Code to ensure buildings are accessible under review, public consultation aimed for end-2024

A regulatory code to ensure buildings are inclusive and accessible is being reviewed, with a draft for public consultation targeted to be released by the end of 2024.

The Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) was last reviewed in 2019. It aims to set out fundamental design and construction requirements to make buildings accessible to people with disabilities and families with young children.

The draft of the revised code will be released for public consultation by the end of 2024, said Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah on Oct 16.

She was responding to a parliamentary question by Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC) on whether the Government will consider mandating shopping malls and other public buildings to set aside lift cars built to accommodate more users of baby prams, wheelchairs and personal mobility aids (PMAs).

Ms Indranee said the code currently specifies that where lifts are provided in a building, at least one lift must be made accessible for wheelchair users.

These lifts are required to have sufficient manoeuvring space for wheelchairs, and features like conveniently placed lift buttons, mirrors and grab bars. These features would also benefit other lift users like those using PMAs and prams.

The BCA also encourages building owners and developers to go beyond baseline code standards where needed, especially for places with high public footfall, she said.

This could include providing more than one accessible lift or implementing priority access arrangements that improve the lift-user experience.

In a supplementary question, Mr Saktiandi asked if the BCA code takes into account the possible size changes of PMAs over time.

Ms Indranee said the current code – which specifies the minimum lift car dimension must be 1,200mm wide by 1,400mm deep and a lift door opening of at least 900mm – is sufficient to benefit those using PMAs and prams.

At the same time, there are “some very large PMAs that are actually more like small cars rather than what you would expect of a personal mobility device”, she said.

“So it may not be possible to accommodate very large PMAs in lifts, depending on the building size and configuration.”

She encouraged people to send in feedback or suggestions on issues to the BCA while the code review is under way.

Source: Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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