Accessibility Inspection

Per NBC Section 3.8.1 and CSA B651, a barrier-free path of travel must be provided from the site entrance to the building entrance and throughout all accessible areas within the building. The path must have a minimum clear width of 920 mm (1100 mm preferred per CSA B651), a firm and slip-resistant surface, and a maximum running slope of 1:20 (5%) with a maximum cross slope of 1:50 (2%). Changes in level greater than 13 mm must be ramped or provided with an elevator.

1. Verify the barrier-free path of travel has a minimum clear width of 920 mm throughout, with passing spaces at intervals per NBC Section 3.8

2. Confirm the running slope does not exceed 1:20 (5%) along the path of travel and cross slope does not exceed 1:50 (2%)

3. Check that all floor surfaces along the path are firm, stable, and slip-resistant with no tripping hazards or abrupt level changes greater than 13 mm

4. Verify directional changes and intersections along the path provide adequate manoeuvring space (minimum 1500 mm turning diameter)

5. Confirm the barrier-free path connects the site entrance, building entrance, accessible parking, and all required accessible areas

- Path of travel width narrowed below 920 mm by protruding objects, signage, or furniture

- Running slope exceeding 1:20 without ramp design features (handrails, landings, edge protection)

- Abrupt level changes at thresholds or floor transitions exceeding 13 mm without ramps

- Manoeuvring clearances insufficient at doors, turns, and intersections along the path

Per NBC Section 3.8.3 and CSA B651, ramps on barrier-free paths must have a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) with a maximum 750 mm rise between landings. Landings must be a minimum of 1500 mm long and as wide as the ramp. Handrails must be provided on both sides, continuous through landings, at a height of 860-920 mm. Edge protection (minimum 75 mm curb or solid barrier) must be provided on both sides. The ramp surface must be slip-resistant.

1. Verify the ramp slope does not exceed 1:12 (8.33%) and the maximum rise between landings is 750 mm per NBC Section 3.8.3

2. Confirm landings at the top, bottom, and at changes in direction are minimum 1500 mm long and as wide as the ramp

3. Check that handrails are installed on both sides at 860-920 mm height, continuous through landings, and extend 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp

4. Verify edge protection is provided on both open sides (minimum 75 mm high curb or solid barrier per NBC)

5. Confirm the ramp surface is slip-resistant and contrasting tactile attention indicators are installed at the top and bottom landings

- Ramp slope exceeding 1:12 making it too steep for wheelchair users

- Landings too short or not level, providing inadequate rest and manoeuvring space

- Handrails not continuous through landings or not extending beyond the ramp ends

- Edge protection missing on open sides allowing a wheelchair to roll off the ramp

Per NBC Section 3.8.3.6 and CSA B651, doors on barrier-free paths must have a minimum clear opening width of 810 mm (measured with the door open 90 degrees). Door closing force must not exceed 22 N for interior doors. Lever-type or push/pull hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. Power-operated doors must be provided at principal entrances per NBC. Thresholds must not exceed 13 mm in height and must be bevelled.

1. Verify all doors on the barrier-free path have a minimum 810 mm clear opening width per NBC Section 3.8.3.6

2. Confirm door closing devices are adjusted so that the force to open interior doors does not exceed 22 N (5 lbf)

3. Check that door hardware is lever-type or equivalent, operable with one hand without tight grasping at 900-1100 mm height

4. Verify power-operated door openers are installed at principal entrances and are functional with accessible push buttons at the required height

5. Confirm door thresholds do not exceed 13 mm and are bevelled on both sides for smooth wheelchair passage

- Clear opening width less than 810 mm due to door frame encroachment or stops

- Door closer force exceeding 22 N making the door difficult for persons with limited strength

- Round knob hardware installed instead of lever handles on barrier-free path doors

- Power door opener push buttons mounted too high or obstructed by adjacent features

Per NBC Section 3.8.3.8 and CSA B651, accessible washrooms must provide adequate space for wheelchair manoeuvring (minimum 1500 mm turning circle), a water closet with grab bars, an accessible lavatory, and appropriate accessories. The water closet must be 430-460 mm seat height with grab bars on the side wall (L-shaped, 750 mm and 600 mm) and behind. The lavatory must be mounted with a maximum 865 mm rim height and 685 mm knee clearance below. Doors must swing outward or slide.

