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Meeting the Intent of the Code

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08 August 2015

As well as the requirement of achieving the dimensional figures within AS1428.1:2009, it is optimal that the intent of what the code is asking for is also accomplished. One example of this is the location of where the paper towel dispenser or hand dryer is required to be installed within an accessible toilet.

As well as the requirement of achieving the dimensional figures within AS1428.1:2009, it is optimal that the intent of what the code is asking for is also accomplished.

One example of this is the location of where the paper towel dispenser or hand dryer is required to be installed within an accessible toilet.

The code asks for these items to be located between 900mm – 1100mm above the FFL (to the operable part) and no closer than 500mm from any internal corner.  By meeting these requirements, the paper towel dispenser or hand dryer could be placed on the other side of the room, nowhere near the wash basin.

Yes, this is complaint, but it does not meet the intent of what the code is asking for.

A paper towel dispenser or hand dryer needs to be near the wash basin, within arm’s reach to meet the intent.

Scenario 1 – (paper towel dispenser not near wash basin): a person in a wheelchair is finished washing their hands, they have wet hands, they need to wheel themselves using their wet hands to the paper towels to dry their hand, they now have dirty hands again from touching the wheels of their chair with wet hands.

Scenario 2 – (paper towel dispenser near wash basin): a person in a wheelchair is finished washing their hands, they have wet hands, they reach for a paper towel and dry their hands before requiring to touch the wheels of their chair.

Yes, as access consultants we sign off buildings against AS1428.1:2009.  However, as well as signing off the dimensional requirements of the code, the intent of what those measurements mean needs to be met.

John La Scala

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