Inclusive Environment

Lighting

• Adequate and well distributed lighting should be installed.
• Glare from excessively bright lights should be avoided.
• Circulation spaces should have adequate lighting.

Signages

• Signages should be in contrasting colours in distinct relief to allow visually impaired persons to obtain the information by touch.
• Simple symbols and contrasting colours which are universally recognized should be used, e.g. green for safety or go, yellow or amber for risk or coution, and red for danger.
• Use system of signs throughout a building. Directional signs should be placed at location along the route to designated areas.
• The height of signs should comply with the guidelines for "Protruding Objects".

Elevators

• The floor space of lifts should be sufficient for wheelchair users to enter the lifts, maneuver within reach of controls, and exit (Fig.4.1a and 4.1b).
• Lift doors should be wide enough for wheelchair users (Fig.4.1a).
• Lift door closing mechanisms should be adjustable to give adequate entry time for people with disabilities. The installation of photo-electric sensor may be considered for controlling the closing of the lift door.
• In lift lobbies, access and maneuvering space for wheelchair users should be provided.
• Call buttons in lift lobbies should be at a height that is within easy reach of and for use by wheelchair users (Fig.4.1b).
• All control buttons should include Braille, have raised numbers and have symbols to indicate "Open" and "Close".
• A voice indicator may be to installed to announce floor levels.
• Lift floor should always be level with the lift lobby floor.
• Where it is impracticable to provide a lift or ramp, a wheelchair stair lift or platform lift may be considered as alternative.

Toilets

• Accessible public toilets should have the universally adopted symbol for wheelchair access displayed outside.
• W C or toilet compartments should have enough floor space for wheelchair users to enter and exit.
• The toilet bowl should be of a type (e.g. wall hung) and in a position as to permit easy approach by wheelchair users.
• The seat of the toilet bowl should be at the correct height for the wheelchair users. Any accessory seat pad on the toilet seat should be firmly secured.
• WC compartments should have support rails at a position and height suitable for wheelchair users and other persons with physical disabilities. Upward-folding support bars are recommended to allow lateral transfer from the wheelchair.
• A toilet paper dispenser should be so installed as to be easily used by a person with physical impairments sitting on the toilet.
• Fittings, such as soap dispenser, electric hand dryer and mirror, should be low enough for a wheelchair user to use comfortably.
• Floor finishes should be of non-slip material. Doors should be either of the sliding or outward-opening type.
• Locks to toilet doors or cubicle should be a type that can be opened from outside in case of emergency. Lock lever should be of the type that can be easily opened by person with weak grip power.

Wash Basins

• The basin should be installed at a height and position for convenient access by wheelchair users.
• The basin should have appropriate knee clearance and foot clearance space for wheelchair users.
• Sufficient clear space for wheelchair users should be provided in front or the basin.
• The mirror should be so installed as to permit its use by wheelchair users.
• Lever-type taps should be installed to wash basins.

Bath Rooms

• Shower cubicles should have seats with width and height to facilitate easy transfer by wheelchair users.
• Shower cubicles should have grab rails at a height and position that allow for easy gripping by wheelchair users.
• Shower cubicles should have call buttons or other signal devices at a height and position easily reached in an emergency.
• Sufficient space should be provided beside shower cubicles for transfer by wheelchair users.
• Shower doors, locks or catches should be of a type that can be opened from the outside in an emergency. Lock lever should be of the type that can be easily open by person with weak power.
• Shower door should preferably be outward opening type.
• Towel rail to be placed within reach of person sitting on shower seat at 1200-1300mm height.