Thông tư 21/2014/TT-BXD

CIRCULAR

ON NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON CONSTRUCTION FOR DISABLED ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No.62/2013/ND-CP dated June 25, 2013 defining functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Construction;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01 providing guidelines for some Articles of the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations; At the request of the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment,

The Minister of Construction hereby adopts a Circular on “National technical regulation on construction for disabled access to buildings and facilities” - Number. QCVN 10:2014/BXD.

Article 1. “National technical regulation on construction for disabled access to buildings and facilities” - Number. QCVN 10:2014/BXD is promulgated together with this Circular.

Article 2. This Circular comes into force from July 01, 2015.

Article 3. Minister, heads of ministerial agencies, Governmental agencies, People’s Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities and relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for the implementation of this Circular./.

QCVN 10:2014/BXD

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON CONSTRUCTION FOR DISABLED ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

INDEX

Foreword

1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope

1.2 Regulated entities

1.3 References

1.4 Definitions

2 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.1 Parking lots and bus stops

2.2 Road to construction works

2.3 Entrance

2.4 Doors

2.5 Lifts

2.6 Public spaces in construction works

2.7 Emergency exits

2.8 Roads and sidewalks

2.9 Recognizable warning signs

2.10 Signs

3 IMPLEMENTATION

APPENDIX A

Foreword

QCVN 10:2014/BXD is drafted by Vietnam Institute of Architecture, submitted by Department of Technology and Environment for approval, appraised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and promulgated together with the Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BXD dated December 29, 2014 of the Minister of Construction.

QCVN 10:2014/BXD replaces QCXDVN 01:2002 promulgated together with the Decision No. 01/2002/QD-BXD dated January 17, 2002 of the Minister of Construction.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON CONSTRUCTION FOR DISABLED ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 This document provides for technical requirements that must be complied with when building or renovating works to ensure accessibility to disabled persons.

1.1.2 The construction works accessible to disabled persons include:

- Apartment buildings;

- Public works: office buildings of regulatory authorities; health facilities; educational and vocational training institutions; cultural and sporting buildings; hotels, commercial buildings;

- Railway stations, docks, bus stations, roads, sidewalks, foot tunnels, overpasses, and technical infrastructure and other urban utilities (funeral homes, cemeteries, public restrooms, bus stops, automatic teller machines, public internet access points, etc.).

1.2 Regulated entities

This document applies to organizations and individuals related to the construction of the works mentioned in 1.1.2.

1.3 References

The following documents must be complied with upon application of this document. In the cases where the documents are amended or replaced, the latest one shall apply.

QCVN 06:2010/BXD, National technical regulation on fire safety of buildings.

1.4 Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms below shall be construed as follows:

1.4.1 “disabled person” is a person who has defects in one or more organs or suffers functional decline characterized by a type of disability, making it difficult to work, carry out normal day-to-say activities and study.

1.4.2 “mobility impairment” refers to a reduction in or loss of movement of the head, neck, legs, arms or body, leading to physical limitations.

The person with mobility impairment is able to walk himself/herself with the help of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and walking frame.

1.4.3 “hearing impairment” refers to a reduction in or loss of the ability to hear, leading to limitation on oral communication.

There are different degrees of hearing impairment, such as complete deafness, ability to hear certain frequencies and occasional hearing loss.

1.4.4 “visual impairment” refers to a reduction or loss of the ability to see and feel the light, colors, images and things under normal lighting and environmental conditions.

There are different degrees of visual impairment such as inability to differentiate between light and dark (completely blind); low vision: inability to see anything either side, above or below eye level; limited visibility; severe myopia; color blindness, glare.

1.4.5 “accessibility” means the ability of disabled persons to access a public work, means of transport, information technology, cultural, sporting and tourist services and other services in order to integrate into the community

1.4.6 “accessible work” refers to the architectural environment where disabled persons are able to access and use its utilities.

1.4.7 “entrance” means the main entrance to a construction work.

1.4.8 “recognizable warning sign” refers to a characteristic sign of a standardized surface that is placed in or attached to the surface of the walkway or other structures to inform the disabled persons of obstacles on the pathway.

