Health requirements and barrier-free design (3.7, 3.8) (Complex Buildings)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

area per person for Group D plumbing fixture counts: 14 m²; area per person for Group D plumbing fixture counts
min area of a single-bed long-term care room: 10.22 m²; min area of a single-bed long-term care room
apartment suites needing a barrier-free path inside: 15%; apartment suites needing a barrier-free path inside
min clear width of a barrier-free path of travel: 1,100 mm; min clear width of a barrier-free path of travel

Sections 3.7. and 3.8. cover how people use a building day to day: room sizes and windows, plumbing fixture counts, special systems in hospitals, food premises, and barrier-free design. For Complex Buildings, expect questions on care and treatment and care occupancies (Group B, Divisions 2 and 3) and on long-term care homes, because these sections hold several rules written only for them.

Room heights, windows and plumbing facilities

Rooms. Ceilings and fixtures must not get in the way of activity below (3.7.1.1.). Sleeping areas have their own minimums (3.7.1.3.):

Use	Minimum
Group B sleeping area	4.7 m² per person, in a room at least 7 m², 2,000 mm wide, 2,300 mm high
Long-term care, single-bed room	10.22 m² (excluding washroom and closets)
Long-term care, two-bed room	16.72 m²
Child care sleeping	0.93 m² per child, 2,300 mm ceiling

Windows. Sleeping rooms and principal rooms of dwelling units follow Part 9 window areas (3.7.2.1.). Long-term care homes get stricter rules. Activity rooms and lounges need glass equal to 10% of the room area. Resident sleeping rooms need 10% glass, of which at least 5% opens to the outdoors, with the glass bottom edge no more than 660 mm above the floor.

Fixture counts. Any building on a street with a water main needs a plumbing system (3.7.4.1.). The general rules are in 3.7.4.2.:

Occupant load comes from 3.1.17., except that Group D uses 14 m² per person.
The load is split equally between the sexes unless the real mix is known.
Urinals may replace up to two-thirds of the male water closets. In hospitals and long-term care homes the limit is one-fifth.
One lavatory serves one or two water closets or urinals, plus one more for each additional two.

Each occupancy then has its own table. You read them the same way: halve the occupant load, find the band for "persons of each sex", and read the minimum water closets for each sex.

In Group B, Division 2 or 3, patients and residents are served differently (3.7.4.4.). Each washroom serves no more than four patients or residents, opens from their sleeping rooms, and has one water closet and one lavatory. Staff fixtures come from Table 3.7.4.4.. Group B, Division 1 fixtures are set by the special needs of the facility.

Hot water supply to fixtures must meet the temperature control rules in Subsection 7.2.10. (3.7.4.16.).

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Health care systems and food premises

Subsection 3.7.5. is short and points to standards:

Electrical systems in anaesthetizing locations follow CSA Z32 (3.7.5.1.).
All medical gas piping follows CSA Z7396.1 and the Fire Code (3.7.5.2.).
Every x-ray installation is shielded to protect people inside and outside the building (3.7.5.3.).

Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises (3.7.6.1.). Key points:

Floors in food, utensil washing and toilet rooms must be tight, smooth and non-absorbent. Carpet is allowed where food is served (3.7.6.2.).
A water closet room may not open directly into a food area. The public must not walk through food preparation areas to reach it. Public washrooms for a restaurant may sit outside it in the same building if they are within 45 m of travel (3.7.6.3.).
Each preparation area needs a separate employee handwashing lavatory. Manual utensil washing uses three sinks, or two where the first both washes and rinses (3.7.6.4.).
Small retail food premises with eating areas up to 56 m² selling only items such as pre-packaged food, hot drinks or popcorn are exempt from these lavatory and sink rules.
Employee sanitary rooms are at least 2.3 m² (3.7.6.6.), and sleeping quarters may not open into a food room (3.7.6.7.).

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Barrier-free design: where required

Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses and small rooming houses, Group F, Division 1, buildings not occupied daily (such as pumphouses), and worker camps (3.8.1.1.). All pedestrian entrances to a barrier-free storey must be barrier-free, except service entrances (3.8.1.2.).

A barrier-free path of travel is at least 1,100 mm wide. If it is under 1,600 mm wide, it needs a clear space of 1,800 mm by 1,800 mm at intervals of not more than 30 m (3.8.1.3.).

3.8.2.1. requires the path throughout the entrance storey and all normally occupied floor areas. Exceptions include:

Group B, Division 2 or 3 floor areas not required by 3.5.2.1. to have a ramp or elevator;
Group C or D floor areas in a building of 3 storeys or less and 600 m² or less;
service rooms, crawl spaces and high-hazard industrial occupancies.

In a Group C apartment building, at least 15% of suites need a barrier-free path to a bedroom, a bathroom, the kitchen and the living space.

Seating. Table 3.8.2.1. sets wheelchair spaces and adaptable seats by number of fixed seats. Over 100 seats, wheelchair spaces are 3% of capacity.

Washrooms (3.8.2.3.). Universal washrooms per building come from Table 3.8.2.3.-A:

Storeys	Universal washrooms
1 to 3	1
4 to 6	2
Over 6	3, plus 1 per extra 3 storeys

Barrier-free stalls per washroom come from Table 3.8.2.3.-B. For example, a washroom with 4 to 9 water closets needs 1.

