Specification F2.9 is based on the Changing Places Information Guide and Technical Standard (June 2017 edition), copies of which can be obtained from the Changing Places website at: https://changingplaces.org.au/.
(Note: Changing Places is not in any way affiliated with, or endorsed by, the ABCB.)
Accessible Adult Change Facilities are a new addition to the 2019 NCC BCA, Volume One which will be adopted by States and Territories in Australia on the 1st of May 2019.
Click the following link for more information on Accessible Adult Change Facilities
Accessible Adult Change Facilities are required to be installed in specific Shopping Centres, Sports Venues, Museums, Art Galleries, Theatres and passenger areas within Airports. The trigger for the requirement to install an Accessible Adult Change Facility has been provided below:
Changing Places is a voluntary initiative in Australia that advocates for an accessible public toilet and change rooms for users with high support needs who require assistance from a carer and specialised equipment such as an overhead hoist and adjustable height change table.
Changing Places was successfully adopted in the UK in 2006 with 1,225 facilities built to date, and later introduced to Australia in 2012, with 78 facilities (Feb 2019) built to provide destinations for users and their families.
The key components of a Changing Place include a peninsular toilet, drop down assistive grabrails, fixed ceiling hoist and height adjustable fixed change table, similar to the 2019 BCA adopted Accessible Adult Change Facility. However, there are variations between the two types of facilities, as documented below.
Accessible Adult Change Facility | Type 2a Changing Places Type 1B
The technical requirements in black font below have been taken from the 2019 BCA, with corresponding requirements/variations noted underneath the blue text under each clause.
(a) Accessible adult change facilities required by (b)—
(i) must be constructed in accordance with Specification F2.9; and
(ii) cannot be combined with another sanitary compartment.
(b) One unisex accessible adult change facility must be provided in an accessible part of a—
(i) Class 6 building that is a shopping centre having a design occupancy of not less than 3,500 people, calculated on the basis of the floor area and containing a minimum of 2 sole-occupancy units; and
(ii) Class 9b sports venue or the like that—
(A) has a design occupancy of not less than 35,000 spectators; or
(B) contains a swimming pool that has a perimeter of not less than 70 m and that is required by Table D3.1 to be accessible; and
(iii) museum, art gallery or the like having a design occupancy of not less than 1,500 patrons; and
(iv) theatre or the like having a design occupancy of not less than 1,500 patrons; and
(v) passenger use area of an airport terminal building within an airport that accepts domestic and/or international flights that are public transport services as defined in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.
(c) For the purposes of (b), design occupancy must be calculated in accordance with D1.13, but excluding any area that—
(i) can only be accessed by staff, employees, contractors, maintenance personnel and the like; or
(ii) is subject to an exemption under D3.4
(a) Each accessible adult change facility must—
(i) be constructed so that all required equipment and fixtures are contained within the same room; and
(ii) if it is a unisex facility, be located such that it can be entered without crossing an area reserved for one sex only.
(b) In each accessible adult change facility, the following must be provided:
(i) A hoist complying with Clause 3.
(ii) A toilet pan, seat, backrest and grabrails complying with Clause 4.
(iii) A washbasin and tap complying with Clause 5.
(iv) Fixtures and fittings as specified in Clause 6.
(v) A change table complying with Clause 7.
(vi) Changing rails complying with Clause 8.
(vii) An automated entrance door complying with Clause 9
(viii) Signage complying with Clause 10.
(ix) Operating instructions for the hoist and change table in accordance with Clause 11.
(x) Circulation spaces complying with Figure 2
Turning space, each side of the pan and in front of the pan
Turning space and for a washbasin
Turning space and for changing rails
Notes to Figure 2:
(a) The Roman numerals shown in Figure 2 indicate the following required circulation spaces:
(i) Turning space: a full circle of 1125 mm radius.
(ii) Each side of the pan: 900 mm (measured from each edge of the pan).
(iii) In front of the pan: 2350 mm (measured from the wall behind the pan, and therefore includes the pan itself).
(iv) For a washbasin: the width of the basin (450 mm) increasing to a width of 1350 mm measured at a distance of 750 mm out from the wall against which the washbasin is mounted then continuing at that width for a further 800 mm (to a total of 1550 mm out from the wall).
(v) For changing rails: the width of the rails increasing to a width of 1350 mm at a distance of 750 mm out from the wall to which the rails are fixed then continuing at that width for a further 800 mm (to a total of 1550 mm out from the wall).
(b) All required circulation spaces must extend for a minimum height of 2000 mm above finished floor level.
(c) Required circulation spaces may be overlapped.
(d) The floor surface must have a slip resistance classification of not less than R10 or P3 when tested in accordance with AS 4586.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions, however, does not reference AS 4586 for testing slip resistance.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 3
The hoist must—
(a) provide a constant charge in-line room coverage hoist system (also known as an “XY” system or gantry) including 2 parallel fixed rails and a moving traverse rail; and
(b) provide coverage over the entire room; and
(c) have a maximum safe working load of not less than 180 kg; and
(d) be capable of sustaining a static load of not less than 1.5 times the rated load; and
(e) have a maximum lifting height of 2100 mm
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions with the exception of:
(e) requiring a ‘minimum’ lifting height of 2100mm as opposed to ‘maximum’ height required by the BCA.
