The permission to waive a barrier-free path of travel for wheelchair access to certain specified areas of a building is not intended to waive accessibility requirements for persons with physical disabilities who do not require special provision for access to raised or sunken levels. Persons with visual or hearing disabilities that do not require the use of a wheelchair can be expected to move throughout a building.
The concept of wheelchair accessibility does not extend to building service facilities, nor to all floor levels within a storey, e.g., mezzanines not served by an elevator. Mezzanines that are accessible by an elevator are therefore not excluded.
Seating booths and banquettes in restaurants and bars are considered furniture, which is beyond the scope of the Code.
However, various types of seating should be considered to ensure the availability of barrier-free options.
Accessibility “within” a floor area is intended to mean that in general all normally occupied spaces are to be accessible, except where essential obstructions in the work area would make a barrier-free path of travel hazardous. Examples of excluded floor areas could include small raised office areas in retail and industrial premises, storage platforms in industrial occupancies, repair garages and areas within commercial kitchens.
Where a floor area does not require a barrier-free path of travel, certain barrier-free design provisions of Section 3.8. will still be applicable. These requirements can provide greater accessibility for persons with limited mobility who do not use wheelchairs or for those with sensory disabilities. People using walking aids, service animals or those with hearing and vision loss may still be able to climb stairs or use escalators. Accessibility features such as wider door openings, lever door handles and larger washroom stalls can also assist other building users.
The applicable requirements include: 3.8.1.3.(6) – Headroom and walking surfaces 3.8.2.3.(6) – Non-barrier-free washrooms 3.8.3.1.(6) – Accessibility signs 3.8.3.3.(19) – Doors, door hardware and vision panels 3.8.3.8.(10) – Ambulatory water closet stalls 3.8.3.10.(5) – Urinals 3.8.3.11.(5) – Lavatories 3.8.3.15.(5) – Counters for telephones 3.8.3.16.(4) – Drinking fountains