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Barrier-free design standards

Selected dimensions from Subsection 3.8.3.:

Element	Requirement
Doorway clear width	850 mm (3.8.3.3.)
Manual door opening force	38 N exterior, 22 N interior
Exterior walk	1,100 mm wide, gradient up to 1 in 20 (3.8.3.2.)
Ramp	1,000 mm between handrails, gradient up to 1 in 12, landings every 9 m (3.8.3.4.)
Ramp handrails	865 mm to 965 mm high, on both sides
Universal washroom	1,700 mm turning circle, power door (3.8.3.12.)
Barrier-free shower	1,500 mm by 900 mm (3.8.3.13.)

Entrance doors on the barrier-free path need power door operators. Any floor or walk steeper than 1 in 20 is designed as a ramp.

Two rules are written for care buildings. Individual showers for patients or residents in Group B, Division 2 or 3 must meet the barrier-free shower rules. Their individual bathtubs must be at least 1,500 mm long, in a room with a 1,500 mm clear floor circle, with three grab bars and a hand-held shower (3.8.3.13.).

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Common traps

Using the general occupant load from 3.1.17. for an office fixture count. Section 3.7.4. uses 14 m² per person for Group D.
Applying the two-thirds urinal rule in a hospital. There it is one-fifth.
Counting patient washrooms from a table. Group B, Division 2 and 3 patients get one washroom per four, accessible from their rooms. The table is for staff.
Treating 1,100 mm as enough on a long corridor. Paths under 1,600 mm need 1,800 mm square clear spaces every 30 m.

Chapter review

Chapter at a glance

One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Room heights, windows and plumbing facilities	Each occupancy then has its own table.
Health care systems and food premises	Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises.
Barrier-free design: where required	Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses and small rooming houses, Group F, Division 1, buildings not occupied daily (such as pumphouses), and worker camps.
Barrier-free design standards	Entrance doors on the barrier-free path need power door operators.

Room heights, windows and plumbing facilities
Each occupancy then has its own table.
Health care systems and food premises
Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises.
Barrier-free design: where required
Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses and small rooming houses, Group F, Division 1, buildings not occupied daily (such as pumphouses), and worker camps.
Barrier-free design standards
Entrance doors on the barrier-free path need power door operators.

Usual exam traps

Using the general occupant load from 3.1.17. for an office fixture count. Section 3.7.4. uses 14 m² per person for Group D.
Applying the two-thirds urinal rule in a hospital. There it is one-fifth.
Counting patient washrooms from a table. Group B, Division 2 and 3 patients get one washroom per four, accessible from their rooms. The table is for staff.
Treating 1,100 mm as enough on a long corridor. Paths under 1,600 mm need 1,800 mm square clear spaces every 30 m.

