Frequently Asked Questions

Provide the practical or construction requirements to meet the Building Act objective that people with disabilities should be able to ‘carry out normal activities and processes’ in buildings.

The standard covers all the same building features as the Departments compliance documents.  However, it gives more information, particularly by way of comment and it also covers some non-Building Code matters, such as outdoor landscaping.

D1 – Access Routes, D2 – Mechanical installation for Access, F8, Signs, G1 Personal hygiene, G2 – Laundering, G3 – Food preparation and prevention of contamination, G5 – Interior environment, G9 – Electricity, G12 – Water supplies

Section 3, is to ensure buildings have ‘attributes that contribute appropriately to the health, physical independence and well-being of the people who use them’.

Section 4 (2) (k), ‘the need to provide both to and within buildings to which section 118 applies, facilities that ensure that reasonable and adequate provision is made for people with disabilities to enter and carry out normal activities and processes in a building’.

Section 118, 116 and schedule 2 – for further detail refer to the Department of Building and Housing website

The New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 states the following:

6.4.1 Ramps can be straight, zigzag or L-shaped.  Curved or circular ramps should not be considered as part of an accessible route.

6.4.2.1 Approachability - The approach to a ramp shall be level and allow for adequate visibility and wheelchair turning space.

6.4.2.2 Gradient - The maximum gradient of a ramp other than a kerb or step ramp shall be 1 in 12.

6.4.2.4 Width - The tread width of a ramp shall not be less than 1200mm.

NZS 4121: 2001 can be purchased online at http://www.standards.co.nz/default.htm or a copy can be viewed at the Department of Building and Housing.
We advise purchase of this document as it has diagrams and more information regarding landings, handrails, ramp edge safety etc.
Barrier Free NZ Trust seminars provide valuable information on how to implement recommendations contained in NZS 4121. Refer our education programme page.

Section 177 of the Building Act provides for determination decisions to be made on; whether particular matters comply with the Code, to challenge a Building Consent Authority decision or a territorial authority decision in regards waivers etc.

Territorial authorities have the legal responsibility for enforcing the display of the ISA?

The symbol can be used only on buildings or facilities that comply with the requirements of the Building Code for accessibility.  Showing the symbol on facilities that are non-compliant would contravene the Building Act, and mislead people with disabilities.

Details of the ISA sign and its style, proportions and colour contrast are contained in F8/AS1 In the Compliance Document for Building Code Clause F8.2 Signs and in NZS 4121:2001 Design for Access and Mobility.

All ISA signs should be positioned and located consistently.  Their size, type and lettering must be clear and legible, and contract with background.
Generally the symbol should be white on a blue background, although other colours are used to suit a particular décor, provided there is contrast between the symbol and its background.

Signs should be fixed on a wall or other vertical surface and be placed 1400mm to 1700 mm from the floor or ground level to the lower edge of the sign plate.
For signs identifying a facility, the figure must face to the right.  For indicating the direction to a facility, the figure must face in the direction being indicated.

The statutory provisions for accessibility in New Zealand are contained in the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code.
Section 120 of the Building Act states that, “if any provision required by section 118 (for access for people with disabilities) is made at a building in compliance with that section, a notice or sign that indicates in accordance with the International Symbol of Access that provision is made for the needs of persons with disabilities must be displayed outside the building or so as to be visible from outside it”.

Clause F8.2 of the Building Code states that, “Signs shall be provided in and about buildings to identify accessible routes and facilities for people with disabilities”.
 

Under the Building Act 2004, doors and door handles should meet the following requirements:

• Doors must be easily operated with one hand
• Door handles are fixed between 900mm and 1200mm (1000mm optimum) above the floor
• Door handles, operating locks and latches are of lever action type
• Lever door handles are installed with the handle running towards the hinge
• Door closes have the minimum tension required to bring the door to a closed position

One of the important requirements for a door handle is that "the end of the handle shall be returned towards the door." (refer NZS 4121:2001 7.3.7 (b))

Under the Building Act 2004, light switches and sockets should meet the following requirements:

• Light switches are horizontally aligned with door handles (between 900mm-1200mm above the floor)
• Light switches having switching mechanism projecting clear of the face plate
• Socket outlets are fixed between 500-1200mm above the floor
• Socket outlets are fixed 500mm from a corner

At least one light in a bedroom has a bedside switch

Under the Building Act 2004, window controls should meet the following requirement:

• Window controls are fixed between 900-1200mm above the floor

The simple answer to your question is no.

Stairlifts are only acceptable in privately owned domestic dwellings for the reasons identified in NZS 4121:2001 sections C8 and CC8 (page 105).

The debate seems to overlook the universal advantage of a good quality, complying accessible lift, which benefits those involved with the movement of goods between levels, parents with pushchairs, older people and so on. All airport users will use a well-positioned good quality lift extensively.

Costs cannot be seen as an obstacle given the overall cost of what would appear a substantial refit.