accessibility comparative analysis in building bye-laws, india

7/31/2019 Accessibility Comparative Analysis in Building Bye-Laws, INDIA

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Research Report by:

Anjlee Agarwal, Access Consultant



Accessibility Research and Framing of Model Building Bye Laws

This Research has been done under the aegis of the project titled

“International NGO Partnership agreement Programme”

with the financial support of

Department for International Development, U.K.and being implemented by VSO- India and Samarthyam




ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research and building standards & regulations is intended for reference by decision-

makers and programme personnel working on public buildings, especially those in urban

planning and management, architecture, research & training, and NGO networking. Self-

help organizations of persons with disabilities and accessibility consultants involved in

addressing access issues will also find this research and revised building standards &

regulations useful.

I sincerely acknowledge my appreciation for VSO, India for making it possible to

undertake this research study. My heartfelt thanks go to Mrs. Rakhi Sarkar, Mrs. Nalini

Paul and Mrs. Purba Sen Mitra.

I extend my deep gratitude to Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India for

welcoming this initiative and providing valuable inputs & suggestions. My heartfelt thanks

go to Mr. A. K. Mehta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of

India. This research would not have been possible without the specific and pertinenttechnical inputs from:

Mr. Ashutosh Joshi, Director, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India

Mr. M. L. Chotani, Director cum Member Secretary, Association of Municipalities and

Development Authorities (AMDA)

Mr. Jay B. Kshirsagar, Chief Planner, Town & Country Planning, Ministry of Urban

Development, Government of India

Special appreciation needs to be mentioned to everyone who has contributed in various

capacities such as technical information, coordinating, editing and many other tasks that

are needed to put a research together.

This study would not have been possible without the involvement of access experts of

Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environments, India:

Mr. Debabrata Chakravarti, Director

Ms. Nidhi Madan, Architect & Landscape Architect

Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Director

I extend a sincere word of gratitude to all those who have given their valuable time, inputs

and suggestions in this research.

Anjlee Agarwal

Samarthyam

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.samarthyam.org




“If we recognize that every individual person should have the same rights as any other

individuals, people with a disability as part of the community should also have equal rights

with those of the able-bodied. People with a disability should not be discriminated against

because of their physical conditions. Like any one of us, they need to make their journey

to work, to learn, to receive medical treatment and to socialize. They also have to enter

different buildings and use different public facilities. They have the rights to lead a normal

life.”

Accessibility Traps Everywhere Faced Against By People With Disabilities – Land use

Planning For An Accessible Transport System And Built Environment For The Wheelchair

Bound In Hong Kong, Rehabilitation Alliance, Hong Kong

Very few buildings, transportation services and other public facilities including roads,stations etc., are at present accessible. One of the critical aspects of provisions of equal

opportunities is creation of non-handicapping physical environment. It is envisaged that

through appropriate schemes and programmes, almost the entire built infrastructure both

in rural and urban areas would be made barrier free and the guidelines and space

standards prescribed by Ministry of Urban Development would be implemented in letter

and spirit in all buildings and environment outside buildings. Persons with disabilities

would be able to access all public facilities and most private building or built infrastructure

easily.

Vision 2025

www.planningcommission.gov.in/reports


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/accessibility-comparative-analysis-in-building-bye-laws-india 5/104Accessibility Research and Framing of Model Building Bye Laws

S. No. Table of Contents Page

1. Acronyms 6

2. Glossary 7

3. Introduction to Research Study 10

3.1 Indian Statute Law 10

3.2 Need for the Research Study 11

3.3 Objectives 12

3.4 How this Research can be used 12

3.5 Impacts & Benefits 13

3.6 Methodology 13

3.7 Cities coverd 14

4. Scope 17

4.1 Equality and Inclusion 17

4.2 Concept of Non-Handicapping Environment, Barrier-FreeEnvironment and Universal Design

18

4.2 Special Needs Versus Universal Access 20

5. Disability Framework 21

5.1 Existing Laws and Legislations 21

5.2 Law and Policy Reform 23

5.3 Person with Disability 24

5.4 Disabilities 24

5.5 Goals 25

6. National Status 276.1 Initiatives in the Eleventh Plan on Accessibility 27

6.2 Initiatives by Ministry of Urban Development 27

6.3 Incorporation of provisions of Barrier Free Building by various

States Governments

32

6.4 Action taken by State Governments 32

6.5 Current status of amendment 35

7. Analysis of State Wise Bye-Laws 36

7.1 Comparative Analysis 36

7.2 Recommendations 41

8. Updated Model Building Bye-Laws - Planning & Building Standards

Regulations

42

9. References 71

10. Annexure I- Questionnaire Survey 72

Annexure II- Model Building Bye-Laws, 2004 74

Annexure III- National Building Code, 2005 Annex D 78

Annexure IV- Comparative Analysis of Accessibility Standards, India 90



1. Acronyms

AMC - Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation

AUDA - Ahmadabad Urban Development Association

BDA- Bhubaneswar Development Authority

BMC- Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation

BRTS - Bus Rapid Transit System

CP - Cerebral Palsy

DDA – Delhi Development Authority

DPO - Disabled Persons Organization

GoI- Government of India

KMDA- Kolkata Municipal Development Authoritym- Meter(s)

MCD- Municipal Corporation of Delhi

MD- Multiple Disabilities

mm- Millimeters

MoUD - Ministry of Urban Development

MR - Mental Retardation

MSJ&E- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

NDMC- New Delhi Municipal Council

NGO - Non Government Organization

O/o CCPD- Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

PWD Act - Persons with Disabilities Act 1995

PWD- Public Works Department

PwDs - Persons with Disabilities

TOD - Transit Oriented Development

UNCRPD- United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

WwD(s) – Woman(en) with Disability(ies)



2. Glossary

2.1 Accessible- with respect to buildings or parts of buildings, means that all people who might

want to enter and use the building, including disabled people, are able to gain access.

2.1 Accessible Route-A continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and

spaces of a building or facility. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps,

elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking

access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps, escalators and lifts.

2.3 Appropriate Number - The number of a specific item that would be necessary, in

accordance with the purpose and function of building or facility, to accommodate individuals with

specific disabilities in proportion to the anticipated number or individuals with disabilities who

would use a particular building or facility.

2.4 Aging – Those manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce mobility,

flexibility, co-ordination, and perceptiveness but are not accounted for in the categories

mentioned in Disabilities (refer 5.3).

2.5 Braille - The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write.

Each Braille character or cell is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing

two columns of three dots each. Braille is adapted to several languages including Hindi.

2.6 Clear Door Width – the clear door width is the unobstructed passage available after reducing the 1) thickness of the door; 2) The space between the door and the frame on the

hinged side; and 3) the thickness of door stop molding on the door frame. Therefore the clear

door width is always less than the full width of the door.

2.7 Colour Contrast - The basic guidelines for making effective colour choices are based on the

hue value of the colours. The most commonly used methods of achieving colour contrast

incorporate either ‘harmonising’ or ‘contrasting’ colour combinations.

2.8 Fixed Turning Radius Wheel – The tracking of the caster wheels and large wheels of a

wheelchair when pivoting on a spot.

2.9 Fixed Turning Radius, Front Structure to Rear Structure – The turning radius of a

wheelchair, left front-foot platform to right rear wheel, or right front-foot platform to left rear

wheel, when pivoting on a spot.

2.10 Hue - Hue is the perceptual attribute associated with elementary colour names. Hue

enables us to identify basic colour categories such as blue, green, yellow, red and purple.



People with normal colour vision report that hues follow a natural sequence based on their

similarity to one another. With most colour deficits, the ability to discriminate between colours on

the basis of hue is diminished.

• Indicating a button to activate an automatic door

• Indicating a transit route that uses accessible vehicles• Indicating an accessible transit station or vehicle

2.11 Induction loop system - An induction loop system helps deaf people who use a hearing

aid or loop listener hear sounds more clearly because it reduces or cuts out background noise.

An induction loop is a cable that goes around the listening area. An electric current is fed to the

loop by an amplifier that gets its signal from a connection with a source of sound that can be a

microphone placed in front of the person speaking. The resulting current in the loop produces a

magnetic field that matches the sound. The hearing impaired person can then pick up this

magnetic field if they are sitting within the area of the loop and their hearing aid – or loop

listening aid – is set to ‘T’. Loop Induction Units are available in India.

2.12 International Symbol of Access - Also known as the (International) Wheelchair Symbol,

the International Symbol of Access consists square overlaid with a stylized image of a person

using a wheelchair. The symbol is often seen where access has been improved, particularly for

wheelchair users and other mobility impaired persons. The symbol denotes a barrier free

environmental, such as steps, to help also older people, parents with prams, and travelers with

luggage. The wheelchair symbol is "International" and therefore not accompanied by Braille in

any particular language.

Specific uses of the ISA include:

• Marking a parking space reserved for vehicles used by disabled people

• Marking a public lavatory with facilities designed for wheelchair users

2.13 Kerb - A side raised barrier to a carriage way.

2.14 Kerb ramp-A short ramp cutting through a kerb or built up to it.

2.15 LRV - Light reflectance value (LRV) is the total quantity of visible light reflected by a surface

at all wavelengths and directions when illuminated by a light source.

2.16 Luminosity Contrast – also known as tonal contrast is the most important element that

assists people with vision impairments to distinguish between two different surfaces. A minimum

difference of 26 points in the Light Reflectance Value of colours of two architectural surfaces

produces an adequate luminosity contrast that is perceivable by people with visual impairments.



2.17 Persons with Disabilities1 – A Person with Disability is a person with any physical,

mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder

full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

2.18 Ramps, Ramps with Gradients –Because the term `ramp’ has a multitude of meanings

and uses, its use in this study is clearly defined as ramps with gradients (gradual slope joiningtwo level surfaces) that deviate from what would otherwise be considered the normal level. An

exterior ramp, as distinguished from a `walk’, would be considered an appendage to a building

leading to a level above or below the existing ground level.

2.19 Sound Amplification System – Sound Enhancement System (SES ) is often referred to as

sound amplification, sound distribution, and sound field technology. This technology enhances

the quality of the speaker’s voice, enhances the deaf person’s acoustic accessibility to the

speaker, and therefore enhances the communication experience.

2.20 Tactile Guiding Blocks – These are 300 x 300 mm tiles that incorporate bars that are

5mm (± 0.5mm) high, 20mm wide and spaced 50mm from the centre of one bar to the centre of

the next. These flat topped bars that are easily detectable underfoot by people with visual

impairments. They are used externally to guide people with visual impairments along the

circulation path. They may also be used internally in large busy areas such as railway stations

and airports.

2.21 Tactile Warning Blocks – In order to warn persons with visual impairments of the

approaching danger, it is recommended to incorporate Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI)

along the approach path to unavoidable obstacles and hazards. TGSI, also commonly known as

‘Tactile Warning Blocks’, are 300 mm x 300 mm tiles that incorporate rows of 5 mm (± 0.5 mm)

high flat-topped blister like domes that are easily detectable underfoot by persons with visual

impairments. These tactile warning blocks are recognized internationally as a sign of

approaching hazards, and are readily available in the domestic Indian market.

2.22 Universal Design2 – means the design of products, environments, programmes and

services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for

adaptation or specialized design.

2.23 Walk, Walks – Because the terms `walk’ and `walks’ have a multitude of meanings anduses, their use in this standard is clearly defined as a predetermined prepared surface, exterior

pathway leading to or from a building or facility, or from one exterior area to another, placed on

the existing ground level and not deviating from the level of the existing ground immediately

adjacent.

1 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010; http://www.disabilitystudiesnalsar.org/lawpolicy.php2 Ron Mace, http://www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud/about_ud/about_ud.htm



3 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH STUDY

3.1 Indian Statute Law

There is a substantial and ever-changing Indian statute law which bears on the commissioning,design, construction and management of the built environment. This includes legislation and

regulations on planning and development, construction standards, health and safety, equality of

status and opportunity, transport, sustainability, conservation and environmental protection. The

Building Regulations needs to be regularly updated to take better account of the needs and

rights of persons with disabilities.

Building Regulations or Building Bye-Laws

Building Bye-Laws are tools used to regulate coverage, height, building bulk and architectural

design and construction aspects of buildings so as to achieve orderly development of an area

with in a city/State.

These are formulated and implemented by local authorities for application with in their respective

limits. Each local authority follows the Municipality Act for its area. Building Bye-Laws are

essentially based on the National Building Code. They stipulate administrative procedures to

regulate building construction activities. Local government authorities have the power to

implement and enforce these procedures.

'Comprehensive building regulations have not yet been formulated that address the needs of

persons with disabilities.

Why are these essential?

Building Bye-Laws is mandatory in nature and serves to protect buildings against fire,

earthquake, noise, structural failures and other hazards. In India, there are still many small and

medium sized towns, which do not have Building Bye-Laws. In the absence of any regulatory

mechanism such towns are confronted with excessive coverage, encroachment and haphazard

development resulting in chaotic conditions, inconvenience for the users, inaccessible or

barrier-filled design structures and disregard for building aesthetics etc.

Who abides by the regulations?

Building Bye-Laws is useful for State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, Development Authorities, State Town Planning Departments and other Planning Agencies in various parts of

the country. Planners, building designers, engineers & architects refer and comply with Building

Bye-Laws. Hence, while designing, planning and construction; Building Bye-Laws regulates the

parameters/ standards of a building.

Town & Country Planning Organization (TCPO) has prepared "Model Building Bye-Laws" in the

year 2004, for the guidance of the State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, Development

Authorities, etc. This was to facilitate the local bodies to play an effective role in adopting,



enforcing and implementation of the Building-Bye Laws.

3.2 Need for the Research Study

It is found that there are various codes, guidelines, manuals and standards issued by various

Central & State Ministries and agencies for built environment.

These are:

• Bureau of Indian Standards, National Building Code, 2005

• CPWD Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for

Disabled and Elderly persons, 1998

• Manual Barrier Free Environment, O/o the Chief Commissioner for Persons with

Disabilities, 2002

• Model Building Bye-Laws, 2004 (TCPO, Ministry of Urban Development)

These documents are outdated, need revision and lead to multiplicity in adhering to standards

by the implementing agencies and stakeholders. There is an urgent need to review, analyze,

harmonies and update all the above into a comprehensive single document and present the

same to Government of India for incorporation and making it mandatory in Model Building Bye-

Laws.

The National Building Code that accompany the Building Regulations are not exhaustive, do not

address all building types and, while they offer minimum requirements for meeting the needs of

some people, they give no suggestions on how to meet the needs of others. For example,guidance might be given on the design of part of a building so as to make it suitable for

wheelchair users, without offering any guidance as to how the needs of visually impaired people

might also be met. “Accessibility Research on Comparative Analysis of Building ‘Access’ Bye-

Laws in various states of India” looks specifically into comparative analysis of the existing

national codes and framing of accessible design standards in Model Building Bye-Laws.

How it is important for the public including disabled persons?

Building Bye-Laws is extremely important from the point of independent & safe usage of

spaces by trans-generation population including persons with disabilities. “The Delhi Model

Building Bye-Laws contain eight chapters 3

. The important features of the Model Bye-Laws are that there is a separate chapter (Chapter-3) on Development Code pertaining to

residential and non-residential premises, which cover all types of uses. Another chapter

(Chapter-5) highlights the need for structural safety and services. Further separate chapters

have been devoted for Fire Protection and Safety (Chapter-7) and Conservation of Heritage

sites (Chapter 8). The Bye-Laws also provide for the facilities in the public buildings

3 Shri K. T. Gurumukhi, Chief Planner, TCPO; July 2004



for “handicapped persons” vide Appendix – “G” (Bye Laws: 6.8) ”.

S imilar Annexure/Appendix provides for “suitable provision” for disabled persons in the Building

Bye-Laws of various other states. Building and Safety Regulations must be complied with by all

concerned, but simple compliance with these regulations is not always enough. We are required

to obey all the law, not just the bits we like or the bits we know. There is a common

misapprehension that compliance with one legal requirement can take away the need to comply

with another. There is no legal basis for this type of argument.

Compliance, for instance, with Health and Safety Regulations, or with requirements for fire

protection, do not take away from or supersede the need to comply fully with Appendix – “G” of

the Building Bye-Laws. Solutions must be found that satisfy all legal requirements.

3.3 Objectives

Research, evaluation study and updated Model Building Bye-Laws to make all public buildings‘inclusive’

3.4 How this research can be used

• Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) is the nodal agency to direct, frame, regulate and

enforce Building Bye-Laws. MoUD is currently revising its Central Public Works

Department (CPWD) Guidelines- “Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built

Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons, 1998”. The research findings will be

shared with MoUD, so as to include research recommendations in the revised CPWD

Guidelines, 1998 and Model Building Bye-Laws, 2004, so that uniformity of access

standards can be maintained and single reference document will be available throughout

the nation. Once adopted by MoUD, it becomes binding on all State Governments, Urban

Local Bodies, Development Authorities, etc. to incorporate the revised & updated access

standards in their Bye-Laws also.

• In a meeting held in September 2009 with Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi

(MCD), Commissioner, MCD expressed the urgency and necessity of having

comprehensive ‘accessible’ standards formulated and supplemented in the existing

unified Building Bye-Laws of Delhi.

•

It is circulated to National Building Congress, Departments and Schools of Architectureand Engineers, Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and professionals (Engineers &

Architects) to help them incorporate inclusive and universal design standards in their

curriculum, projects, plans/blue prints and retrofitting.