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Questions on Health requirements and barrier-free design (3.7, 3.8), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 3.7.1.1. Room and Space Height
(1)The height of every room and space shall be sufficient so that the ceiling or ceiling fixtures do not obstruct movement or activities below.
(2)The unobstructed height in dwelling units and sleeping rooms in Group C occupancies shall conform to Subsection 9.5.3.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.1.3. Sleeping Areas in Group B and Child Care Facilities
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), a sleeping area in a Group B occupancy shall provide not less than 4.7 m² per person in a room having
(a)an area not less than 7 m² ,
(b)a horizontal dimension not less than 2,000 mm, and
(c)a ceiling height not less than 2,300 mm.
(2)Sleeping rooms for residents in long-term care homes shall have, exclusive of space provided for washrooms and for built-in or portable clothes closets, a floor space not less than
(a)10.22 m² in a single-bed unit,
(b)16.72 m² in a two-bed unit,
(c)25.08 m² in a three-bed unit, and
(d)29.73 m² in a four-bed unit.
(3)A child care facility shall provide sleeping accommodation having not less than 0.93 m² of floor surface area for each child with not less than 2,300 mm ceiling height over the entire room area.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.1.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.2.1. Window Areas
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) or otherwise permitted, every room used for sleeping in any building, and every principal room such as living room, dining room or combination of them in dwelling units shall be provided with windows having areas conforming to Part 9, except that Article 9.9.10.1. does not apply. (See Note A-3.7.2.1.(1))
(2)Long-term care homes shall have,
(a)in an activity room, a sitting room or a lounge, one or more windows with a total unobstructed glass area, exclusive of skylights, of not less than 10% of the area of the room, and
(b)in a residents' sleeping room, one or more windows that
(i)have a total unobstructed glass area, exclusive of skylights, of not less than 10% of the area of the room,
(ii)open to the outdoors and have a total unobstructed glass area, exclusive of skylights, of not less than 5% of the area of the room, and
(iii)are installed with the bottom edge of the glass of every window not more than 660 mm above the floor.
(3)Play activity rooms in a child care facility and work areas in live/work units shall have one or more windows that conform to Clause (2)(a).
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.1. Plumbing and Drainage Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), each building situated on property that abuts on a street in which a public or municipal water main is located shall be provided with or have accessible to its occupants a plumbing system including a potable water supply, a sanitary drainage system and plumbing fixtures.
(2)When the installation of a sanitary drainage system is not possible because of the absence of a water supply, sanitary privies, chemical closets or other means for the disposal of human waste shall be provided.
(3)Plumbing fixtures need not be provided in a building that is not normally occupied by persons where such installations are impractical and other fixtures are available in nearby buildings when the subject building is in use.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.2. Plumbing Fixtures, General
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), for the purposes of this Subsection, the occupant load shall be determined in accordance with the provisions in Subsection 3.1.17. except that in a Group D occupancy, the area per person shall be 14 m². (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(1))
(2)For the purpose of this Subsection, the occupant load for floor areas that are classified as an industrial occupancy is permitted to be based solely on the total number of staff for which the floor area is designed, where the floor area is only intermittently occupied or where the presence of occupants is transitory. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(2))
(3)Except as permitted by this Subsection, water closets shall be provided for each sex assuming that the occupant load is equally divided between males and females, unless the proportion of each sex expected in the building can be determined with reasonable accuracy. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(3))
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), urinals are permitted to be substituted for water closets required by this Subsection for males and may be counted as water closets provided the number of urinals is not more than
(a)one-fifth of the required number of water closets in hospitals and long-term care homes, and
(b)two-thirds of the required number of water closets in any other occupancy.
(5)If only two water closets are required for males, one urinal is permitted to be substituted for one of the water closets.
(6)Except as required in this Subsection, at least one lavatory shall be provided in a room containing one or two water closets or urinals, and at least one additional lavatory shall be provided for each additional two water closets or urinals. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(6))
(7)Wash fountains in circular or straight trough form are permitted to be provided in lieu of required lavatories provided each 500 mm of circumference or trough length is considered to be the equivalent of one lavatory.
(8)The water closet and lavatory provided in the universal washroom described in Sentence 3.8.3.12.(1) may be counted as part of the plumbing fixtures required for males and females in this Subsection if
(a)more than one water closet is required for males, and
(b)more than one water closet is required for females.
(9)Where one water closet is required for males and one water closet is required for females, the following may be provided in lieu of the water closets otherwise required by this Subsection:
(a)one universal washroom conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.12.(1), and
(b)one washroom containing one water closet that is permitted to be used by both sexes provided the door to the room can be locked from the inside. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(9))
(10)Both sexes are permitted to be served by a single water closet if the occupant load is not more than 10 persons in an assembly occupancy referred to in Article 3.7.4.3. except for
(a)elementary and secondary schools,
(b)child care facilities,
(c)places of worship, and
(d)undertaking premises.
(11)Any shelf or projection above a lavatory shall be located so that it will not be a hazard.
(12)Except for dwelling units, lavatories required by Sentence (6) shall be equipped with faucets that
(a)operate automatically, or
(b)have a manual control that
(i)has a lever type handle or is otherwise operable with a closed fist,
(ii)does not require the application of continuous force to maintain water flow, and
(iii)where metered, provides at least 10 s of water flow.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.4. Plumbing Fixtures for Care, Care and Treatment or Detention Occupancies
(1)The number of water closets and lavatories required for Group B, Division 1 occupancies shall be determined on the basis of the special needs of these occupancies.
(2)In a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, washrooms shall be provided so that each washroom
(a)serves not more than four patients or residents,
(b)is accessible from patients' or residents' sleeping rooms,
(c)contains one water closet, and
(d)contains one lavatory.
(3)The number of water closets required for employees in Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancies shall conform to Table 3.7.4.4.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.7.4.4. Water Closets in Group B, Division 2 or 3 Occupancies
Table 3.7.4.4. Water Closets in Group B, Division 2 or 3 Occupancies Forming Part of Sentence 3.7.4.4.(3) Number of Persons of Each Sex | Minimum Number of Water Closets for Each Sex up to 9 | 1 10 to 24 | 2 25 to 49 | 3 50 to 74 | 4 75 to 100 | 5 over 100 | 6 plus 1 for each additional increment of 30 persons of each sex in excess of 100
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.7.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.7.4.7. Water Closets for Business and Personal Services Occupancies
Table 3.7.4.7. — Water Closets for Business and Personal Services Occupancies Forming Part of Sentence 3.7.4.7.(1) Number of Persons of Each Sex | Minimum Number of Water Closets for Each Sex up to 9 | 1 10 to 24 | 2 25 to 49 | 3 50 to 74 | 4 75 to 100 | 5 over 100 | 6 plus 1 for each additional increment of 30 persons of each sex in excess of 100
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.7.4.7. in the code viewer

