We work a lot with architects to get doorways circulation areas, clear widths and latch side clearances correct under AS1428.1.  We also do a lot of work making sure accessible toilets are appropriate with circulation areas of pan, basin and shower, as well as fixtures and fittings in accordance with AS1428.1.

So why when we come to the building site, that in some instances, many of these elements are incorrect?

In the rarest of instances we find that a few architects simply don’t apply AS1428.1 properly….some even use older versions of the code.  However more often than not there are design and construction co-ordination issues.

We often review CC drawings.  However sometimes design changes such as enlarging a room or re-positioning a riser adjacent certain doors or accessible toilet occur in the construction documentation, after our review.  Sometimes, these changes hurt AS1428.1 compliance and are not picked up.

In other situations, even though the construction documentation is fully compliant, the contractor’s work shop drawings may be imperfect based on an incorrect assumption or knowledge of AS1428.1.

My point is that the quality control within the project needs to be more rigorous and perhaps another review of documentation may be required as an added insurance.

I would also like to add one more point that I see cropping up on jobs.  In accessible toilets, wash basins are allowed to encroach into the pan circulation area by no more than 100mm, when the basin is in front of the pan.  It is important to note that no encroachment is allowed when the basin is at the side of the pan as shown below:

What is also important to note is that the basin projection from the rear wall cannot be less than 430mm as shown above.  In the marketplace, the best accessible basins have a 450mm projection.  Make sure this projection is designed into your accessible toilets to get the right internal dimensions.

David Goding