3.5 Impacts and Benefits

It is extremely important and essential to bridge the gap in the existing Model Building Bye-Laws

and provide for accessible space standards for ‘every’ design element in all types of buildings

and public spaces.

Compliance to the accessible space standards developed as an outcome of the research study

will help ensure a conducive environment for persons with disabilities. This will result in an

inclusive environment comprising of Universal Design standards, which will not only help

persons with diverse disabilities but also persons with reduced mobility (such as senior citizens,

families with young children, persons with temporary ailments, pregnant women, persons

carrying heavy luggage and persons with hidden diseases).

It is hoped that this research study will prove useful for State Governments, Urban Local Bodies,

Municipal Corporations & Development Authorities, Town & Country Planning Departments and

other Planning Agencies in various parts of the country.

3.6 Methodology

The methodology which is followed for documenting the rationales behind the regulations

includes the following:

• Analysis of current regulations /Building Bye-Laws of at least seven states viz. Delhi, Goa,

Orissa, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Gujarat.

• Visit to the state capitals of these states (Delhi, Ahmadabad, Panjim, Jaipur, Ranchi and

Bhubaneswar) who have adopted Building Bye-Laws for discussions with Town PlanningDepartments; Municipal Commissioners and/or Officers, Urban Development authorities and

architects with respect to, adoption and usage of Building Bye-Laws in accordance with local

requirements. Following activities were undertaken:

- Structured interviews to document rationale and underlying principles as perceived

by planning staff – Urban Development Authority and Municipal Corporations.

- Examination of compliance and viability aspects of implementation.

- Data collection and compilation of existing Building Bye-Laws and its

implementation by various State/ capital cities of India is vital for the project.

- Advocacy and lobbying with the concerned agencies/officers is also undertaken in

each visit. The necessity to update and revise Building Bye-Laws was stressed upon. Also strategies for implementation and compliance of BBL were worked out with

concerned officers in several agencies by way of organizing capacity building

workshops on Disability sensitization and universal accessibility issues. These

agencies include:

o Nagarplikas & Municipal Corporation;

o Urban Development Authority;

o State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities;

o Department of Social Welfare;



o Department of Women & Child development;

o State Tourism Departments;

o State Transport Department

o Urban Local Bodies

o Public Works Department;

o Town & Country Planning;

o NGOs and DPOs.

Comparative analysis of regulations, recent global best practices and approaches:

• Analysis and review the following codes/manuals in consonance with the UNCRPD, 2008

- Bureau of Indian Standards, National Building Code, 2005

- CPWD Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for


- Manual on Barrier Free Environment, O/o the Chief Commissioner for

Persons with Disabilities, 2002

• Identification of key gap areas

• Compilation of research findings

• Dissemination of research findings to concerned authorities including MoUD, Municipal

Corporations, National Building Congress, Departments and Schools of Architecture and

Engineers, IITs and professionals and O/o the Chief Commissioner for PwDs for taking

possible measures for its effective implementation by dissemination to all State

Commissioners for PwDs.

3.7 Cities covered

1) Delhi,

2) Ahmadabad, Gujarat

3) Ranchi, Jharkhand

4) Bhubaneswar, Orissa

5) Jaipur, Rajasthan

6) Panjim, Goa

7) Kolkata, West Bengal



Cities covered in the Research Study



Highlights of each city selected:

1) National Capital Territory of Delhi- Delhi being the national capital and focus of

attention for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010 has both the political will and

financial capability to ensure compliance of access standards by the civic agencies and

stakeholders. Delhi is also strategic from nodal, implementation and advocacy perspective.

There are a multitude of Central and State Government/Ministries/agencies/ stakeholders who

can adopt and enforce model Building Bye-Laws for showcasing and creating replicable models

of accessible buildings and infrastructure. Delhi’s diverse urban landscape was sought to be

seen through a single prism of the unified building bye-laws framed in 1983. The need of the

hour was to create new/updated Building Bye-Laws which can encompass and correspond to

the diversity of the city.

2) Bhubaneswar, Orissa – Bhubaneswar is the only other planned city besides Chandigarh in

India. In the city of Bhubaneswar, some access implementation has been carried out which

needs to be checked- situational analysis and compliance of Building Bye-Laws. Hence meeting

with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority

(BDA) officers was undertaken.

3) Ranchi, Jharkhand- Ranchi on the contrary is a young capital and lot of infrastructural work

is in progress. However, access features are apparently not been incorporated therein. An

intervention at this stage for incorporation of accessible design standards in all elements of

buildings in the Building Bye-Laws will be extremely beneficial.

4) Panjim, Goa- Goa has taken the lead over all the other states in India in implementingaccess features, not only in the buildings but also market places, schools and government

offices have been made fairly accessible. Hence, documentation of these initiatives and case

study for replicability and sustainability in other cities has been undertaken.

5) Jaipur, Rajasthan- Jaipur Urban Development Authority (JUDA) is yet to amend their Bye-

Laws w.r.t. access standards. Hence, an advocacy meeting with JUDA on amendment and

implementation of universal accessibility features in the Bye-Laws was required.

6) Kolkata, West Bengal- Although taking the initiative of incorporation of access features in

Building Bye-Laws, much progress has not been apparently made in implementation in thepublic buildings of Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal state. The visit to Kolkata and meeting

with Town Planner, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) and DPOs identifies

and documents bottlenecks in this respect.

7) Ahmadabad, Gujarat- Identical conditions of Kolkata prevail in Ahmadabad also and a study

visit to Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmadabad Urban Development Authority

(AUDA) was undertaken to find out whether the problems are an exception or a rule.



4. SCOPE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1 Equality and Inclusion

This research study on accessible design standards for building regulations is about how to

achieve equality and inclusiveness for ‘everybody’ in buildings. It is also about how to ensure

that everyone can make full use of all buildings and environments they live in, work in and

visit. This means more than just an interpretation of Laws or regulations. Fundamentally, it is

about how to implement the following set of principles:

Access

Everyone should be able to get into buildings and environments. They should be able to

approach and enter unaided, with ease and without embarrassment.

Equitable Use

Everyone should be able to use buildings and external spaces with equal facility. The design and

management of buildings and external spaces must not make them more difficult to use for one

person than another.

Enjoyment

Everyone deserves the right to enjoy their surroundings.

Safety

Everyone has the right to live, work and relax in safe surroundings. The design and

management of buildings and external environments must make them safe for every person.

Consideration

Everyone deserves equal consideration from those who commission, design, construct and

manage buildings and environments. Consideration costs nothing.

If we believe in ‘building for everyone’, then it is unacceptable that a woman should suffer

disadvantage because she is pregnant, a child because of being small or older people simply

because they are elderly. It is equally unacceptable that people should be disadvantaged

because of their impaired sight, hearing or mobility. It is particularly unacceptable when the

disadvantage suffered is the result of carelessness or thoughtlessness, and is entirely avoidable.

If the needs of a group of people are not considered in the design of a building or environment,

then that group is denied equality with those whom the building or environment is designed to



suit. There is no principle that would defend the denial of rights simply because the owner,

designer, contractor or manager of a building simply hasn’t considered them or mistakenly

thinks that it is too difficult or expensive to provide for them.

Environments can enable

If the first and last step of a flight is clearly marked, a person with impaired sight will find a stairs

easier to use. An induction loop in a busy environment will enable communication with people

whose hearing is impaired. An easily accessible seat at a cinema or theatre will facilitate

someone using crutches or a wheelchair. A threshold with no step provides access for everyone.

None of these provisions is costly.

It is the function of our environments to enable. We make buildings to live, work and play in. We

build to enable these activities and many others. A building or environment which does not

enable fails in its purpose. Only if a building provides for the full range of potential users can it

claim to fulfill its purpose.

Environments can disable

A smooth circular doorknob will be very difficult to use if a person has poor grip. Even a single

step can make entry for a person pulling a suitcase on wheels, or a person using a wheelchair,

almost impossible. It is the environment which disables, not any impairment. When an

environment is intended to provide for an activity, and yet through its design or management

prevents someone from carrying it out, that environment fails in its purpose.

Environments can injure

What should be a pleasant stroll down any street can, for visually impaired people, become an

unpredictable journey through a painful obstacle course. For children under 16 statistics indicate

that accidents account for more hospital admissions than all other causes put together. Half of

these accidents occur in the home, where many could be avoided by better design. Statistics

suggest that more people die as a direct or indirect result of stair falls than die from lung cancer.

Stairs with landings and short flights greatly reduce the chances of a long fall and serious injury.

They are also more comfortable for everybody than long straight flights, and do not take up more

space or cost more money.

4.2 Concept of Non-Handicapping Environments, Barrier-Free Environments and

Universal Design

4.2.1 General planning and design considerations

No part of the built environment should be designed in a manner that excludes certain groups of

people on the basis of their disability or frailty. No group of people should be deprived of full



participation in and enjoyment of the built environment or be made less equal than others due to

any form or degree of disability. In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations,

certain basic guiding principles need to be applied.

a. It should be possible to reach all places of the built environment;

b. It should be possible to enter all places within the built environment;

c. It should be possible to make use of all facilities within the built environment; and

d. It should be possible to reach, enter and use all facilities in the built environment

without being made to feel that one is an object of charity.

4.2.2 Physical Planning and Design

These basic guiding principles may serve as general requirements for consideration in physical

planning and design. These requirements may be summarized as follows:

a. Accessibility: The built environment shall be designed so that it is accessible for

all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons.

b. Access or accessible: This means that everyone can, without assistance,

approach, enter, pass to and from, and make use of an area and its facilities

without undue difficulties. Constant reference to these basic requirements during

the planning and design process of the built environment will help to ensure that

the possibilities of creating an accessible environment will be maximized.

c. Reachability: Provisions shall be adopted and introduced into the built

environment so that as many places and buildings as possible can be reached by

all people, including those with disabilities and elderly persons.

d. Usability: The built environment shall be designed so that all people, including

those with disabilities and elderly persons can use and enjoy it.

e. Safety: The built environment shall be so designed that all people, including those

with disabilities and elderly persons, can move about without undue hazard to life

and health.

f. Workability: The built environment where people work shall be designed to allow

people, including those with disabilities, fully to participate in and contribute to the

work force.g. Barrier-free or non-handicapping: This means unhindered, without obstructions,

to enable disabled persons free passage to and from and use of the facilities, in

the built environment.



4.3 Special needs versus universal access4

Everyone experiences disability. The common assumption that ‘a person with a disability’ equals

‘wheelchair user’ is inaccurate. Everyone is disabled by the environment at some stage in their

life. An elderly person, or someone who is short of breath, or has a broken ankle or bad back,

will find a stairs difficult or impossible. Young children often cannot reach door handles and light

switches. With a sprained wrist it is impossible to turn most taps. High kerbs are difficult to

negotiate with a child in a buggy. The examples are endless. Disability is part of everyday

experience.

4.3.1 Special needs

Historically, access to the built environment for people with any impairment was thought about

as a ‘special need’. Most people could manage a ‘normal’ environment. A minority could not.

This view held that the ‘normal environment’ had to be modified to be made usable by people

with impairments of one kind or another, but only in so far as was ‘reasonable’, as defined by

people who have no significant impairment. With this approach, accessibility was treated as an

add-on issue. The building was designed for the ‘normal’ person. Only afterwards were

additional features such as lifts, ramps, larger lavatories and tactile warnings on stairways

added, so as to improve access and use by people with disabilities.

4.3.2 Universal Right of Access

A more inclusive approach is to think in terms of the Universal Right of Access and to seek to

improve accessibility and usability for everyone. This way of thinking benefits everybody, not just

those with impairments. Properly working doors, adequately sized passageways, appropriately

designed lavatories, easily legible signs and so on are of use to everybody. Accessibility for

everyone becomes the norm: Buildings for Everyone. This approach is as relevant to the retro-

fitting of old buildings as it is to the design and construction of new ones. It is the most practical

and sustainable way of creating an environment in which everyone can participate. The user is

at the centre of the issue and process, not the building or the designer. In this approach,

accessibility, central to the process from the outset, can become invisible, properly integrated

into the general building design.

4 Buildings for Everyone; National Rehabilitation Board, British & Irish Building Regulations, 1998



5. DISABILITY FRAMEWORK

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.1 Existing Laws and legislations

India has the largest number of disabled people in the world. To put that into perspective, the

number of disabled people in India is the same as the entire population of the UK. Within India,

as elsewhere, statistics on the number of disabled people are contested and vary due to differing

definitions of disability and reliability of sample surveys. Although the National Planning

Commission uses the figure of 4% for budgetary purposes (only recently increased from 1.9%),

the most commonly accepted figure in India is 6% of total population or 70 million people.

Three important National and International Acts/Laws that need special mention so as to

include access needs of persons with disabilities in revised Model Building Bye-Laws are:

5.1.1 The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full

Participation) Act, 19955

It’s almost fifteen years since passage of the PWD Act 1995; however the provisions of the Act

have not been included in the Building Regulations. The Act provides equal opportunities,

protection of rights and full participation to the disabled persons; especially Chapter 8, section 44

& 46 states Non-Discrimination6 in transport and access to the built environment.

45. The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their

economic capacity and development, provide for- (a) Installation of auditory signals at red lights in the public roads for the benefit of persons with

visually handicap;

(b) Causing kerb cuts and slopes to be made in footpaths for the easy access of wheel chair

users;

(c) Engraving on the surface of the zebra crossing for the blind or for persons with low vision;

(d) Engraving on the edges of railway platforms for the blind or for persons with low vision;

(e) Devising appropriate symbols of disability;

(f) Warning signals at appropriate places.

46. (b) Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts;

5 http://ccdisabilities.nic.in/Act%201.htm6 http://ccdisabilities.nic.in/chapter8.htm



• The countries will also take action to:

a. Make, put in place, and oversee minimum standards for accessibility for places and

services that are open to public;

b. Make sure that private businesses and organizations that are open to the public are

accessible for people with disabilities;c. Train people who are involved in accessibility issues on what people with disabilities

need when it comes to accessibility;

d. Have Braille signs and easy to read and understand information in buildings open to

the public;

e. Provide help, such as readers, sign language interpreters and guides, so people with

disabilities can access buildings open to the public;

f. Provide other types of help as needed so people with disabilities can get access to

information;

g. Promote access to new technologies for people with disabilities;

h. When looking for, and creating new technology, make sure that accessibility is takeninto account early on, so that this technology can be made accessible at the smallest

cost.

5.2 Law and Policy Reform

Government of India (GOI) has decided to bring a new Act for Persons with Disabilities to fulfill

its commitment as a signatory to the convention. Currently, Ministry of Social Justice &

Empowerment, GOI is working with Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs) & Civil Societies on

the legislative changes required harmonizing Indian law with UNCRPD. Work on creation of new

“The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010” is underway. The paradigm of accessibilitychanged more and more to Universal Design i.e. design for all and universal accessibility, which

brought about a necessity of change in the current legal framework. In short, the basic principles

of the new law are universal accessibility, non-discrimination, independent living, design for all,

civil dialog and measures of positive action. Its goal addresses to meet these principles through

replacing the old conceptual framework focused only on barriers removal, encouraging new

points of view which are considered more appropriate to achieve an accessible society.

It is imperative that Building Bye-Laws should be revised and updated in consonance

with UNCRPD and the new “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010”.

5.3 Persons with Disabilities

Building Bye-Laws uses the term “physically challenged” to describe persons with disabilities.

The word “physically challenged” in actuality signify locomotor (orthopaedically) disabled

persons such as wheelchair/crutch/caliper users and hence Bye-Laws exclude sensory and

mental disabilities. As a strategy, the definition of persons with disabilities should also extend to

include not only persons with locomotor disabilities (wheel chair users), but also sensory

(persons with low vision, vision impairment, deaf and hearing impairment) and developmental



disabilities (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Multiple and Cognitive disabilities).

Recommendation:

Model Building Bye-Laws should provide equal access to not just few but ‘all’ persons with

disabilities, as mentioned in UNCRPD. Hence the term “physically challenged” or“handicapped” to be replaced with “Persons with Disabilities”.

5.4 Disabilities

5.4.1 Non-ambulatory Disabilities – Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for

all practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs.

5.4.2 Semi-ambulatory Disabilities – Impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty

or insecurity. Individuals using braces or crutches, amputees, arthritis, spastics and those with

pulmonary and cardiac ills may be semi-ambulatory.

5.4.3 Sight Disabilities – Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the

individual functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to danger.

5.4.4 Hearing Disabilities – Deafness or hearing handicaps that might make an individual

insecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals.

5.4.5 Disabilities of Inco-ordination – Faulty co-ordination or palsy from brain, spinal, or

peripheral nerve injury.

5.4.6 People with Allergies – People with allergies may be sensitive to dust, mildew, pollen,

animal hair, formalin, turpentine, etc. Some are sensitive to contact with substances and

materials such as nickel, chromium and rubber.

5.4.7 People with Heart and Lung Diseases – People with heart and lung diseases may only

be able to walk short distances and may be unable to climb stairs. The requirements of these

people are similar to those with impaired mobility.

5.4.8 People with Epilepsy, Hemophilia, etc. – The requirements of those with epilepsy,hemophilia, etc. are related primarily to the design of buildings and the need to minimize the risk

of injury caused by falling or encountering obstacles.

5.4.9 People with Incontinence, Enterostomy Operations, etc. - The requirements of people

with incontinence, enterostomy operations, etc. (colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies) are

mainly related to bathroom provision. In certain circumstances, for example, in public water-

closet compartments, it may be desirable to provide a special sink for emptying urine bags.