2 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.1 Parking lot and bus stop

2.1.1 There must be a parking space designated for persons with mobility impairment in public parking lots and parking lots in buildings. The number of parking spaces designated for persons with mobility impairment shall be estimated according to Table 1.

Table 1 - Number of parking spaces for persons with mobility impairment in parking lots

2.1.2 The parking space designated for persons with mobility impairment must be provided near the road and entrance to a construction work. Regarding public parking lots, the parking space designated for persons with mobility impairment must be located near the walkway.

2.1.3 If the parking space is designed at different elevations, the  parking space designated for persons with mobility impairment must be at the same height as the entrance.

2.1.4 There must be a ramp and tactile paving or contrasting markings at elevations in the waiting area in order for disabled persons to access the bus.

2.1.5 At bus stops, there must be a seating area for disabled persons and wheelchair space.

2.1.6 International signs or recognizable warning signs must be put up in the areas designated for disabled persons.

2.2 Road to construction works

2.2.1 Inside an area, work or work item, there must be at least a road accessible to disabled persons.

2.2.2 The following regulations shall be complied with when designing a ramp:

- Slope must not be greater than 1/12;

- Width must be at least 1,200 mm;

- Length must not be greater than 9,000 mm; otherwise, a landing must be available;

- There must be a 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm empty space at the start and the end of the ramp to  allow for wheelchair movement..

- The surface of the ramp must be hard and must not be rough and slippery.

2.2.3 Railings and handrails should continue uninterrupted on both sides of the ramp. If one side of the ramp has an empty space, a safety bump or barrier must be installed at the foot of the railing or handrail.

- The handrail must be installed at a height of 900 mm above the floor level. In case of two-story handrail, the lower handrail must be installed at a height of 700 mm above floor level.

- At the start and the end of the ramp, the handrail must be extended 300 mm. The space between the handrail and the wall must be at least 40 mm.

2.3 Entrance

2.3.1 There must be at least one entrance accessible to disabled persons in a work or work item. The entrance designated for disabled persons must lead to the reception and main spaces of the work.

2.3.2 For the entrance with a ramp: slope, size and surface of the ramp must be compliant with regulations specified in 2.2.2.

2.3.3 For the entrance with steps, the following regulations must be complied with:

- The height of the riser must not be greater than 150;

- The width of the tread must be at least 300 mm;

- Open risers and protruding nosings should be avoided;

- In case the entrance has more than 3 steps, handrails must be provided on both sides as prescribed in 2.2.3.

2.3.4 In case of entrance door designed for disabled persons, thresholds and turnstiles should not be used.

2.3.5 At the entrance, there must be signs, audio signaling system and paving showing the directions to lift and services provided for disabled persons.

2.3.6 If for architectural or technical reasons the main entrance cannot be made accessible, mechanical lifts and ramps must be provided.

2.4 Doors

2.4.1 The opening width of the main door of a work opening must be at least 900 mm. For interior doors, the opening width must be at least 800 mm.

2.4.2 The opening space in front of and behind the door must be at least 1,400 mm wide and 1,400 mm long.

2.5 Lifts

2.5.1 The opening width of the lift door must be at least 900 mm. The lift car must have inside opening dimensions of at least 1,100 mm x 1,400 mm.

2.5.2 The waiting area in front of the lift must be at least 1,100 mm wide and 1,400 mm long.

2.5.3 The lift door must be equipped with re-opening activators. The door opening and closing interval must be greater than 20 seconds to ensure safety of disabled persons. Handrails must be provided inside the lift as prescribed in 2.2.3.

2.5.4 The control panel inside the lift car must be mounted 900 mm to 1,200mm from the floor to the center of the highest call button. The call buttons must have letters in contrasting colors or tactile warnings and braille system.

2.5.5 The floor indicator or audio signaling system shall be installed both inside and outside of the lift. Braille floor indications must be available on both sides of the door jamb of the lift entrances on all floors.

