AS 1735.12-1999 – Facilities for Persons with Disabilities in Passenger Lifts
Accessible lift design is an important part of creating inclusive buildings in Australia. AS 1735.12-1999, Lifts, escalators and moving walks, Part 12: Facilities for persons with disabilities, sets out requirements for passenger lifts specifically designed to assist people with disabilities.
The standard addresses important features that influence the accessibility and usability of lifts, including lift car dimensions, doors, control buttons, handrails, audible and visual information, communication systems and lighting.
For architects, builders, lift suppliers, access consultants, building certifiers and property owners, understanding AS 1735.12-1999 can help when reviewing older building documentation, assessing existing lift installations or determining the requirements referenced by a particular building approval.
Although this edition has been superseded, it remains relevant when a project specifically refers to the 1999 standard or when historical compliance documentation needs to be reviewed.
What Is AS 1735.12-1999?
AS 1735.12-1999 is an Australian Standard that forms part of the AS 1735 series covering lifts, escalators and moving walks.
Its purpose is to specify facilities in passenger lifts designed to assist people with disabilities. The standard complements other parts of the AS 1735 series dealing with general lift requirements and passenger lift systems.
The 1999 edition was published on 5 May 1999 and subsequently incorporated Amendment 1. It addressed accessible lift facilities where required by the relevant building authority, with the standard's stated application excluding lifts in private residences.
The standard covers several practical elements of accessible lift design, helping address the needs of people who may experience mobility, vision or other disabilities.
For projects involving older buildings, it is important to distinguish between the requirements of the 1999 edition and those of later editions.
Why Is AS 1735.12-1999 Important?
Lifts provide essential vertical access in multi-storey buildings. If a lift is difficult to enter, operate or use, it can create barriers for people with disabilities.
Accessible lift features help users move between floors with greater independence and confidence. They can also support people with temporary mobility limitations, older people and others who benefit from accessible building facilities.
Understanding AS 1735.12-1999 can help building professionals:
Review historical lift specifications and compliance documents.
Identify accessibility features included in older lift installations.
Understand the requirements referenced by particular building approvals.
Coordinate lift accessibility with general building access provisions.
Identify potential accessibility concerns during renovations or upgrades.
Determine when further technical assessment may be necessary.
A clear understanding of the applicable standard is especially important when assessing whether an existing installation meets the requirements relevant to its original approval or proposed upgrade.
Key Areas Covered by AS 1735.12-1999
1. Lift Car Size
Lift car dimensions affect the ability of passengers to enter, position themselves and travel safely between floors.
People using wheelchairs or mobility aids may require sufficient internal space to manoeuvre and reach the operating controls.
AS 1735.12-1999 includes a dedicated section addressing lift car size. When reviewing an existing installation, the relevant dimensions should be checked against the requirements of the applicable edition and the circumstances of the project.
Lift car capacity alone does not establish accessibility. The internal arrangement and available usable space are also important considerations.
2. Car Floors and Surface Conditions
The lift car floor is an important part of the accessible journey.
Floor surfaces should support safe movement and should be considered alongside the lift entrance, landing and surrounding circulation areas.
The 1999 standard includes provisions relating to car floor surfaces and access to safety gear. These matters should be assessed using the original standard where a detailed historical compliance review is required.
For upgrades, the proposed floor finish and any changes in level should also be considered as part of the overall accessibility assessment.
3. Lift Doors and Passenger Protection
Lift doors must allow passengers to enter and exit safely.
AS 1735.12-1999 addresses door types, passenger-protection systems and door-open dwell time. These features are relevant to people who may need additional time to enter or leave the lift, including passengers using wheelchairs, walking aids or other mobility equipment.
During an inspection, relevant considerations include door operation, passenger detection and the time available for entry and exit.
The exact technical requirements should be verified against the applicable standard and relevant lift safety provisions.
4. Handrails and Internal Lift Fittings
Handrails can provide additional support for passengers who need assistance with balance or stability while travelling in a lift.
The 1999 edition includes provisions relating to car walls, fittings, protruding edges, handrails and seats.
These elements need to be considered in relation to the overall internal layout. Poorly positioned fittings can interfere with movement, reduce usable space or make controls more difficult to access.
When assessing an existing lift, the location and condition of these features should be reviewed against the relevant requirements rather than relying on appearance alone.
5. Lift Control Buttons
Lift controls are essential for selecting floors and operating the lift.
AS 1735.12-1999 includes requirements concerning the provision, location and design of control buttons at landings and inside lift cars.
Accessible control arrangements are particularly important for people who have limited reach, reduced dexterity or vision impairment.
When reviewing lift controls, professionals should consider their positioning, identification and ease of operation in accordance with the applicable edition.
Changes to control panels during a lift upgrade should be coordinated with the lift supplier and relevant access professionals.
6. Audible, Visual and Tactile Information
Passengers may rely on different types of information to understand lift operation and identify their destination.
The 1999 standard addresses automatic audible information, visible information, tactile information, character shapes, direction-of-travel indications and information provided within lift cars.
These features can support passengers with vision impairment and other sensory disabilities.
For example, audible information can help communicate lift movement or floor information, while visual indicators can assist passengers who rely on visual cues.
Tactile identification can also help users locate and distinguish operating controls.
The specific provisions required for an installation should be checked against the relevant standard and regulatory references.
7. Emergency Communication Systems
Emergency communication is another important element of lift design.
AS 1735.12-1999 includes provisions concerning communication systems, acknowledgement of communication, lift identification and communication arrangements associated with the lift car.
These features help support communication when passengers require assistance.
When inspecting an older lift or planning an upgrade, the communication system should be reviewed alongside applicable lift safety requirements and any relevant accessibility obligations.
Any proposed changes should be assessed by suitably qualified professionals to ensure the system remains appropriate for the installation.
8. Lift Lighting
Adequate lighting helps passengers identify controls, read information and move safely within the lift car.
The 1999 standard includes provisions for compliance with referenced lighting requirements, general lighting within lift cars and lighting of lift controls.
Lighting should be considered as part of the lift's overall usability, particularly for people with vision impairment.
During an accessibility review, the condition and effectiveness of the lighting should be considered alongside control visibility, surface contrast and the surrounding environment.