5.5 Goals

Universal Accessibility

Universal accessibility is an essential pre-condition to enable persons with disabilities to live

independently and participate fully in all aspects of life12. Consequently persons with disabilities

shall be provided such accessibility on an equal basis with others to the built environment.

Model Building Bye- Laws should include designs that satisfy requirements of persons with

disabilities and also meet the needs of many other people; such as families with young children

or persons carrying luggage, pregnant women will benefit from an accessible environment, as

will people with temporary mobility problems (e.g. a leg in plaster) and senior citizens. One

aspect of this experience is the general appreciation that improving infrastructure for people with

disabilities almost always improves it for everybody. Another is that, despite the wide variety of

disabilities, improvements for one group usually helps other groups. Thus, the overall objective

of the revision in the Model Building Bye-Laws is to provide ‘inclusive design’ and through that

achieve social inclusion.

Integrating the concepts and content detailed in this research study and planning guidelines intothe practice by architects, contractors, engineers, landscape architects, planners, managers,surveyors and sub-contractors, indeed all involved in the making and management of allbuildings and the environment; will ensure that they do so in the most equitable and inclusiveway and that they are indeed buildings for all.

12 Working Draft of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010; Centre for Disability StudiesNALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, India



Concept of Universal Design

Universal design is about design, a way of thinking about the power of design to facilitate

everyone's experience and well-being. Barrier-free/accessible design is an important

commitment to equal opportunity but a narrow concept about special solutions for a portion of

the population with functional limitations related to disability and/or aging.

Three reasons why universal design may be poised to have an increasingly significant impact

on future policy decisions:

• its goals can be seen as integral to the civil rights of individuals;

• a large, aging mass of baby boomers will press for environments that allow more people to

live independently into old age; and

• the emergence of a distinct "disability culture" with shared values, visions, and customs

manifested especially through building designs will exert additional pressure.

“Looking to the forecasts concerning age-group-structure changing of population everybody

can see an enormous increase in the next 20 years within the 60+ generation. Additionally

many people have to be seen as temporary disabled caused by accidents or injuries. Invincible

barriers make life more complicated not only for people with disabilities but also for elderly

people, parents with their little kids, people carrying heavy goods … many barriers which have

to be avoided!

Accessibility and usability of buildings and facilities for people with special needs,

Ms. Monica Klenovec, Austrian Standards Institute



6. National Status

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.1 Initiatives in the Eleventh Plan on Accessibility

The Chapter, Social Justice, under the Section, ‘Empowering Disabled People’ the Eleventh

Plan document13, states:

“A National Centre to facilitate and support the development of Universal Design and barrier-

free built environment will be established”. It also says, “A concerted effort would be made to

make all public buildings and facilities such as schools, hospitals, public transport, and so on,

compliant with the requirements of a barrier-free built environment. Towards this end, the

Building Bye-Laws, municipal and civic regulations, relevant codes for construction and design

should incorporate the requirements of a barrier-free environment. Similarly, all shops/malls and

similar places open to public, should be insisted upon to provide the facilities required for the

disabled.”

6.2 Initiatives by Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and State Governments

To promote barrier free environment in the public buildings, MoUD had issued a notification:

NOTIFICATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY PART-II

SECTION 3 SUB-SECTION (II) MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY

ALLEVIATION (Delhi Division) New Delhi, the 28.08.2002

Barrier Free Environment in the Public Building for Persons with Disabilities

Whereas the issue of making suitable provision in the Building Bye-Laws, 1983 to ensure that

the public buildings that are erected in Delhi provide barrier free environment for the persons

with disabilities has been under the consideration of the Government.

Whereas the following modifications/additions which the Central Government proposed to make

in the Building Bye-Laws 1983 in this regard were published for the public information vide

Public Notice dated 26th

March, 2002 and were advertised in the leading newspapers on 4th

April,

2002. In all 7 objections/suggestion were received and they were examined by a Committeeunder the Convenorship of Chief Planner of Town & Country Planning Organization.

Whereas after thorough consideration of the report, Central Government has decided to

make the following Modifications/additions in the Building Bye-Laws, 1983.

13 Annual Report for 2009-10 in ELEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN- Chapter 3



Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 11A of Delhi

Development Act, 1957, the Central Government made the following modifications/additions to

the Building Bye-Laws, 1983 with effect from the date of publication of this Notification in the

Gazette of India.

Modification: To provide barrier free environment in the public building for persons with disabilities.

2. Definitions:

2.91 Non-ambulatory disabilities: Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for all

practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs.

2.92 Semi-ambulatory disabilities: Impairments that cause individual to walk with difficulty or

insecurity. Individuals using braces or crutches, amputees, arthritis, spastics and those

with pulmonary and cardiac ills may be semi-ambulatory.

2.93 Hearing disabilities: Deafness or hearing handicaps that might make an individualinsecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals.

2.94 Sight disabilities: Total blindness or impairment affecting sight to the extent that the


2.95 Wheel Chair: Chair used by disabled people for mobility

i) Size of Small Wheel Chair: 750 X 1050 mm

(ii) Size of Large Wheel Chair: 800 X 1500 mm.

30.0 To provide facilities in the public building for the disabled persons.

30.1 Scope: These Bye-Laws are applicable to all building, recreation areas & facilities used

by public. It does not apply to private domestic residences.

30.1.1 Site planning: Level of the roads, access paths & parking areas shall be described in theplan along with specification of materials. Every building should have at least one access

to main entrance / exit to the disabled which shall be indicated by proper signage. This

entrance shall be approached through a ramp together with stepped entry. The ramp

should have a landing after every 9 meter run and in front of the doorway. Minimum size

of landing shall be 1000 X 2000 mm.

30.1.2 Access path/walk way: Access path from plot entry and surface parking to building

entrance shall be minimum of 1800 mm. wide having even surface without any step.

Slope, if any shall not have gradient greater than 5%. Selection of floor material shall be

made suitably to attract or to guide visually impaired persons (limited to floor material

whose colour texture is conspicuously different from that of the surrounding floor material

or the material that emit different sound to guide visually impaired persons. Finishes shall

have a non-slip surface with texture traversable by a wheel chair. Curbs wherever

provided should blend to common level.

30.1.3 Parking: For parking of vehicles of disabled people the following provisions shall be

made:

(a) Surface parking for two Equivalent Car Spaces (ECS) shall be provided near entrance

for the physically handicapped persons with maximum travel distance of 30 meter



from building entrance.

(b) The width of parking bay shall be minimum 3.6 meter.

(c) The information stating that the space is reserved for wheel chair users shall be

conspicuously displayed.

(d) Guiding floor materials shall be provided or a device which guides visually impaired

persons with audible signals or other devices which serves the same purpose shall be

provided.

30.2 Building requirements: The specified facilities for the buildings for disabled persons shall

be as follow:

1) Approach to plinth level.

2) Corridor connecting the entrance/exit for the handicapped.

3) Stair-ways.

4) Lift.

5) Toilet.6) Drinking water.

Braille signage shall be provided at the above specified facilities.

Approach to Plinth Level: Ramp shall be provided with non-slip material to enter the

building minimum clear width of ramp shall be 1800 mm with maximum gradient 1:12,

between top and bottom of the ramp. Length of ramp shall not exceed 9.00 metres

having 800 mm high handrail on both sides extending 300 mm beyond the ramp.

Minimum gap from the adjacent wall to the handrail shall be 50 mm.

30.2.1 Minimum clear opening for the entrance door shall be 1000 mm.

Threshold shall not be raised more than 12 mm.

For stepped approach, size of tread shall not be less than 300 mm and maximum riser

shall be 150 mm. Provision of 800 mm high handrails on both sides of the stepped

approach similar to the ramped approach shall be made.

Corridor connecting the entrance/exit for the disabled:

30.2.2 The corridor connecting the entrance/exit for handicapped leading directly outdoors to a

place where information concerning the overall use of the specified building can be

provided to visually impaired person either by a person or by signs, shall be provided as

follows:

(a) Guiding floor materials shall be provided or devices that emit sound to guide visually

impaired persons.(b) The minimum width shall be 1500 mm.

(c) In case there is a difference of level, slope ways shall be provided with a slope of 1:12.

(d) Handrails shall be provided for ramps/slope ways.

30.2.3 Stairways: Stairways with open riser & provision of nosing are not permitted in such

building.

30.2.4 Lifts: Whenever lift is required as per Bye-Laws, provisions of at least one lift shall be

made for the wheel chair user with the following car dimensions of lift recommended for

passenger lift for 13 persons capacity by Bureau of Indian Standard.



Clear internal depth 1100mm

Clear internal width 2000mm

Entrance door width 910mm

A handrail not less than 600mm long at 900mm above floor level shall be fixed

adjacent to the control panel.

The lift lobby shall be of an inside measurement of 1800mm X 2000 or more.

The Braille signage will be posted outside the lifts.

Operational details of lifts shall confirm to the National Building Code (NBC) and will be

the responsibility of designer as well as manufacturer.

30.2.5 Toilets: One special WC in a set of toilet shall be provided for the use of handicapped

with essential provision of washbasin near the entrance for the handicapped.

(a) The minimum size shall be 1500mm X 1750mm.

(b) Minimum clear opening of the door shall be 900mm and the door shall swing

out/sliding type.

(c) Suitable arrangement for vertical/horizontal handrails with 50mm clearance from wallshall be made in the toilet.

(d) The WC seat shall be 500mm from the floor.

30.2.6 Refuge: An alternative to immediate evacuation of a building via staircases and/or lifts

is the movement of disabled persons to areas of safety within a building. If possible,

they could remain there until the fire is controlled and extinguished or until rescued by

fire fighters.

• It is useful to have the provision of a refuge area, usually at the fire protected stair

landing on each floor that can safety hold one or two wheelchairs;

• Have doorways with clear opening width of 900mm and complying with Section 4.6;

and

• Have an alarm switch installed between 900mm and 1200mm from the floor level.

[No. K-12016/5/79/DDIA/VA/IB Vol.IX(Pt)]

Sd/-

(NISHA SINGH)

DIRECTOR (DD)



New Delhi: Building Access ByeLaws

The Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation has issued a public notice proposing

amendments to the Unified Building ByeLaws, 1983, pertaining to the National Capital Territory of

Delhi. This step has been taken with a view to providing a barrier-free environment in public buildings

for persons with disability and are applicable to all buildings, recreational areas and facilities used by

the public. Domestic residences are exempted in this notification.

At the outset, the notice seeks to identify the disabilities which include impairments that confine

individuals to wheelchairs and "impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or insecurity''

and "individuals using braces or crutches, amputees, arthritics, spastics and those with pulmonary

and cardiac ills''. The notice also takes into account hearing disabilities "that might make an individual

insecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals'' and sight

disabilities - "total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the individual functioning

in public areas is insecure or exposed to danger''.

It also specifies that "every building should have at least one access to main entrance/exit to thedisabled which shall be indicated by proper signage. This entrance shall be approached through a

proper ramp together with stepped entry''. The notice further lays down that the access path from the

plot entry and surface parking to building entrance will have even surface without any step. Slope, if

any shall not have gradient greater than 5 percent. Selection of floor material shall be made suitably

to attract or to guide visually impaired persons.

For parking of vehicles of disabled persons, surface parking for two equivalent car spaces shall be

provided near the entrance for the physically challenged persons with maximum travel distance of

three meters from building entrance. The information stating that the space is reserved for wheelchair

users shall be conspicuously displayed. Guiding floor materials shall be provided or a device which

guides visually impaired persons with audible signals or other devices which serves the same

purpose shall be provided, the notice adds. Also, the notice stipulates that the buildings will have to

provide specified facilities such as approach to plinth level, corridor connecting the entrance/exit for

the handicapped, stair-ways, lift, toilet and drinking water. While Braille signage shall be provided at

the above-specified facilities, the notice also calls for provision of ramps with non-slip material at the

entry to the building.

Guiding floor materials or devices that emit sound shall be provided to guide the visually impaired

persons in the corridor connecting the entrance and exit for the handicapped. Stairways with open

riser and provision of nosing are not permitted in such buildings. Wherever lift is required as per Bye-

Laws, provision of at least one lift shall be made for the wheel-chair user with specified cagedimensions. The Braille signage will be posted outside the lifts. The notice also lays down that "one

special WC in a set of toilet shall be provided for the use of handicapped with essential provision of

washbasin near the entrance''. An alternative to immediate evacuation of a building via staircases

and/or lifts is the movement of persons with disability to safety areas within a building. If possible,

they could remain there until fire is controlled or extinguished or until rescued by fire-fighters. It is

useful to have the provision of a refuge area, usually at the fire protected stair- landing on each floor

that can safely hold one or two wheel-chairs, the notice stipulates.

Source: Bye-Laws changes to help disabled access. The Hindu, April 04, 2002, New Delhi.



6.3 Incorporation of provisions of Barrier Free Building by various States Governments

Regarding Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment, the Annual Report (2007-08) of

Ministry of Urban Development mentions:

Under the title ‘Promotion of Non-Handicapping Environment for Disabled and Elderly

Persons’, it states: “Effort will be made to ensure adoption of Bye-Laws and space

standards by all States, municipal bodies, and Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country.

These authorities will ensure that all newly constructed buildings for public-use are barrier-

free. It further goes on to add that the Ministry has prepared Model Building Bye-Laws,

which contain provisions for improving access to various public buildings by disabled and

elderly persons. These Building Bye-Laws have been sent to the State Governments, Union

Territories, Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi

Municipal Committee etc. for adoption”.

Appointment of Access Officer in every District

The Annual Report also states all States have been asked to appoint an Access Officer in

every District to bring to notice cases of non-compliance to the concerned authorities. In the

year 2010, NDMC, New Delhi and North & South Goa have appointed Access officers.

Cities such as Ahmadabad, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur and Kolkata have not yet taken

any step in this direction.

6.4 Action taken by State Governments

Report on incorporation of provisions of barrier free buildings by various States Governments is

given below:

S.

No.

State

Government

Communication No. Action Taken

1. West Bengal ME/499/IM-38/07

dated 11th June, 2008

Provision has already been incorporated in

West Bengal Municipal (Buildings), Rules,

2007 (Rule 173)

2. Madhya

Pradesh

333/Legal-M-

563/TCP/08 dated 19thJune, 2008

Provision has already been incorporated in the

Madhya Pradesh Bhumi Vikas Niyam, 1984

3. Tripura No.F.2(268)-

L/TCPO/2004dated

June, 2008

Provision has been incorporated in Tripura

Building Rules, 2004, Rule No.107

4. Andhra

Pradesh

Lr. L. Dis. No.

4928/2008/p3 dated

1st July, 2008

Vide Go Ms. No. 670 MA dated 6th

September, 2007 ULBs have been directed to

incorporate the provision in their Bye- Laws



5. Delhi Provision incorporated in Unified Building Bye-

Laws, 1983 vide MoUD notification No.K-

12016/5/79/DDLA/VA/IB Vol. IX (Pt.)

6. Gujarat No. Research/Model

DCR/2008-09/3043dated 8th June, 2008

Provision incorporated in Ahmadabad Urban

Development Authority Development (AUDA)Control Regulations

7. Maharashtra No. DTP/Building Bye

Laws/ URC/ 3404

dated 9th July, 2008

State order no. TBP 432001/2133/CR-

230/01/UD.ll dated 10th March, 2005 directed

all ULBs of the State to incorporate the

provision

8. Uttar Pradesh No. 775/VANI

(1)/Bhavan

Upvidhi/CTP/2008-09


State Order No. No.4716/9-A-1-29 Vividh/98

dated 21st Octpber,2000 directed to

incorporate the provision in the Building Bye-

Laws of all the Development Authorities of theState.

9. Kerala No. C1-4922/08 dated

18th July, 2007

Provision is to be incorporated by amending

Kerala Municipal Building Regulations, 1999,

State Government to issue notification (Under

Consideration)

10. Dadra &

Nagar Haveli

No.

TPS/GNL/2005/08/447

dated 23rd July, 2008

Under active consideration of UT

Administration

11. Daman & Diu No.ATP/DMN/MISC/T

CH/859/08 /269 dated

7th August, 2008

Under active consideration of UT

Administration.

12. Karnataka No.TP/ZR:3/1:FD-08-

09dated 2nd

September,2008

Provision is incorporated in Model Zoning

Regulations of Town and Country Planning

Department Section 22,Schedule-IV

13. Jharkhand Confirmed in Chief

Planner Brainstorming

Session held at

Ranchi on 21st

October, 2008

Incorporated in the Ranchi Regional

Development Authority Development

Control Regulations.

14. Mizoram D-42011/4/06-

TCPdated 17th May,

2008

Incorporated in Aizawl Development Authority

Building Regulations, 2008 vide Chapter VI

15. Chandigarh No. CTA/A-lll/2006/

167/7 dated 5th April,

2008

Information yet to be received.



16. Goa No.10/361/2001 DMA/Vol. ll

11925 dated 19th October,

2008

Provision incorporated in The Goa Land

Development & Building Construction

Regulations 2010

17. Uttar Pradesh 775/STP(1)/BBL/CTP/2008-09 dated 14th July, 2008

State Government has instructed videGo No.4716/9-A-1-29- MISC/98 dated

21st October, 200 all the Development

Authorities to incorporate the provision

of Barrier Fee as provided in the UP

Building Construction and Development

Bye-Laws, 200 vide Chapter-10

18. Manipur 9/4/95-TP/796 dated 10th

June, 2008

Under active consideration of State

Government.