Show all 31 articles

OBC Div. B 3.7.4.16. Water Temperature Control
(1)A water distribution system supplying hot water to plumbing fixtures shall conform to the requirements in Subsection 7.2.10.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.16. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems
(1)In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities."
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.2. Medical Gas Piping
(1)All medical gas piping systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with
(a)CSA Z7396.1, "Medical gas piping systems – Part 1: Pipelines for medical gases, medical vacuum, medical support gases, and anaesthetic gas scavenging systems," and
(b)the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 or, in the absence of such provisions, Part 3 of Division B of the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada."
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. Shielding of X-Ray Equipment
(1)Every installation of an x-ray machine or of x-ray equipment in a building shall be shielded to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation inside and outside the building. (See Note A-3.7.5.3.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.1. Application
(1)The requirements of this Subsection apply to all food premises.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.2. Room Finishes
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), floors and floor coverings shall be tight, smooth and non-absorbent in rooms where
(a)food or drink for human consumption, or an ingredient of food or drink for human consumption, is manufactured, processed, prepared, stored, displayed, handled, served, distributed, sold or offered for sale,
(b)utensils are washed, or
(c)washing fixtures or toilet fixtures are located.
(2)Carpeting may be used in areas where food is served.
(3)Wall and ceiling finishes of rooms and passageways shall be easy to clean.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.3. Location of Plumbing Fixtures
(1)A room containing a water closet shall be located where
(a)it does not open directly into any room or area where food or drink for human consumption, or an ingredient of food or drink for human consumption, is intended to be stored, prepared, processed, distributed, served, sold or offered for sale, and
(b)it is not necessary for the public to go through the food preparation areas to gain access to the plumbing fixtures.
(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), a room containing plumbing fixtures for the public and employees in a restaurant shall be located in the restaurant.
(3)A room containing plumbing fixtures for the public in Sentence (2) need not be located in the restaurant if
(a)the room is located in the building containing the restaurant, and
(b)the distance of travel between the restaurant and the room is not more than 45 m.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.4. Lavatories, Appliances and Sinks
(1)A separate lavatory for the handwashing of employees shall be constructed in a location convenient for employees in each manufacturing, processing and preparation area.
(2)If equipment and facilities for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils are provided, they shall consist of
(a)mechanical equipment, or
(b)drainage racks of corrosion-resistant materials and
(i)a three-compartment sink or three sinks, or
(ii)a two-compartment sink or two sinks, where the first compartment or sink can be used effectively for washing and rinsing and the second compartment or sink can be used effectively for sanitizing.
(3)A retail food premises is exempt from compliance with this Article if its eating and drinking area does not exceed 56 m² and any one or more of the following applies:
(a)it is designed to sell only cold drinks in or from the original container,
(b)it is designed to sell only frozen confections in the original package or wrapper,
(c)it is designed to prepare and sell only hot beverages,
(d)it is designed to prepare and sell only popped corn, roasted nuts or french-fried potatoes,
(e)it is designed to sell only food or drink for human consumption that
(i)is pre-packaged at a premises other than the food premises at which it is being offered for sale, and
(ii)is not capable of supporting the growth of pathogenic organisms or the production of the toxins of such organisms.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.6. Employee Facilities
(1)In a food premises, where dressing rooms are provided for employees, there shall be separate dressing rooms for males and females that
(a)are large enough for the employees to change and store their clothing, and
(b)are equipped with lockers or other facilities suitable for storing the clothing of the employees.
(2)Every room containing sanitary units for employees shall have a floor area not less than 2.3 m².
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.7. Sleeping Quarters
(1)A room or space intended to be used as sleeping quarters shall not open directly into any room where food or drink for human consumption, or an ingredient of food or drink for human consumption, is manufactured, processed, prepared, stored, displayed, handled, served, distributed, sold or offered for sale.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.1. Application
(1)The requirements of this Section apply to all buildings except
(a)detached houses, semi-detached houses, houses with a secondary suite, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers, (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1) of Division A, Secondary Suite)
(b)buildings of Group F, Division 1 major occupancy, (See Note A-3.8.1.1.(1)(b))
(c)buildings that are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full time basis, including automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses and substations, and
(d)camps for housing of workers. (See Note A-3.8.1.1.(1)(d))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.2. Entrances
(1)Except as provided in Sentence 3.13.8.1.(2) and except for service entrances, all pedestrian entrances to a barrier-free storey of a building referred to in Sentence 3.8.1.1.(1) shall be barrier-free and shall connect to a barrier-free exterior path of travel complying with Sentence 3.8.2.2.(1).
(2)In addition to the barrier-free entrances required by Sentence (1), a suite of assembly occupancy, business and personal services occupancy or mercantile occupancy that is located in the first storey of a building or in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided, and that is separated from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, shall have at least one barrier-free entrance.
(3)A barrier-free entrance shall
(a)be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3., and
(b)lead from
(i)the outdoors at sidewalk level, or
(ii)a ramp that conforms to Article 3.8.3.4. and leads from a sidewalk.
(4)At a barrier-free entrance that includes more than one doorway, only one of the doorways is required to be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3.
(5)If a walkway or pedestrian bridge connects two barrier-free storeys in different buildings, the path of travel from one storey to the other storey by means of the walkway or bridge shall be barrier-free.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.3. Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1)Except as required in Sentence (4) and except as permitted in Subsection 3.8.3., every barrier-free path of travel shall provide an unobstructed width of at least 1,100 mm for the passage of wheelchairs.
(2)Interior and exterior walking surfaces that are within a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)have no opening that will permit the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm in diam,
(b)have any elongated openings oriented approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel,
(c)be stable, firm and slip-resistant,
(d)be bevelled at a maximum slope of 1 in 2 at changes in level not more than 13 mm, and
(e)be provided with sloped floors or ramps at changes in level more than 13 mm. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(2))
