Public consultation on the revised code aimed for late 2024
Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is reviewing its Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment, with a draft revision expected to be available for public consultation by the end of 2024. The code, which was last reviewed in 2019, aims to ensure that public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities, families with young children, and others who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs and prams.
Key Updates and Recommendations
Lift Accessibility:
The code currently mandates that at least one lift in every building must be accessible to wheelchair users, featuring adequate space for manoeuvring, as well as user-friendly design elements such as well-placed buttons, mirrors, and grab bars. This helps accommodate users of personal mobility aids (PMAs) and prams, improving accessibility for a wide range of individuals.
Encouraging Extra Measures:
While the baseline standards are set, the BCA also encourages developers to exceed these requirements in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls. This could involve installing additional accessible lifts or setting up priority access to enhance the user experience.
Size of Personal Mobility Aids:
Responding to concerns raised about larger PMAs, such as those resembling small cars, Minister Indranee Rajah acknowledged that while the current lift dimensions—1,200mm wide and 1,400mm deep—are adequate for most PMAs, they might not accommodate very large ones, depending on the building’s size and configuration.
The draft will be open for public consultation, and the government encourages feedback during this review process.
