Based on AS1428.1-2009, lift buttons are required to have a minimum 500mm clearance to a corner wall or other obstruction to ensure that a person with a mobility aid is able to approach the lift buttons without obstructing the lift opening and press the buttons to call the lift.

If the number of people who will occupy a building is known, it should be used. However, in the absence of more accurate information, Clause D1.13 must be used. D1.13 is used in several Parts of the BCA, such as in calculating minimum exit widths, as well as the number of sanitary and other facilities. D1.13 does not restrict the number of occupants using a building, or enforce any building use or licensing requirements.

Part F3 of the BCA details the requirements for rooms or spaces within a building that must provide a height suitable for the intended use. ‘Intended use’ recognises that the height required in rooms and spaces is directly related to the room’s function.

The BCA classifies buildings by their use. A building may be made up of a number of classes if it has a mixed use.

This provision provides details on buildings or parts of buildings not required to be accessible under the BCA. Clause D3.4 details exemptions to the requirements for access to certain areas within buildings where providing access would be inappropriate because of the nature of the area or the tasks undertaken

An accessible adult change facility is a type of sanitary compartment that includes a hoist and adult size change table in addition to a peninsula-type toilet pan and other fixtures and fittings. Its purpose is to provide a suitable toilet for people with more complex or profound disability who may be unable to use standard accessible toilets.

Hearing augmentation systems assist people with a hearing impairment to be made aware of communications associated with a building’s use.

We call these new requirements ‘livable housing design’ because they’re based on the Livable Housing Design Guidelines (silver level), first published by Livable Housing Australia. Livable housing design represents a significant step-change to how we’ve traditionally designed housing in Australia.

Furthermore it is worth noting that a handrails primary function is to prevent a fall and most serious falls occur when descending - not ascending, therefore it is important to ensure the handrail is at the required height and has the required extensions to provide additional assistance whilst ascending or descending, including terminations which prevent young children from injuring themselves if they are at the same height as the handrail.

The highest membership class is the an Accredited member. In order to become an Accredited Access Consultant you need to participate in the continuing professional development program, have been an associate member for a number of years, must pass an Accreditation Test and also must have industry referees including two Accredited Access Consultants which provide a reference on the capabilities, knowledge and experience of that person.