One of the most significant changes regarding accessibility provisions with the code is the introduction of Accessible Adult Change Facilities.
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 has come into effect around the country*. The NCC 2019 sees the introduction of many updates and changes, being the first new edition of the Code since the NCC moved to a three-yearly update cycle.
One of the most significant changes regarding accessibility provisions within the code is the introduction of Accessible Adult Change Facilities (refer NCC 2019 Clause F2.9 and Specification F2.9). People may already be familiar with facilities like this as “Changing Places”; a sanitary facility that is designed for people with high support needs and has features including a toilet pan with enough space on both sides for carers to provide assistance, a height adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling hoist, and increased circulation space. These facilities are critical for people with disability that have high support needs to be able to access basic human rights for hygiene in a clean and safe environment, enabling them to engage in life within the community. They are now a requirement within the NCC for the following types of buildings over a particular size (design occupancy):
- Shopping Centres,
- Sporting Venues, including Pools,
- Museums and Art Galleries,
- Theatres, and
- Airport Terminals.
It should be noted that an Accessible Adult Change Facility, is different from a Unisex Accessible Sanitary Facility (UAWC), and as such, is to be provided in addition to a UAWC.
Architecture & Access welcome the introduction of these facilities into the NCC after years of successful lobbying for change by many people and organisations, including the critical contribution by our own staff Helen Fearn-Wannan and Francesca Davenport into the writing of the Changing Places Technical Standard. This Technical Standard has been used as the basis for the requirements now found within the NCC.
To discuss these changes to the NCC and how they many impact your project or facility, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- see www.abcb.gov.au for full detail