(3)A barrier-free path of travel is permitted to include ramps, passenger elevators or other platform equipped passenger elevating devices to overcome a difference in level.
(4)Every barrier-free path of travel less than 1,600 mm in width shall be provided with an unobstructed space not less than 1,800 mm in width and 1,800 mm in length located not more than 30 m apart. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(4))
(5)Where the headroom of an area in a barrier-free path of travel is reduced to less than 1,980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(5) and (6)(b))
(6)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall meet the following requirements:
(a)interior walking surfaces throughout the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Clauses (2)(a) to (e), and
(b)where the headroom of an area in a corridor or aisle in the normally occupied floor area is reduced to less than 1,980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(5) and (6)(b))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.2.1. Areas Requiring Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a barrier-free path of travel from the entrances required by Sentences 3.8.1.2.(1) and (2) to be barrier-free shall be provided
(a)throughout the entrance storey, and
(b)within all normally occupied floor areas and rooftop amenity spaces, unless as permitted by Sentence (2). (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(b)) (See Article 3.3.1.7. for additional requirements regarding floor areas above or below the first storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required). (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(1))
(2)A barrier-free path of travel described in Clause (1)(b) is not required to extend
(a)to floor areas or portions of floor areas containing a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy that are not required by Article 3.5.2.1. to be connected by a ramp or served by an elevator,
(b)to floor areas containing Group C or Group D occupancies that are located in a building that
(i)is three or fewer storeys in building height, and
(ii)has a building area not exceeding 600 m², (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(2)(b))
(c)to portions of restaurants and licensed beverage establishments where the same amenities and uses are provided on other floor areas that have a barrier-free path of travel, or
(d)to portions of child care facilities that have all entrance doors at floor levels that do not have a barrier-free path of travel. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(2))
(3)A barrier-free path of travel described in Sentence (1) is not required
(a)into service rooms,
(b)into elevator machine rooms,
(c)into janitors' rooms,
(d)into service spaces,
(e)into crawl spaces,
(f)into attic or roof spaces,
(g)into high-hazard industrial occupancies,
(h)within portions of a floor area with fixed seats in an assembly occupancy where these portions are not part of the barrier-free path of travel to
(i)spaces designated for wheelchair use,
(ii) seats designated for adaptable seating, or
(iii) spaces for the storage of wheelchairs and mobility assistive devices,
(i)to suites of residential occupancy that are in storeys other than the entrance storey and that have all entrance doors at floor levels that are not required to have a barrier-free path of travel,
(j)except as required by Sentence (5), on the inside of a suite of residential occupancy,
(k)to portions of a floor area that are not at the same level as the entry level, provided amenities and uses provided on any raised or sunken level are accessible on the entry level by means of a barrier-free path of travel,
(l)within a parking level with no barrier-free parking spaces, or
(m)to the floor level above or below the entrance level in buildings no more than 2 storeys in building height or in 2-storey suites, unless the floor level above or below
(i)is served by a passenger elevator, a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device, an escalator or an inclined moving walk,
(ii)is 600 m² or more in floor area,
(iii)contains facilities that are not contained on the entrance level, but that are integral to the principal function of the entrance level, or
(iv)contains an assembly occupancy more than 100 m² in floor area. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(3)(m)) (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(3))
(4)In an assembly occupancy with fixed seats, the minimum number of spaces designated for wheelchair use and the minimum number of fixed seats designated for adaptable seating shall conform to Table 3.8.2.1. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(4))
(5)In a Group C major occupancy apartment building, not less than 15% of all suites of residential occupancy shall be provided with a barrier-free path of travel from the suite entrance door into the following rooms and spaces that shall be located at the same level as the barrier-free path of travel:
(a)at least one bedroom, (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5)(a) and
(b)
(b) at least one bathroom conforming to Sentence (6), (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5)(a) and (b))
(c)a kitchen or kitchen space, and
(d)a living room or space. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5))
(6)Bathrooms required by Clause (5)(b) shall
(a)contain a lavatory,
(b)contain a water closet,
(c)contain a bathtub or a shower,
(d)have wall reinforcement installed in conformance with Sentence 3.3.4.9.(1), and
(e)be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1,500 mm in diameter. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(6))
(7)The number of suites described in Sentence (5) having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms shall be in proportion to the number of suites of residential occupancy having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms in the remainder of the building. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(7))
(8)The suites described in Sentence (5) shall be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.1. Designated Wheelchair Spaces and Adaptable Seating
Table 3.8.2.1 — Designated Wheelchair Spaces and Adaptable Seating Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.1.(4) Number of Fixed Seats in Seating Area | Minimum Number of Spaces Designated for Wheelchairs | Minimum Number of Fixed Seats Designated for Adaptable Seating Up to 20 | 2 | 1 21 to 40 | 2 | 2 41 to 60 | 2 | 3 61 to 80 | 2 | 4 81 to 100 | 3 | 5 Over 100 | 3% of the seating capacity | The greater of 5 seats or 5% of the aisle seating capacity
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.2.3. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free
(1)A barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to barrier-free washrooms designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in conformance with the requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.12.
(2)The number of universal washrooms conforming to Article 3.8.3.12. provided in a building in which a washroom is required by Subsection 3.7.4. shall conform to Table 3.8.2.3.-A. (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(2))
(3)Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel,
(a)the washroom shall conform to Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., and
(b)the number of barrier-free water closet stalls or enclosures provided in the washroom shall conform to Table 3.8.2.3.-B. (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(3))
(4)Except as permitted in Sentence (5), where washrooms in excess of those required by Subsection 3.7.4. are provided in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, the additional washrooms shall be designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in conformance with the requirements of
(a)Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., or
(b)Article 3.8.3.12.
(5)Washrooms need not conform to Sentence (4) provided
(a)they are located within suites of residential occupancy,
(b)other barrier-free washrooms are provided on the same floor level within 45 m, or (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(5)(b))