19. Uttarakhand 1100/T&CP/ Tech-Misc/2008

dated 10th June, 2008


Government.

20. Meghalaya DUA/P/26/2003/93 dated 12th

June, 2008


Government.

21. Puducherry 361/TCP/AP/208/1102 dated

16th June, 2008

Incorporated in Pondicherry Building

Bye-Laws and Zoning Regulation,1992

22. A&N Islands TP-21/CE/2008/3152 2nd

July, 2008

Under active consideration of State U.T.

Administration.

23. Punjab No 5952/CTP(Pb)/SP-135


To be incorporated in Punjab Urban

Planning and Development Authority

(Building) Rules, 199624. Karnataka TP/ZR:3/1FD-08-09 2nd

September, 2008

Incorporated in Model Zonal

Regulations Vide Schedule-IV

25. J&K Information yet to be received.

26. Himachal

Pradesh

No. HIM/TP/PJT/ARZ/XIV-

4595 dated 6.5.09

The provision has been incorporated in

Himachal Pradesh Town and Country

Planning (Amendment) Rules, 2007 The

State Government has notified in

Shimla, regulation of Barrier Free

Environment in Public & semi-Public

Buildings and recreational area

facilitating access to persons with

Disabilities on 24.2.2007.

27. Arunachal

Pradesh

Building Regulations are yet to be

finalized for the State

28. Bihar Information yet to be received.

29. Haryana No. CTP/A-lll/2006/16717

dated 5.4.06

Incorporated in Zonal Regulations of

HUDA.



30. Lakshadweep

Islands

Information yet to be received.

31. Orissa MP-I-64/08/2517/DTP dated

25th May, 2009

Provision has been incorporated in the

Bhubaneswar Development Authority

Building Regulations, 2008

32. Rajasthan Development Authorities of the State

are in the process of incorporating the

same.

Table 1

6.5 Current status of amendment

Given below is the information on the current status of amendment of Building Bye-Laws by

various states:

S. No. States / UTs which havealready amended their

Building Bye-Laws

States/UTs whichare in process of

amending their

Building Bye-Laws

States/UTs which have yetto amend their Building

Bye-Laws

1. Andhra Pradesh Chandigarh Jammu & Kashmir

2. Gujarat Manipur Himachal Pradesh

3. Karnataka Uttarakhand Assam

4. Goa Meghalaya Chhattisgarh

5. Daman & Diu Punjab Rajasthan

6. Dadar & Nagar Haveli Arunachal Pradesh Lakshadweep7. Maharashtra Sikkim

8. Kerala Tamil Nadu

9. Uttar Pradesh Bihar

10. West Bengal Nagaland

11. Tripura Andaman & Nicobar Islands

12. Madhya Pradesh

13. NCT Delhi

14. Mizoram

15. Jharkhand16. Puducherry

17. Harayana

18. Orissa

Table 2

Source Table 1 & 2: TCPO, MoUD, Government of India

States highlighted in pink colour are covered under the Research Study



7. ANALYSIS OF STATE WISE BYE-LAWS AND RE-FRAMED REGULATIONS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.1 Comparative Analysis

A comparative analysis* of Accessibility Standards is undertaken to find out the missing gaps

and acquire the best standards that can be incorporated in the Model Building Bye-Laws.Codes/manuals analyzed are:

- Bureau of Indian Standards, National Building Code, 2005

- CPWD Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for


- Manual on Barrier Free Environment, O/o the Chief Commissioner for

Persons with Disabilities, 2002

*Comparative analysis is given in Annexure IV.

In addition, an analysis of Bye-Laws of cities such as (Delhi, Ahmadabad, Bhubaneswar,

Ranchi, Panjim, Kolkata and Jaipur) and Model Building Bye-Laws, 2004, TCPO, MoUD was

undertaken in light of universal accessibility and inclusion. Following are the common

observations and recommendations:

7.1.1 Model Building Bye-Laws

Building regulations should aim to improve accessibility and create a barrier-free environment for

all people – including parents with young children and groups like the elderly, pregnant women

and persons with disabilities. Model Building Bye-Laws Appendix – “G” (Bye Laws: 6.8) ‘To

Provide Facilities in the Public Building excluding Domestic Buildings for Handicapped Persons’

is given in Annexure II.

7.1.2 Applicability of Regulations

‘To Provide Facilitates in the Public Building excluding Domestic Buildings for

Handicapped Persons’ 14 ; it affirms:

“These Bye-Laws are applicable to public buildings and exclude domestic buildings. Building

which shall provide access to Ambulant disabled and Non-Ambulant disabled are listed below.

Distinction is made for buildings to be designed for the use of large wheel chairs and small

wheel chair”.

This makes the scope of Building Bye-Laws limited and applies to usage by very few

people in the society. Some of the critical areas which need modifications are:

• This Appendix specifies ‘few’ buildings to be used by persons with disabilities and not ‘all’

buildings. It is limited to public buildings only and does not cover private constructions

14 Model Building Bye-Laws , TCPO; 2004



including residential buildings.

• It specifies space standards for Ambulant disabled and Non-Ambulant disabled persons

only. Access needs of persons with other disabilities such as vision impairment, low

vision, hearing impairment, deaf blind & other multiple disabilities and developmental

disabilities (such as Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Autism, etc.) are not touched

upon.

• While covering the design features under the heading of building requirement, it covers

only four elements i.e. plinth (ramp), stairways, lifts and toilets.

• While taking wheelchair dimensions, the user- anthropometrics of person and mobility aid

(width, height, etc.) is not taken into consideration. This has resulted in framing of size

and space standards, which are relatively unusable and unfriendly for disabled persons,

especially those using various mobility aids.

• It seems that these regulations are not ever implemented - nobody ever bothers with

them, least of all, the Development Authorities. As with any regulations, they will only be

adopted if they are properly enforced and if there is a general acceptance of their relevance. Accessibility Regulations suffer from a particular difficulty, as there is no

obvious public safety requirement and people often think that their particular building will

not require to be accessed by disabled people.

• In other countries for example, UK, access regulations are enforced by two quite separate

mechanisms:

- Building Regulations, which provide standards for the construction of two types of

buildings – dwellings and buildings to which the public have a right of access. These

regulations exclude management arrangements and are not specific to particular

types of disability.

- Disability Discrimination Legislation, which requires equality of access to services

and employers to provide a suitable working environment for disabled employees.

Furthermore, in the case of UK, for buildings other than dwellings the intention is that

disabled people should be able to enjoy the same access to services, work

opportunities and entertainment as the able bodied population. These regulations

therefore cover shops, offices, hotels, restaurants cinemas etc.

7.1.3 Short Title, Extent & Commencement

• It needs to be clearly stated in what categories of buildings will this regulation be

applicable and what is the scope of these regulations.• Regulations include elements only for ‘within buildings’ and one paragraph for parking/

access. There are no comprehensive Regulations for public space like streets, parking,

curbs, parks etc.

• Regulations and its enforcement seem to be suggestive and not mandatory, as they are

not backed by or reviewed in any official certification process. All present efforts are

informal and on voluntary basis. These regulations are extremely important and require a

system of enforcement to be adopted by all Local Bodies, throughout the states. Hence, it

needs to be incorporated within the certification process of all public non-residential



buildings.

• All present regulations address to the ‘Physically Handicapped’ not towards a complete

Barrier Free Built Environment – these regulations ideally, are also meant for other

groups like parents with young children, the elderly, pregnant women, the temporary

injured, etc. The concept of ‘Universal Design’ needs to be introduced, rather than focus

only on the physically handicapped, and more particularly, only the wheelchair user.

7.1.4 Site Development

• Regulation aims to make reasonable provision to ensure that all public non-residential

buildings are accessible and usable by all people. Parents with children, elderly people

and persons with disabilities, should be able to gain access to, and within such buildings,

and should be able to use them, both as visitors to the building or as people who work in

it.

• The aim is to provide a suitable means of access for people from the entrance point at the

curtilage of the site, and from any parking that is provided on the site, to the building. It isalso important that pedestrian routes between buildings within a complex are also

accessible.

• The regulations cover only access to building and parking provisions and do not look at

several other concerns like footpaths, street curbs, etc. as those these matters are better

controlled elsewhere under planning regulations.

7.1.5 Access Path/ Walk Way

• In designing an approach to a building, it should be recognized that wheelchair users and

ambulant disabled people have difficulty in negotiating changes in level. Also, people with

impaired sight need to be warned of abrupt changes in level.

• It is important to be aware that the needs of disabled people vary. For example, not all

ambulant disabled people find it as easy to use a ramp as they do a stair.

• The design of the approach will also need to take into account the overall constraints of

space, and relative levels determined accordingly.

• It is also important to reduce the risks to people with impaired sight, of being injured

where elements of the building can present potential hazards on access routes adjacent

to buildings.

7.1.6 ParkingPeople who need to travel to buildings by car need to be able to park, have sufficient space to

enter and leave their vehicle, on occasions move to the rear of their vehicle, then walk, travel in

a wheelchair or with pushchairs or luggage etc. to the principal entrance of the building. As a

general rule regulations should encourage equality of access to a building through the principal

entrance used by all visitors. It is not acceptable to have a separate wheelchair access round the

back, for example:

• If parking is provided, it should accommodate the needs of disabled people. The surface

of a designated parking bay, in particular the area surrounding the bay, should allow the



safe transfer to a wheelchair and transfer from the parking area to the access route to the

building without undue effort or hazards from tripping.

• People should be able to alight from a vehicle close to the principal entrance of the

building on a level surface that is convenient for transfer to a wheelchair.

7.1.7 Building Requirements

It would seem more logical to separate regulations dealing with the outside approach to the

building from those dealing with internal circulation.

• If site constraints necessitate an approach steeper than 1 in 20, an approach

incorporating ramped access should be provided. Gradients should be a low as

practicable, as steep gradients create difficulties for some wheelchair users who lack the

strength to propel themselves up a slope or have difficulty in slowing down or stopping

when descending. 1 in 12 regarded as maximum for wheelchairs over a short distance.

• Ramps are also not necessarily safe and convenient for ambulant disabled people (such

as those using bi-lateral crutches). For example, some people who can walk but have

restricted mobility find it more difficult to negotiate a ramp than a stair. In addition,

adverse weather conditions increase risk of slipping on a ramp.

• Wheelchair users need adequate space to stop and take rest on landings, to open and

pass through doors without the need to reverse into circulation routes or to face the risk of

rolling back down slopes.

• Some people have a weakness on one side and that leads to the need for handrails at

each side of ramps where they are the sole means of access. If the total rise of a ramped

approach is too high, it can be unacceptably tiring for wheelchair users and some people

with walking difficulties, even if a number of rest landings are provided.• Many ambulant disabled people (such as bi-lateral crutch users) find it easier to negotiate

a flight of steps than a ramp and hence the presence of handrails on both sides of steps

for support is essential.

• People with impaired sight risk tripping or losing their balance if there is no warning that

there is a change in level. Tripping is most hazardous at the head of a flight of steps.

• The warning should be placed sufficiently in advance of the hazard to allow time to stop

and not be so narrow that it might be missed in a single stride.

• Materials for treads should not present a slip hazard, especially when the surface is wet.

• Persons with vision impairment should be able to appreciate easily where to place their

feet by highlighting nosing and avoiding open risers.

• When entering the building, people should be able to open and close entrance doors

without difficulty. All entrance doors should be wide enough to allow unrestricted passage

for a variety of users, including wheelchair users, people with assistance dogs and with

small children.

7.1.8 Corridors and passageways

• Should be wide enough to allow wheelchair users access to adjacent rooms and spaces,



7.2 Recommendations

1. Revision of the Building Bye-Laws of all cities/ towns and districts to make them more

comprehensive and inclusive. Currently all Bye-Laws are specifically geared only for

‘physically challenged people ’. There is a need to incorporate the specific needs of

persons with all kinds of disabilities, senior citizens, temporarily disabled, children and

persons with reduced mobility.

2. Ministry of Urban Development should ensure that Building Bye-Laws are updated,

adopted and implemented by all the States & Union Territories.

3. MoUD Annual Report (2007-08) states, “All States have been asked to appoint an Officer

in every District to bring to notice cases of non compliance to the concerned authorities”.

These Officers should be well versed with access standards and their names should be

made known so that DPOs/NGOs can closely work with them.

4. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and The Urban

Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) should

include accessibility and universal design as an essential mandatory component.

5. Adoption and implementation of accessible and inclusive Building Bye-Laws in totality.

Merely provision of a ramp/lift and/or accessible toilet does not make a building fully

accessible. In addition to incorporating access features in the built environment, it is

equally important to make the approach, pavement, parking and entry to the buildings

accessible.

6. Government officials’ in charge of policy and implementation of development projects

should be oriented and sensitized to the importance and ways of incorporating access

features.

7. Implementation of the Building Bye-Laws needs to be made mandatory.8. Completion certificate should not be issued to owners/agencies not complying with

Building Bye-Laws.

9. Incentives/ tax relief for compliance and penalization for non-compliance.

10. Costs/funds should be allocated for accessible elements outlined in the Building Bye-

Laws of all cities and towns.

11. Integration of access in the plans of all urban development schemes to ensure that

reservation for specific categories of the population are meaningfully implemented (eg. in

housing, water and sanitation schemes).

12. All existing public buildings (with special priority to hospitals, schools, government offices,

service providers, commercial buildings, recreation centers, libraries, parks, malls etc.)

should be audited by a group of trained auditors and modifications carried out in a

stipulated timeframe.

13. Architects, construction engineers and those who are professionally involved in the

design and construction of physical environment should be sensitized to the needs of

persons with disabilities through in-service training as well as suitable modification to the

curriculum in technological institutes as part of their professional studies.



8. Updated Model Building Bye-Laws -Planning & Building Standards Regulations

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Model Building Bye-Laws with updated access standards are given in this section. Along with

these standards, revised & detailed Guidelines: Space Standards for Barrier Free Built

Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons by MoUD should also be referred.

8.1 Universal Design in the Public Building for Persons with Disabilities

Universal Design enables persons with disabilities to move about safely and freely and to use

all facilities within the built environment. It also facilitates independent functioning of

individuals, so that they can get into and participate in all activities of life without assistance.

8.2 Scope

These Bye-Laws are applicable to all buildings, recreation areas & facilities used by public.

1. Site planning:

To accommodate the persons with disabilities and elderly, each building and its site should be

planned and designed as an integral unit from the very beginning of the design process.

• Level of the roads, access paths & parking areas shall be described in the plan along with

specification of materials.

• Every building should have at least one access to main entrance / exit for persons with

disabilities, which shall be indicated by proper signage.

• The approach to the entrance should be level if possible. Where entrances or exits are not

leveled, both steps and ramps should be provided, as some disabled persons (particularlythose who use walking frames or are unable to flex the soles of their feet) cannot use the

ramps upon which wheelchair users depend.

• The ramp should have a landing after every 9 meter run and in front of the doorway.

Minimum size of landing shall be 1200mm x 2000mm.

• The approach should be adequately illuminated after dark.

2. Access Path/ Walk Way:

• Access path from plot entry and surface parking to building entrance shall be minimum of

1500mm wide and for moderate two way traffic preferred width is 1800mm, having even surfac

without any steps.

• Slope, if any, shall not have gradient greater than 5%.

• The walkway should not have a gradient exceeding 1:20. It also refers to cross slope.

• When walks exceed 60 meter in length it is desirable to provide rest area adjacent to the walk aconvenient intervals of 30 meter for bench/ resting seats. For comfort, seat height should bebetween 450 mm-500 mm, have a back rest and hand rests at 700 mm height.

• Texture change in walk ways adjacent to seating by means of warning blocks should beprovided for persons with vision impairment.

• Avoid gratings and manholes in walks.




• Kerbs wherever provided, should have kerb ramps. Kerb should be dropped, to be flush with

walk way, at a gradient no greater than 1:10 on both sides of necessary and convenient crossin

points (see Fig. 1). Width should not be less than 1200mm. If width (X) is less than 1200mm,

then slope of the flared side shall not exceed 1:12. Warning strip to be provided on the kerb sid

edge of the slope, so that a person with vision impairment does not accidentally walk onto the

road (see Fig. 3).

• Selection of floor Tactile pavings- Guiding & Warning blocks shall be provided (refer Section 7)

to guide persons with vision impairment (refer Figure 2).

• Finishes shall have non slip surface with a texture traversable by a wheel chair.

• Street furniture, trees, lighting and dustbins should be located on one side of pathways. The

surface texture and color surrounding may be changed to indicate the approach to those items

Figure 1 Kerb ramp

Figure 2 Tactile tile configuration for approach & entrance




Figure 3 Kerb Ramp

3. Signage

• Signs are to provide information. They can inform the user of a route, a hazard, or a facility.

Signs also communicate an identity for the building or environment they serve.• Signage forms a small percentage of the cost of a building, typically only 0.1%, but they do

contribute greatly to the aesthetics and first impression of a building.

• A signage system also increases person’s awareness of their surroundings and aids

orientation within the environment. Adequate expenditure on a well designed sign system

can therefore be very beneficial to everyone.

• The location of signs should ideally be part of the process of planning the building and

environment.

3.1 Sign Design Specifications

• Signs should be mounted between 1400mm and 1700mm from floor level.

• The individual characters between 15mm-50mm tall, raised by 1-1.5mm and bold & color

contrasted with their background.

• The sign should be in a prominent position.

• The face of the sign should be well illuminated by natural or artificial light.

