Switches, Controls and Buzzer

Based on Facility Accessibility Standards of 2017 (see Figure 1), the placement of
controls is integral to their accessibility. For the individual using a wheelchair, the
height of the controls and the space to position the wheelchair in front of the controls
are important. They can also be obstacles for children, individuals with arthritis or even
someone wearing gloves. Controls that require two hands to operate can also be difficult
for some people, particularly those with reach or balance limitations, or those who must
use their hands to hold canes or crutches. A clear, level floor area at least 760 mm x
1370 mm (30 in. x 54 in.) shall be provided at controls and operating mechanisms, such
as dispensers and receptacles and other Electrical outlets and other types of devices
shall be located no lower than 400 mm (15-3/4 in.). Controls and operating mechanisms
shall be capable of being illuminated to at least a level of 100 lux (9.2 ft-candles).
Controls and operating mechanisms shall incorporate a pronounced colour contrast, to
differentiate them from the surrounding environment.

Figure 1. Figure 2.
Reach Range for Accessible controls Height of Switches and Controls

According to Designing Accessibility 2004 (see figure 2) the location and

detailing of switches and controls should take into account ease of operation, height,
and distance from corners, visibility and unobstructed access. Avoid flushed or recessed
controls, as these are not accessible to people with limited dexterity. A combination of
colour, tonal and textural contrast helps people with sight impairments to distinguish
between surfaces and objects placed upon them, such as switches on walls and litter
bins on floors Colour and tonal contrast should be used to ensure controls are
distinguishable from their background. Consider the use of tactile buttons and controls.
These should be embossed, not engraved. In addition, based on Code on Accessibility
2019 Switches, handles and controls mounted at reachable heights, preferably at the
same level with door handles.
Floor Finishes
Design decisions related to ground and floor surfaces will influence every person
who enters the building. Irregular surfaces, such as cobblestones or pea-gravel finished
concrete, are difficult for both walking and pushing a wheelchair. Slippery surfaces are
hazardous to all individuals and especially hazardous for seniors and others who may
not be sure-footed (Facility Accessibility Design Standards, 2017). In addition, contrast
with the walls in tone and colour, otherwise the skirting must provide a clear distinction
between the floor and wall; and where there is a change in level, have contrasting
colour bands and detectable warning surfaces provided to alert users of the change in
level, complying with (Code on Accessibility , 2019).
Floor areas that may become wet – just inside the entrance to covered shopping
malls for example – should not be of a type that becomes slippery. Entrance mats should
be considered. Floor surfaces should be slip-resistant. This is of particular importance to
people who use walking aids such as sticks or crutches, and to older people. Bright,
boldly patterned flooring should be avoided as it can create a confusing impression for
people with impaired sight. Glossy floors cause reflection and glare, which can create
difficulties for people with visual impairments. They can also give the illusion of being
wet and slippery even if they are not, which may inhibit people with mobility
impairments. And Avoid types of floors that become hazardous when recently washed
(Designing for Accessibility, 2004). Non-glare or low gloss finishes on floors, matt
paint or textured wallpaper on walls should be considered to help reduce glare. Glass or
reflective material should be avoided (Barrier Free Access 2008 (2021 edition)).
 Figure 1. Figure 2.
Smooth, Slip resistant without glazed flooring Non-Slippery path way in Public
Spaces
Acoustics
The acoustic environment of public buildings and spaces should accommodate the
unique needs of persons who are hard of hearing and who need to differentiate essential
sounds from general background noise. The sound transmissions of different areas can
be used as an orientation cue and help to navigate a space. A well designed acoustical
environment is to everyone's advantage (Facility Accessibility Design Standards, 2017).
Consideration of the acoustic properties of buildings, as well as the specification
of hearing enhancement systems, can benefit people with hearing impairments.
However, sounds can be useful for people with visual impairments. For example, the
sound of a lift arrival bell locates the lift, and being able to hear footsteps informs that
someone is approaching. Hard surfaces can cause sound reverberation and increased
background noise levels, which can cause difficulties for people with hearing
impairments. A mixture of hard and soft surfaces should be used. Provide adequate
sound insulation to minimize intrusive noise, both from outside and within the building
(Designing for Accessibility, 2004)
 In addition, There are three assistive listening systems commonly used to provide
this enhanced level of sound are induction loop, infrared and radio frequency systems.
A decision on which system to use will depend on a number of factors, such as the size
and use of the space, external interferences and building materials used (Barrier Free
Access 2008 (2021 edition)). Based on Tokyo 2020 Accessibility Guidelines 2017
Sound-absorbing materials should be used for floors and walls to avoid echoes. The
volume and sound quality must be sufficiently audible in comparison with the
surrounding noise, and the sound source must be installed near the entrance facing
toward users. However, Floor finishes, wall surfaces and ceilings shall be selected so
that occasional noise is not unduly amplified. (e.g., Hard surfaces such as marble or
terrazzo will allow each foot step to be heard by persons with low/no vision, but add
another level of confusion for persons with hearing loss.). At accessible routes in large
facilities where wayfinding is problematic, the sound transmission/reflection
characteristics of finish materials shall aurally differentiate major and secondary paths
of travel. Ceiling shapes shall be designed so that echoes do not occur, unless an
alternate acoustical treatment is incorporated (Facility Accessibility Design Standards,
2017). Acoustic is to Provide adequate sound insulation to minimize intrusive noise,
both from outside and within the building (Designing for Accessibility, 2004).