(c)they are located in an individual suite that is
(i)used for a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy,
(ii)less than 300 m² in area, and
(iii)completely separated from, and without access to, the remainder of the building.
(6)Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, the washroom shall
(a)conform to Article 3.8.3.9. and Sentences 3.8.3.10.(4) and 3.8.3.11.(5), and
(b)be provided with at least one ambulatory water closet stall or enclosure conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(10). (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(6))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.2.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-A. Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building
Table 3.8.2.3.-A — Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2) Number of Storeys in Building | Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building 1 to 3 | 1 4 to 6 | 2 Over 6 | 3, plus 1 for each additional increment of 3 storeys in excess of 6 storeys
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-A. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-B. Minimum Number of Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures Required to be Barrier-Free
Table 3.8.2.3.-B Minimum Number of Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures Required to be Barrier-Free Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(3) Number of Water Closets per Washroom | Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures per Washroom 1 to 3 | 0, where a universal washroom is provided on the same floor level within 45 m of the washroom, or 1, where a universal washroom is not provided on the same floor level within 45 m of the washroom 4 to 9 | 1 10 to 16 | 2 17 to 20 | 3 21 to 30 | 4 Over 30 | 5, plus 1 for each additional increment of 10 water closets per washroom in excess of 30 water closets per washroom
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-B. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors
(1)Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(1))
(2)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(11) and except where no bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided in accordance with Sentence 3.8.2.1.(1), the doorway to at least one bathroom and to each bedroom at the same level as such bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy shall have, when the door is in the open position, a clear width of not less than
(a)760 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space not less than 1,060 mm wide, and
(b)810 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space less than 1,060 mm wide. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(2))
(3)Door opening devices that are the only means of operation shall
(a)be designed to be operable using a closed fist, and
(b)be mounted not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(3))
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), every door that provides a barrier-free path of travel through a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. shall be equipped with a power door operator. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4))
(4.1)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), doors equipped with a self-closing device shall be equipped with power door operators where doors are located in a barrier-free path of travel, between the entrance referred to Article 3.8.1.2., including the interior doors of a vestibule, and the entrance doors to suites or rooms served by a public corridor or a corridor used by the public. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4.1)
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), where a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. incorporates a vestibule, a door leading from the vestibule into the floor area shall be equipped with a power door operator.
(6)A door shall be equipped with a power door operator where the door serves
(a)a washroom for public use required to be barrier-free, or
(b)a Group A occupancy within a Group C major occupancy apartment building.
(7)Except as permitted in Sentence (8), and except for doors with power operators, closers for doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall be designed to permit doors to open when a force of not more than 38 N is applied to the handles, push plates or latch-releasing devices in the case of exterior doors and 22 N in the case of interior doors.
(8)Sentence (7) does not apply to doors at the entrances to dwelling units, or where greater forces are required in order to close and latch the doors against prevailing differences in air pressures on opposite sides of the doors. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(8))
(9)Except for doors at the entrances to dwelling units, closers for interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from when the door is in an open position of 70° to the doorway, to when the door reaches a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(9))
(10)Unless equipped with a power door operator, a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear space on the latch side extending the height of the doorway and not less than
(a)600 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings toward the approach side,
(b)300 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings away from the approach side, and
(c)300 mm beyond both sides of a sliding door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(10))
(11)Vestibules located in a barrier-free path of travel
(a)shall be arranged to allow the movement of wheelchairs between doors, and
(b)shall provide
(i)where the doors into the vestibule are in series, a distance between the doors of at least 1,500 mm plus the width of any door that swings into the space in the path of travel from one door to another, and
(ii)where the doors into the vestibule are not aligned, a turning diameter of 1,500 mm within the vestibule clear of any door swing. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(11)(b))
(12)Only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier-free path of travel need conform to the requirements of this Article.
(13)Except as provided in Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), the floor surface on each side of a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall be level within a rectangular area
(a)as wide as the door plus the clearance required on the latch side by Sentence (10), and
(b)whose dimension perpendicular to the closed door is not less than the width of the barrier-free path of travel but need not exceed 1,500 mm.
(14)Where a vision panel is provided in a door in a barrier-free path of travel, such panel shall be at least 75 mm in width and be located so that
(a)the bottom of the panel is not more than 900 mm above the finished floor, and
(b)the edge of the panel closest to the latch is not more than 250 mm from the latch side of the door.
(15)A door in a barrier-free path of travel consisting of a sheet of glass shall be marked with a continuous opaque strip that
(a)shall be colour and brightness contrasted to the background of the door,
(b)shall be at least 50 mm wide,
(c)shall be located across the width of the door at a height of 1,350 mm to 1,500 mm above the finished floor, and
(d)may incorporate a logo or symbol provided such logo or symbol does not diminish
(i)the opacity of the strip,
(ii)the width of the strip,
(iii)the colour and brightness contrast of the strip to the background of the door, and
(iv)the continuity of the strip across the width of the door.
(16)Reserved.
(17)Except where a proximity scanning device is installed in conformance with Sentence (18), the control for a power door operator required by Sentence (4), (5) or (6) shall
(a)have a face dimension of not less than
(i)150 mm in diameter where the control is circular, or
(ii)50 mm by 100 mm where the control is rectangular,
(b)be operable using a closed fist,
(c)be located so that
(i)its centre is located not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm from the finished floor or ground, or
(ii)it extends from not more than 200 mm to not less than 900 mm above the finished floor or ground, (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(17)(c))