• The character or pictogram size should be 100mm minimum to 170mm maximum height for

each 3meter of viewing distance.




• The font should be simple such as Arial, Helvetica medium, and san serif or similar.

• The colour of the text should be in a colour that contrasts with the sign board.

• The sign board should also contrast with the wall on which it is mounted.

• The surface of the sign should not be reflective.

•

Some signs such as those adjacent to or on a toilet door or office door may be embossed sothat they can be read by touch.

• The text should be a minimum height of 15mm to a maximum of 50mm and a depth of

embossing of 1mm to 5mm.

• For persons with vision impairment information board in Braille should be installed on the wa

at 1400-1600mm and it should be possible to approach them closely.

Figure 4 Way finding signage Figure 5 International Symbol of Accessibility

Figure 6 Sign Posting




4. Accessible Parking

• Parking should be within 30meters of the main entrance of the building.

• Two accessible parking lots with minimum width of 3600mm x 5000mm should be provided

• It should have the international signage painted on the ground and also on a signpost\ boar

put near it.

• The symbol should be large enough to be easily visible by person looking for the accessible

parking, recommended size being 1000mm x 1000mm but not larger than 1500mm x

1500mm. With the preferred colours being white and blue, the sign painted on the floor

should contrast in colour and luminosity with the floor colour.

• There should be directional signs guiding people to the accessible parking.

Figure 7 Accessible parking Figure 8 Signpost for accessible parking

5. Ground and Floor Surfaces

• Ground and floor surfaces (along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and

spaces, including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps) should be stable, firm

and slip-resistant.

• Vertical level changes up to 6mm may not need edge treatment. Changes in level

between 6mm and 12mm should be leveled off with a slope no greater than 1:2.

• Edges of paths can be clearly defined by using different colors and textures.

Figure 9 Change in level of accessible route




7.1 Places to install guiding blocks:

• In front of an area where traffic is present.

• In front of an entrance/exit to and from a staircase or multi-level crossing facility.

• Entrances/exits at public transport terminals or boarding areas.

• Sidewalk section of an approach road to a building.

• Guiding path from a public facility to the nearest public transport station.

• In rural areas, stones of different sizes may be used to separate the road from the curb, and

to indicate the approach to public places.

Figure 11 Guiding tiles Figure 12 Warning tiles

Figure 13




Figure 14 Engineering Configuration of Guiding Path and Warning Strip

8. Entrance Doors

Whatever the type of entrance door, it must be wide enough to accommodate pedestrian

traffic comfortably.

• The recommended minimum clear opening width of an internal door is 900mm minimum.

• Where doors comprise two leaves (i.e. double doors), each leaf should be 900mm min. wide

so that persons carrying large items and wheelchair users do not have to open both leaves.• Manual doors should incorporate kick plates 300-400mm high to withstand impact of

wheelchair footrest (this is especially important where doors are glazed).

• Also be fitted with vision panels at least between 900mm and 1500mm from floor level.

• Be color contrasted with the surrounding wall and should not be heavier than 22N to open.

• Lever handles and push type mechanisms are recommended. When a sliding door is fully

open, handles should be usable from both sides.

• Where revolving doors or turnstiles are used, an alternative wheelchair-accessible entrance

must also be provided.

•

A distance of 400mm should be provided beyond the leading edge of door to enable awheelchair user to maneuver and to reach the handle.

• Thresholds of doorways should not exceed 12mm. Raised threshold and floor level changes

at doorways should be leveled off (beveled) with a slope on each side of a threshold.

• To ensure maximum clarity for persons with vision impairments, the entrance should be

easily distinguishable from its surroundings by the effective use of landscaping, signage,

colour (preferably yellow/orange), tonal contrast and tactile surfacing.




• Door hardware should be positioned between 900-1000mm above floor (Figure 15).

• Operable devices such as handles, pulls, latches and locks should:

o Be operable by one hand

o Not require fine finger control, tight grasping, pinching or twisting to operate

• Glazed doors and fixed glazed areas should be made visible by use of a clear, colour and

tone contrasted warning or decorative feature that is effective from both inside and outside

and under any lighting conditions, e.g. a logo, of minimum dimensions 150mm by 150mm

(though not necessarily square), set at eye level.

Figure 15 Position of door hardware Figure 16 Position of Braille signage




Figure 17 Placement of other Signage

Figure 18 Clear door width




9. Lobby

• Where both doors open in the same direction, and are manual, lobby dimensions should

measure 1500mm (w) x 2000mm (l).

• Where both sets of doors could open into a lobby (i.e. doors are mounted on two-way

hinges), lobby dimensions should be increased to 1500mm (w) x 2400mm (l).

10. Steps & Stairs

• Steps should be uniform with the tread not less than 300mm and the risers 150mm.

• The risers should not be open.

• The steps should have an unobstructed width of at least 1200mm.

• Have continuous handrails on both sides including the wall (if any) at two levels: upper at

900mm and lower at 760mm and extend not less than 300mm beyond the top and bottom

step (Figure 20).

•

Warning blocks to be placed 300mm at the beginning and at the end of all stairs.• Nosing to be avoided.

• The staircase should be adequately and uniformly illuminated during day and night (when in

use). The level of illumination should preferably fall between 100-150 lux.

• The rise of a flight between landings must be no more than 1200mm.

• There should be no more than 12 risers in one flight run.

• Landing should be 1200mm deep, clear of any door swing/ window.

• Lighting systems in stairwells should be designed to create a slight contrast between treads

and risers, while providing a uniform overall level of illumination.

• Where the stair direction must change, a series of landings is recommended.

• All steps should be fitted with a permanent colour and tone contrasting at the step edge,

extending the full width of the step, reaching a minimum depth of 50mm on both tread and

riser.

• The stair covering and nosing should be slip-resistant, non-reflective, firmly-fixed and easy t

maintain.

• Sofit (underside /open area under the stairs) of the stairs should be enclosed or protected.

Figure 19 Step edges in contrast colour Figure 20 Stairs with handrails




11. Handrails

• Handrails should be circular in section with a diameter of 38-45mm (Figure 21).

• At least 50mm clear of the surface to which they are attached.

• Handrail at foot of the flight of stairs should extend 300mm beyond the stairs in the line of

travel and returning to the wall or floor or rounded off, with a positive end that does not

project into the route of travel.

• Handrails/grab bars should be in a color that contrasts sharply with the surrounding area.

• The handrail should be positioned at two levels- 760mm and 900mm above the pitch-line of

flight of stairs.

• The handrail should be circular in section, of diameter 40mm and formed from materials

which provide good grip such as timber, nylon or powder coating, matt finish metal finishes.

• The handrail should contrast in colour (preferably yellow/orange) with surrounding surfaces

and should be supported on brackets which do not obstruct continuous hand contact with th

handrail.

Figure 21 Knuckle clearance

12. Ramps

• Ramps should be accompanied by steps for ambulant disabled persons.

• The gradient should ideally be 1 in 20 and no greater than 1 in 12.

• The steeper the gradient, the shorter the length of ramp between landings.

• On long ramps, a horizontal resting space should be provided every 6 meters.

• Surface materials should be slip-resistant, non-reflective, firmly-fixed and easily maintained

• The edge of the ramp should have an edge protection with a minimum height of 100mm.

• Landings every 750mm of vertical rise.

•

A tapping or lower rail should be positioned so that its bottom edge is no higher than 200mmabove ground level.

• Handrails on the ramps should be on both sides at two levels: upper at 900mm and lower at

760mm; both end to be rounded and grouted; extend 300 mm beyond top and bottom of

ramp.

• A row of tactile warning blocks should be placed 300mm beginning and end of each run.

• Landings should be provided at regular intervals as indicated in the table (Table 1).




Minimum specifications for Ramps

Leveldifference

Minimumgradient of Ramp

Ramp Width Handrailon bothsides

Comments

≥ 150 mm≤ 300 mm 1:12 1200 mm √

≥ 300 mm≤ 750 mm

1:12 1500 mm √ Landings every 5 metersof ramp run.

≥ 750 mm≤ 3000mm

1:15 1800 mm √ Landings every 9 metersof ramp run.

≥ 3000 mm 1:20 1800 mm √ Landings every 9 metersof ramp run.

Table 1

Figure 22 Straight ramp

Figure 23 L-shape ramp




13. Lifts

A carefully designed lift makes a huge contribution to the accessibility of a multi-storey

building for persons with reduced mobility and disabilities.

• Lift locations should be clearly signposted from the main pedestrian route and recognizable

through design and location.

• The colour and tone of the lift doors should contrast with the surrounding wall finish to assis

in their location. Lift doors with metallic finishes such as steel grey and silver should be

avoided as they are difficult to identify by persons with low vision.

• The lift lobby shall be of an inside measurement of 1800mm X 2000mm or more.

• A clear landing area in front of the lift doors of minimum dimensions 1500mm x 1500mm

should be provided.

• By making the landing area distinguishable by floor surface and contrast, it will aid location

and recognition of core areas. This could comprise a change in floor finish from thin carpet t

vinyl/PVC, or cement/mosaic floor to carpet.

• Changes in floor finish must be flush. There should be no difference in level between the liftdoor and the floor surface at each level. The gap if unavoidable should not be more than

12mm.

• The floor level/location should be indicated on the wall adjacent to or just above the call

buttons, and opposite the lift doors where possible.

Figure 24 Lift lobby Figure 25 Lift signage

13.1 Lift Dimensions

• Provisions of at least one lift shall be made for the wheel chair user with the following car

dimensions:

o Clear internal depth -1400 mm

o Clear internal width - 1400 mm

o Entrance door width - 900 mm




13.2 Lift Controls

• The lift call button should be wall-mounted adjacent to the lift and should contrast with wall

finish, either by using a contrasting panel, or a contrasting border around the button panel.

• The call buttons should be located within the range 800-1000mm above floor finish.

• Buttons should not be touch sensitive, but should require a light positive pressure.

• Buttons should ideally be large enough to be operable by the palm of the hand if required.

• The control buttons inside the lift should be positioned on the side wall rather than front wall

to allow access from the back and front of the lift car, by mobility aid users like wheelchair

users.

• In larger lifts, controls should be positioned on both side walls, at least 400mm from front wa

and between 800-1000mm above floor level.

• The control buttons should contrast with their surroundings and illuminate when pressed.

• The control buttons should incorporate highly visible tactile embossed (NOT engraved)

characters. It is desirable, to repeat the legend in Braille.

• Time of closing of an automatic door should be more than 5 seconds and the closing speedshould not exceed .25 meters per second. There should be a provision of censor enabled

closing (Figure 26).

Figure 26 Lift controls

13.3 Car Design

• Internal walls should have a non-reflective, matt finish in a colour and tone contrasting with

the floor, which should also have a matt, non-slip finish.

• Use of reflective materials such as metal (stainless steel for example) can be problematic in

creating sufficient contrast with control buttons, emergency telephone cabinet etc. for

persons with low vision and the use of such materials should be avoided wherever possible




• A mirror (750mm above floor level) on the rear wall can be useful to persons using

wheelchairs and other mobility aids should they need to reverse safely out of the lift car or

view the floor numbers.

• Internal lighting should provide a level of illumination of minimum 100 lux (approximately 50-

75 lux at floor level), uniformly distributed, avoiding the use of spotlights or down lighters

wherever possible

• A grab bar should be provided along both sides and the back wall, 900mm above floor level

• Handrails should be of tubular or oval cross section, in order to be easily gripped and

capable of providing support.

• Handrails should be positioned so that there is a clear space behind the handrail to allow it t

be grasped i.e. knuckle space should be 50mm.

Figure 27 Lift standards

13.4 Information Systems

• Lifts should have both visual and audible floor level indicators.

• Audible systems are also usually capable of incorporating additional messages, such as

door closing, or, in the case of an emergency, reassurance (with manual over-ride allowing

communication with lift occupants).• Audible distinction between adjacent lifts can be useful. For example, using a female voice

recorded message in one lift and a male voice recorded message in the other.

• Announcement system should be of 50 decibel.

• The display could be digital or segmented LED, or an appropriate alternative.

• A yellow or light green on black display is preferred to a red on black display as it is easier t

read.




14. Corridors/Passages

• Corridors should be 1800mm minimum wide to allow two wheelchairs to pass.

• The floor should be slip-resistant.

• Corridors should be left unobstructed and features such as fire extinguishers and AC

recessed.

• If necessary, changes of direction should be at 90 degrees, avoiding curved corridors or

oblique angles where possible.

• In long corridors, consideration should be given to the provision of resting places or support

rails.

• Seating should be slightly recessed off the main circulation route.

• Directional signage should be repeated in long corridors to prevent disorientation.




Figure 32 Minimum clearance for 90º turn Figure 33 Minimum around an obstruction

Figure 34 Doorways




15. Windows

• Windows should be designed to avoid the glare which is a particular problem for people with

impaired sight.

• Large glass areas close to circulation spaces should be marked a little below eye-level with

coloured band or frame.

• A window should have an unobstructed viewing zone for wheelchair users 600mm-1450mm

(Figure 35).

• Transoms positioned between 900mm and 1200mm should not be incorporated into the

design to allow a clear view through a window from a seated position. Windows should be

easy to open and close.

• Their controls should be placed between 800 -1000mm from the floor. Lever handles should

be used in preference to knobs.

• Windows should contrast visually with their background for the benefit of persons with visua

impairments.

Figure 35

16. Washrooms and Toilets

• Accessible public toilets should have the international symbol of accessibility displayedoutside for wheelchair access.

• The toilet door should be an outward opening door or two way opening or a sliding typeand should provide a clear opening width of at least 900mm. It should have a horizontalpull-bar, at least 600mm long, on the inside of the door, located so that it is 130mm fromthe hinged side of the door and at a height of 1000mm.




Figure 36 Plan of Accessible Toilet

16.3 Wash Basins

• Wash hand basins should be fitted on cantilevered brackets fixed to the wall.

• The basin should be fixed no higher than 750mm above finished floor level.

• Be of dimensions 520mm and 410mm, mounted such that the top edge is between 800-

900mm from the floor; have a knee space of at least 760mm wide by 200mm deep by 650--

680mm high (Figure 37).

• The position of the basin should not restrict access to the WC i.e. it should be located

900mm away from the WC.

• A lever operated mixer tap fitted on the side of the basin closest to the WC is useful as it

allows hot and cold water to be used from a seated position on the WC. The water

temperature should be thermostatically controlled at 40¡-45¡.

• The hand drying facilities should be located close to the wash hand basin between 1000-

1200mm.

• Lever type handles for taps are recommended.

• Mirror’s bottom edge to be 1000mm from the floor and may be inclined at an angle.




Figure 37 Washbasin standards

16.5 Fixtures and Fittings

• Contrast between fittings and fixtures and wall or floor finishes will assist in their

location. For example, using contrasting fittings, or dark tiles behind white wash

hand basins and urinals, contrasting soap dispensers and toilet roll holders. Contrast

between critical surfaces e.g. floors, walls and ceilings helps to define the

dimensions of the room.

• Towel rails, rings and handrails should be securely fixed to the walls and positioned

at 800-1000mm from the floor.

• The mirror should be tilted at an angle of 300 for better visibility by wheelchair users.

• It should have lower edge at 1000mm above floor finish and top edge around

1800mm above floor finish.

• Hooks should be available at both lower-1200mm and standard heights- 1400mm,

projecting not more than 40mm from the wall.

• Where possible, be equipped with a shelf of dimensions 400mm x 200mm fixed at a

height of between 900mm and 1000mm from the floor.

• Light fittings should illuminate the user's face without being visible in the mirror. For

this reason, most units which have an integral light are unsatisfactory.

• Large, easy to operate switches are recommended, contrasting with background toassist location, at a maximum height of 1000mm above floor finish.

• All toilet facilities should incorporate visual fire alarms.

• Alarms must be located so that assistance can be summoned both when on the

toilet pan i.e. at 900mm height and lying on the floor i.e. at 300mm, from floor

surface. Alarms should be located close to the side wall nearest the toilet pan,

750mm away from rear wall and at 900mm and 200mm above floor finish.



16.6 Signage of accessible toilets

• All unisex accessible toilets to have access symbol in contrast colours (Figure 38).

Figure 38

• For the benefit of the persons with vision impairment, all general toilets to have male

pictogram in triangle or female pictogram in circle, marked on plates with raised

alphabets and put on wall next to door and on the door as well (Figure 39).

• A distinct audio sound (beeper/clapper) may be installed above the entrance door for

identification of the toilets.

Figure 39 Placement of signage

Figure 40 Internal circulation in accessible toilet cubicle



16.7 Accessible Urinal

At least one of the urinals should have grab bars to support ambulant persons with

disabilities (for example, crutch users).

• A stall-type urinal is recommended.

• Urinals shall be stall-type or wall-hung, with an elongated rim at a maximum of 430mm

above the finish floor.

• Urinal shields (that do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim) may be

provided with 735mm clearance between them.

• Grab bars to be installed on each side, and in the front, of the urinal (Figure 43).

• The front bar is to provide chest support; the sidebars are for the user to hold on to

while standing.

Figure 43 Accessible urinal




17. Shower Cubicles

• Should have seats: height 450mm-480mm which facilitate easy transfer by wheelchair users.

• Grab rails at a height of 760mm-900mm.

• Call buttons or other signal devices at a height: 800mm-1000mm; can be easily reached in an

emergency.

• Sufficient space should be provided beside shower cubicles for transfer by wheelchair users:

900mm x 1200mm.• Shower doors, locks or catches should be of a type that can be opened from the outside in an

emergency.