2.6 Public spaces in works

2.6.1 Reception and lobby

2.6.1.1 The areas such as waiting areas, queue areas, sales counters, areas for money change, cash withdrawal, telephone booths, recreational areas, catering service areas or work surfaces in public works must be accessible to disabled persons.

2.6.1.2 There must be at least one accessible reception or lobby corresponding to each type of service.

2.6.1.3 At the accessible reception and lobby, there must be signs with international symbols or audio signaling system.

2.6.2 Seats

2.6.2.1 In the works with auditoriums, classrooms, meeting rooms, lounges, shops and stadiums, seats must be provided for wheelchair users. The minimum number of seats for a wheelchair user is 1 and must be at least 5% of total number of seats in the work.

2.6.2.2 The seat for wheelchair user must be near the entrance.

2.6.2.3 The minimum number of seats designated for wheelchair users shall be estimated according to Table 2.

Table 2 - The number of seats for wheelchair users

2.6.3 Restrooms

2.6.3.1 In any restroom in public works, there must be at least 01 compartment for disabled persons but not less than 5 % of the total number of restrooms. In any public restroom, there must be at least 01 compartment for disabled persons.

NOTES: Installation of a separate unisex unit is always desirable in public works so as to allow a disabled person to be assisted by an attendant of the opposite sex.

2.6.3.2 At least one in every 6 urinals is accessible to disabled persons.

2.6.3.3 Inside the accessible compartment, the opening space must be at least 1,400 mm wide and 1,400 mm long to allow for wheelchair movement.

2.6.3.4 The restroom door must be opened outward without blocking the emergency exit and with an opening width of at least 800 mm.

2.6.3.5 The mounting height of accessible sanitary equipment from the floor level is specified as follows:

- Bidet: not higher than 450 mm;

- Wash basin: not higher than 750 mm;

- Urinal: not higher than 400 mm;

2.6.3.6 The mounting height of handrails inside the areas where the bidet and urinal are installed must not be greater than 900 mm and 800 mm respectively.

2.6.3.7 The restroom must have a non-slip surface.

2.6.3.8 In accessible restrooms, there must be international signs and audio signaling system.

2.6.4 Clinics and patient rooms in health facilities

2.6.4.1 The minimum ratio of accessible clinics and patient rooms in a health facility must be compliant with following regulations:

- Hospitals: 10 % of total number of patient rooms and clinics;

- Orthopedic and rehabilitation centers: 100 % of number of the monitoring rooms and examination rooms;

- Nursing centers: 50 % of number of rooms.

2.6.4.2 In clinics and patient rooms, there must be a space with minimum dimensions of 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm to allow for wheelchair movement.

2.6.4.3 Handrails must be provided along both sides of corridors and aisles leading to clinics and patient rooms. Handrails must be installed as prescribed in 2.2.3.

2.6.5 Hotel or motel rooms

2.6.5.1 Regarding hotels and motels with under 100 rooms, there must be at least 5 % of accessible rooms. One more accessible room must be available for every 100 additional rooms.

2.6.5.2 In the bedroom designated for wheelchair users, there must be a space with minimum dimensions of 1,400 mm x 1,400 mm along one side of the bed to allow for wheelchair movement.

2.6.5.3 For the works without elevators, the accessible rooms must be located on the ground floor.

2.7 Emergency exits

2.7.1 Alarm system

2.7.1.1 Alarm systems shall be used to inform and give instructions on the emergency areas and exits to disabled persons with both audio and visual signals and include flashing lights in case of emergency.

2.7.1.2 The alarm system must be installed in the areas such as dwellings, meeting rooms, auditoriums, aisles, lobbies, hallways and other public spaces.

2.7.1.3 In case of use of loudspeakers, the loudness must be at least +5 dB. The loudness of the emergency alarm must be at least +15 dB higher than the ambient sound but not exceeding 120 dB.

2.7.2 Exit route

2.7.2.1 Emergency areas must be made accessible for disabled persons. The emergency area must be directly connected to the emergency exit stairs and include signs and two-way communication system with visual and audio signals.