(d)be located not less than 600 mm and not more than 1,500 mm beyond the door swing where the door opens towards the control,
(e)be located to allow persons to activate the opening of the door from either direction of travel,
(f)be located so that the path of travel is not obstructed,
(g)be located in a clearly visible position, and
(h)contain a sign incorporating the International Symbol of Access.
(18)A proximity scanning device that activates a power door shall be capable of detecting a person in a wheelchair. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(18))
(19)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)all doorways in public corridors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (1),
(b)door opening devices that are the only means of operation on doors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (3), (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(19)(b))
(c)where a vision panel is provided in a door in the normally occupied floor area, the panel shall comply with Sentence
(d)doors consisting of a sheet of glass in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (15), and
(e)where a power door operator is installed for doors in the normally occupied floor area, the control for the power door operator shall comply with Sentence (17).
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.2. Exterior Walks
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), exterior walks that form part of a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)be provided by means of a continuous plane not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level,
(b)have a permanent, firm and slip-resistant surface,
(c)except as required in Sentence 3.8.1.3.(4), have an uninterrupted width of not less than 1,100 mm and a gradient not exceeding 1 in 20,
(d)be designed as a ramp where the gradient is greater than 1 in 20,
(e)have not less than 1,600 mm wide surface of a different texture to that surrounding it, where the line of travel is level and even with adjacent walking surfaces,
(f)be free from obstructions for the full width of the walk to a minimum height of 1,980 mm, except that handrails are permitted to project not more than 100 mm from either side into the clear area,
(g)have a level area adjacent to the entrance doorway conforming to Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), and
(h)have a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. that is located to identify an entry into a vehicular route or area where no curbs or any other element separate the vehicular route or area from a pedestrian route. (See Note A-3.8.3.2.(1)(h))
(2)Where a difference in elevation between levels in a walkway is not more than 200 mm, a curb ramp conforming to Sentences (3) and (4) may be provided.
(3)The curb ramp permitted by Sentence (2) shall
(a)have a running slope conforming to Table 3.8.3.2.,
(b)have a width of not less than 1,500 mm exclusive of flared sides,
(c)have a surface including flared sides that shall,
(i)be slip-resistant,
(ii)have a detectable warning surface that is colour- and texture-contrasted with the adjacent surfaces, and
(iii)have a smooth transition from the ramp and adjacent surfaces, and
(d)have flared sides with a slope of not more than 1:10 where pedestrians are likely to walk across them.
(4)Curb ramps described in Sentence (3) do not require handrails or guards.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.4. Ramps
(1)A ramp located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)have a minimum width not less than 1,000 mm between handrails, (See Note A-3.4.3.4.)
(b)have a maximum gradient of 1 in 12, (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(1)(b))
(c)have a level area of at least 1,700 mm by 1,700 mm at the top and bottom of a ramp and where a door is located in a ramp, so that the level area extends at least 600 mm beyond the latch side of the door opening, except that where the door opens away from the ramp, the area extending beyond the latch side of the door opening may be reduced to 300 mm, (See Note A-3.8.3.4.(1)(c))
(d)have a level area at least 1,700 mm long and at least the same width as the ramp
(i)at intervals of not more than 9 m along its length, and
(ii)where there is a change of 90° or more in the direction of the ramp,
(e)except as provided in Sentence (2), be equipped with handrails on both sides that shall
(i)be continuously graspable along their entire length and have circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 40 mm, or any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 155 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm.
(ii)be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured vertically from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not meeting these requirements are permitted provided they are installed in addition to the required handrail,
(iii)be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard,
(iv)extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp,
(v)be provided with a clearance that conforms to Sentence 3.4.6.5.(13), and
(vi)be designed and constructed such that handrails and their supports will withstand the loading values obtained from the nonconcurrent application of a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails and a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied in any direction to the handrail,
(f)except as provided in Sentence (2), have a wall or a guard on both sides and where a guard is provided the guard shall
(i)be not less than 1,070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the ramp surface, and
(ii)be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp surface being protected by the guard will facilitate climbing,
(g)be provided
(i)with a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp where no solid enclosure or solid guard is provided, or
(ii)with horizontal railings which are located or other barriers that extend to within 50 mm of the finished ramp, and
(h)except as provided in Sentence (2), where the ramp is wider than 2,200 mm, have an intermediate handrail with a clear width of 900 mm between the intermediate handrail and one of the handrails described in Clause (e).
(2)Where a ramp serves as an aisleway for fixed seating, the requirements for handrails in Clauses (1)(e) and (h) and for walls or guards in Clause (1)(f) need not apply. (See Note A-3.8.3.4.(2))
(3)Floors or walks in a barrier-free path of travel having a slope steeper than 1 in 20 shall be designed as ramps. (See Note A-3.8.3.4.(3))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.12. Universal Washrooms
(1)A universal washroom room shall
(a)be served by a barrier-free path of travel,
(b)have a door that
(i)complies with Article 3.8.3.3.,
(ii)has a graspable latch-operating mechanism that is
(A) operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and
(B) located between 900 mm and 1,000 mm above the finished floor, and
(iii)is capable of being locked from the inside and released from the outside in case of emergency,
(c)have one lavatory conforming to Sentences 3.8.3.11.(1), (3) and (4),
(d)have one water closet conforming to Article 3.8.3.9. that is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b), (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(1)(d))
(e)have grab bars conforming to
(i)Sentence 3.8.3.8.(3), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a), or
(ii)Sentence 3.8.3.8.(4), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(b),
(f)have no internal dimension between walls that is less than 1,700 mm,
(g)have a coat hook that conforms to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(e) and a shelf that is located not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor and projects not more than 100 mm from the wall,
(h)be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1,700 mm in diameter,
(i)be provided with a door equipped with a power door operator,
(j)be provided with a mirror
(i)installed above a lavatory described in Clause (1)(c), and
(ii)mounted with its bottom edge not more than 1,000 mm above the finished floor or inclined to the vertical to be usable by a person in a wheelchair, and