• Shower doors should preferably be of a sliding or outward opening type.

• A sloping floor 1:40-1:50 with trapped outlet and non-slip waterproof finish is recommended.

17.1 Shower Dimensions

• For a level area (laid to falls, flush floor drain), incorporating WC and wash hand basin, the

minimum internal dimensions are 2300mm x 2400mm, preferably 2500mm x 2500mm (Figure

44).

• Where only a shower is provided (floor laid to falls, flush floor drain), the minimum internal

dimensions are 1800mm x 2350mm (Figure 45), but this should allow for a dry area for

clothing, towel, etc.

17. 2 Shower Fittings

• Where a separate shower cannot be fitted and it has to be integral with the bath, the shower

head should be adjustable in height within a range of 1.5 meters to 2 meters above floor level.

• It may be helpful to provide a flexible hose of sufficient length to enable the shower head to be

used at the washbasin.

• Shower controls should have clearly visible signs, preferably with tactile embossed symbols foron/off and hot/cold.

• A thermostatically controlled lever operated shower valve set at 40¡-45¡ should be provided at

a height of 1000mm above floor finish.

• Controls should be positioned at least 300mm away from any side wall.

• The shower spray should be fixed to a flexible hose and slider fitting to give an adjustable

height range of 800mm -1000mm above floor finish (Figure 46).

• Within the shower, 600mm x 600mm vertical and horizontal rails, positioned 900mm away from

the fold-down shower seat. The horizontal rail should be positioned 760mm above floor finish

or 200mm above the shower seat.




Figure 44 Individual washroom with roll in shower

Figure 45 Shower facility




Figure 46 Shower fittings

18. Emergency Egress

• An accessible environment is one which persons can not only enter and use independently,

but also one which they can leave safely in the event of an emergency

18.1 Emergency Evacuation Strategy• The basic principle of an emergency egress strategy is to move persons horizontally to a safe

area where, if necessary, they can await assistance or rescue, before travelling vertically to

reach the final exit level.

• The egress routes will therefore comprise horizontal escape routes, refuges, stairwells and

lifts.

As well as safe escape routes; a fire evacuation strategy must be in place.

• The management procedures identified in the fire evacuation strategy will be influenced by the

design of the building, its occupancy and its use.

• There should be procedures to ensure the safe egress of persons who work in the building

who may experience difficulties in the event of an emergency. This could include persons with

visual or hearing impairments, persons with learning difficulties and persons with mobility

difficulties.

• Clear, well illuminated signage indicating escape routes is essential (Figure 47).




Figure 47 Emergency Egress Signage

18.2 Refuge

• An alternative to immediate evacuation of a building via staircases and/or lifts is the movement

of disabled persons to areas of safety within a building. If possible, they could remain there

until the fire is controlled and extinguished, or, until rescued by fire fighters. Refuge area

should be provided, usually at the fire-protected stair landing on each floor that can safely hold

one or two wheelchairs.

• Each area of refuge must be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier

having minimally one hour fire resistance rating. Each area of refuge is to be designed to

minimize the intrusion of smoke.• Two wheelchairs spaces of size 800mm x 1200mm each to be provided in the refuge area.

The area of rescue assistance shall not encroach on any required exit width. The total number

of such areas per story shall be not less than one for every 200 persons of calculated occupant

load served by the area of rescue assistance.

• All stairs next to the refuge should have a clear width of 1200mm between the handrails.

• A method of two-way communication, with both visible and audible signals, shall be provided

between each area of rescue assistance and the primary entry.

• Each area of rescue assistance shall be identified by a sign which states "REFUGE AREA"

and displays the international symbol of accessibility. The sign should be illuminated when exitsign illumination is required. Signage should also be installed at all inaccessible exits and

where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction to areas of rescue assistance. In

each area of rescue assistance, instructions on the use of the area under emergency

conditions shall be posted adjoining the two-way communication system.

18.3 Alarm Systems

Concerning vocal alarms, vibrating alarms and instructions for escape from danger:

• If emergency warning systems, e.g. vibrating alarms or vocal alarms, are installed, they should

include a means of warning for visually impaired persons.

• Visual alarm devices should be provided for persons with hearing impairments.

• Sockets should be provided near beds to allow alarm systems, including vibrating under-pillow

devices, to be connected easily.

• Alarm signals such as flashing lights, vibrating beds or variable velocity fans can alert deaf or

deaf and blind residents. Emergency exit lights and directional signals mounted near the floor

have been found to be useful in cases where a lot of smoke is present. Pre-recorded

messages and on-the-spot broadcasts from a central control center would be of great benefit.




REFERENCES

1) Buildings for Everyone; National Rehabilitation Board, 1998, National Disability Authority

2) CPWD Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and

Elderly persons, 1998

3) Delhi Development Plan: A Citizen Appraisal available at www.ccsindia.org/2009-

dch/chapter15.pdf

4) IS: 4963 - 1968, Recommendations for buildings and facilities for the Physically Handicapped

5) IS: 4963-1988, Indian Standard Recommendations for Buildings and Facilities for

6) Bureau of Indian Standards, National Building Code, 2005

7) Proposals for Amending Part M - Access to and use of buildings: A Consultation Package

issued by the Building Regulations Division, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, UK.

8) The Building Act 1984, UK

9) The Building Regulations 2000, UK

10) Guidelines to Improve Barrier-Free Access for Public Trans port Passenger Facilities, 2001,

ECOMO Foundation, Japan11) “Access for All”,

12) Manual Barrier Free Environment, O/o the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities,

2002

13) Model Building Bye-Laws, 2004 (TCPO, Ministry of Urban Development)




Annexure

Questionnaire for Municipal and Urban Development Authorities-

Commissioners, Town Planners and officers

SUPPORT FOR INCLUSIVE BYE-LAWS

From the title of the section on ‘Facilities for the Physical Handicapped Persons’ it appears that

the focus for the Bye-Laws is to provide access to facilities for those only with physical disabilities.

However, an inclusive perspective of ‘universal design’ should be taken to provide accessible

places for everyone- for people with disabilities of all types- congenital, societal and

environmental, i.e. not only for people born with physical disabilities but those caused by hazards

in the environment, by age and condition-the aged, pregnant, children.

1. Towards this goal, how can JNNRUM, the MoUD and/ or NGOs/Access Resource Groups

assist the state government in creation of inclusive Bye-Laws?

COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN GUIDELINES

There is an absence of standardized design guidelines- dimensions, details for most aspects of

buildings. As a result, many building practices continue to be followed, even though they may not

be totally appropriate, due to adoption from other countries or being outdated. In this situation, the

Bye-Laws can form the basis for better design practices.

2. Since the Bye-Laws are being revised by the MoUD to create a comprehensive database, do

you believe that these can be adopted in their entirety by the state? Are there other provisions

that you believe should be considered specific to the state?

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

As laid out in the existing guidelines, the design of schools has been accorded special

significance. In light of the development underway in the state is it feasible to incentivize the

provision of accessible facilities for commercial spaces, public buildings, both public and

private educational and medical institutions and other places with specific guidelines? For

example, hospitals require all routes to be accessible, whereas for retail spaces it would be one

direct route. Similarly, the outdoor domain is equally if not more important- the pavement, building

access, road crossings should all be given due importance.

3. Especially with so many multi-national firms coming in, who provide accessible work

environments as general policies, would places built to international accessibility standards

attract foreign direct investment (FDI)?




KEEPING TRACK

4. What percentages of buildings/ public spaces are actually built to be

accessible? During the building permitting process and/ or time that the completion certificate

is given, are there any checks to make sure the existing provisions are provided? If not, what

can be done to make sure they are?

5. Can Access officers be appointed or Access Co-ordination Cell be formed within the Municipal

Corporation for this purpose?

6. Also, can new buildings/ developers be penalized for not providing access? And/ or rewarded

by correspondingly allowing some leniency/ concessions in some other condition that it is hard

to meet?

AWARENESS

7. Is it possible to follow both approaches- enforcement of Laws and education of the larger public about the measures required to make places more accessible?

8. Do you think it is feasible to create model buildings that are completely accessible and

publicize this through websites/forums/media for sensitization and spreading awareness?

MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

Long-term maintenance of the accessible facility is as important as its creation. For example, if

there is a large mailbox that falls in the path of travel/ or rubbish in a hallway, an accessible route

is no longer accessible. This is a disability for the abled too. Here perhaps, incentives will work thebest.

9. Is there any such incentive scheme to reward/ punish long-term behavior tried/ tested that you

believe can be implemented?




Annexure II

Model Building Bye-Laws

Appendix – “G” (Bye Laws: 6.8)

To Provide Facilities in the Public Building excluding Domestic Buildings for Handicapped

Persons

Town & Country Planning Organisation, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India

issued the Model Building Bye-Laws in November 2004 to all the states.

1. Definitions

Ambulant Disabled People: Disabled who are able to walk but who may depend on

prostheses (Artificial Limbs) orthoses (Calipers),

Sticks, crutches or walking aids.

Non-Ambulant Disabled People: Disabled people with impairments that confine them to

wheelchair.

Wheel Chair: Chair used by disabled people for mobility.

(i) Size ofsmall wheel chair: 750 x 1050 mm

(ii) Size of large wheel chair: 800 x 1500 mm

2. Scope

These Bye-Laws are applicable to public buildings and exclude domestic buildings. Building which

shall provide access to ambulant disable and Non-Ambulant disabled are listed below. Distinction

is made for buildings to be designed for the use of large wheel chairs and small wheel chair.

3. Building to be designed for Ambulant Disabled People

Higher Secondary School, Conference Hall, Dance Halls, Youth Centres, Youth Clubs, Sport

Centres, Sport Pavilions, Boat Club Houses, Ice Rinks, Bowling Centres, Swimming Pools, Police

Stations, Law Courts, Courts Houses, Sport Stadiums, Theaters, Concert Halls, Cinemas,

Auditorias, Small Offices (the maximum plinth area 1400 sq.mt) Snack Bars, Cafes and

banqueting rooms (for capacity above 50 dinners).

Note:

i) In sport stadiums provisions shall be made for non-ambulant spectators (small wheel chair)

ii) @ 1:1000 up to 10,000 spectators and @ 1:2000 for spectators above 10,000.iii) In Theaters, Concert Halls, Cinemas and Auditoria provisions shall be made for non-ambulant

spectators (Small Wheel Chairs) @ 1/250 up to 1000 spectators and 1/500 for spectators above

1000.

4. Building to be designed for Non-Ambulant Disabled People:

Schools for physically handicapped, cremation, buildings as mentioned in 3, Botanical




Gardens, Religious Buildings, Old People Clubs, Village Halls, Day Centers, Junior Training

Centres, Post Offices, Banks, Dispensaries, Railway Stations, Shops, Super Markets, and

Departmental Stores.

Notes: Large wheel chair criteria shall be applicable on ground floors of the following building,

post offices, banks, dispensaries, railway station, shops, supermarkets, and departmental

stores.

5. Building to be designed for Non-Ambulant People (using small wheel chairs)

Public lavatories in Tourist Sports, Clubs Motels, Professional and Scientific Institution, Museum,

Art Galleries, Public Libraries, Laborites, Universities, Collage for further Education, Teachers

Training Colleges, Technical College, Exhibition Halls Dentist Surgeries, Administrative

Department of the Hospitals, Service Stations, Car Parking, Buildings Airports Terminals, Bus

Terminals, Factories Employing Handicapped for Sedentary Works, Large Offices, (with plinth

area abode 1400 sq.mt.), Tax Offices, Passport Offices, Pension Offices, and Labour Offices,

Cafes, Banqueting Rooms and Snack Bars (For capacity above 100 dinners).

6. Buildings Requirements:

6.1 The following building requirements are to be provided for building mentioned above.

6.2 Site Planning

Access path form plot entry and surface parking to building entrance shall be minimum of 1800

mm wide having regular surface without any steps. The parking of vehicles of disabled people two

equivalent car spaces (ECS) shall be provided near entrance of 30 m from building entrance.

7. Approach to Plinth LevelRamp shall be provided to enter the building, minimum width of ramp shall be 1800 mm with

maximum gradient 1:12, length of ramp shall not exceed 9.0 m having 900mm high hand rail on

both sides extending 300 mm on both sides of ramps. Minimum gap from the adjacent wall to the

handrail shall be 50 mm.

Entrance landing shall be provided adjacent to ramp with the minimum dimension 1800 X 2000

mm.

Minimum clear opening for the entrance door shall be 1000 mm.

Threshold shall not be raised more than 12 mm.

For stepped approach size of tread shall not be less than 275 mm and maximum riser shall be

150 mm.

8. Stairways

Height of the riser shall not be more than 150 mm and width of the tread not less than 275 mm,

nosing if provided shall not extend beyond 25 mm. Maximum number of risers on a flight shall be

limited to 12.




9. Lifts

Whenever lift is required as per Bye-Laws, provision of at-least one lift shall be made for Non-

Ambulant disabled (using small wheel chairs with the following minimum dimensions of lift).

Clear internal depth 1090 mm

Clear internal width 1750 mm

Entrance door width 910 mm A handrail not less 600 mm long at 1000 mm above floor level shall be fixed adjacent to the

control panel.

10. Toilets

10.1 One special W.C. in a set of toilet shall be provided for the use of disabled. No additional

provision of W.C. is to be made for disabled.

Size of the W.C. shall depend on the category of disabled for whom it is has been provided.

All doors in W.Cs shall open outside.

The type of W.C. shall be European with seat height as 500 mm.Handrails, where provided shall have min 25 mm dia.

10.2 Provision of W.Cs in buildings without lift:

Provision of special W.C. shall be made on all floors for buildings designed for

ambulant disabled persons.

For buildings designed for non-ambulant disabled special W.C. shall be provided at ground

floor. Size of W.C. shall depend on the type of wheel chair used by the disabled.

10.3 Provisions of W.Cs in buildings with lift:

Provision of Special W.C. shall be made on all floors. Size will depend on the category of disabled

for whom it has been provided.

10.4 Toilet Details

10.4.1 For Toilets Designed for Ambulant Disabled The minimum size of W.C. shall be 1075 x

1650 mm with a minimum depth of 1450 mm from entry door 900 mm. Long handrail on the side

closer to W.C. with a clear width between the handrails shall be 900 mm and height of handrails

shall be 800 mm from floor level. Minimum size of the clear door opening shall be 780 mm.

10.4.2 For Toilets Designed for Non-Ambulant Disabled Small Wheel Chair The minimum size of

W.C. shall be 1350 x 1500 mm with a minimum depth of 1500 mm from entry door. 900 mm long

handrail on the side closer to W.C. shall be provided. To provide movement space for wheel chair,

W.C. seat shall be fixed towards one side to the opposite adjacent wall. The centerline of W.C.

from the adjacent wall shall be 400 mm and minimum 950 mm from the other wall. Minimum size

of the clear door opening shall be 780 mm.




10.4.3 For Toilets Designed for Non-Ambulant Disabled Using Large Wheel Chair The minimum

size of W.C. shall be 1500 X 1750 with a minimum depth of 1750 mm for entry door. 900 mm long

handrail on the side wall closer to W.C. shall be provided. To provide movement space for wheel

chair, W.C. seat shall be fixed towards one side of the opposite wall. The centerline of the W.C.

from the adjacent wall shall be 400 mm and a minimum of 1100 mm from the other wall. Min. size

of clear door opening shall be 860 mm.




Annexure II

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE ANNEX D

(Clause 12.21)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGE MEANT FOR USE OF

PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

D-1 GENERAL

D-1.1 These requirements apply to all buildings and facilities used by the public. These

apply to temporary or emergency conditions as well as permanent conditions. It does not

apply to private residences.

These requirements are concerned with non- ambulatory disabilities, semi-ambulatory disabilities,

sight disabilities, hearing disabilities, disabilities of inco-ordination, aging, allergies, heart and lung

diseases, epilepsy, haemophilia, incontinence and enterostomy.

It is intended to make all buildings and facilities used by the public accessible to, and functional for

the physically challenged through and within their doors, without loss of function, space, space or

facility where the general public is concerned. It supplements the general requirements of the

Code, and reflects greater concern for safety of life and limb. In cases of practical difficulty,

unnecessary hardship, or extreme differences, the Authority may grant exceptions from the literal

requirements of this Annex or permit the use of the other methods or methods or materials, but

only when it is clearly evident that equivalent facilities and protection are thereby secured.

D-1.2 For the purpose of this Annex, the following definitions shall apply.

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONLES RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

D-1.2.1 Aging Those manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce mobility,

Flexibility. Coordination. And perceptiveness but are not accounted for in the categories

mentioned in D-11.2.3.1 to

D-1.2.3.9.

D-1.2.2 Appropriate Number The number of a specific item that would be necessary, in

accordance with the purpose and function of building or facility, to accommodate individuals with

specific disabilities in proportion to the anticipated number or individuals with disabilities who

would use a particular building or facility.

D-1.2.3 Disabilities

D-1.2.3.1 Non-ambulatory disabilities Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for

all practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs.




D-1.2.3.2 Semi-ambulatory disabilities Impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or

insecurity. Individuals using braces or crutches, amputees, arthritis, spastics and those with

pulmonary and cardiac ills may be semi-ambulatory.

D-1.2.3.3 Sight disabilities Total blindness or impairments affecting sight the extent that the


D-1.2.3.4 Hearing disabilities

Deafness or hearing handicaps that might make an individual insecure in public areas because he

is unable to communicate or hear warning signals.