2.7.2.2 The exit route leading to the emergency exit stairs must be compliant with QCVN 06:2010/BXD.

2.8 Roads and sidewalks

2.8.1 At the crossings of different heights such as crosswalk and sidewalk, ramps must be provided.

2.8.2 At the intersection of walkway and road, crosswalk or entrance where the vertical rise is greater than 150 mm, a ramp and tactile paving indicating the intersection must be available.  The slope must not be greater than 1/12.

2.8.3 The outer edge of the walkway and walkway around ponds and lakes in the park must include warning signs or a bump with a minimum height of 150 mm to ensure safety of visually impaired persons.

2.8.4 The street furniture such as bus stops, benches, lampposts, signboards, telephone booths, fixed poles, bollards, mail boxes, public restrooms, newspaper kiosks, planting tubs and garbage bins must not obstruct disabled persons and must be indicated by tactile paving or marked with contrasting colors so that visually impaired persons may recognize.

2.8.5 Stand-alone furniture on walkway such as poles, planting tubs and others must be at least 100 mm high and without sharp angles.

2.8.6 For the trees on the walkway, textural changes in the walkway surface around the planting area or a bump with a height of at least 100 mm shall help sightless persons to identify. The branches lower than 2,000 mm must be cut and trimmed.

2.8.7 The stand-alone obstructions such as advertising signs, mail boxes and telephone booths must be placed outside the walkway. The distance between the lower edge and the ground must not be greater than 600 mm, the protrusion must not exceed 100 mm and the opening height must be 2,000 mm to allow for the free passage of disabled persons.

2.8.8 Regarding new, renovated and repaired works adjacent to the walkway, there must be a protection barrier that has a height of from 1,000 mm to 1,200 mm, is firmly erected so as not to be fallen and lit at night. The scaffolding and protective structures must not be hazardous to visually impaired persons.

2.8.9 If an overpass or tunnel with a walkway has more than 3 risers, the following regulations must be complied with:

- The height of the riser must not be greater than 150 mm, the width of the tread must be at least 300 mm;

- Each section has 18 risers at the maximum. In case of more than 18 risers, a landing must be provided;

- The width of the landing must be at least 1,400 mm;

- Handrails must be provided on both sides of the walkway as prescribed in 2.2.3.

2.8.10 In case of sudden change of height of the entrance to the overpass and tunnel with a walkway, a ramp must be provided as prescribed in 2.2.2.

2.8.11 The surface of walkway on the overpass and in the tunnel must be non-slip.

2.8.12 At the start and the end of the overpass and ramp in the tunnel, there must be tactile paving indicating limit or contrasting markings in order to alert visually impaired persons.

2.8.13 At intersections, entrances to tunnel and stairs of the overpass, there must be traffic lights, signs and audio signals or braille to guide visually impaired persons to cross the street.

2.9 Recognizable warning signs

2.9.1 Recognizable warning signs include tactile paving or markings with contrasting colors.

2.9.2 The tactile paving must be provided as follows:

- Paving indicating intersection must be provided at the intersections between the walkway and road;

- Paving indicating limit must be provided at the start and end of stairs; start and end of the ramp, where the obstacles are present, and crosswalk;

- Directional paving shall be used to guide visually impaired persons to the reception, ticket counters, ticket checkpoints, automatic teller machines and to allow for avoidance of obstacles in the areas without directional information and instructions;

- Positioned paving must be provided in front of telephone booths, mail boxes, reception, ticket counters, signboards (Braille or audio), automatic teller machines, restrooms, waiting rooms and entrances to works.

2.10 Signs

2.10.1 Letters and figures used in international symbols must contrast with the background color. Glossy or strongly reflective materials must not be avoided.

2.10.2 Signs or recognizable warning signs must include international symbols and braille (see Appendix A).

3 IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 The Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Construction) shall disseminate and provide guidelines for application of QCVN 10:2014/BXD.

3.2 The local authorities in charge of housing, public work and technical infrastructure shall provide guidance and carry out inspection of the compliance with regulations of QCVN 10:2014/BXD in construction within their area in accordance with applicable regulations of law.

3.3 Difficulties that arise during the implementation of this document should be reported to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Construction).

APPENDIX A

SOME INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY ACCESS SIGNS