Changing Place also requires that all ceiling fitting to be recessed to allow free movement of the hoist and avoid a conflict with the hoist track system.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 4
(a) The toilet pan must be of the centrally located (“peninsula-type”) design.
(b) The toilet pan must be installed so that—
(i) the front edge of the pan is 800 mm (±10 mm) from the rear wall; and
(ii) the top of the seat is between 460 mm and 480 mm above finished floor level; and
(iii) there is a minimum clearance of 900 mm, measured horizontally, between each side of the pan and any adjacent wall or privacy screen.
(c) The toilet seat must—
(i) be of the full-round type (not open-fronted) with minimal contours to the top surface; and
(ii) be securely fixed in position when in use; and
(iii) have seat fixings that provide lateral stability to the seat when the seat is in use; and
(iv) be load-rated to 150 kg; and
(v) have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% against the pan, wall and floor; and
(vi) remain in the fully upright position when raised.
(d) Hand-operated flushing controls must—
(i) be located on the centreline of the toilet, at a height of—
(A) not less than 600 mm; and
(B) not more than 1100 mm, above finished floor level; and
(ii) not be located within the area required for any grabrails or backrest; and
(iii) have the button mounted so that it is proud of the wall surface, and activates the flushing operation before the button becomes level with the surrounding surface.
(e) An automatically activated flushing system need not comply with the requirements of (d).
(f) The backrest must—
(i) be capable of withstanding a force, in any direction, of not less than 1100 N; and
(ii) have a minimum height, between the lower edge of the backrest and the top of the seat, of between 120 mm and 150 mm; and
(iii) have a vertical height, between the upper and lower edges of the backrest, of between 150 mm and 200 mm; and
(iv) have a width of between 350 mm and 400 mm; and
(v) be positioned such that the face of the backrest achieves an angle of between 95°and 100° back from the seat, when the seat is in use.
(g) Grabrails must be installed adjacent to each side of the pan and must be—
(i) of the drop-down type; and
(ii) located such that—
(A) the top of each rail is between 800 mm and 810 mm above finished floor level; and
(B) the rails are between 750 mm and 770 mm apart, measured centre-to-centre, and equidistant to the centreline of the pan; and
(iii) at least 850 mm long; and
(iv) with a diameter of between 30 mm and 40 mm; and
(v) securely fixed to withstand a force, in any direction, of not less than 1100 N; and
(vi) provided with a toilet paper dispenser on one side; and
(vii) capable of being lifted up or swung away when not in use, so as to allow unimpeded access to the toilet pan.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions with the exception of:
(c)(v) Changing Places requires a contrast to be provided between the toilet seat and pan ‘or’ floor, not both as required by the BCA; and
(f)(v) Changing Places requires the backrest to be installed at an angle of 95°and 100° back to be taken from the seat hinge in lieu of the toilet seat.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 5
(a) The washbasin must be installed so that the rim of the basin is between 800 mm and 830 mm above finished floor level.
(b) Exposed heated water supply pipes must be insulated or located so as not to pose a hazard.
(c) Water supply or sanitary drainage pipes must not encroach on the space under the basin.
(d) The washbasin must have an integrated shelf not less than 300 mm long.
(e) Water taps must have a single lever flick-mixer handle or a sensor plate or the like.
(f) Where lever handles are provided, they must be installed with a clear space of not less than 50 mm between the tap and any adjacent surface.
(g) Heated water must be provided and temperature controlled in accordance with Part B2 of NCC Volume Three.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions with the exception of:
(d) Changing places requires the integrated shelf to achieve 300-400mm in length; and
(g) The BCA does not mention delivery of the water through a mixing spout. Changing places requires ‘Hot Water’ to be provided, delivered through a mixing spout and controlled with a thermostatic mixing valve.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 6
(a) Mirror:
(i) A vertical mirror must be provided at the washbasin, with a reflective surface that—
(A) is not less than 600 mm wide; and
(B) has its bottom edge not more than 900 mm above finished floor level; and
(C) has its top edge not less than 1850 mm above finished floor lev
(ii) If a second vertical mirror is provided in the facility, it must have a reflective surface that—
(A) is not less than 600 mm wide; and
(B) has its bottom edge not less than 600 mm above finished floor level; and
(C) has its top edge not less than 1850 mm above finished floor level.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions (BCA mentions the mirror to be provided at the washbasin)
(b) Towel dispensers, hand dryers and the like:
Towel dispensers, hand dryers, soap dispensers and the like must be operable using one hand, and must be installed with their output or operative components—
(i) between 900 mm and 1100 mm above finished floor level; and
(ii) not less than 500 mm from any internal corner.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions.
(c) Soap dispenser:
A soap dispenser must be installed above the integrated shelf required by Clause 5(d).
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions.
(d) Clothing hook:
A clothing hook must be installed so that it is located—
(i) at a height of between 1200 mm and 1350 mm above finished floor level; and
(ii) adjacent to the washbasin; and
(iii) not less than 500 mm from any internal corner.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions
(e) Sling hook:
A sling hook with a minimum projection of 50 mm from the wall must be installed beside the change table at a height of 1500 mm above finished floor level.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions and the hook to be capable of accommodating 4 x 30mm wide straps in lieu of the 50mm projection.