1. Verify the accessible washroom provides a minimum 1500 mm clear turning diameter and the door swings outward or is a sliding door

2. Confirm water closet seat height is 430-460 mm with the centreline 460 mm from the side wall per NBC Section 3.8.3.8

3. Check that grab bars are installed per NBC: L-shaped on the side wall (horizontal at 840 mm, vertical starting at 600 mm above floor) and horizontal behind the water closet

4. Verify the lavatory rim height is maximum 865 mm with minimum 685 mm knee clearance and insulated or guarded pipes below

5. Confirm accessories (soap dispenser, paper towel, mirror, coat hook) are within accessible reach range (400-1200 mm above floor) per CSA B651

- Turning space obstructed by waste bins, supply cabinets, or other accessories

- Grab bar placement not matching NBC specifications for height and position

- Lavatory knee clearance blocked by pipes or vanity structure

- Accessories mounted above the accessible reach range

Per NBC Section 3.8.3 and CSA B651, accessible signage must include tactile characters (raised lettering and Braille) at permanent room identification signs. Signs must be mounted on the latch side of doors at 1200-1500 mm height. The international symbol of accessibility must be displayed at accessible entrances, washrooms, parking spaces, and other accessible features. Tactile attention indicators (truncated domes) must be provided at hazardous vehicular areas and transit platform edges per CSA B651.

1. Verify tactile room identification signs (raised characters and Grade 2 Braille) are installed on the latch side of doors at 1200-1500 mm height

2. Confirm the international symbol of accessibility is displayed at all accessible features (entrances, washrooms, parking, elevators)

3. Check that tactile attention indicators (truncated domes) are installed at hazardous vehicular areas and top of stairs on barrier-free paths per CSA B651

4. Verify visual signage has adequate contrast (minimum 70% contrast ratio) and non-glare finish per CSA B651

5. Confirm floor-level exit signs are provided in corridors serving sleeping rooms per NBC Section 3.4

- Tactile signage missing Braille or installed in incorrect locations (on the door instead of beside it)

- International symbol of accessibility not displayed at all required accessible features

- Tactile attention indicators missing at hazardous vehicular areas or stair approaches

- Signage with insufficient contrast making it difficult for persons with low vision

Per NBC Section 3.8.2 and CSA B651, accessible parking spaces must be provided based on the total number of parking spaces (typically 4% of total, minimum one space). Accessible spaces must be a minimum of 2400 mm wide with an adjacent access aisle of 1500 mm. Van-accessible spaces must be 2400 mm wide with a 2400 mm access aisle. Spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance, on a firm and level surface with a maximum 2% slope in any direction.

1. Verify the number of accessible parking spaces meets the minimum required by NBC (typically 4% of total spaces, minimum one)

2. Confirm accessible spaces are minimum 2400 mm wide with a 1500 mm access aisle (2400 mm aisle for van-accessible spaces)

3. Check that the surface of accessible spaces and access aisles is firm, level (maximum 2% slope in any direction), and free of obstructions

4. Verify accessible spaces are located closest to the accessible building entrance on the shortest barrier-free route

5. Confirm signage includes the international symbol of accessibility posted at minimum 1500 mm height, visible from the driving lane, and includes pavement markings

- Insufficient number of accessible parking spaces provided

- Access aisles blocked by curbs, landscaping, or drainage structures

- Surface slope exceeding 2% making wheelchair transfer difficult

- Signage not visible from the driving lane or not posted at the required height

Per NBC Section 3.8.3.5 and CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), at least one elevator serving all accessible storeys must be accessible. Accessible elevators must have a minimum cab size of 1100 mm wide by 1400 mm deep, with a minimum 900 mm door opening. Controls must be at 900-1200 mm height with raised characters and Braille. Audible and visible floor indicators must be provided. Platform lifts may be used where permitted by NBC to overcome level changes.

1. Verify the accessible elevator cab size meets minimum dimensions (1100 mm wide by 1400 mm deep) with a minimum 900 mm door opening per NBC

2. Confirm elevator controls have raised characters and Braille, positioned at 900-1200 mm height from the cab floor

3. Check that audible floor announcements and visible floor indicators are functional inside the cab and at each landing

4. Verify hall call buttons are at 900-1200 mm height with raised characters and Braille

5. Confirm the elevator door hold-open time is a minimum of 3 seconds and the door reopening device covers the full height of the opening per CSA B44

- Elevator cab too small for wheelchair users to enter and turn around

- Control panel buttons lacking raised characters or Braille markings

- Audible floor announcements not functional or too quiet to hear

- Door hold-open time too short for persons with mobility limitations to enter safely