D-1.2.3.5 Disabilities of inco-ordination

Faulty co-ordination or palsy from brain spinal, or peripheral nerve injury.

D-1.2.3.6 People with allergies

People with allergies may be sensitive to dust, mildew pollen, animal hair, formalin, turpentine,

etc. Some are sensitive to contact with substance and materials, such as, nickel, chromium and

rubber.

D-1.2.3.7 People with heart and lung diseases

People with heart and lung diseases may only be able to walk short distances and may be unable

to climb stairs. The requirements of these people are similar to those with impaired mobility.

D-1.2.3.8 People with epilepsy, hemophilia etc.

The requirements of those with epilepsy, hemophilia etc, are related primarily to the design of buildings

and the need to minimize the risk of injury caused by falling or encountering obstacles.

D-1.2.3.9 People with incontinence, enterostomy operations, etc.

The requirements of people with incontinence, enterostomy operations, etc (colostomies,

ilcostomies and urostomies) are mainly related to bathroom provision. In certain circumstances,

for example, in public water-closet compartments, it may be desirable to provide a special sink for

emptying urine bags.

D-1.2.4 Fixed Turing Radius, Front structure to Rear Structure

The turning radius of a wheelchair, left front-foot platform to right rear wheel, or right front-foot

platform to left rear wheel, when pivoting on a spot.

D-1.2.5 Fixed Turning Radius Wheel

The tracking of the caster wheels and large wheels of a wheelchair when pivoting on a spot.




D-1.2.6 Involved (Involvement)

A portion or portions of the human anatomy or physiology, or both, that have a loss or impairment

of normal function as a result of genesis, trauma, disease, inflammation or degeneration.

D-1.2.7 Ramps, Ramps with Gradients

Because the term ‘ramp’ has a multitude of meanings and uses, its use in this text is clearly

defined as ramps with gradients (gradual slope joining two level surfaces) that deviate from whatwould otherwise be considered the normal level. An exterior ramp, as distinguished from a ‘walk’,

would be considered an appendage to a building leading to a level above or below the existing

ground level.

D-1.2.8 Walk, Walks

Because the term ‘walk’ and ‘walks’ have a multitude of meaning s and uses, their use in this

standard of meanings and users, their use in this standard is clearly defined as a predetermined

prepared surface, exterior pathway leading to or from a building or facility, or from one exterior

area to another,

placed on the existing ground level and not deviating from the level of the existing groundimmediately adjacent.

D-2 SITE DEVELOPMENT

D-2.1 Almost any building can be made accessible to physically challenged persons by so

planning the site that the terraces, retaining walls and winding walks are used effectively.

D-2.1.1 Site development is the most effective means to resolve the problems created by

topography, definitive architectural designs problems, singularly or collectively, so that aggress,

ingress and egress

to buildings by physically challenged may be facilitated while preserving the desired design and

effect of the architecture.

D-2.2 Walks

D-2.2.1 Public walks should be at least 1200mm wide and should have a gradient not greater than

1 in 20.

D-2.2.1.1 It is essential that the gradient of walks and driveways be less than that prescribed for

ramps, since walks would be devoid of handrails and kerbs and would be considerably longer and more vulnerable to the elements. Walks of near maximum grade and considerable length

should have level areas at intervals for purposes of rest safety. Walks or driveways should have a

non-slip surface.

D-2.2.2 Such walks shall be of a continuing common surface not interrupted by steps or

abrupt changes in level.




D-2.2.3 Wherever walks cross other walks, driveways or parking lots they should blend to a

common level.

D-2.2.3.1 This requirement, does not require the elimination of kerbs, which, particularly if they

occur at regular intersections, are a distinct safety feature for all of the challenged, particularly the

blind. The preferred method of meeting the requirement is to have the walk incline to the level of

the street. However, at principal intersections, it is vitally important that the kerbs run parallel to

the street, up to the point where the walk is inclined, at which point the kerb would turn in and

gradually meet the level of the walk at its highest point. A less preferred method would be to

gradually bring the surface of the driveway or street to the level of the walk. The disadvantage of

this method is that a blind person would not know when he has left the protection of a walk and

has entered the hazards of a street or driveway (see Fig 9.)

D-2.2.4 A walk shall have a level platform at the top which is at least 1500mm long, if a door

swings out which is at least 1500mm long, if a door swings out onto the platform or towards the

walk. This platform shall extend at least 300mm beyond each of the doorway.

D-2.2.5 A walk shall have a level platform at least 900mm deep, if the door does not swing

onto the platform or towards the walk. This platform shall extend at least 300mm beyond each

side of the doorway.

D-2.3 Parking Space

D-2.3.1 Space that are accessible and approximate to the facility should be set aside and

identified for use by individual with physical disabilities.

D-2.3.2 A parking space open on one side, allowing room individuals in wheelchairs or individuals

on braces and crutches to get in and out of an automobile onto a level surface, is adequate, is

adequate. It should have a minimum width of 2700mm preferably 2800mm for ambulant disabled

and minimum 300mm preferably 3300 for wheel chair users.

D-2.3.3 Parking spaces for individuals with physical disabilities when placed between two

conventional diagonal or head-on parking spaces should be 3.6m to 3.8m wide and the length of

the aisle should 7.3m, 6.1m and 6.5m for head-on, 90° and 60° parking respectively.

D-2.3.4 Care in planning should be exercised, so that individuals in wheelchairs and individuals

using braces and crutches are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars.

D-2.3.5 Consideration should be given to the distribution of spaces for use by the

disabled in accordance with the frequency and persistency of parking needs.

D-3 BUILDINGS

D-3.1 Ramps with Gradients where ramps with gradients are necessary desired, they shall




conform to he following requirements (see Fig. 10).

D-3.1.1 A ramp when provided should not have a slope greater than 1 in 20 or maximum of 1 in

12 for short distance up to 900mm.

D-3.1.2 A ramp shall have handrails on at least one side, and preferably two sides, that are

900mm high, measured from the surface of the ramp, that are smooth, and that extend 300mm

beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. Where major traffic is predominantly children, the

handrails should be placed 760mm high.

NOTES

1. Where handrails are specified to be of heights other than 80cm, it is recommended that two

sets of handrails be installed to serve all people. Where major traffic is predominantly children,

particularly physically disabled children, extra care should be exercised in the placement of

handrails, in accordance with the nature of the facility and the age group or groups being serviced

(see also D-3).

2. Care should be taken that the extension of the handrails is not in itself a hazard. Extension up

to 300mm may be made on the side of a continuing wall.

D-3.1.3 A ramp shall have a surface that is non-slip surface and if length is 3500mm, the minimum

width shall be 1500mm.

D-3.1.3.1 The provision of non-slip surfaces on ramps greatly assists the challenged persons with

semi ambulatory and ambulatory disabilities. Non-slip surfaces are provided by many finishes and

materials. The surfaces of the concrete ramp can be made non-skid by brooming the surface or byfinishing with an indenting roller.

D-3.1.4 A ramp shall have a level platform at the top which is at least 1800mm long, if a door

swings out onto the platform or toward the ramp. This platform shall extend at least 300mm

beyond each side of the doorway (see Fig.11).

D-3.1.5 Each ramp shall have at least 1800mm of straight clearance at the bottom.

D-3.1.6 Ramps shall have level platforms at 10m to 12m intervals for purposes of rest and

safety, and shall have platforms minimum 1.5m length wherever they turn.

D-3.1.6 Ramps shall have level platforms at 10m to 12m intervals for purposes of rest and

safety, and shall have platforms minimum 1.5m length wherever they turn.

D-3.1.7 For visually impaired people, ramps may be colour contrasted with landing.

D-3.1.8 To minimize rise to wheelchair users, ramps should be equipped with herbs approximately




50mm high at exposed sides.

D-3.2 Entrances

D-3.2.1 At least one primary entrance to each building shall be usable by individuals in

wheelchairs (see Fig. 12A) and shall be indicated by a sign (see Fig. 12B).

D-3.2.2 At least one entrance usable by individuals in, wheelchairs shall be on a level that would

make the elevators accessible.

D-3.3 Doors and Doorways

D-3.3.1 Door width

To enable wheelchair users to pass through doors, the minimum clear width should be 900mm

and shall be operable by a single effort. In certain cases the clear width should be 900mm to

1000mm; for example, if the wheelchair has to be turned in the doorway, where there is a door-

closer or at entrance doors to public buildings and in other situations where there is considerabletraffic.

D-3.3.1.1 Two-leaf doors are not usable by those with disabilities defined in D-1.2.1, D-1.2.2 and

D-1.2.5 unless they operate by a single effort, unless one of the two leaves meets the

requirements of D-3.3.1.

D-3.3.1.2 Side-hung doors To facilitate wheelchair manoeuvre, Doors should be hung with the

hinges in room corners. Doors opening out into corridors or circulation spaces should be avoided

as far as possible.

D-3.3.1.3 It is recommended that all doors have kick plates extending from the bottom of the door

to at least 400mm from the floor, or be made of a material and finish that would safely withstand

the abuse they might receive from canes, crutches, wheelchair foot-platforms, or wheelchair

weeks.

D-3.3.2 Wheelchair Maneuvering Space

To enable wheelchair users to approach doors maneuvering space is needed as shown in the

Fig.13. A corridor should have a width of at least 1200mm to allow a 90°turn to made through a

door. In narrow spaces sliding doors may be preferable.

D-3.3.3 Thresholds Raised thresholds should be avoided, but where this is not possible, their

height should not exceed 25mm. Rubber thresholds are advantageous for wheelchair users.

D-3.3.3.1 Care should be taken in the selection, placement and setting of door closers so that

they do not prevent the use of doors by the physically disabled. Time-delay door closers are




recommended.

D-3.3.3.2 Self-closing doors: Wheelchair users and other with impaired mobility have difficulty in

using self-closing doors. The force required to open them should be reduced as far as possible.

Public buildings should preferably have sliding automatic doors.

D-3.3.4 Door Identification: To help people with impaired vision to see doors, the door and frame

should be in a colour which contrasts with the adjoining wall. Glass or glazed doors should be

marked with a coloured band or frame, a little below eye-level.

D-3.3.5 Handles Door handles and locks should be easy to manipulate. To facilitate the closing of

a door by wheelchair users (for example, a water-closet compartment), the door should have a

horizontal handle approximately 800mm from the floor. Self-closing doors should be equipped with

an easy gripped vertical pull-handle with a length of at least 300mm, and with the lower end

approximately 800mm above floor. For many people and especially those with impaired vision, it

is helpful to make clear whether doors are to be pulled or pushed (see Fig. 14).

D-3.4 Windows: Windows should be designed to avoid the glare which is a particular problem for

people with impaired vision. Large glass areas close to circulation spaces should be marked a

little below eye-level with a coloured band or fame. To enable wheelchair users to see through a

window comfortably, the sill should be not higher than 800mm from the floor. Windows should be

easy to open and close. Their controls should be placed in the zone 900 to 1200mm from the floor

(see Fig. 15).

D-3.5 Stairs: Stairs should not be the only means of moving between floors. They should be

supplemented by lifts or raps.

D-3.5.1 Straight flights of steps are preferred by ambulant disabled people. Treads should be

approximately 300mm deep and risers not higher than 150mm. Steps should be of a consistent

height and depth throughout the stair. Projecting nosings and open stairs should be avoided to

minimize the risk of stumbling.

D-3.5.2 Handrails should be provided to both sides of any stairway. They should be continuous

and extend not less than 300mm beyond the top and bottom step (otherwise it is difficult for the

disabled to use the rail at the first and last step; see fig. 16).

D-3.5.3 For people with impaired vision, there should be a colour contrast between landings, andtop and bottom steps of a flight of steps of a flight of steps, or the front edge of each should have

a contrasting colour.

D-3.6 Floors

D-3.6.1 Floors shall have a non-slip surface.




D-3.6.2 Floors on a given storey shall be of a common level throughout or be connected by a

ramp in accordance with D-3.1.1 to D-3.1.8.

D-3.6.2.1 A gentle slope up to 10mm may be given between the level of the floor of the corridor

and the level of the floor of the corridor and the level of the floor of the toilet rooms.

D-3.6.2.2 There should not be a difference between the level of the floor of a corridor and the leveof a meeting room, dining room, or any other room, unless proper ramps and provided.

D-3.1 Sanitary Facilities

It is essential that sanitary facilities, in accordance with the nature and use of a specific building or

facility, be made accessible to, and usable by, the physically challenged.

D-3.7.1 Sanitary facilities shall have space to allow traffic of individuals in wheelchairs (see Fig.17

and 18).

D-3.7.2 Sanitary facilities shall have at least one water-closet cubical for the ambulant disabled(see Fig.19 and 20). That:

a) is 900mm wide;

b) is at least 1500mm, preferably 1600mm deep;

c) has a door (where doors are used), that is, 800mm wide and swings out;

d) has handrails on each side, 780mm high and parallel to the floor, 40mm clearance

between rail and wall, and fastened securely at ends and centre; and e)

has a water-closet with the seat 500mm from the floor.

Note-The design and mounding of the water-closet is of considerable importance.

A Wall-mounted water-closet with a narrow understructure that recedes sharply is most desirable.

If a floor mounted water-closet must be used, it should not have a front that is wide and

perpendicular to the floor at the front of the seat. The bowl should be shallow at the front of the

seat and turn backwards more that downwards to allow the individual in a wheelchair to get close

to the water-closet with the seat of the wheelchair.

D-3.7.3 Sanitary facilities shall have wash basins with narrow aprons, which when mounted at

standard height are usable by individuals in wheelchairs; or they shall have wash basins

mounted higher, when particular designs demand, so that are usable by individuals in

wheelchairs.

D-3.7.3.1 The drain pipes and hot-water pipes under a sanitary appliance shall be covered or

insulated so that a wheelchair individual do not find it inconvenient.

D-3.7.4 Some mirrors and shelves shall be provided above the wash basins at a height as low as




possible and not higher than 1m above the floor, measured from the top of the shelf and the

bottom of the mirror.

D-3.7.5 Sanitary facilities for men shall have wall-mounted urinals with the opening of the basin

460mm from the floor, or shall have floor-mounted urinals that are on level with the main floor of

the toilet room.

D-3.7.6 Toilet rooms shall have an appropriate number of towel racks, towel dispensers, and other

dispensers and disposal units mounted not higher than 910mm from the floor.

D-3.8 Drinking fountains or other water-dispensing means shall be accessible to and usable by

the physically disabled.

D-3.8.1 Drinking water fountains or water coolers shall have up front spouts and control.

D-3.8.2 Drinking water fountains or water coolers shall be hand-operated or hand and foot-

operated.

D-3.8.2.1 Conventional floor mounted water coolers may be convenient to individuals in

wheelchairs if a small fountain is mounted on the side of the cooler 800mm above the floor.

D-3.8.2.2 Fully recessed drinking water fountains are not recommended.

D3.8.2.3 Drinking water fountains should not be set into an alcove is wider than a wheelchair.

D-3.9 Public Telephones An appropriate number of public telephones should be made accessible

to and usable by the physically disabled.

Note-The conventional public telephone boots is not usable by most physically disabled

individuals.

There are many ways in which public telephones may be made accessible and usable. It is

recommended that architects and builders confer with the telephone companies in the planning of

the building or facility.

D-3.9.1 Such telephones should be kept so that the dial is placed at minimum 1200mm from floor

and the handset may be reached by individuals in wheelchairs.

D-3.10 Handrails

Handrails are used as a locational and mobility aid by blind and visually impaired people, and as a

support for people with mobility impairments. The handrail should be securely fitted to the wall to

withstand heavy pressure. Handrails should turn in towards the wall at either end.




D-3.10.1 Handrails should be approximately 900mm from the floor. The rail should be easy to grip,

having a circular section with a diameter of approximately 40mm and fixe as shown in Fig 21.

D-3.10.2 To aid identification, the colour of the rail should contrast with the wall behind/

D-3.11 Elevators

In a multi-storey building, elevators are essential to the successful functioning of physically

disabled individuals. They shall conform to the requirements given in D-3.11.1 and D-3.11.2.

D-3.11.1 Elevators shall be accessible to, and usable by the physically disabled on the level that

they use to enter the building, and at all levels normally used by the general public. D-3.11.2

Elevators shall allow for traffic by wheelchairs (see also D-3.3).

D-3.12 controls

It is advantageous for wheelchair users if controls are placed at low level. For visually impaired

people, controls should be in the zone 900mm to 1200mm from the floor. It is advantageous if

controls in, for example, lifts are placed at an angle of approximately 45° to the wall so that they

are easier to read and operate. To cater for wheelchair users, controls should be placed not less

than 400mm from room corners. All the power and electric points should be placed at one meter

above the floor level and should not project outside walls.

D-3.12.2 Again, to eater for visually impaired people, controls should be colour-contrasted with

backgrounds. Information should preferably be in relief for tactile reading.

D-3.12.3 To aid operation of people with impaired co-ordination or impaired vision, switches, etc,

should have large push plates.

D-3.12.4 Controls for powered door openers to hinged doors should be located so that the doors

do not conflict with wheelchairs, sticks, walking aids, etc.

D-3.12.5 To facilitate operation for people with limited used by the public is particularly essential to

the blind.

D-3.12 Identification Appropriate identification of specific facilities within a building used by the public is particularly

essential to the blind.

D-3.13.1 Raised letters or numbers shall be used to identify rooms or offices.




