minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is 60 in (1525 mm)
2 Wheelchair Turning Space - The space required for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn is a clear space of 60 in (1525 mm) diameter
3 Clear Floor or Ground Space for Wheelchairs.
A ) Size and Approach. The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm)
B ) The minimum clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be positioned for forward or parallel approach to an object
C ) Clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the knee space required under some objects.
4 Parking Spaces
A ) Location -
1 Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance.
2 In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.
3 In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.
4 Accessible parking spaces shall be at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide.
5 Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or facility entrance and shall comply
6 Two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle .
7 Parked vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route.
8 Parking spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%) in all directions.
5 Curb Cuts
A ) Slope -
1 Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters, or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes.
2 Maximum slopes of adjoining gutters, road surface immediately adjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible route shall not exceed 1:20.
B ) Width. The minimum width of a curb ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm), exclusive of flared sides.
C ) Sides of Curb Ramps. If a curb ramp is located where pedestrians must walk across the ramp, or where it is not protected by handrails or guardrails, it shall have flared sides; the maximum slope of the flare shall be 1:10
D ) Curb ramps with returned curbs may be used where pedestrians would not normally walk across the ramp
E ) Built-up Curb Ramps. Built-up curb ramps shall be located so that they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes
6 Doors
A ) Door Opening Force. The maximum force for pushing or pulling open a door shall be as follows -
(1) Fire doors shall have the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority.
(2) Other doors.
(a) exterior hinged doors: (Reserved).
(b) interior hinged doors: 5 lbf (22.2N)
© sliding or folding doors: 5 lbf (22.2N)These forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that may hold the door in a closed position.
7 LIFTS
Provision of atleast 1 lift shall be made for wheelchair users with following cage dimensions
A ) clear internal depth - 1100 mm
B ) clear internal width - 2000 mm
C ) entrance door width - 900 mm
8 TOILET
A ) The minimum size shall be 1500 x 1750 mm
B ) minimum clear opening of the door shall be 900 mm
C ) suitable arrangement of vertical / horizontal handrails with 50 mm
D ) The wheelchair seat shall be 500 mm from the floor
E ) Floor shall have a non slip surface
F ) 1 or 2 handle rails should be provided
9 OTHER FACILITIES
A ) COUNTERS - allow a space about 700 mm high and 350 mm deep
B ) WATER FOUNTAIN - allow sufficient space of about 700 mm
10 TELEPHONES
A ) allow a space about 700 mm high and 350 mm deep
B ) reciever should be at a placed at a height of 110 cms
11 MAIL BOXES / VENDING MACHINES
The slot must be located at a height of 1200 mm
12 BUS STOP / TAXI STAND
Two rows of guiding blocks for a person with impaired vision should be provided 300 mm away
13 KITCHEN
A ) A 1500 mm width should be provided for wheelchair turns between counter and opposite wall
B ) Worktops , sinks and cooking area should be at same level at a height of 780 - 800 mm high from floor
C ) a knee room of 700 mm high should be provided under the sink
14 LIVING ROOM / BED ROOM
A ) atleast 1500 mm turning in space should be provided
B ) seating space of 750 mm