Inclusive Environment

Ramps

• A ramp should be of gentle gradient, with a landing maximum every 6 meters.
• The ramp width should be min. 1200 mm clear and preferably 1500 mm for one way movement and 1800 mm- 2000 mm for two ways movement.
• A ramped approach should have handrails continuously on both sides, and raised kerfs on open edges.
• Handrails attached to ramps should be of at correct height which enables wheelchair users and crutch users to hold easily, (Fig: 2.1a)
• Handrails should extend horizontally beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. (min. 300 mm).
• Ramp and landing surfaces should be slip-resistant.
• For handrails refer Section on "Handrails/Grab Bars".
• Ramps and landing surfaces should comply with the guidelines for "Ground and Floor Surfaces".

Kerb Ramps

• Kerb ramps should be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a step or kerb.
• Slopes of kerb ramps should be gentle (e.g: less than 1:10).
• The surface of kerb ramps should comply with the guidelines for "Ground and Floor Surfaces".

Pathways and Corridors

• Pathways and corridors should be wide enough for wheelchair users. (min. 1200 mm. width)
• If a corridor is less than 1500mm.(minimum clear turning space), turning space should be located at reasonable intervals.
• The surface of pathways or corridors should comply with the guidelines for "Ground and Floor Surfaces".
• Space for headroom and protruding objects should comply with the guidelines for "Protruding Objects".

Steps & Stairs

• A flight of stairs should have uniform risers and treads. 150mmx300mm
• A flight of stair should be of gentle gradient.
• A flight of stairs should have no open risers.
• Nosing of stairs should project as little as possible.
• Handrails for stairs should be installed on both sides and continuously.
• Handrails for stairs should be easily gripped at a suitable height from the stair going.
• Handrails for stair should extend beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.
• The rise of flight between landings should be of an appropriate height.
• Other requirements for handrails should comply with the guidelines for "Handrails".
• Treads of stairs should comply with the guidelines for "Ground and Floor Surfaces".
• Stair edges should be in bright contrasting colours.
• Stairs should be adequately illuminated.

Doorways

• Doorways should be wide enough for wheelchair users (900mm. minimum).
• Space to manoeuvre should be provided in front of doors, including sufficient space for moving past door handles.
• Thresholds of doorways should not exceed 10 mm. Raised threshold and floor level changes at doorways should be leveled off with a slope on each side of a threshold. The slope may be a simple, movable ramp.
• Handles, pulls and others opening devices are to have a shape and height that is easy for a person with reduced strength and dexterity to control.
• Swing door is preferable than sliding door. When a sliding door is to be used, the handle should be usable from both sides.
• Lever handles and push type mechanisms are recommended. (When a sliding door Is fully open, handles should be usable from both sides.)
• The use of colour to distinguish doors from surrounding walls is very useful for people with visual impairments.
• Glass doors must have a bright, colored motif at eye level.
• Where revolving doors or turnstiles are used, an alternative wheelchair-accessible entrance must also be provided.

Windows

• A window should have handles/controls at a height permits use from wheelchairs.
• A window should have an unobstructed viewing zone for wheelchair users.
• Curtain or venetion blind controls/ropes should be accessible for wheelchair users.

Handrails and Grab Bars

• A handrail or grab bar should be of a diameter/width and strength so that it may easily be grabbed and used as a support (Fig.3.1a).
• If handrails or grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, clearance space between the walls and the grab bar should be provided
• Handrails should have continuous gripping surfaces, without interruptions or obstructions that can break a hand hold.
• If handrails or grab bars are mounted in a recess, the maximum depth and minimum height of the recess must be considered (Fig.3.1a).
• A small plate in Braile should be provided at the beginning and at the end of each handrail/grab bar to indicate its position to persons with visual impairments.
• Handrails/grab should be in a colour that contrasts with the surrounding area.
• Grab bars should be installed to resist a force of at least 1.3 kn applied vertically or horizontally.

Ground and floor surface

• Ground and floor surface (along accessible route and in accessible rooms spaces, including floors, walks, ramps, stairs and kerb ramps) should be stable, firm and slip-resistant.
• Floor surfaces should not have any projections, drops or unexpected variation in levels.Changes in level less than and 13mm should be levelled of with a slope no greater than 1:2.
• Grating located along walking surfaces shall:
  • have spaces not greater than 13 mm wide in one direction, and
  • be placed so that the long dimension is across the dominant direction of travel as illustrated in figure 3.2a.
• If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface, they should be securely attached to it. Long, thick rugs should not be laid in areas likely to be frequented by persons with mobility and sight impairments.
• Edges of paths should be clearly defined by using different colours and textures. Street furniture, trees, lighting and dustbins should be located on one side of pathways. The surface texture and colour surrounding should be changed to indicate the approach to those items.

Tactile Surface Guiding & Warning Blocks

• Place to install-guiding block for persons with impaired vision
• 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.
• Entrance / 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.
• Dot-type block give a warning signal. They are used to screen off obstacles, drop-offs or other harzards, to discourage movement in an incorrect direction, and to warn of a comer or junction.
• Line-type blocks indicate the correct route to follow.
• Rural areas-In rural areas, stones of different sizes may be used to separate the road from the kerb, and to indicate the approach to public places.