D-3.13.2 Such identification should be placed on the wall, to left of the door, preferably at a height

of 1500mm from the floor.

D-3.13.3 Doors that are not intended for normal use, and that might prove dangerous if blind

person were to exit or enter by tem, should be made quickly identifiable to the touch by knurling

the door handle or knob (see Fig.22).

D-3.13 Warning Signals

D-3.14.1 Audible warning signals shall be accompanied by simultaneous audible signals for the

benefit of the blind. To assist blind people, lettering and symbols on signs should be in relief for

tactile reading.

D-3.14.2 Visual signals shall be accompanied by simultaneous audible signals for the benefit of

the blind. To assist blind people, lettering and symbols on signs should be in relief for tactile

reading.

D-3.14.4 Signs should be designed and located so that they are easy to read. For visually

impaired people, signs should preferably be at eye-level and it should be possible to approach

them closely.

Text and symbols should be colour-contrasted with the background. The letters should not be less

than 12mm high.

D-3.14.5 Information based on colour codes only should be avoided; colourblind people may find

them difficult to understand.

D-3.15 Work Bench

This should be at least 800mm wide, 600mm deep and 650mm to 700mm high. For wheelchair

users, the convenient height of work tops is between 750mm and 850mm; flexible provision is

preferred.

Further, for wheelchair access to a work bench, wash basin or table, a clear space for knees and

footrests is needed.

D-3.16 HazardsEvery effort shall be exercised to obviate hazards to individuals with physical

disabilities.

D-3.16.1 Access panels or manholes in floors, walks, and walls may be extremely

hazardous, particularly when in use, and should be avoided.

D-3.16.1 access panels or manholes in floors, walks, and walls may be extremely hazardous




particularly when it is in proximity of normal pedestrian traffic, barricades shall be placed on all

open sides; at least 8.5m from the hazard and warning devices shall be installed in accordance

with D-3.14.2.

D-3.16.4 Low-hanging door closers that remain within the opening of a doorway, when the door

is open or that protrude hazardously into regular corridors or traffic ways when the door is

closed, shall be avoided.

D-3.16.4 Low-hanging signs, ceiling lights and similar objects or signs and fixtures that protrude

into regular corridors or traffic way shall be avoided. A minimum height of 2.1m measured from the

floor is recommended.

D-3.16.5 Ramps shall be adequately lighted.

D-3.16.6 Exit signs shall be in accordance with good practices [3(5)].

D-3.16.7 Equipment and materials causing allergic reactions should as far as possible be

avoided in dwellings and building.

D-4 DESIGNING FOR CHILDREN

The dimensions given in this Annex are for adults of average stature. In designing buildings for

use by children, it may be necessary to alter some dimensions, such as, height of handrails, in

accordance with accepted standards [3(6)].

D-5 For additional information regarding other facilities and conveniences required in buildings

meant for use of physically challenged, reference may be made to accepted standards [3(7)].




Annexure IV

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDSINDIA




S.

NO.

DESIGN

ELEMENTS

CPWD 1998 MSJE 2001 IS: 4963 / NBC

2005

1. BASIC

DIMENSION

S /ANTHROPO

METRICS

Space Allowance 900 x 1200

Turning radius 1500 to 2000

Without obstruction

Max. Forward Reach –

1200mm (from floor level)

Min. Forward Reach –

Space

AllowancesForward reach

400mm (from floor

level)

Comfortable Reaching

zone – 800 to

1200mm

Door

Handles

Without obstruction Over Obstruction

Electric

Controls

Max. upper reach – 1300

Max. lower reach – 380

Max. reach over an

obstruction

With obstruction

Max. Forward reach – 1100

(500mm deep) –

1100mm

Wheelchair width –

680mm

Eye Levels

Entrance

width

Wheelchair

casters

Max. Side reach (upper level)

–1300 Max. side reach (lower

level) – 230 Max. Side reach

over obstruction – 1200

Turning radius –1500

min. 1800 (ideal)

Vision zone – 900 to

1800 mm range

Wheelchair size –100

to 1200 mm length

600 to 700mm width

Max. side reach over

obstruction – 860

Max. Side Reach –

1300 mm (from floor

lvl)

Height for switches (power) –

400 to 500 Height for

switches (light) – 900 to 1200

Min. side reach –250

mm (from floor lvl)

Height of doors handles – 900

to 1200

Opening controls for windows

- < 1400

Max. side reach over

an obstruction

1200mm




Min. Width of entrance/ exit

door- 900

White cane range –

685mm above floor

Range of reach – 630 level

Eye level – 1190 Wheelchair castor

width –12mm

Space required under the

counter for wheelchair

footrest– 350mm deep

Turning radius 1500

(min.), 1800 (ideal)

Min. Front approach

Doorways space – 450mm

Wheelchair casters 180mmOD

Height of controls fromfloor level

600mm– 1200mm

CRUTCHES Space Allowance -300mm

with no obstruction up to

300mm height

SITE PLANNING

2. WALKS

AND PATHS

Min. width – 1200mm For

two way traffic –1650mm to

1800mm

Walkway width for

people using crutches

– 920mm

Min. width of

walkways –

1200mm with

gradient notgreater than1:20

Walk gradient 3-5% (30mm to

50mm in 1M )

Resting spaces after 60M

Seat height –350mm to

425mm, < 450mm

Opening between bars of

grating < 12mm

Side walk for pedestrian

1500<

Guiding blocks 250mm to

300mm on both sides of

walkway

Sidewalk to be at least

1500mm wide

Clear headroom of at

least 2000mm from

floor level

Colored tactile marking

strip of at least 600mm

wide at the beginning

and end of traffic island

for pedestrians with

impaired vision

Level platform

at the top min. –

1500mm long

and extending

at least 300mm

beyond each

side of doorway

Level platform

at least 900mm

deep, if door

does not swing

onto platform




3.LEVELS

AND

Max. allowable Level

difference - 20mm

GROOVE Desirable – 0 mm

4. KERB RAMP To be provided where

vertical rise is less

than 150mm

Max. – 25mm

high Max.

Gradient – 1:10

Gradient not be

steeper than 1:10

Width not be less than

900mm

5. RAMPS Min. width – 1800mm

Gradient – 1:12 Max. Length

– 9M Handrail -900mm &

800mm on both sides of ramp

Min. gap to wall – 50mm Min.flat surface at bottom, landing

and top – 1500mm Handrail

Dia. – 40mm with50mm gap

from wall

Vertical Rise Max.

Gradient 0 – 15mm

1:2 15 – 50mm 1:5

50 - 200mm 1:10

>200 mm 1:12 Max.Length – 9M Min.

clear width – 1200mm

Min. flat surface at

bottom, landing and

top – 1500mm

Handrails between

800 –900mm above

floor level extending

300mm beyond the

top and bottom of theramp 75mm high

kerbs at exposed

side of ramps

Slope not

greater than 1 in

20 and max. up

to 1 in 12 for

short distanceup to 9000mm

Handrails

900mm high

extending

300mm beyond

the top and

bottom of ramp

For children

handrails height

– 760mm Min.width 1500mm

for a ramp of

length 3500mm

Level platform

at top of ramp

min. 1800mm

long With

platform

extending min.

300mm each

side of doorway

1800mm of

straight

clearance at the

bottom For rest

and safety Level




platforms of

min. 1.5M

length at 10M to

12M intervals

50mm high

kerbs at

exposed side of ramps

6. CORRIDOR Min. width (visually impaired )

–1500mm Min. width for two

wheelchairs -1800mm

Gradient – 1:12 Min. length of

landing 1500mm Min. area at

corner to turn a wheelchair –

1400 x 1700mm Max. height

of handrail –800mm Min.

height of obstruction –2000mm

7. ENTRANCE

LANDING

Min. dimension for entrance

– 1800 x 2000mm

8. PARKING Max. travel distance from

entrance – 30M Min. width of

parking bay – 3.60 M

Symbol of access to

be painted on the

designated parking lot

of square of min.

1000mm and max. of

1500mm

For Ambulant

Disabled

Min. width

required -

2700mm

Preferable width – 2800mm

Car park entrance to

have height clearance

of at least 2000mm

For Wheelchair

Users

Min. width

required –

3000mm

Preferable width

– 3300mm

Min. dimensions of

accessible car parkinglot 4800mm x

3600mm

Width of parking

aisles 3.6- 3.8m




Length of

parking aisles

7.3 m for head

on parking 6.1m

for 90° parking

6.5m for 60°

parking

9. ENTRANCES/

EXIT DOORS

Min. clear width of Door-900mm Min. width of Frontapproach – 1450mm

900 mm Thresholdsnot more than 20mm

Min. clear door width – 900mmFor wheelchair turning – 900 to1000 mm

Min. width of latch sideapproach - 2250mm

Kick plates min.250mm high fromfloor

Handle Height 800 –900mm

Doors to have

Kick plates upto 400mm fromthe floor level

Threshold not be raised >

12mm Kick plate -300mm

from the floor Door bell 850 to

1100mm Information sign

max. 1500mm height

Depending on

the free space

beside the

opening side

(450 or

550mm), the

depth of free

space should be1500 or

1400mm

Threshold

should not

exceed

25mm

Door

(horizontal)

handle

approximately

at 800mm from

the floor level

Vertical pull

handle at least

300mm long

with lower end




approx. 800mm

above floor level

10. WINDOWS Max. sill level– 850mmUnobstructed view

from 600 to

Max. Sill level –

800mm

Opening zone –850 to

1200mm from the floor

1400mm Opening zone –

900 to 1200mm

from the floor

level

11. HANDRAILS /

GRAB BARS

1000 mm above floor level

50mm clearance from wall

30-45mm dia Clear

space of 40mm from

the wall Installed at a

height of 800 to 900

mm

Approximately -

900mm from the

floor level

Circular section

with dia. 40mm

and clearance

of 50mm from

wall12. STAIRS Min. width of flight –1350mm Riser -max. 150mm

Tread -300mm

Treads-

approx. 300mm

deep

Max. height of riser –170mm Nosing projecting-

max. 25mm

Riser- 150mm

Min. tread width – 300mm

Height of handrail 800 -

900mm

Height of handrail-

800 -900mm

extending not more

than 300mm beyond

the top and bottom of

the staircase

Handrails –

extending

300mm beyond

the top and

bottom of the

staircase

Extending up to 300mm to

450mmat top and bottom of

the stairs

Max. Dia. of railing -50mm

13. LIFTS Min. area of lift cage size

1100mm x 2000mm

1200mm wide x

1400mm deep

Controls in the

zone 900mm to

1200mm from

the floor with a

Door width (clear

opening) – 900mm

preferable angle

of 45° from the

wall

Door width – 900mm

Gap between lift door

and floor surface -

12mm max.




Lift lobby with min. -1800 x

1800 mm from inside

Clear floor space of at

least 900mm x

1200mm with no

obstruction for a

wheelchair user to

reach the call button

Controls to be

placed not less

than 400mm

from the corners

of the wall for

wheelchair

usersHeight of call button –900mm

Height of control panel –1000 Height of Call button –

900mm to 1200mm

Length of handrail –600mm

Automatic door closing time >

5 sec.

Height of control

panel – 900mm to

1200mm

Grab bars at height of


to be fixed on bothsides and rear of lift

Min. width of platform

lift -900mm

Min. length – 1200mm

14. TOILETS Min. size 1500 x 1750

Min. size of toilet

cubicle for wheelchair

user not less

than1500mm x

1750mm

WC seat at

500mm above

floor level

Min. clear opening -900mm Rail at 280mm

above WC seat

W.C. seat at 500mm from

floor level Mini size toilet stall

1800 x 900

Toilet roll dispenser

mounted below the

grab bars at 300mm

from the front edge

and at a height

between 50mm and

250mm from the top

of W.C. seat

W.C. seat located

between 460 to

For Ambulant

Disabled

480mm from the

centerline of WC to

Width of

sanitary cubicle

the adjacent wall and at least 900mm




have a clear

dimension of 750mm

wide

from the front edge of

W.C. to the rear wall

to facilitate transfer

Toilet seat height –500mm (min.)

Door width –800mm

Handrails on

each side –

780mm high

above floor and

Grab bars mounted at

a height between 280

to 300mm from the

WC

40mm

clearance

between rail

and wall

15. WASHBASIN Tap height < 950mm Standard size of dim.520mm x 410mm

Basin rim at780mm above

floor

Mirror top level <1550mm

Min. distance between

centerline and side

Vertical rail –

835 to 1295mm

above floor

Foot clearance - 230mm wall – 460mm

Top edge mounting

height – 800 to


Pull rail – 1070

mm above floor level

Knee space min.

750mm wide x

200mm deep x

680mm high

Min. clear floor space

of 750 mm wide x

1200mm deep of which a max. of

480mm in depth may

be under wash basin

Bottom edge of mirror

at height < 1000mm

Towel and soap




dispensers, hand

dryer, controls

between 1000 to

1200mm from the

floor level

16. BATHTUB Clear floor space of at

least 750mm width infront of bathtub

Seat with bathtub at

least 250mm width

along its entire length

or with 400 mm depth

across the width

Grab bars at least

1200mm long, alongthe length of bathtub

and 180 to 280mm

above the bathtub rim

Faucets not more

than 450mm above

the bathtub rim

Shower Cubicles

Min. interior

dimensions of shower

cubicle 1500mm x

750mm


in front of shower

entrance should be

1200m m x 900mm

L-shapedconfiguration of grab

bars between 700mm

and 800mm from the

shower floor

Vertical grab bar at




least 750mm long

Horizontal grab bar at

least 900mm long

Handheld shower

hose not less

than 1500mm17. URINALS Rim of the urinal not

more than 430mm

from the floor level


in front of urinal

750mm x 1200mm

120mm clear space

between urinal grabbar and wall surface

Wall mounted

urinals with

opening of the

basin – 460mm

from the floor or

floor mounted

urinals be used

18. COUNTERS For wheelchair users counter

height – 700mm with 350mm

depth under it

Clear floor space 900

x 1200 mm

Clear knee space

480 mm deep

750mm high

Counter top between

750-800mm

Depth not less than

480mm

Work bench at

least 800mm

wide, 600mm

deep and

650mm to

700mm high

Convenient

work top height

for wheelchair

users 750mm to

850mm

19. DRINKING

WATER

FOUNTAINS

Height -

700mm

Depth below -350mm

Clear knee space between the

bottom of the apron and floor

at least 750mm wide, 200mm

deep and 750mm high

Clear floor space in front of freestanding or built in drinking water

cooler – 1200mm wide x 700mm in

front

Height – 800mm




20. TELEPHONE 700 mm high &

350mm depth

below

Receiver height

<1100mm

Clear foot space not less than

900mm x 1200mm in front of

telephone booth or counter

Enclosed space of Telephone

booth at least 870mm x 1000mm

Operable height of telephone parts-

800mm to 1200 mm from floor level

Min. length of telephone cord –

900mm

Min. 1200mm

from floor level

21. MAIL BOXES Mail slot height

-1200mm

Max. Mail slot height –1200mm

22. VENDING

MACHINES

Coin slot –

1200mm

Max. height of coin slot –1200mm

23. ATMMACHINE

Height of control buttons -

900mm to

1200mm from floor level

24. BUS STOPS Two rows of

guiding blocks

for persons

with vision

impairment be

provided

300mm awayfrom bus stop

poles on

sidewalk.

24. TAXI STAND -do-

25. RESIDENCE ADAPTABLE HOUSING

For wheelchair users, the entrance

should have a platform of at least

1500mm x 1500mm

Clear floor space for wheelchair

of at least 900mm x 1200mm,

in front of all utilities




28. RAILWAY

STATIONS

Reservation/

information

counter heights

< 850

Width of

concourse min.-

1800mm

Guiding blocks

300mm away

from ticket

vending

machine

Guiding blocks

on platform >

800mm from theedge

Min. width for Station entrance –1800mm

Corridor width to be at least 1800mm

29. RESERVATI

ON AND

INFORMAT

ION

COUNTERS

Clear floor space in front of counters –

900mm x 1200mm

At least one low counter at a height of 750

to 800mm

Clear knee space under the counter

750mm high x 900mm wide x 480mm

deep

Ticket gates min. 900mm wide to allow

wheelchair user’s passage

Railway car doors to be at least 900mm

wide

Gap between the car doors and the

platform should be less than 12mm

Aisles in accessible railway cars to be at

least 750mm wide



30. SIGNAGE Preferred height

for notices/ sign

for wheelchair

users 750mm

to1200mm

Preferred heightfor notices/ sign

for

ambulant users

1200mm to

1350mm

Min. clearance

for suspended

or projecting

signs 2000mm

Preferred height for notices/ sign for

wheelchair users 750mm to 1200mm

Preferred height for notices/ sign for

ambulant users 1200mm to 1350mm

Min. clearance for suspended or projectingsigns 2000mm

Preferably

at a height

of 1500mm

from the

floor level

Letter sizemin. 12mm

high

Low

hanging

signs at a

minimum

height of

2.1M

from thefloor

31. FIRE

EVACUATIO

N

NEEDS

REFUGE

Refuge area to have doorways with clear

opening width of 900mm

An alarm switch between 900mm and

1200mm from the floor level

32. HOTEL AND

EATING

OUTLET

Circulation path of at

least 1200mm wide

Accessible route with a min. clear width of

900mm to be provided from the circulation

path to tables reserved for people with

disabilities

Height of the tables not higher than

800mm with a min. clear knee space of

accessibility comparative analysis in building bye-laws, india

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