(k)have lighting controlled by a motion sensor conforming to Sentence 12.2.4.1.(2). (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(1))
(2)A universal washroom shall have
(a)an emergency call system that consists of audible and visual signal devices inside and outside of the washroom that are activated by a control device inside the washroom, and
(b)an emergency sign that contains the words in the event of an emergency push emergency button and audible and visual signal will activate in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and that is posted above the emergency button. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(2))
(3)A clear space not less than 810 mm wide and 1,830 mm long shall be provided in each universal washroom for an adult-size change table. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(3))
(4)Where the clear space provided for an adult-size change table is adjacent to a wall, reinforcement shall be installed in the wall to permit the future installation of the change table.
(5)Where an adult-size change table is installed, it shall
(a)when fully loaded, have a surface height above the finished floor that can be adjusted from between 450 mm and 500 mm at the low range to between 850 mm and 900 mm at the high range,
(b)be designed to carry a minimum load of 1.33 kN,
(c)have a clear floor space parallel to the long side of the table not less than 760 mm wide and 1,500 mm long, and
(d)in the case of a fold-down table,
(i)be installed so that it does not encroach into a clear transfer space described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b), and
(ii)have no operating mechanisms higher than 1,200 mm.
(6)A universal washroom need not conform to Sentences (3) and (4) if
(a)it is located in an individual suite that
(i)is used for an assembly occupancy, a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, and
(ii)meets one of the following requirements,
(A) it is located in a building that is less than 300 m² in building area, or
(B) it is less than 300 m² in area, if located in a building that is at least 300 m² in building area, or
(b)another universal washroom conforming to this Article is provided on the same floor level within 45 m. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(6))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.12. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.13. Showers and Bathtubs
(1)Except within a suite of residential occupancy, if showers are provided in a building, the number of barrier-free showers shall conform to Table 3.8.3.13. (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(1))
(2)A barrier-free shower required by Sentence (1) shall
(a)be not less than 1,500 mm wide and 900 mm deep,
(b)have a clear floor space at the entrance to the shower not less than 900 mm deep and the same width as the shower, except that fixtures are permitted to project into that space provided they do not restrict access to the shower, (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(2)(b))
(c)have no doors that obstruct the shower controls or the clear floor space described in Clause (b),
(d)have a slip-resistant floor surface,
(e)have a threshold that is level with the adjacent finished floor or a bevelled threshold not more than 13 mm higher than the adjacent finished floor,
(f)have a hinged seat, other than a spring-loaded hinged seat, or a fixed seat that shall
(i)be not less than 450 mm wide and 400 mm deep,
(ii)be mounted on the same side wall as the vertical grab bar between 460 mm and 480 mm above the finished floor,
(iii)be designed to carry a minimum load of 1.3 kN,
(iv)be located so that the edge of the seat is within 500 mm of the shower controls, and
(v)have a smooth and slip-resistant surface and no rough edges, (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(2)(f))
(g)have two grab bars
(i)that conform to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(7) and do not obstruct the use of the shower controls,
(ii)one of which is 1,000 mm long vertically located on the side wall between 50 mm and 80 mm from the adjacent clear floor area, and with the lower end between 600 mm and 650 mm above the finished floor, and
(iii)one of which is L-shaped, located on the wall opposite the entrance to the shower, with a 1,000 mm long horizontal component mounted between 750 mm and 870 mm above the finished floor and a 750 mm long vertical component mounted between 400 mm and 500 mm from the side wall on which the vertical grab bar described in Subclause (ii) is mounted, (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(2)(g))
(h)have a pressure-equalizing or thermostatic mixing valve that
(i)is operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N,
(ii) is mounted on the wall opposite the entrance to the shower no more than 1,200 mm above the finished floor, and
(iii) is located within reach of the seat,
(i)have a hand-held shower head with not less than 1,800 mm of flexible hose located so that it
(i) can be reached from a seated position,
(ii)can be used in a fixed position at a height of 1,200 mm and 2,030 mm from the finished floor, and
(iii)does not obstruct the use of the grab bars, and
(j)have fully recessed soap holders that can be reached from the seated position.
(3)All other controls installed in a shower described in Sentence (2) shall comply with Subclauses (2)(h)(i) to (iii).
(4)At each location where a showering facility is provided for use by the general public or customers, or as part of a common-use area for employees, at least one universal dressing and shower room shall be provided. (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(4))
(5)A universal dressing and shower room required by Sentence 3.8.3.13.(4) shall
(a)be located in a barrier-free path of travel,
(b)have a door capable of being locked from the inside and released from the outside in the event of an emergency,
(c)have a lavatory and a mirror conforming to Article 3.8.3.11.,
(d)have a shower conforming to Sentence (2),
(e)have a bench that is at least 1,830 mm long by 760 mm wide and 480 mm to 520 mm high,
(f)have a clear transfer space adjacent to the long side of the bench that is 900 mm wide and as long as the bench, and (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(5)(f))
(g)have a coat hook mounted not more than 1,200 mm above the floor on a side wall and projecting not more than 50 mm from the wall.
(6)Individual showers that are provided for use by patients or residents in buildings of Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall conform to Sentence (2).
(7)Individual bathtubs that are provided for the use of patients or residents in buildings of Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall
(a)be located in a room with a clear floor space not less than 1,500 mm in diameter,
(b)be not less than 1,500 mm long,
(c)be capable of being accessed along the full length of the bathtub with no tracks mounted on the bathtub rim,
(d)have faucets that
(i)are operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and
(ii)are located on the centre line of the bathtub or between the centre line of the bathtub and the exterior edge of the bathtub rim, at a maximum height of 450 mm above the rim,
(e)unless the bathtub is free-standing, have three grab bars
(i)conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(7),
(ii)that are not less than 1,200 mm long,
(iii)two of which are located vertically at each end of the bathtub, mounted between 80 mm and 280 mm above the bathtub rim, and
(iv)one of which is located horizontally along the full length of the bathtub, mounted between 80 mm and 280 mm above the bathtub rim,
(f)have a slip-resistant bottom surface, and
(g)be equipped with a hand-held shower head with not less than 1,800 mm of flexible hose that can be used in a fixed position at a height of 1,200 mm and 2,030 mm and does not obstruct the use of the grab bars. (See Note A-3.8.3.13.(7))
(8)Where a barrier-free bathtub is provided, a clear floor space at least 900 mm wide and 1,500 mm long shall be provided along the full length of the bathtub.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.13. in the code viewer