(f) Disposal bins:
(i) A sanitary disposal bin must be provided in the corner adjacent to the toilet pan.
(ii) An incontinence pad disposal bin must be provided in the corner adjacent to the change table.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 7
(a) The change table must be—
(i) permanently installed, with one of the long edges up against a wall and with a retractable safety rail on the opposite side; and
(ii) motorised for the purposes of height adjustment; and
(iii) height adjustable between 450 mm and 900 mm above finished floor level; and
(iv) not less than 700 mm wide; and
(v) not less than 1800 mm long.
(b) The change table must have a maximum safe working load of not less than 180 kg, including when raising or lowering the table.
(c) The change table must not encroach on any required circulation space.
(d) A dispenser for sanitary wipes must be provided.
(e) A shelf not less than 400 mm long and 150 mm wide must be provided.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions with the exception of:
(a)(i) Changing Places does not specify the long edge of the table to be installed against a wall; and
(a)(v) Changing Places does not specify a minimum table length; and
(b) Changing Places requires a ‘minimum’ safe working load of 180Kg, the BCA requires a ‘maximum’ load of 180Kg.
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 8
Changing rails must be installed as two horizontal and parallel rails fixed to a wall, not less than 800 mm long, each with a diameter between 30 and 40 mm, and—
(a) the lower rail must be installed between 800 mm and 810 mm above finished floor level; and
(b) the upper rail must be installed between 1000 mm and 1010 mm above finished floor level; and
(c) the rails must be able to withstand a force of not less than 1100 N in any direction.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions with the exception of:
(c).
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 9
The entrance door and associated door controls must be automated and must comply with the following:
(a) The threshold must incorporate a smooth transition without a step or lip.
(b) The minimum clear opening width must be—
(i) 1100 mm in locations where beach wheelchairs are likely to be used; or
(ii) 950 mm in all other locations.
(c) The doorway must achieve a luminance contrast of at least 30% between each of the following components:
(i) Door leaf and door jamb.
(ii) Door leaf and adjacent wall.
(iii) Architraves (where used) and adjacent wall.
(iv) Door leaf and architrave (where used).
(v) Door jamb and adjacent wall.
(d) The operation of the door must be calibrated such that—
(i) it has a gentle opening and closing movement; and
(ii) there is sufficient dwell time for a user to safely travel through the doorway.
(e) The door must be fitted with a fail-safe opening mechanism that opens the door if an obstruction is detected during its closing movement.
(f) Door controls must be located internally and externally—
(i) between 900 mm and 1200 mm above finished floor level; and
(ii) not less than 500 mm from any internal corner.
(g) Door control buttons must—
(i) have a minimum diameter of 25 mm; and
(ii) be proud of the surrounding surface; and
(iii) activate the door operation before the button becomes level with the surrounding surface; and
(iv) be of a contrasting colour to the surrounding plate.
(h) The surrounding plates of both internal and external door controls must include the words “Push to Open”.
(i) The following indicator lights must be provided:
(i) “Occupied” and “Vacant” on the external plate.
(ii) “Locked” and “Unlocked” on the internal plate.
(j) Braille and tactile signage complying with Specification D3.6 must identify the door controls.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Requires the above provisions and:
(f)(ii) Permits the internal door control to be located 300mm from the washbasin.
Changing Places also provides the option of using an MLAK key door operation to reduce the likelihood of vandalism to the equipment. Users with disability can obtain an MLAK Key from Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia https://www.masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak.php
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 10
(a) External signage must incorporate—
(i) the symbol shown in Figure 10; and
(ii) the words “Accessible Adult Change Facility”.
(b) The symbol required by (a)(i) must have a blue (B21, ultramarine) background with the hoist and table elements shown in white.
(c) Signage must be braille and tactile signage complying with Specification D3.6.
Figure 10 Symbol BCA Signage – Not to be Used
In a building required to be accessible—
(g) in a building subject to F2.9, directional signage complying with Specification D3.6 must be provided at the location of each—
(i) bank of sanitary facilities; and
(ii) accessible unisex sanitary facility, other than one that incorporates an accessible adult change facility, to direct a person to the location of the nearest accessible adult change facility within that building.
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Changing Places has its own sign that is trademarked in Australia as shown below. The sign requires the Braille & tactile information to be in accordance with the BCA Specification D3.6, similar to part (g) above.
Changing Places Sign – Approved Signage
BCA 2019, Specification F2.9 Part 11
Signage provided within the facility must include the following information for the hoist and change table:
(a) Operating instructions.
(b) Safe working load limit
Changing Places Australia Technical Standard
Changing Places require the above provisions with the exemptions of directed signage and provides guidance on the wording by providing examples of signs as shown below.
The height of rooms and other spaces must be not less than—
(f) in any building—
(iv) a required accessible adult change facility — 2.4 m.
Changing Places Australia
Changing Places requires the above provisions with a preference of 2.7m room height where possible.
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